Salem's objection halted Orion and Brelco in their tracks as they moved to leave the meeting hall, waiting for Captain Vesper's final word.
Salem's frustration with Young Master Shirokiri had been simmering for years. Shirokiri never bothered with the Vesper Pirates' affairs, always stirring up trouble instead. It was Vesper and Salem who constantly cleaned up his messes!
Sure, Salem's bounty wa lower than Shirokiri's, but in strength, he was every bit his equal. While Salem managed the sprawling territories of Ten Kings Island, rarely engaging in combat, Shirokiri gallivanted across the seas, racking up a higher bounty through reckless adventures.
Vesper rubbed his temples, caught in a bind. Shirokiri, his troublesome son, clashed with Salem, his most reliable lieutenant. Their discord was a headache he couldn't solve.
Shirokiri was a mess, no doubt, but now the kid was finally settling down, talking about marriage. Vesper, an old pirate dreaming of grandkids to carry on the Vesper family name, couldn't let this chance slip. If Shirokiri lost Angelie, he'd likely revert to his wayward ways, wandering for years. Vesper might keel over before ever seeing a grandchild!
"Salem, as your captain, I swear this is the last time. If Shirokiri screws up again, we're done bailing him out!"
Vesper's tone, earnest for a captain addressing a subordinate, showed the respect he held for Salem.
Salem's face remained stony, but he nodded reluctantly. If this went wrong, there'd be no "next time." Still, he couldn't keep challenging Vesper's authority.
With Vesper's approval, Orion and Brelco boarded a swift ship to assist Shirokiri. They'd cut through the chaos and bring Angelie back—no dawdling like Shirokiri's usual antics.
...
The meeting ended, and Salem returned, his expression grim. If the Hell Pirates got fired up and declared war on the Vesper Pirates, this era would belong to Rocks!
The Hell Pirates, with their floating island, might survive, but the Vesper Pirates would be crushed. Salem and the other officers would be left scrambling for new paths—or dying gloriously in battle.
Pacing his hall, Salem's mind raced, but no solutions came. His only hope was that Brook would hesitate, wary of the Vesper Pirates' strength and the looming threat of the Rocks Pirates, and let Angelie go.
"Father, what's troubling you? You've been frowning all day!"
A tall, elegant woman with wavy golden-brown hair stepped into the room. Her porcelain skin gleamed, and her presence calmed Salem's restless pacing.
"Karina, war's brewing again. This one's different—could spell doom for the Vesper Pirates. If it comes to that, hide your identity and take shelter in a World Government nation!"
Salem stroked his daughter's hair, his voice heavy with concern. Facing both the Hell Pirates and the Rocks Pirates at once? He saw no path to victory.
"What happened? Things seemed stable—how did it get this bad?"
Karina kept up with the news. The Hell Pirates had retreated to the Grand Line and West Blue, while the Rocks Pirates were still licking their wounds.
The past two years of relentless wars had thinned pirate ranks. Many had gone into hiding, unwilling to be cannon fodder for the dominant crews. The Rocks Pirates' vast territories required heavy manpower to hold, and after the Hell Pirates' West Blue campaign, Rocks was still recovering.
Manpower was stretched thin—starting another war now, without a golden opportunity, seemed madness!
"It's that idiot Shirokiri again. He barged into Hell Pirates' territory to snatch Angelie. If we clash with them, Rocks will seize the chance to launch another war. It's too dangerous, Karina. I might not be able to protect you. You need to lay low for a while."
Salem wanted to throttle Shirokiri. Of all the women in the seas, he had to target a crew member under Brook's protection. It was a slap in the Hell Pirates' face!
If Brook didn't retaliate, who'd trust the Hell Pirates to have their backs? No one would follow a captain who couldn't defend their allies.
"Shirokiri again?"
Karina knew her father's loathing for the Young Master. Shirokiri's endless troubles had Salem cleaning up after him for years. He'd even named his pet capuchin monkey "Shirokiri," smacking and scolding it to vent his frustration!
"If war breaks out, you go underground. I'll arrange bodyguards to escort you to World Government nations. Got it?"
Salem doted on his daughter, using the Vesper Pirates' vast network to get her anything she desired. He was the ultimate doting father.
"Father, it's my fault. I never trained like Angelie did. Now you're so worried about me."
Karina's voice was heavy with guilt, her eyes downcast. If she'd built a reputation like Angelie's, her father wouldn't be so anxious.
"Silly girl, spoiling you is the greatest joy of my life. Don't worry, I'll handle everything. Maybe you'll just take a little trip and be back in no time!"
Salem flashed a reassuring smile, but inside, he was troubled. He judged Brook's reaction as near-certain to spark conflict. He'd rather Orion and Brelco fail than drag the crew into war.
...
New World, Bristol Sea,
The Roger Pirates were in full revelry on Squid Island, where the air was thick with the scent of grilled squid. Nearly every dish was squid-based!
"Rayleigh, thank the stars Brook hooked us up with that gold, or we wouldn't be living this large!"
Roger watched his crew guzzle booze and devour meat. Even Shakky's hundred pounds of gold couldn't keep up with their spending.
Suddenly, cannon fire shattered the island's festive mood. A ship bearing the Hell Pirates' flag, alongside the Edward Pirates' banner, sped toward Squid Island.
Hot on its tail was a sleek, pitch-black ship flying the Vesper Pirates' flag. Though smaller, it relentlessly bombarded the larger vessel ahead!
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+280 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg