"While I believe that the Nether Soul Pirates truly defeated Admiral Zephyr, where are your three main fighters right now?"
Black Face Blanc's expression was concealed beneath the shadow of his hat, his voice low and cold. This pirate naturally exuded an icy, unsettling aura.
"They're outside right now, observing the Marines' deployments and drawing their attention. That's why we have this time to prepare." Trens answered with an easy smile.
The truth? He didn't really know what the others were doing. He could guess that their reckless big brother Jason was probably back at the bar causing trouble. As for Rojen and Crocodile, he had no idea of their whereabouts.
But with over a thousand proud pirates watching him, he couldn't admit that. He had to bluff.
And the bluff worked perfectly. As soon as he spoke, those pirates who had already begun to admire the Nether Soul Pirates were instantly filled with reverence.
"Amazing! Your comrades are incredible!"
"With them out there, I feel safe!"
"I believe that under the Nether Soul Pirates' leadership, we can defeat the Marines and escape Sabaody Archipelago!"
The pirates' praise rose and fell like a chorus. Having witnessed the evidence of Trens' group severely injuring an Admiral, many had already become devoted to the Nether Soul Pirates.
Blanc said nothing more. In his mind, when the stakes were this high, the other side wouldn't dare lie. Furthermore, Trens had come here to incite a fight; it must be part of a larger strategy. Blanc saw no reason to press the issue. Escaping this suffocating oppression was the best outcome, regardless of the means.
Trens and the Dragon-Elephant Six's fiery speech had clearly hit a nerve. Everyone wanted to fight, but they were paralyzed by fear. All they needed was a leader.
"The day after tomorrow," Trens announced firmly, "is the timing. The Captain and the others will draw the attention of the Marines' elite forces outside. That will be our window!"
Trens had been quick-witted enough to overhear Rojen and Rayleigh discussing their initial plan, which was why he stayed to build this alliance while Jason returned to report.
To forge a grand alliance and sell this elaborate bluff, you needed someone eloquent, clever, and able to lie without blinking. Jason would have been bombarded with questions, their faces turning red, and a brawl would have broken out before he could finish.
Afterward, Trens and several key pirate captains began to hash out and finalize a rough operational plan.
"You found a pirate gathering?" Rojen asked, genuinely surprised.
He had assumed that during this aggressive Marine purge, most pirates would have been wiped out, with any survivors scattered and in hiding. He never imagined they would have consolidated their forces somewhere.
"Yeah, Captain. Trens said he and the Dragon-Elephant Six would stir those pirates up to continue fighting the Marines, and he sent me back to give you the heads-up."
Jason grabbed a glass from the table and drained it in one gulp.
"Where are they?" Rayleigh asked.
"In District 24, in the underground warehouse of an auction house. The owner is a pirate, apparently. We were just passing by when his crew pulled us in, and that's how we stumbled on the entire crowd!" Jason said, sighing dramatically.
It was sheer, unbelievable luck.
Rojen and Rayleigh exchanged a significant glance and burst into laughter.
"Yes, as Jason says, it really is luck!" Rojen admitted, shaking his head.
"In that case, my plan just became perfect. I was worried about how to stir up chaos on Sabaody Archipelago again, who would have thought!" Rojen sighed, marveling at the sudden change in fate.
Then his expression grew serious.
"Therefore, our plan will change once again."
"The timing remains the day after tomorrow. I will go to the Marine base and see Zephyr again!"
"Jason, you'll contact Crocodile, Trens, and the others, rendezvous, and lead those pirates in battle against the Marines!"
"Rayleigh, I need you to focus on restraining the Vice Admiral-level forces. No need for bloodshed, just hold them back!"
Rojen laid out the new strategy, and both Rayleigh and Jason nodded their understanding with each point.
After spending half an hour explaining the revised plan, Rayleigh looked at Rojen and asked curiously, "Are you really sure Trens will be in sync with us? Can you truly ensure he can command those proud pirates to obey him?"
Rojen let out a hearty, confident laugh in response.
"My comrade… I choose to trust him unconditionally. Since he sent Jason back with the message, that means he is confident!"
"Even if I myself can't be sure if he'll fully succeed, I, " Rojen paused, his expression turning solemn. ", trust him!"
Rayleigh was momentarily stunned. He picked up his cup, took a sip, and let out a sigh that was almost a breath of fondness.
"You… you really are just like him."
"Like him? In what way?" Rojen asked, curious about the implied comparison.
"In many ways, just like him," Rayleigh replied cryptically.
"You'll see how we differ in the future!" Rojen chuckled.
Rayleigh smiled back, and the two men clinked their cups together, sealing the new, dangerous plan.
The night passed quickly.
Sabaody Archipelago, District 4.
A burly man stood on the street, a cigar clenched in his mouth, white smoke swirling around him. He seemed lost in concentration, perhaps contemplating a dangerous plan.
He wore a strange crocodile mask, drawing multiple curious glances from the few passersby.
"Hmm… are you thinking about taking that Devil Fruit?"
Suddenly, a soft female voice whispered close to his ear.
The crocodile-masked man spun around in an instant, his gaze turning sharp and intense.
He immediately saw a voluptuous blonde woman with a short sword at her waist, looking at him with playful interest.
"Who are you?" the masked man asked coldly.
"I'm Sand Crocodile, bounty $200 million. I never expected that in these sensitive times, you'd dare to stroll the streets," the woman said with a smile, taking a confident step toward Crocodile.
Crocodile had no interest in small talk. He turned and began to walk away.
"What if I told you I could help you get that Devil Fruit?"
The woman's words stopped him mid-step. Crocodile's eyes narrowed dangerously beneath the mask.
He turned again, his voice cold and serious: "Do you have information on the fruit?"
"It's said to be a superhuman-type!" The woman smiled brightly, offering no more details.
"When will you make your move?" Crocodile strode back to stand beside her, demanding action.
"At the auction. Tomorrow."
"Those who lie to me don't end well," Crocodile warned, exhaling a thick ring of smoke, his gaze ferocious. He was clearly warning the woman not to try any tricks.
"Of course I won't lie. I also need to use your strength to accomplish my own goals," the woman replied with an indifferent shrug.
"I won't do anything too difficult," Crocodile said coldly.
In a flash, the two figures departed.
About three hundred meters away, an auction was scheduled to be held, and the advertised item for tomorrow was a Devil Fruit!
(End Of This Chapter)
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