One Piece: Capitalist Brook's Crew Expansion Plan

Chapter 452 - 453: Ibadonbo

Grand Line · Sabaody Archipelago Waters.

A pirate ship burst up from beneath the sea, its coating shattering instantly as it crashed back onto the surface. Some of the pirate grunts, still shaken, snapped back to reality and immediately started rowing, heading toward the Sabaody Archipelago!

"Boss Ibadonbo, are we really gonna cause a ruckus in the Sabaody Archipelago?"

One of the pirates asked nervously. This time, they’d been sent back to the Grand Line by Rocks, and now they were supposed to stir up trouble in Sabaody by targeting the Celestial Dragons.

"Not just a ruckus—we gotta draw in a Navy Admiral. So yeah, we’re going after the Celestial Dragons!"

A burly bald guy, half his body covered in tattoos, stood at the bow of the ship, growling fiercely. The ink ran from the top of his head down his cheeks, neck, and all the way to his right chest and arm, making him look downright menacing!

Ibadonbo, former Supernova, now captain of an affiliate crew under Rocks. Bounty: 480 million Belly.

After being taken in by Rocks, he hit it off with Skal Warrior Monk, who personally taught him both types of Haki. With his natural talent, at just twenty years old, he’d already racked up some solid wins in the New World.

But since he’d joined Rocks the latest, his fighting strength was on the lower end among the officers, so Rocks treated him like a half-expendable pawn—sending him back to hold off Admiral Kong. Whether he made it back to the New World alive was up to him.

"First, get on the island and scout out when the Celestial Dragons are coming to Sabaody for a stroll!!"

Ibadonbo barked the order, leading them back to this famous "Island of New Beginnings." He never thought he’d return here after entering the New World!

He knew damn well how dangerous this mission was. Once they made a move on the Celestial Dragons, they’d be facing an Admiral’s siege in no time. So he had to plan this carefully—complete Rocks’ task and get out in one piece!

At the same time, he wanted to make a name for himself. Who didn’t know that overlord Brook and Redfield got their massive reps from taking out a Celestial Dragon?

If he could pull off something like Brook’s rise—off a Celestial Dragon—maybe a bunch of talented folks would flock to him. Then he could build his own thing, break free from Rocks, and set sail solo again!

As a recent Supernova addition to the Rocks Pirates, Ibadonbo hadn’t fully bent the knee to Rocks’ overwhelming power. If the chance came, he’d bolt and go independent.

He figured plenty of officers felt the same, especially Captain John and Eric Darn—guys who’d been strong-armed into joining as captains of their own crews.

Right now, everyone was cowed by Rocks’ raw strength and influence. But if something ever happened to Rocks, the crew would probably scatter like rats—half of ’em gone in a flash.

Ibadonbo led his crew into Sabaody’s lawless zone, heading straight for the slave auction house to gather intel. After all, that’s where Celestial Dragons loved to hang out.

Once he nailed down their schedule, he’d report back to Rocks and prep his assassination strike and escape route!

...

New World · Beehive Island · Hachinosu.

"Pure Gold? Is this stuff for real?"

Rocks muttered to himself. If it existed, he’d snag a piece—who wouldn’t want eternal youth?

"Captain Rocks, Ibadonbo’s messaged in. He’s set up in Sabaody, ready to ambush the Celestial Dragons. Just waiting for one to show up on the island!"

Miss Buckin said, setting down the Den Den Mushi. She could tell her boss was gearing up for something big.

"Then tell Brook to prep for war, and ask him about this Pure Gold thing!!!"

Rocks ordered. He hadn’t clued in his officers about attacking the Valley of the Gods yet—one, for secrecy, in case of spies or traitors; two, he figured these guys might balk at hitting the Celestial Dragons’ New World stronghold!

Rocks wasn’t sure how much Brook knew about the Valley of the Gods, but knowing the guy—he’d offed a Celestial Dragon before—he was probably gathering intel on it too!

His plan was to screw Brook over a bit, trick him into handling the Navy reinforcements while he blitzkrieged the Valley, looting all the top-tier Devil Fruits and resources.

Then even the Hell Pirates couldn’t stop him from dominating the New World. Thinking about it got Rocks pumped—he was gonna be the last man standing!

Brook was just a pawn in the end!

If Pure Gold was real, he’d let Brook hold onto it for a bit—everything would be his eventually!!

Rocks clenched his fists, dark matter swirling around him, crimson lightning crackling. He let out a wild, triumphant laugh!

The Hell Pirates and Rocks Pirates started mobilizing troops en masse, tipping off other organizations that something was up.

Was war brewing again?

Were the two overlord crews clashing? Or hitting the Navy’s front lines in the New World?

Or maybe Rocks was after that mythical Pure Gold too?

The Navy ramped up defenses against the two overlord crews in response. Two Admirals led elite forces to their respective frontlines, bracing for attacks!

With Kong holding down Navy Headquarters at Marineford, the Admiral candidate guarding the Holy Land Mary Geoise got dispatched to the New World too—like Bloodhand Braille, chasing merits to snag an Admiral spot.

Fleet Admiral Kurotaka might retire in a few years, paving the way for Kong to become Fleet Admiral, leaving the two candidates to duke it out for Admiral.

Word was, Fleet Admiral Kurotaka was eyeing Golden Buddha Sengoku for promotion to Admiral candidate too, joining the fray.

So if they wanted that promotion, they needed flashy wins—and taking on the two overlord crews was prime opportunity!

The New World’s situation flipped on a dime, leaving plenty of factions jittery. Couldn’t everyone just develop in peace?

One big move from the overlord crews, and the whole New World got restless!

Brook watched the shifting tides in the New World calmly. As he’d hoped, the Pure Gold buzz got drowned out. Now everyone was fixated on what the two overlord crews were up to.

Why all the troop movements?

"If the Valley of the Gods war kicks off early, so be it!"

Brook got another Den Den Mushi call from Rocks. Looked like this war was inevitable now!

So, maximizing gains and preserving strength in the fight—that’s what he needed to focus on!

Rocks, let’s see who outplays who this time?

And don’t forget the Celestial Dragons’ "national treasure"!

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