One Piece: Hell Pirate

On the Way Down the Mountain

"Captain Brook, you were so damn cool just now! You took down that trash lieutenant colonel in one move. If it were me, I don't know if I could beat that guy," Shakky said, still fiddling with the cane sword Brook had given her. She kept drawing and sheathing it, mimicking Brook's sword-drawing stance, clearly having a blast.

"You gotta train hard too. Don't slack off and let Antonio surpass you," Brook said casually. He didn't feel any particular pride in defeating a mere lieutenant colonel.

"Hell no! No way I'm letting Antonio surpass me! My physical skills aren't bad, you know? I can hold my own even in the Sabaody Archipelago!" Shakky boasted confidently.

Her natural talent far outmatched Antonio's, and she had an uncanny ability to pick up speed-based combat techniques quickly.

"Let's head to Asuka Island's main town and find Tom and Antonio. See what they've dug up," Brook said.

Using Shakky's rough map as a guide, they successfully made their way from the primitive tribe's territory to the bustling town.

Tom had scoured almost the entire area but still couldn't find what he was looking for, leaving him visibly disappointed.

Just then, a small pirate ship sailed brazenly into the island's port, completely disregarding the local laws. The sight alone was enough to send the townsfolk into hiding, and some had already rushed off to alert the local Marine branch.

"Redfield! Please, let us go! I swear I'll never try to use you again!" a pirate captain pleaded desperately.

He never expected that the seemingly ordinary recruit he'd picked up was actually this strong.

"Wait here. I'm going to see if the legendary cursed sword really exists," Patrick Redfield said coldly, looking at the crew with clear disdain.

He had set out to sea in search of someone.

Drawn by a blueprint Brook had once drawn, he had admired Brook from afar and saw him as his idol. But after setting sail, he had unknowingly joined a pirate crew that had seemed welcoming at first. Every battle, he had been sent to the front lines, growing stronger with each fight.

However, once he reached the Grand Line, he awakened an ability that let him see into other people's minds—and with that, he discovered the ugly truth.

Time and time again, he saw the captain's twisted thoughts. Redfield was nothing more than a disposable pawn, a weapon to be thrown at enemies because he had outgrown the captain in strength. The bastard even plotted to get rid of him.

When the captain finally ordered him to attack a stronger enemy crew, Redfield slaughtered the opposing pirates, beat his own captain to a pulp, and seized control of the ship.

But his heart grew heavy when he later heard the news that Brook's Rumbar Pirates had been wiped out.

Not long after, he began seeing reports of Brook—defying the Grand Line's currents, building a new crew.

Redfield couldn't wait to follow him.

Passing by an island, he heard rumors about the legendary Seven Star Sword. Seizing the opportunity, he took his pirate crew hostage and set sail for Asuka Island, determined to obtain a weapon that could make him even stronger.

If he was going to follow Senior Brook, he refused to be a liability.

Brook's new crew would never suffer the same fate as the Rumbar Pirates.

"All of you, get off the ship! Don't even think about waiting for me to leave before sailing off! That's my call to make!" Redfield barked, his voice laced with amusement.

He could see right through them—every single thought and plan they had. He enjoyed this power of control, but at the same time, it disgusted him. The filth of humanity was unbearable.

One by one, he forced the pirates onto the island, leaving only one behind to guard the ship. Whether they liked it or not, they were coming with him to search for the legendary sword.

---

With the help of a Den Den Mushi, Brook quickly reunited with Tom and Antonio.

"Captain Brook! Did you find that cursed sword you were after?" Antonio asked eagerly.

"I got it. What about you guys? Any luck?" Brook replied as he reached for the massive sword on his back. "I also need to get a proper scabbard for this thing."

He unsheathed the Seven Star Sword, letting Tom and Antonio take a good look at the legendary blade.

"It's definitely got some bad vibes… yeah, this thing's cursed alright," Tom muttered, running his fingers along the hilt. "If you trust me, Captain, I'll head back to the ship and make you a scabbard myself."

The Fish-Man was itching to get to work. As the shipwright and helmsman of the Voyager, he hadn't had many chances to tinker with anything since their new ship was still in pristine condition.

