There was no denying it—Rocks' offer was tempting. He was willing to help Brook carve out new territory, a move that served Rocks' own agenda by deflecting his crew's internal conflicts and dragging Brook into the fray.
But for Brook, the deal was a golden opportunity. The real question was whether his ambition and appetite were big enough to seize it!
"Why should I trust you?"
Brook's skeletal frame leaned forward, his voice cautious. He'd made sure no Den Den Mushi were recording before speaking. The last thing he needed was Rocks pulling a dirty trick to drive a wedge between him and Vesper!
"On my name, Rocks D. Xebec! If you're still uneasy, let's set terms. We form an alliance, and I'll help you take down Vesper's crew. Their territory? All yours! For ten years, we don't cross each other. You can go after those big-shot pirates and Supernovas, same as me, on your own terms."
"But when I call the shots to hit those mysterious islands or the New World Marine branches, you're in—no holding back against the World Government, the Marines, or the Celestial Dragons. Once we've driven them out of the New World, ten years from now, we'll settle who rules it all in one final showdown!"
"So, what do you say? Got the guts to take the deal?"
Rocks had laid all his cards on the table. Once his crew stabilized, he'd build an intelligence network, revive his underground paper, and muscle into the dark pool of the underworld's dealings. No way was he letting Brook dominate alone!
Attacking God's Valley and the New World Marine branches would be far safer with the Hell Pirates on board, too.
"Yohohoho! Rocks, that's a juicy slab of meat you're dangling, and it's got my heart racing—if I had one!"
"Let's swear on our Conqueror's Haki. You hand me Vesper's territory, and we keep the peace for ten years. When the time comes, I'll join you to take on those islands and the Marines. After that, we split the allied nations' territories—four for me, six for you. I'm in!"
No horse fattens without night grass, and no man grows rich without a windfall! Rocks was practically spoon-feeding him this prize. If Brook didn't bite, he'd look spineless!
Sure, those rowdy pirates might stir trouble, but that was perfect. Brook, his four top fighters, and their officers were itching for battles to hone their skills. This alliance promised a blood-soaked storm, and they were ready!
As for the Pirate Guild, Brook would reform it as needed, giving those smaller crews a lifeline.
The New World's future was taking shape: the Hell Pirates and Rocks Pirates would dominate, locking down the hierarchy. New pirates would struggle to rise, but the Guild could offer them a path to climb—better than being crushed or forced to join one of the two juggernauts!
"Jiehahaha! I knew you'd take the bait, Brook! Your ambition's the real deal. From now on, it's our time to rule the New World. The Marines won't even have a foothold!"
Rocks' laughter boomed. With this alliance, he'd have time to clean house, crushing lawless pirates and Supernovas. Brook could harvest Devil Fruits, and so could he. They'd grow stronger together!
He also knew the Celestial Dragons at God's Valley hoarded rare Devil Fruits. If he could snatch them, they'd be his trump card against the Hell Pirates. Without them, he wasn't confident he could beat Brook's crew in ten years to claim sole dominion over the New World.
"Yohohoho! You make the first move. My support might be… fashionably late!"
Brook's cold chuckle echoed. Even if he'd agreed to destroy Vesper's crew, he wasn't about to take the blame for betrayal. He'd play the saint while still getting his hands dirty!
"Jiehahaha! You're a sly one, Brook! No wonder you built the Hell Pirates into such a beast so fast!"
Rocks didn't argue. Taking down Vesper alone would skyrocket his reputation. Even if he shared the New World with Brook, he'd still stand as the strongest!
That fame would draw hotheaded Supernovas to challenge him, letting him recruit the best of the new blood.
With that, the two swore an oath on their Conqueror's Haki, sealing the alliance. But they added one final rule: a life-or-death arena on their shared border, opened once a year. It'd be the perfect way to settle irreconcilable grudges among their crews—a brutal but fair way to "trim the fat."
Minor disputes? Those could be settled with hefty Belly payments.
After hours of scheming, they'd set the New World's future in stone.
...\
Ten Kings Island: Madagascar Island
Vesper's gut churned with unease. Even with Brook's promised backup, dread gnawed at him, as if a massive crisis loomed just over the horizon.
His soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Amber, was six or seven months pregnant. He couldn't even wait for his grandchild's birth—fate wouldn't grant him a few months of peace!
The Vesper Pirates had rallied, ready to fight on an island just outside the Ten Kings to minimize collateral damage. Vesper dialed Brook's Den Den Mushi again, double-checking his position.
He also had eyes on Rocks' location. By his calculations, he'd need to hold Rocks off for about an hour before Brook could arrive.
Damn it!
If Brook hadn't taken out Orion, Vesper was sure he could've stalled Rocks longer, avoiding a premature clash. Even with his crew's full firepower, holding Rocks back wouldn't last long.
Fighting on one of the Ten Kings Islands might buy enough time for Brook's arrival, but it'd mean sacrificing an island. Worse, it was too close to Madagascar Island, risking Amber's safety.
After weighing his options, Vesper decided to wage the battle outside the Ten Kings. He was confident he could hold Rocks for at least half an hour.
They'd lost Orion, but Rocks' crew had lost Sandy. A chaotic brawl could stretch for half a day, surely long enough for Brook's reinforcements!
That was the plan, but the unease in Vesper's heart wouldn't relent. Could Rocks have grown stronger, too strong to hold off for even half an hour?
No way! Breaking through to Conqueror's Haki Coiling wasn't that easy. Everyone's skills were near their peak—Rocks couldn't have made a new leap in such a short time.
If Vesper was level 99, Rocks was maybe 100. There was no chance Rocks had jumped to 101 or beyond!
If he weren't so old, Vesper could've fought Rocks for ten days straight. Even now, a day or two was no problem!
Was it really possible he couldn't hold out for half an hour, maybe an hour, until Brook arrived?
Vesper refused to believe it. So where was this dread coming from? He was even considering secretly evacuating Amber from Madagascar Island to ensure her safety.
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+300 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg