The New World's dual overlord structure was solidifying, making life tougher for other pirates. Unless they joined one of the two dominant crews—Brook's Hell Pirates or Rocks' forces—most had to scrape by in the New World's outskirts, keeping a low profile to survive.
Fortunately, the Hell Pirates ran a semi-open Pirate Guild. Crews unwilling to join Brook's ranks but ready to follow his rules could pay a hefty membership fee to register. This granted them freedom to sail through Hell Pirates' territory and access high-paying bounty missions or tasks to collect rare items and supplies.
Among these crews was the Roger Pirates, freshly back on the high seas. The world had changed since they last sailed. They clashed with Saracha's Butcher Pirates for over six months, ultimately claiming Ingram's legendary treasure.
Roger secured a training manual for Conqueror's Haki Coiling, a Poneglyph, and a fortune in riches—but at a cost. Their battles with Saracha's crew were brutal, with countless skirmishes. As a supernova crew, the Roger Pirates ground down the pseudo-overlord Saracha, dismantling his Butcher Pirates.
Saracha, obsessed with seizing the Conqueror's Haki Coiling manual and avenging his fallen crew, hounded Roger's team relentlessly on the island. The Roger Pirates lost eight members in the ordeal, their sacrifices weighing heavy.
Under Saracha's relentless pressure, the trio—Roger, Rayleigh, and Gaban—grew stronger at a breakneck pace. Roger's mastery of Conqueror's Haki Coiling skyrocketed, as if fate itself were spoon-feeding him power.
Not long ago, the trio united to defeat the crazed Saracha, capturing him with Seastone cuffs gifted by Brook. Their plan: turn him over to Brook for a tidy profit!
...
"Can you believe this? Brook and Rocks have carved up the New World?"
Rayleigh scanned the latest newspaper, jaw dropping. Since when did the Hell Pirates get this fearsome?
"It's insane. Roam carelessly in Brook's or Rocks' territory, and you're begging to be hunted down!" Gaban growled, giving Saracha a swift kick. "Let's head to Brook's turf, register with the Pirate Guild, and hand over this bastard."
Saracha's crew had killed eight of their comrades. Even wiping out the Butcher Pirates couldn't bring their friends back. The Roger Pirates, once twenty-eight strong, were down to twenty, including Roger. They were determined to recruit more, carrying their fallen nakama's dreams and living free on the seas.
"Let's swing by Brook's place first," Roger said, his tone more measured than usual. "We'll turn over Saracha, sign up for the Guild, and see if they can translate that Poneglyph."
The loss of so many crewmates had matured Roger. Sometimes, it wasn't about failing to protect his friends—the enemy was just that strong.
...
The Roger Pirates set course for Brook's main base, Elan Island. Along the way, they nearly clashed with Hell Pirates patrols, but Roger's Den Den Mushi call to Brook cleared the way, letting them sail straight to their destination.
"Roger's luck is unreal—taking down Saracha like that? And he actually remembered his promise to drag that jerk to me!"
Brook, lounging on Sky Island, was floored by Roger's call. They'd been out of touch for months. Truly a child of destiny, toppling a pseudo-overlord like Saracha.
The Hell Pirates weren't slouches either, having crushed the mighty Dawei, the strongest pseudo-overlord. Brook mused that he and Roger might both be protagonists of their own stories.
"Saracha's Corruption Fruit is no joke—a souped-up version of the Rust-Rust Fruit. Almost nothing resists its decay, turning stuff to rot in seconds. It's a keeper, perfect for the Hell Pirates' vibe!"
Brook chuckled, thrilled at the gift Roger was bringing. If he could recruit Saracha, even better! With the Shichiseiken working hard, controlling a pseudo-overlord could propel Brook past Rocks in no time—forget waiting a decade!
...
Two days later, the Roger Pirates entered the heart of Hell Pirates' territory, awestruck by its prosperity. Raijin Island, Nebulandia Island, Merveille, Omatsuri Island, and the recently seized Ten Kings Island dazzled them. Shiki had reclaimed Ten Kings Island in one fell swoop, nearly completing Brook's grand vision of eighteen Hell Islands. Bustling trade routes connected the islands, centered around Elan Island.
Rayleigh spotted two plant-like islands barely rising from the sea. He'd read about these food-filled wonders in books and papers but never thought Brook's territory would have them.
"They're not fully grown yet," Spencer, the aristocratic swordsman, remarked, casually showing off his knowledge with a confident smirk. "Shiki probably built underwater foundations to make them surface early. It'll take years for them to mature."
"Haha! Brook's a damn genius!"
Roger's hearty laugh cut through the grief of lost crewmates. Eager for adventure, he steered his crew down a thrilling route between Raijin Island and Merveille, dodging terrifying lightning strikes and glimpses of ferocious beasts. Occasionally, a stray bolt zapped a pirate ship that ventured too close.
...
On Elan Island, Brook descended from Sky Island to personally welcome the Roger Pirates. He handed Roger a Diamond Pirate rank, complete with a Diamond Den Den Mushi and a Guild discount card offering massive savings across Hell Pirates' territory.
"Brook, my man, a Diamond discount card? You sure we won't bankrupt you? Hahaha!"
Roger grabbed the Diamond Den Den Mushi and card, grinning ear to ear. With this, money troubles would be a thing of the past—practically like the Hell Pirates were footing their bills!
"Yohohoho! Bring me a Marine Admiral, and the Roger Pirates can eat, drink, and party for free across my turf—no charge!"
Brook matched Roger's laugh, unfazed. Saracha's delivery alone was worth a fortune. Feeding Roger's crew? Child's play for the Hell Pirates!
"No way, I'm not picking a fight with the Marines!" Roger shot back, his adventurous spirit shining through. "I just wanna explore the world. Your territory's fair game for wandering, but Rocks' turf? That's a death trap."
Roger's dream was to sail the entire globe, but Rocks' domain was a gamble. Word was, if Rocks took a liking to a pirate, you either joined him or died. Only the weakest, unnoticed crews could skulk through his territory like cautious civilians.
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+300 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg