One Piece: Hell Pirate

[No. 36: Isn't this nonsense? Otherwise, why go to sea? You need money to have subordinates!]

[No. 54: Haha, I don't care about treasure. I just love freedom and adventure!]

[No. 43: I prefer sweets—especially caramel puffs!]

[No. 18: Don't expose your hobbies so casually. It makes it easier for others to guess your identity, and you might get disqualified by No. 1!]

[No. 50: Understood.]

Edward Newgate put down his Den Den Mushi, feeling bored. This thing didn't seem very useful to him. Suddenly, the screen switched to a private chat.

[No. 2: You're Newgate, right? Have you obtained the Tremor-Tremor Fruit yet?]

[No. 50: How do you know who I am?]

Newgate immediately tensed up. Wasn't revealing identities forbidden here? How did No. 2 know his? Could he be the one who sent the Den Den Mushi via Newsbird? Was he a fellow Sphinx native?

[No. 2: I'm a fortune teller—I can predict certain things. I'm also one of the founders of this place. Now tell me, after eating the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, has your strength skyrocketed? Is your captain afraid of your power now?]

[No. 50: If you can predict things, why ask me?]

Brook smirked as he read Newgate's response. That was as good as confirmation.

[No. 2: You don't belong in that crew. Do you really want to know where your true family-like companions are?]

[No. 50: You're saying I'll leave the Lion Pirates? I doubt it. I've already spoken with the captain.]

Newgate had been with the Lion Pirates ever since he set sail from Sphinx, and over time, he'd grown attached to them. Sure, their personalities weren't exactly his style, but he still saw them as comrades.

[No. 2: Not every captain can tolerate a subordinate far stronger than himself. Think about it. If you have any doubts, come find me.]

Brook didn't want to push too hard and risk annoying Newgate, so he left it at that.

Newgate stared at the screen, deep in thought. Would he really find a crew that felt like family in the future? He glanced toward the captain's quarters, where Ryan was sitting. Was Ryan truly afraid of his strength?

Brook finally put down the Den Den Mushi and exhaled. That conversation had been mentally exhausting. Now, all he could do was let the idea simmer in Newgate's mind.

But more than anything, strength was what mattered. Brook focused on developing his Underworld energy and refining his mastery over Hades energy.

His undead energy, used for sensing life forces, was akin to Observation Haki. The ghost energy of the Underworld resembled Armament Haki—it could even harm souls. And Hades energy? It worked like Conqueror's Haki, instilling fear in the living and dead alike.

(TL: Undead Energy = Observation Haki

Ghost Energy = Armament Haki 

Hades Energy = Conqueror's Haki)

So, the aura of the dead, the underworld's ghost aura, and Hades energy aligned with the three types of Haki. This undead body might not generate Haki, but as long as it had the same effect, who cared?

"Captain, based on the current ocean currents and monsoon winds, our trip to Aska Island might take longer than expected. Why don't we stop at some islands along the way to restock supplies?"

Shakky studied the nautical chart provided by Moore Thomas, the president of the news agency. There were several islands they could stop at.

"You handle it," Brook replied.

He wasn't an expert in navigation—so long as they reached Aska Island, he didn't care. The Seven Star Sword (Shichiseiken) should still be sealed in the sacrificial temple there.

"Understood, Captain!"

Shakky immediately started planning their stops, focusing on islands where they could gather supplies and, hopefully, recruit new crew members.

Sailing was monotonous. Days passed with nothing but the endless sea in sight, which could be mind-numbing. Fortunately, Brook had his crew to keep things lively.

"Antonio, make me a cup of lemon tea."

Antonio, who doubled as the ship's cook, took his chores seriously. Since he wasn't a fighter, he wanted to be useful in other ways.

"I'll take a milk tea," Shakky chimed in.

"I'll have a rum," Tom, the Fish-Man shipwright, added.

Tom loved listening to Brook's grand ambitions and believed in them wholeheartedly.

"Captain, the next island is Gunner Island," Shakky announced. "Snipers and gunners from the Grand Line and even the New World gather there for duels to prove who's the best marksman. They fight for the title of 'World's Greatest Gunner.'"

(TL: Gunner Island isn't part of the original One Piece world. This is an addition by the author to expand the story's world-building)

Her eyes gleamed. Maybe Brook could recruit a sniper here—it was all part of her plan.

"Now that's something I have to see," Brook said, intrigued. A sniper would be a great addition to their crew.

Gunner Island was bustling. Merchant ships and pirate vessels alike filled the harbor, maintaining an uneasy peace. Merchants hired bodyguards, pirates sought new recruits, and snipers competed for glory. Some pirate crews even brought their own marksmen to challenge the island's top snipers and build their reputations.

In the world of pirates, everyone pursued a title—the world's greatest swordsman, chef, musician... and, of course, gunner.

As the ship docked, shipyard workers immediately swarmed, offering services like repairs and ship storage.

Gunner Island was overseen by the Sniper Guild, led by a retired top marksman. His presence ensured order—no one dared to act recklessly. After all, this was still the Grand Line. Few pirates here could overpower the Sniper Guild's leader, and anyone that strong was already in the New World battling the strongest.

After securing their ship with an official shipyard, Tom opted to stay aboard to guard the Ship. Brook had no choice but to bring his memory seahorse along as he, Shakky, and Antonio stepped onto Gunner Island to experience its unique culture firsthand.

Everywhere they looked, people carried firearms—flintlocks, revolvers, long-barreled sniper rifles. This place had perfected gun culture.

"There's a sniper duel happening! Let's check it out!"

