One Piece: Hell Pirates

En route to the territory of the Diger Pirates, the golden ship had slowed to an almost idle crawl. It wasn't out of caution—but strategy. Brook deliberately gave Rocks extra time to confront the old fossil Diger, while still ensuring they didn't arrive too late to claim the spoils.

Brook wasn't just after Diger's territory—he was after the man's soul. Overlord Diger's spirit was powerful, and if harvested correctly, it could significantly amplify Brook's own strength. There was no way he'd let Rocks snatch up all of Ten Kings Island for himself. The devil fruits, the rare resources—they were what mattered. Rocks could keep the golden berries; Brook wasn't interested in coin, only power.

Officially, Brook had deployed troops to aid the Diger Pirates. Unofficially, he planned to absorb all of Diger's holdings the moment the dust settled.

Golden Lion Shiki hadn't expected Rocks to hand over such a lucrative prize so easily. Still, he had to admire Brook's finesse. Even someone like Rocks found himself cooperating with him.

Then came the bombshell: Shakky's true identity.

Turns out, she wasn't some washed-up bar owner or rogue pirate. Shakky was actually a native of Amazon Lily, the Kingdom of Women. When her reputation exploded across the seas, warriors from Nine Snake Island left a message at the Sabaody Archipelago. Through channels she had arranged long ago, the message made its way to her.

The current captain of the Nine Snakes Pirates extended an invitation: once she turned eighteen, Shakky could return to serve as a high-ranking officer—maybe even take over as captain. Some even whispered about her becoming the next Queen of the Kingdom of Women.

Both Shakky and Brook were floored.

Only now did Brook connect the dots. In the original timeline, Shakky had actually been the predecessor to Pirate Empress Boa Hancock—former Queen of the Kingdom and captain of the Nine Snakes Pirates. The passionate queen Grandma Nyon once spoke of was Shakky herself, who had gone into seclusion alongside Rayleigh at Sabaody.

Brook was dumbfounded.

He had long assumed Shakky might've been a former member of the Rocks Pirates, constantly pursued by Garp. But this? A captain of the Nine Snakes? The Queen of Amazon Lily? And she gave it all up for love—Rayleigh's love.

Truly, the women of Amazon Lily loved like hurricanes, heedless of consequence.

This also explained why Rayleigh and Shakky had rushed to rescue the three Boa sisters during Fisher Tiger's infamous slave rescue. It wasn't a coincidence—it was homecoming.

"So, Shakky," Brook began seriously, "do you want to return as Queen of the Kingdom of Women? If you'd rather be captain of the Nine Snakes Pirates, I fully support it. Of course... I'd be thrilled if you brought them under the Hell Pirates banner."

His eagerness was painfully obvious.

"Ha! Captain LSP, are you seriously eyeing the Kingdom of Women now? Aren't Linlin and the rest enough for you?" Shakky teased, rolling her eyes.

She admitted the thought of becoming a queen was exciting. But if she took the reins of the Nine Snakes Pirates, she'd have to command her own flagship. That meant leaving the golden ship—and Brook—behind more often.

"Come on, it's not like that!" Brook protested. "The warriors of Amazon Lily are all elite Haki users. Having them on our side would be a massive boost to our plans—especially in the New World. If you can become their Queen, we can relocate them and integrate their strength. It's strategic!"

Sure, Brook admired their strength. That's all it was. Totally. Just strategy.

"Wait a damn minute!" Shiki cut in, clearly agitated. "Brook, you promised I'd be captain of the First Division and that I could form a flying fleet! Don't back out now!"

He shot a smug look at Redfield and Newgate. "I'll be the first captain with a personal flagship!"

"I have no interest in leading a Division," Red Earl Redfield said coolly. "My goal is to remain by Brook's side—as vice-captain."

"Gurarara~ Then I'll take Division Zero," Whitebeard Newgate added with a smirk. "What now, Shiki? Surprised?"