"Sounds good. Appreciate it, Tom," Brook said, not particularly concerned. As long as the sword could be used, he was satisfied.

"Captain! Let's throw a feast to celebrate your new sword!" Shakky chimed in excitedly.

She was already looking forward to trying the island's specialty dishes.

With Brook's approval, the group marched toward the main street.

But something was off.

People hurried through the streets, avoiding eye contact, their faces pale with fear. It was clear that someone dangerous was nearby.

And soon enough, they spotted him.

An elegant man walked down the road, herding a group of pirates like livestock. He seized people at random, demanding information about the legendary sword.

Then, suddenly, his eyes locked onto Brook's group.

Redfield's pupils dilated.

His entire face lit up with pure joy.

He had actually run into Senior Brook like this?!

"Senior Brook! I'm Patrick Redfield! I went to sea because of the dream you spoke of! Please let me join your crew!"

The pirates he had been pushing around? Forgotten.

The sword he had been chasing? Irrelevant.

All he cared about was boarding Brook's ship.

Brook was stunned.

Red Count… Patrick Redfield?!

A man who would one day become a major force… and he came looking for Brook?

For a moment, Brook could hardly believe it.

"I think I remember you. We talked once when we stopped for supplies, didn't we?" Brook said, keeping his tone cool despite the excitement bubbling inside him.

"Yes, Captain Brook! You really do remember me!" Redfield's eyes shone with admiration. "Please! Let me join you!"

Brook glanced at his crew.

[Captain Brook's showing off again, haha! Looks like we just got another strong crewmate!]

[Damn, the Captain's got mad charisma! This guy came to him voluntarily?]

[Brook's fanbase is global, huh? Guess I'm lucky I got on this ship too.]

[Alright, Captain, let's form a full crew and go take on the New World! The Roger Pirates ain't got nothing on us!]

Redfield could hear all of their thoughts.

But for some reason…

He couldn't hear Brook's.

Brook's mind was completely closed off to him.

"Alright," Brook finally said, extending his hand. "From now on, you're one of us."

Redfield felt a surge of pure joy as he clasped Brook's cold hand.

"Thank you, Captain Brook!"

For the first time in a long time, he had something real to believe in.

---

The pirates slipped away immediately while Redfield and Brook were talking, too distracted to pay attention.

"Redfield, your crew seems to have run off," Brook pointed out.

"It's alright, Captain Brook. I captured those pirates and sent them to find you. Now that I've joined the captain's crew, those small fries are useless to me," Redfield explained. In truth, his Observation Haki had already detected their intention to escape, but he figured it wasn't worth the effort to stop them when he could spend the time chatting with Captain Brook.

"It just so happens that we're about to have a big feast to celebrate Captain Brook's acquisition of the Cursed Sword!"

Shakky was equally pleased to have a new member aboard. With every addition, the Hell Pirates were growing stronger.

"I never expected this legendary Cursed Sword to be tamed by Captain Brook. He truly lives up to his name," Redfield praised before suddenly sensing something else with his Observation Haki. His gaze fell on the cane sword in Shakky's hand—Brook's old weapon. His eyes lit up with a mix of admiration and desire, like a fan hoping to get their idol's personal keepsake.

"Shakky, can you give me Captain Brook's cane sword? I'm also a swordsman, but I don't have a weapon right now. I came to Asuka Island looking for the Cursed Sword... I just didn't expect—"

Redfield's gaze remained fixed on the weapon, his eyes practically sparkling.

"How do you know my name is Shakky? And why do you call this the captain's cane sword?"

Shakky's expression turned wary. As an intelligence expert, she was extremely sensitive to information.

"Shakky, please don't misunderstand! Actually, I... I..."

Redfield hesitated, suddenly afraid to tell the truth. What if his crewmates saw him as a monster?

"Redfield, you've awakened a special kind of Observation Haki, haven't you? Promise me that from now on, you won't pry into your crew's minds. Understood?"

Brook wasn't just concerned about his own secrets—he didn't want his crew feeling uneasy around their new companion. But judging from Redfield's expression, he didn't seem to be aware of Brook's inner world. If he had been, the shock alone might have made him explode.

"So Captain Brook knows about this ability? Great! I swear, I'll never read my crewmates' minds again!"

