As the Queen Anne's turned tail and fled, Brook had no intention of letting it escape so easily. The golden flying ship relentlessly chased it for hundreds of nautical miles, bombarding it with cannon fire.
Brook himself even fired several electromagnetic cannon shots, proving just how devastating air-to-sea combat could be when used effectively.
However, when they spotted the flag of the Diger Pirates sailing in to reinforce Ewald's, Brook quickly ordered the Hell Pirates to retreat. After all, Xiaofeng's Wind Control Fruit was a major threat to both the Golden Spaceship and Shiki's Float-Float Fruit.
Meanwhile, the news of the Hell Pirates pursuing the Ewald Pirates spread like wildfire. Spies from various pirate factions quickly relayed the information back to their bosses.
··
Beehive Island – Hachinosu
"What? Teach Ewald was being chased down and beaten?!" Rocks D. Xebec slammed his fist on the table, his expression dark.
"Golden Lion Shiki... joined the Hell Pirates?" he muttered bitterly.
The mere thought of Shiki choosing to join Brook's crew instead of aligning with his overlord pirate group made Rocks scowl with displeasure.
"And according to the reports, Edward Newgate of the Hell Pirates can summon tsunamis—which was the main reason why the Ewald Pirates suffered heavy losses," one of Rocks' subordinates reported.
Hearing this, even the cadres were visibly shaken.
"Tsunamis, falling islands, roaring thunder, raging fire, and an army of ghosts..." one muttered in disbelief. "It's like a natural disaster fleet!"
"Tremor-Tremor Fruit... it really is the darling of the sea," Rocks sneered. He recalled seeing it in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia and couldn't help but feel greedy for its power.
In his mind, Newgate and the rest of the Hell Pirates should be under his command.
The Hell Pirates boasted tremendous Devil Fruit users:
Tremor-Tremor Fruit
Float-Float Fruit
Thunder Fruit
Soul-Soul Fruit
Their combined power was exactly what Rocks wanted in his ranks.
"If only I could conquer the Hell Pirates... once they grow stronger, they could help me unify the New World," he mused.
However, Rocks knew that attacking the Hell Pirates now could backfire. It would only drive them to seek protection under Diger's faction. With their flying ship and floating island, the Hell Pirates could easily flee beyond his reach.
Still, the Hell Pirates' falling out with the Ewald Pirates was a blessing in disguise. Rocks was wary of the pseudo-overlords forming an alliance, but now they were fighting each other.
"Spread the word," Rocks ordered.
"Let it be known that the Rocks Pirates are willing to form an alliance with the Hell Pirates. We'll support them to replace the Ewald Pirates!"
Although Rocks was infamous for his brutality, he knew when to use strategy over raw force. If he could pit the Hell Pirates against Diger, he could weaken both and swoop in to claim dominance.
··
Ten Kings Island – Madagascar
On Diger's flagship, the pirate overlord wore a grim expression.
"Tsk... Ewald was that weak?" he muttered in disdain. "Defeated so quickly by the Hell Pirates... who have only been in the New World for less than a year?"
The embarrassing defeat of the Ewald Pirates only cheapened the title of overlord. Although Diger didn't recognize Edward or the others as true overlords, he needed them for now.
His strength alone wasn't enough to suppress Rocks, so he had to recruit pawns.
Meanwhile, news of the Ice Demon's fading influence was spreading. It seemed that the old overlord was nearing the end of his reign. The Ice Demon Pirates would likely retreat from the New World within two years.
Diger knew he had, at best, five years of dominance left—maybe even less.
"Jack still hasn't broken into the overlord level," Diger sighed. Although Barbosa was cunning, his strength was still too weak to support the Diger Pirates in the long run.
If Diger were to die, he would rather let Barbosa take over the Diger Pirates and send Jack out alone. His son was more suited for adventure than territory control.
When the other pseudo-overlords heard of Ewald's crushing defeat, they laughed mockingly.
"Hah! That weakling was considered an overlord?" one of them scoffed.
By the time the news spread the next day, Edward's status as an overlord would be all but gone.
After all, a pirate crew defeated by the weak had no business being called an overlord pirate group.
··
Marine Headquarters – Marineford
"The Hell Pirates have far more potential than those three new dominant groups," Marshall Admiral Kukulkan grumbled, massaging his temples.
Previously, the Navy had pushed Ewald and the others into the overlord position, hoping to split the New World's power and prevent one group from dominating.
