One Piece: Capitalist Brook's Crew Expansion Plan-Chapter 127: - : News of Edward’s Defeat

When the ship abruptly turned to flee, Brook wasn’t about to let them get away so easily. The Golden Ark roared in pursuit for over a hundred nautical miles, unleashing relentless bombardment.

Brook himself even fired off a few rounds from the electromagnetic cannons—after all, aerial combat had its clear advantages.

But when the flag of the Vesper Pirates appeared on the horizon, Brook and the others didn’t hesitate to retreat. The Wind-Wind Fruit was a hard counter to both the Golden Ark and the Float-Float Fruit.

Still, word that the Hell Pirates had chased down the Edward Pirates spread like wildfire among the sea’s ruling powers. Every major crew’s spies were quick to relay the news...

...

Hachinosu · Pirate Island

"What? Edward got run down? And Shiki the Golden Lion joined the Hell Pirates?"

Rocks’s expression turned sour. That damn Shiki—he’d rather side with the upstart Hell Pirates than join his Overlord-class crew?

"According to intelligence reports, Edward Newgate of the Hell Pirates can generate tsunamis. That was a key factor in the Edward Pirates’ heavy losses."

The officer delivering the report looked equally stunned. A massive tsunami, islands falling from the sky, thunder crashing, blazing infernos, ghostly legions—it was almost too ridiculous to believe.

"As expected... the Tremor-Tremor Fruit truly is the ocean’s chosen one."

Rocks had studied countless Devil Fruit encyclopedias over the years, and this fruit—this power—was one he deeply coveted. A man like that belonged under his command.

And the Hell Pirates weren’t just powerful—they were stacked with exactly the kinds of abilities he craved. The Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the Float-Float Fruit, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, the Soul-Soul Fruit...

"How I’d love to make them mine... Once they’ve grown a bit more, that’ll be the time to unify the New World."

But then again, if he acted now, would that just push them into Vesper’s arms? With the Float-Float Fruit and the Golden Ark in their possession, it’d be hard to pin them down even for someone like him.

Still, their falling out with the Edward Pirates was undeniably good news. Those four so-called ’Overlords’ banding together had even made him wary.

Maybe the Hell Pirates could be used as the spearhead to shatter their alliance. Then he could move in and eliminate Vesper—and if things went well, even bring the Hell Pirates into the fold.

"Spread the word. The Rocks Pirates are open to an alliance with the Hell Pirates. We’re backing them to replace the Edward Pirates."

Rocks might’ve believed in strength above all, but he wasn’t stupid. Using the Hell Pirates to upset the balance was a sound strategy...

...

Ten Kings Island · Madagascar Island

Vesper’s expression was tinged with helplessness. Edward had been too much of a disgrace—crushed by the Hell Pirates, who hadn’t even been in the New World for a year.

He was dragging down the meaning of the ’Overlord’ title. Not that Vesper recognized the other three as equals, but still—he couldn’t suppress Rocks alone. He needed pawns to play.

The Old Ice Demon was growing quieter by the day—clearly nearing the end of his time. Within two years, his Overlord-class crew would likely fall, and Vesper himself could feel his strength fading—maybe five years left, at most. Maybe less.

Jevalle still hadn’t broken through to Overlord-level power. Salem had the brains but not the brawn—he’d never be able to support the Vesper Pirates alone. At best, he was another Edward.

But if Vesper truly fell... he’d still rather have Salem take the reins. Let Jevalle go off and adventure—he was better suited to freedom and exploration than conquest and territory.

The other two pseudo-Overlords scoffed when they heard of Edward’s crushing defeat. Sharing the title with someone like that? Insulting.

By the time the news hit tomorrow, Edward would no longer be considered an Overlord. A crew beaten by upstarts didn’t deserve the title.

...

Marine Headquarters · Marineford

"This Hell Pirates crew... their potential far surpasses those other three so-called new Overlords."

Fleet Admiral was nursing a headache. Promoting Edward and the others to Overlord status had been a strategic move—split the New World and prevent any one crew from dominating.

But it had only been a few months, and now one of them had already been defeated? What were they supposed to do now? Keep recognizing the Edward Pirates? Or elevate the Hell Pirates?

The problem was—they didn’t want the Hell Pirates rising so quickly. These were the ones who’d killed a Celestial Dragon. If they consolidated power, their growth would become a nightmare for the Marines.

Capturing Brook and Redfield would only become harder.

"At least we’ve confirmed their base of operations: Elan Island. That gives us something to work with. The World Government also reports that CP agents have successfully infiltrated the Hell Pirates."

Vice Admiral was already thinking about how to best leverage those spies. If the plan was executed well, destroying the Hell Pirates might not be impossible after all.

"But the combat officers in that crew... their Devil Fruits... They’re too strong. I daresay they have the potential to surpass even the Rocks Pirates."

Rocks had taken more than a decade in the New World before earning his title. The Hell Pirates? They were rising like a force of nature—every member a powerhouse.

Charlotte Linlin had once been the most promising CP candidate—but she’d escaped. Shiki was once the strongest Supernova. And Redfield? He’d killed a Celestial Dragon.

And now they had Edward Newgate, summoning tsunamis at will. What did this Brook have that drew in so many wielders of Conqueror’s Haki?

...

Grand Line · Sky Island

"Brook’s Hell Pirates are insanely strong! I can’t take it anymore—I’m moving the News Agency HQ to the New World Sky Islands. Life here’s too dull!"

Mortomas had just learned that this Sky Island might’ve been exposed—and besides, the Grand Line was World Government territory. It couldn’t compare to the freedom of the New World.

His future lay there. That’s where the world’s most ambitious information network had to take root.

"Put the Hell Pirates beating the Edward Pirates on the front page. Let every pirate out there know how powerful Brook really is!"

He scooped up his nearly two-year-old son, Morgans, and looked at the boy with deep affection. One day, he’d build an empire of intelligence to pass on to him.

And more than that—he’d already found the boy a godfather: the future pirate Overlord Brook. Under his wing, Morgans would thrive.

Back on the New World Sky Island of Baron Island, the Hell Pirates were throwing a victory feast. Of all the fighters, Newgate had undoubtedly stolen the spotlight.

Shiki had managed to save face by hurling an island in the final moments. Even Redfield admitted he’d need to develop a massive, high-impact technique of his own.

Otherwise, he’d never get a chance to shine. Only overwhelming, battlefield-dominating attacks could shake the world.

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