Redfield hurriedly reassured them, eager to gain their trust.

"You mean... you can read our thoughts?"

Shakky instinctively took a few steps back, eyeing Redfield with disbelief. He lowered his head in silent agreement.

The crew exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness.

"Observation Haki is an ability that anyone can awaken. It allows you to detect enemies and predict their movements. If you train it to the highest level, you can even see a few seconds into the future.

Redfield's ability is a rare form of Observation Haki that lets him hear people's thoughts. There are also other variations, like one that allows you to sense emotions. The rarest and most powerful form is the one that lets you hear everything—like the voice of all things," Brook explained, hoping to ease the tension.

"Wait... does that mean I can awaken my Observation Haki too, Captain Brook?"

Shakky's eyes lit up with excitement, clearly intrigued by the idea.

"You can, but it takes training. Before we enter the New World, I want everyone to awaken at least one form of Haki. Otherwise, it'll be too dangerous."

Brook emphasized the brutal reality of the New World—where nearly every pirate with a name to themselves had mastered at least two types of Haki.

---

Inside a Restaurant

"To Captain Brook's new sword and to our newest crew member, Redfield—cheers!"

As the expert at livening the mood, Shakky was full of energy, her cheerful personality making her even more endearing.

"The Hell Pirates are getting stronger! Cheers!"

Antonio raised his glass excitedly, his face flushed with enthusiasm.

Brook, Tom, Hiruba, and the newest addition, Redfield, all lifted their drinks to celebrate.

But just as they were drinking, a few diners suddenly got up and slipped out of the restaurant. Redfield noticed and was about to stop them, but Brook raised a hand.

"Captain, it looks like they went to call the Navy. We might be surrounded soon," Redfield warned.

"What's there to be afraid of? The captain's strong as hell!"

Shakky wasn't worried in the slightest. She already knew that the strongest officer on this island was only a lieutenant colonel. Brook would have no problem dealing with a rear admiral, let alone a weaker officer.

"By the way, Redfield, what's your bounty?"

"My bounty is already 50 million berries!"

Redfield declared proudly. He had only been on the Grand Line for a short time and had already reached this amount. By the time he arrived at Sabaody, it would likely double, putting him on par with the supernovas.

"That's incredible! We don't even have bounties yet! Maybe we should fight the Navy so we can get one!"

Shakky grinned, her suggestion making the sniper Hiruba's eyes gleam with excitement. Antonio, on the other hand, didn't seem too interested—he was more focused on logistics than fame.

However, Fishman Tom remained silent. His dream was to return to Water 7 and help rebuild the island's shipbuilding glory. If he got a bounty, would he still be able to go back?

"Don't worry, Tom. You won't have to fight, and you won't get a bounty," Brook reassured him.

"Captain Brook, thank you... but if push comes to shove, I'll still help!"

Tom smiled gratefully, his loyalty shining through.

Sure enough, while they were feasting, the Navy had already received the report and contacted a major general from a nearby fortress for backup. A pirate with a bounty over 100 million was too much for this small branch to handle alone.

But despite their expectations, no Navy arrived by the time they finished eating. Shakky was a little disappointed—she had been ready to make a name for herself.

The Hell Pirates returned to the Voyager and prepared to set sail once again.

"What a big, brand-new pirate ship!"

Redfield's excitement was obvious as he boarded the vessel. He was even happier now that Shakky had really given him Brook's cane sword.

According to her, she preferred hand-to-hand combat over swordplay, so she had no use for it.

But just as Fishman Tom steered the Vogyager off the secluded beach, three Navy warships appeared in the distance, blocking their path. Their cannons were already aimed directly at them.

"Hell Pirates! Avenger Brook!"

A voice boomed through a loudspeaker.

"You are surrounded! Surrender immediately, or we'll open fire!"

Major General Temple stood at the front of the warship, flanked by Lieutenant Colonel Sadu, the branch commander of Askah Island.

Brook and his crew stood firm, facing the Navy blockade head-on.

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

Do you want to read Advanced Chapters?

Visit this link:

Påtreon com/Fanficlord03

Change (å) to a and add (dot or .) after Påtreon