He was mostly teasing, but deep down, Newgate was considering forming a squad once the New World stabilized. Maybe even adopting sons. The idea wasn't too far off.

"Brook~ When more people join us, I want to build a Homies pirate ship," Charlotte Linlin chimed in.

She wasn't joking either. With a satisfied smile, she placed a hand on her growing belly. Brook's seed had taken root—she was pregnant.

Brook wasn't even shocked. With Linlin's fertility rate? He'd already begun looking for devil fruits with immense potential—for the sake of their unborn children. No way he'd let them suffer with low-tier abilities like Katakuri's mochi fruit.

Royal bloodlines could awaken Conqueror's Haki early. Katakuri, Doflamingo, and Ace were proof. Brook had high hopes for his future children.

The only mystery was how many babies Linlin was carrying this time. Could be three. Could be ten.

"Silence, everyone," Brook declared. "Once we secure Diger's territories, we'll split the New World with Rocks. That'll give us ten years of expansion. Then, I'll let you go out, recruit your own forces, and claim your own domains."

As long as Rocks stayed neutral and the Roger Pirates remained allies, they'd be safe.

"Fine, fine," Shakky sighed dramatically. "I'll seduce the Queen of Amazon Lily, deliver her to you as a wedding gift, and then I'll take the captain seat of the Second Division."

She glanced at the other single dogs and grinned. Bold as ever, she skipped over Newgate and Linlin to claim her Division leader title first.

Thankfully, neither of them seemed bothered. Newgate didn't care, and Linlin was too invested in her pregnancy to be interested in setting sail just yet. She planned to birth at least a dozen kids before building her own family flagship.

-----------------------

New World, Java Island.

Tension hung heavy in the air. The Diger Pirates had been anxiously awaiting backup from the Hell Pirates, but two hours had passed—far beyond the original plan. Frustration brewed in their ranks, and Barbosa, in particular, couldn't shake the gnawing sense of impending doom. With Captain Diger locked in combat against Rocks, there was no time to order a retreat.

Suddenly, amidst Barbosa's 's distracted worry, a blade flashed toward him. It was Wang Zhi, the great swordsman who had been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Though the ambush was well-executed, Barbosa managed to narrowly block it—his strength just barely a match. If the attack had come from someone like the Monk Scorpion Dragon or the deceased Swordmaster Salmon, even he might not have survived it.

Meanwhile, dozens of pirate ships under the Rocks Pirates had begun landing ashore. In a bold move, Rocks had abandoned the defense of his own territory, throwing his entire force into an assault on the Diger Pirates. Reinforcements had arrived on Rocks' side—but the Hell Pirates, wielders of the Float-Float Fruit and Wind-Wind Fruit, were nowhere to be seen.

Barbosa's heart sank. He realized what was happening: Brook had no intention of helping. Instead, it was clear Brook was letting the Rocks Pirates thin out Diger's crew, planning to swoop in later and take advantage. Still, Barbosa couldn't believe Brook would be so shortsighted. Didn't he understand the simple truth that "the lips and teeth are interdependent"? If Diger fell, Brook would be next.

Determined to preserve his own strength, Barbosa made up his mind to retreat to Ten Kings Island and wait for Brook's arrival. Brook could trick him later if he wanted, but now wasn't the time for such betrayal—or so he thought.

What Barbosa didn't know was that Brook wasn't coming at all. In fact, he was already en route to Madagascar—Diger's home base—intent on looting its riches while the Diger Pirates were otherwise occupied. The gold and silver? Let Rocks have them. But the rare materials? Brook would take everything else.

Just as Barbosa prepared to issue a retreat without waiting for Captain Diger's order, the sky turned pitch black. The sight he feared most unfolded before his eyes: Rocks had activated the Dark-Dark Fruit.

A dome of swirling darkness swallowed all of Java Island. Just like what happened during the annihilation of the Underworld News Agency, light itself had vanished. Even Kandor, who possessed the Vulture-Vulture Fruit and could fly, found himself trapped in the suffocating void.

