With Vesper's top officers off holding the line against Rocks, the palace guards were the strongest force left in Madagascar Island's royal stronghold. They were tough enough to handle a couple of Supernovas, but against the elite lieutenants of another Emperor-level crew, they didn't stand a chance.
Golden Lion Shiki's golden sword aura sliced through the guards like a hot knife through butter.
"Get outta my way! I ain't got time to play!"
Shiki carved a path forward, felling one guard after another with a single slash. He was in a rush, eager to float the entire palace—hell, the whole island of Madagascar—into the sky!
"No! We'll protect the young mistress to the death, as our master commanded!"
A guard captain's defiant shout caught Shiki's ear, making him grin wickedly.
"Jahaha! So this is Shirokiri's little seed-bearer, eh? Perfect—a prime bargaining chip!"
Shiki picked up the pace, cutting down the remaining guards. The lucky ones died instantly; the unlucky ones were left for the cleanup crew to strip bare. With a swift kick, he sent the last guard flying and hoisted the unconscious Amber, her belly swollen at six or seven months. A critical asset secured. Even if Vesper and Shirokiri slipped away, the Hell Pirates now held a trump card.
Setting Amber down gently, Shiki unleashed his Float-Float Fruit powers, enveloping the palace in his influence. Time was of the essence—who knew if Vesper might come charging back?
Trusting Rocks was a fool's game. If that schemer let Vesper escape, a massive showdown was inevitable. Best to grab the loot now!
Shakky and her crew were already scouring the palace for the juiciest treasures. With their knack nothing valuable would escape their grasp—especially with two "warehouses" to store the haul. The thrill of the plunder was electric!
...
Brook and Charlotte Linlin stormed toward the palace's heart, mowing down any elite guards still standing. Redfield, meanwhile, piloted the Golden Ark to hover above the grand hall.
The crew poured out, raiding treasures and subduing any guards who hadn't fainted. The plunder kicked off with a cacophony of chaos. Redfield, using his mind-reading on high-ranking guards, led Shakky's team straight to the treasury and Vesper's private quarters.
"Yoohoo, Brook, my man! This gal's Shirokiri's pregnant fiancée!" Shiki called out, floating above the palace grounds. To him, the opulent palace was worth far more than any hostage.
"Shirokiri's expecting bride, you say?" Brook's eye sockets gleamed with interest. "This could be the key to controlling the Vesper family!"
Even if Vesper himself stood before them, watching the Hell Pirates ransack his palace, he'd think twice before making a move with Amber in their hands. Brook ordered Crocus, the ship's doctor, to take her to the Golden Ark for a check-up. No harm could come to her—she was their biggest leverage against Vesper and Shirokiri.
"Kill 'em all!"
A wave of elite pirates and palace guards clashed. These were Vesper's fiercely loyal retainers, trained from childhood. Kaido, the beastly warrior, roared with glee and dove into the fray. Fishman Tom and Tiger followed, tearing into the fight.
Scarlet, Qilin Lion, and even Memory Seahorse charged in, each eager to grow stronger through battle.
"No souls left if you're too slow!"
Charlotte Linlin barreled forward, unfazed by her pregnancy. She was as ferocious as ever, gleefully reaping souls and lifespans.
Brook, meanwhile, was honing his Yomi Yomi no Mi powers, expanding his soul-collecting range from one meter to ten. He was inching closer to awakening his fruit—just one spark away!
A sudden thought struck him: Vesper's soul could be the key. Should he head to?
The clash between the Rocks Pirates and Vesper's crew was bound to leave powerful souls in its wake. Brook couldn't shake the feeling he was missing out on a treasure trove of strong spirits. The more he thought about it, the more it gnawed at him!
But if he missed Vesper's Emperor-level soul, he'd be kicking himself for a month—no, a year!
"Antonio, what's the situation on Zawa Island?"
With Madagascar Island under control, Brook's focus shifted to Vesper's soul.
"Bad news, Brook! Vesper's crew has collapsed! Shirokiri and Salem just broke free and are hightailing it back here!"
Antonio and Mortomas had deployed a fleet of news seagulls and live Den Den Mushi to monitor the battle. Even though some were shot down by Rocks or knocked out by the clash of Conqueror's Haki, plenty kept broadcasting.
Following Brook's orders, Antonio had been tracking Zawa Island's events, ready to report any major shifts.
"What? That fast?"
Brook was stunned. Their deal gave him one hour to reinforce Vesper, but he'd flown straight to Madagascar instead. For Vesper's crew to crumble in under three hours?
What kind of Emperor was this guy? Brook had figured they'd at least hold out until he'd secured Madagascar and could swoop in to finish Vesper off alongside Rocks!
He hadn't anticipated Rocks leaking their alliance to destabilize Vesper's crew, crushing their morale and driving Vesper into a desperate retreat.
...
After a moment's thought, Brook made a snap decision. Time was running out!
"Redfield, Newgate, you're with me! We're heading to Zawa Island! Linlin, you hold down the fort here. Qilin Lion, Tom, Silva—let's move!"
Brook assigned roles swiftly. He needed heavy hitters to stop Shirokiri and Salem, Qilin Lion's speed boost, Tom for any water rescues, and Silva's sharp eyesight for scouting.
Brook led the group onto the Golden Ark, which shot toward Zawa Island at breakneck speed.
"Shiki, don't push it! If things go wrond, float the palace and get everyone out!"
Brook's final order echoed as the Golden Ark vanished into the sky. Antonio kept feeding him updates on Zawa Island.
Hearing that Rocket Jonas and Jevalle had fallen made Brook's heart ache. Such powerful souls, gone to waste!
Moments later, news came that Vesper had taken Sax Vey hostage and was surrounded. Brook's urgency spiked.
"Vesper, you're an Emperor, damn it! Hold on just a bit longer!"
He practically pleaded, his skeletal frame trembling with desperation.
"Don't die so fast! You're mine! Rocks, you bastard, go easy on him!"
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