"It's Hiruba, the one the Sniper Guild president himself called the world's best shooter!"

"The challenger is Peter, a sniper from the Supernova Roger Pirates! He's supposedly part of some royal sniper squad!"

Brook's eyes narrowed at the mention of Roger's crew. He had definitely heard that name before. Without hesitation, he followed the crowd toward the duel…

---

Is this really the Roger Pirates? The future Pirate King's crew? Are we actually going to meet one of the most legendary figures in the One Piece world—Gol D. Roger himself?

Shakky and Antonio immediately followed their captain, eager to witness the action. This could very well be a duel between the world's top marksmen in the making. Their anticipation was through the roof.

"Haha~, Peterm, are you scared? Even though he's younger than us, he's an exceptional sniper. Even the president of the Sniper Guild said he could become the world's greatest sharpshooter one day."

A deep, magnetic voice rang in Brook's ears. A young pirate, dressed in a red captain's coat and wearing a straw hat, was teasing his crewmate.

Strong. The sheer presence of this man—the powerful life force radiating from him—was overwhelming. His aura was even more intense than that of the Golden Lion, Shiki.

"Hmm?"

Roger suddenly turned his head, as if sensing someone watching him. His gaze landed on Brook. There was something off about his presence. His aura didn't feel like that of a normal living being.

Brook met Roger's eyes. What incredible Observation Haki… Has he already awakened the advanced form that allows him to hear everything?

But then again, it made sense. As a child of destiny, Monkey D. Luffy had set sail at 17, taken down two Warlords of the Sea within a year, crossed the Grand Line, reached Sabaody Archipelago, and at just 19, became one of the Five Emperors. He had challenged Big Mom's territory, invaded Kaido's stronghold in Wano, and was well on his way to defeating the Beast Emperor.

Gol D. Roger was another child of destiny. At 25, he was still wandering the Grand Line—far behind Luffy's pace. Awakening the ability to hear the voice of all things was at least a consolation prize.

Not to mention, Whitebeard and Big Mom had been in their thirties when they sailed with the Rocks Pirates. When the Rocks Pirates fell, Kaido was only 21. Compared to King Luffy, how could they measure up?

"The new supernova, the vengeful Brook, bounty of 160 million berries—the musician you admire, the 'Soul Singer' Brook!"

Silvers Rayleigh spoke up, recognizing Brook immediately. He knew Roger's careless nature and how bad he was at remembering faces.

Brook was slightly surprised. The Navy sure moves fast. His bounty had been updated quickly after he defeated Miyan Otomi, whose bounty had been 150 million. Since he had been stuck in the Underworld for some time, he hadn't had the chance to check the latest papers.

"Ah~, so this is the same Brook who sang 'Binks' Sake'?! That's so cool! I wanna meet him!"

Roger's crew was all about parties—of course, they knew that song.

"Not yet," Rayleigh warned, stopping Roger from rushing over. "I heard the Rumbar Pirates were wiped out. He's not the same Brook anymore."

Roger hesitated. His sniper was still locked in battle. If he made the wrong move, his crewmate could die.

"Alright, we'll visit him after Peter wins the duel."

Roger grinned carelessly. He didn't sense any hostility from Brook, so there was nothing to worry about.

"And where does this confidence come from?" Rayleigh sighed. "That kid's been called the future world's greatest marksman."

"I already heard it." Roger smirked. "The little genius's heart is drowning in arrogance. He's gonna lose. But if he stays determined, he might truly become the world's greatest sharpshooter one day."

Even Roger had to admit that Hiruba's talent was insane. But in the end, he valued his crewmates more.

Brook watched as Roger and Rayleigh talked, then turned his attention to the two duelists. Both were standing fifty meters apart, staring each other down. This was an unregulated gunfight—both pistols and sniper rifles were fair game.

Each had a sniper rifle slung over their back, a revolver at their hip, and a flintlock pistol strapped to their waist. The air was tense. Sweat dripped from their foreheads as they waited for the other to make a move.

Hiruba, young and hot-blooded, couldn't hold back any longer. He was the first to strike. He drew his revolver and fired three shots—aiming for Peter's forehead, heart, and neck.

But shooting required momentary stillness. That brief hesitation was all Peter needed. The instant Hiruba's eyes shifted, Peter already knew where the bullets were headed. He immediately dropped down, pulled out his sniper rifle, and fired—his bullet striking Hiruba's shoulder.

This was the difference between raw talent and real battle experience. Hiruba was a prodigy—he could shoot down a seagull from a thousand meters away, hit a fly's wing from hundreds of meters. But he had never fought in a life-or-death duel.

That was his weakness.

Peter, on the other hand, had been a pirate for years. His instincts and experience carried him through. Even then, he was covered in sweat. If I miscalculated just now, I'd be dead.

Hiruba clutched his bleeding shoulder, his face pale. I lost. The pain of failure was worse than his wound.

"That's it? You call yourself the future world's best sniper? Pathetic. You couldn't even beat a no-name sniper from a rookie pirate crew."

"I bet 100,000 berries on that bastard! What a waste!"

"Peter's bounty is only 60 million berries! Hiruba, you're trash! You don't deserve to be called Gunner Island's genius!"

The crowd tossed aside their betting slips, spat on the ground, and walked away, cursing.

The humiliation, the scorn—it was unbearable. Hiruba staggered, barely holding onto his gun, then shoved his way through the crowd and ran.

Brook turned back to Roger, who was laughing and celebrating with Peter and the others. No need to bother them now. He could check on Hiruba later.

Seeing this, Brook followed the defeated sniper. Shakky and Antonio, intrigued, went after their captain.

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