"Hahaha~ Trying to flee, Diger? Or maybe you're still waiting for Brook's help? I've got some bad news for you: he's not coming!" Rocks bellowed, his laughter booming through the darkness. "Brook's working with me now! I gave him all your territory. Welcome to despair, old man!"

Taking advantage of Diger's stunned disbelief, Rocks unleashed a devastating punch, slamming Diger into the earth. His goal wasn't just to kill Diger—it was to set the perfect trap for Brook. Let Diger's surviving crewmates become Brook's headache.

Just like the remnants of the Ice Demon Pirates or Ewald's scattered followers, the Diger Pirates could become a chronic nuisance—not dangerous individually, but endlessly troublesome.

"What?! Brook betrayed us?!"

The moment Diger hit the ground, his crew wavered. Jack, Diger's son, was less concerned with his father's injury and more stunned by Brook's betrayal. The morale of the Diger Pirates took a sharp dive.

Brook was their trump card. Without his support, defeat was inevitable.

"Impossible! Brook wouldn't be that stupid! You're lying! This is a psychological ploy!"

Diger roared as he emerged from the rubble, steam of crimson rage wrapping his battered body. Clutching the supreme blade, now shrouded in Armament Haki, he launched a powerful slash at Rocks. But Rocks blocked it effortlessly. The sheer force of the counter sent Diger skidding backward.

"Then keep fighting, old man! Time will reveal the truth," Rocks sneered. "I gave Brook everything—your bases, your lands, your people. Every man dreams of conquering the world. Brook is no different. Think it over!"

Rocks' words pierced through the hearts of every Diger crewmember like cannonballs. At the same time, he cackled internally. Brook had fallen for his manipulation again. By letting Diger die and handing Brook a chaotic inheritance, Rocks accomplished multiple objectives at once.

The remnants of the Hell and Diger Pirates would clash over territory. Brook might gain land, but not peace. Rocks, meanwhile, could consolidate power in his own region without distraction.

Had Brook and Diger truly allied, Rocks would have been cornered. But by feigning generosity and giving Brook Diger's territory, he breathed life into a strategic masterpiece.

No interference from Brook. No alliance between old enemies. Just infighting and headaches for everyone but him.

These weren't rookie Overlords Brook would be handling. These were veterans who had ruled their lands for years. Their power ran deep, their influence deeper. Brook's conquest would be slow and messy.

Who said Rocks was just a brute with brawn? Even Brook, clever as he was, had been outplayed.

Fueled by the satisfaction of a perfect trap, Rocks' attacks became even more ferocious. He would end Diger and leave the wreckage for Brook.

Meanwhile, Diger's faith in Brook finally cracked. How could Brook really be allied with Rocks? Was he truly that greedy?

"Curse you both! Treacherous Rocks, backstabbing Brook! You'll pay for this!"

His mind spiraled. Maybe if he had waited just a few more months, he could have retired in peace, met his future grandchildren, lived out his days in the mountains.

But now?

There was only one goal left: survive.

"Jack! Get over here and cover me! Barbosa, hold them off! Everyone else, fight your way out! Retreat!!"

Diger had lost all hope in his once-mighty crew. Now, he cared only about saving his son Jack and future daughter-in-law Amber. The rest of the crew? They were on their own.

This was his final order as captain.

He, Diger Sparrow, would retire. Not in glory. Not in triumph. But in bitter defeat and heartbreak.

Rocks briefly considered letting Diger escape so he and Brook would clash. But he quickly dismissed it. These two old foxes might just patch things up and double-team him again.

No. Diger had to die.

Only then could Rocks begin his true conquest of the New World.

The chaos Diger left behind would be Brook's problem. And what a glorious mess it would be.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Check my Pâtreon for Advanced Chapters

Pâtreon .com/Fanficlord03

Change (â) to (a)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>