But in just a few months, one of the dominant groups had already crumbled.
"Do we continue recognizing the Ewald Pirates as an overlord group?" Kukulkan asked himself. "Or do we push the Hell Pirates into power?"
But promoting the Hell Pirates was risky. After all, they were Celestial Dragon killers. If they became an overlord, the Navy would struggle to suppress them.
"Chief of Staff Weimark," Kukulkan called out.
"We've confirmed the Hell Pirates' base at Doragonzo Island. Also, the World Government reports that CP agents have successfully infiltrated their crew."
Wilmark nodded. "If we play it right, we can exploit our spies and cripple the Hell Pirates from within," he said confidently.
"But their combat power... it's absurd." Kukulkan grimaced. "It's like I'm looking at a new version of the Rocks Pirates."
It had taken Rocks over a decade to dominate the New World, but the Hell Pirates were rising at an alarming speed. It was as if they were favored by fate itself.
With Edward Newgate, Shiki, Redfield, and Charlotte Linlin all in the same crew, their strength rivaled legends.
··
Grand Line – Sky Island
On Sky Island, Moore Thomas watched the news reports and shook his head.
"Brother Brook's Hell Pirates are too strong!" he exclaimed.
"No way... I'm moving the news agency headquarters to the New World Sky Island. This place is too dull!"
Realizing that Sky Island was now exposed to the World Government, Moore decided to relocate. The New World was where the action—and profit—was.
Only by setting up shop there could he achieve the greatest influence.
Moore lifted his two-year-old son, Morgans, in his arms.
"One day, you'll inherit the largest intelligence network in the world," he said lovingly.
He smiled slyly.
"And I'll make Brook your godfather, so you'll grow up with the protection of a pirate overlord!"
··
Back at Baron Island
The Hell Pirates returned to their base on Sky Island, throwing a massive victory banquet.
Edward Newgate was the undisputed star of the battle, having stolen the most limelight with his tsunamis.
Meanwhile, Golden Lion Shiki, despite his earlier frustration, redeemed himself by smashing an island in half.
Even Redfield felt the pressure. He realized he needed to develop a large-scale technique if he wanted to shine in the next battle.
"Only a wide-range, catastrophic move can make the world take notice," he mused, already planning his next power upgrade.
------
Streusen kept serving dishes, his excitement barely contained. He couldn't believe his luck—he had found himself under such a powerful leader. The Hell Pirates had actually defeated the Ewald Pirates, one of the new overlords.
"Could it be that the Hell Pirates will soon become one of the six dominant pirate groups in the New World?" Streusen thought, feeling his chest puff with pride.
"I've only been here for a few months, and I'm already about to become the head chef of an overlord crew?!"
Streusen stood a little straighter. Although he still didn't fully understand how he ended up joining the Hell Pirates, he was thoroughly enjoying the lavish lifestyle aboard the Golden Spaceship.
Meanwhile, the crew members who hadn't participated in the recent battle were motivated. They were determined to become stronger and prove themselves in the next fight—to play a part in making the Hell Pirates the rulers of the New World.
"Brook, once we settle things here, can we go look for Devil Fruits right away?" Shakky asked eagerly.
"I want to join the battle next time!"
Shakky had always longed for a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. She was tired of being the protected one and wanted to fight alongside her crewmates.
"No problem," Brook replied with a grin.
"Once Ewald and the others no longer dare to invade our territory, we'll set out to find Devil Fruits!"
Brook had already been considering searching for powerful fruits to boost the strength of his crew.
Only Fishman Tom and Fisher Tiger had no interest in Devil Fruits, preferring to keep their ability to swim. The rest of the crew, however, would gladly accept one if they found a suitable match.
"Brother Brook, when are we going to Sheep Island to take it over?"
Charlotte Linlin asked impatiently. She once again brought up the island she had set her sights on. Her gaze drifted toward Golden Lion Shiki, hoping he would soon master the Float-Float Fruit enough to levitate entire islands.
"Fine," Brook smirked.
"Next time, we'll raise our flag on it—and while we're at it, even on Newgate's hometown, Sphinx Island!"
"And on Fishman Island!"
Fisher Tiger raised his hand eagerly. He was determined to protect his homeland from human traffickers and pirates.
"If you want to protect what's important, you must become stronger!" Brook declared, his voice filled with conviction.
"In this world, strength is the only voice that matters!"
He knew that controlling Fishman Island wasn't just about protecting it. It was also a strategic stronghold—the future birthplace of Sea King Poseidon, an ancient weapon of immense power.
"Hahaha! Brook, that bastard Rocks actually wants to ally with us against the Overlord Alliance!"
Golden Lion Shiki laughed, clearly amused.
For the first time in a while, Shiki felt proud. The New World was finally recognizing his strength.
Gone were the days when Rocks' crew had chased him like a dog. Now, Rocks himself sought his cooperation.
"Let's see what he offers," Brook smirked.
"If he throws in some Devil Fruits or territory, I wouldn't mind using his influence to develop a bit. And once we've grown strong enough..."
Brook's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"...well, what happens then is another matter!"
He found it amusing that Rocks, a man known for brute force, was now seeking an alliance. Clearly, Diger and the three pseudo-overlords were starting to pressure him.
Brook knew that if Rocks and the overlords fought to the death, both sides would be weakened. Even if Rocks survived, he'd be too crippled to dominate the New World.
A commander without an army was meaningless—even if he stood alone as the last overlord.
··
The Ice Demon Pirates – Ice and Snow Kingdom
While the Hell Pirates were plotting, the Ice Demon Pirates of the Ice Kingdom were holding a giant war council.
The forty-meter-tall Old Ice Demon sat at the head, coughing weakly. His ancient body was failing him.
Below him, the Ice Giants from the Ice Kingdom and the Elbaf Giants who had joined the Ice Demon Pirates stood silent.
Even the Elbaf Giants, towering over 20 meters, looked like children next to the Ice Demon.
Nearby, human pirates sat on tiny chairs placed directly on the giant table, looking comically small in comparison.
"The New World is in turmoil," the Old Ice Demon rasped.
"Willank is too weak to lead the Crew. We are not vile marauders. Our only duty is to protect our homeland.
So... once I die, the Ice Demon Pirates will relinquish the title of Overlord Pirate Group!"
He gazed sorrowfully at his second-in-command.
Despite years of training, Willank still hadn't awakened Conqueror's Haki, and his Armament Haki was merely intermediate level.
The 1.1 billion berry bounty on Willank's head was overinflated, gained only through sheer physical strength and the feared reputation of the Ice Demon Pirates.
The Ice Giants and Elbaf Giants had also failed to awaken Haki, leaving the Old Ice Demon deeply disappointed.
"Each generation grows weaker," he thought bitterly.
"Captain!" Willank protested.
"Even if you step down, the pirates won't dare invade our territory! Most of our lands are winter islands, and our Ice Giants are nearly unstoppable in the cold!"
The Old Ice Demon shook his head.
"Willank... your bounty is inflated. You haven't earned it by defeating true powerhouses.
What have you done? Destroyed islands? Killed civilians?"
The Old Ice Demon scowled in disgust.
His protégé had become cunning and opportunistic like humans, abandoning the heroic spirit of the giants.
Ever since the Elbaf Giant Pirates disbanded, many Elbaf warriors had joined the Ice Demon Pirates. But Willank's ambitions had grown dangerous—he no longer sought to defend their lands but to expand through bloodshed.
The Elbaf warriors, eager to steal food for their homeland, had become mercenaries under Willank's lead.
Meanwhile, the irresponsible captains of Elbaf, Dorry and Brogy, continued their pointless duel on Little Garden, leaving their homeland neglected.
"Captain!" Willank argued.
"Only conquest will allow our giants to rule the New World!
If we stay on this land, no one will fear us! We must prove our might through slaughter!"
His fiery speech roused the giants' bloodlust.
"Why should humans control the seas?!" one roared.
"The Ice Demon Pirates and Elbaf united—we'll be invincible!"
"Enough!" the Old Ice Demon roared, releasing a wave of Conqueror's Haki that crushed the room with its force.
Willank collapsed to his knees, trembling, while the other giants fell silent in fear.
"You fools!" the Old Ice Demon snarled.
"Do you think being big makes you invincible?!
We have only a few thousand Ice Giants left.
Once the war starts, we'll be wiped out within a few years!"
He glared at Willank.
"Our people will end up extinct... just like the Ancient Giant Oz. Only a few remain, and soon they'll vanish forever!"
The Old Ice Demon coughed violently, his ancient frame weakening.
But his presence remained as imposing as ever, making even the giants tremble.
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