One Piece: Capitalist Brook's Crew Expansion Plan-Chapter 55: President Toko

Headquarters of the World Peace Dove News Agency.

A middle-aged man, seated in a luxurious leather swivel chair, puffed on a cigar. His slicked-back hair gleamed under the office lights as he scanned the latest report that had just arrived.

"A golden ship? A pirate ship descending from the sky? Another Devil Fruit ability, no doubt. The Flying Pirates' Golden Lion has already made quite a name for himself in the New World."

Toko flicked the ash from his cigar, continuing to read. Brook—the captain of the Hell Pirates, formerly the musician of the annihilated Rumbar Pirates.

So, he had once saved Mortomas and even stayed at the news agency's headquarters for a while? Toko suddenly had a gut feeling that Mortomas' disappearance had something to do with this Brook.

Years of experience honed his intuition. Perhaps if he informed the Navy and had Brook arrested, he could uncover Mortomas' whereabouts and, at the same time, seize the golden ship. What a bargain!

After all, Brook was just another pirate. It was about time those stationed Marines did their job.

He immediately picked up the Den Den Mushi and contacted the Marine branch, issuing an order for Brook's capture and the confiscation of the golden ship—preferably delivered straight to the World Government or the Celestial Dragons.

"Bad news, President! Our special correspondent Gouzai was killed by Brook, the captain of the Hell Pirates! Now several pirates are heading our way, and they don't look happy!"

A frantic tabloid reporter burst into the office, his expression tense.

"Calm down. I've already informed Vice Admiral Dolodo at the Marine branch. Order everyone to be on high alert—shut down the news agency immediately!"

Toko had a sinking feeling that Brook's retaliation wasn't solely because of Gouzai. No, it was highly likely that Mortomas was involved as well.

With Vice Admiral Dolodo's strength, taking down Brook—who had a 200 million Belly bounty—should be a simple task.

The headquarters' doors were shut tight. The weaker editors and reporters were sent home early, leaving only the security team and specially appointed journalists with combat capabilities.

...

"Captain Brook, we've got an update. Antonio just received new intel—Toko has already alerted Vice Admiral Dolodo to hunt us down."

Shakky set down the Den Den Mushi, having just ended her call with Antonio.

"Then we act fast. Let's take care of Toko first."

Brook had already anticipated that the Marine branch would have a vice admiral stationed at Sabaody Archipelago. After all, with Celestial Dragons frequenting the area, a strong Marine presence was inevitable.

Most of the Supernovas arriving at Sabaody were at least as powerful as rear admirals. The strongest among them could rival vice admirals, and once they mastered both forms of Haki, they became a serious threat.

A vice admiral's presence here was enough to deter reckless Supernovas from stirring up trouble.

But why didn't the Marines simply deploy an admiral to wipe out all the Supernovas each year? Wouldn't that eliminate the problem at its source?

The answer was simple: the Celestial Dragons wanted Sabaody as their playground. A tight Marine grip would ruin the underground slave trade. Many pirates captured rare species and exotic beasts to sell here, and even pirates themselves were prime targets for slavers. The Celestial Dragons had a fondness for powerful Devil Fruit users as personal slaves.

The biggest clients in the underworld were none other than the World Nobles. How could the Marines ever completely purge this darkness?

Ironically, this chaos attracted even more pirates, bounty hunters, and slavers, fueling a twisted economy. Shipbuilding, coating services, rare goods markets, entertainment districts, bars, and lodging—all of them thrived in this environment.

...

Brook and his crew arrived at the front gates of the World Peace Dove News Agency, now tightly shut. Silva had already taken position on higher ground, sniper rifle at the ready.

"Captain, let me go first!"

Redfield dashed forward, his cane sword crackling with electricity. Inside, on Toko's command, the security team opened fire, unleashing a hail of bullets.

Each shot passed harmlessly through Redfield, leaving behind gaping holes of flickering lightning before his body reformed, entirely unharmed.

"Damn it! He's a Logia user!"

Realizing the danger, Toko turned on his heel and bolted. There was no time to wait for Vice Admiral Dolodo—escape was his only option!

Redfield's lightning-infused sword slashed through the headquarters' entrance, reducing it to splinters. The moment he stepped inside, bolts of lightning exploded through the room. Cries of pain echoed as one by one, the guards collapsed.

A massive white dove flapped frantically out of the wreckage, soaring into the sky, only to be struck down by arcs of lightning.

From the distance, a figure approached at high speed, stepping through the air using Geppo.

"Vice Admiral Dolodo, save me!"

Toko, seeing the Marine arrive, clung to a sliver of hope. He screamed desperately—this Rumble-Rumble Fruit user was too terrifying.

His meager Armament Haki was useless against the sheer power Redfield wielded. The pirate's speed was overwhelming, his cane sword coated in Haki, easily slicing through defenses.

"Hold on, President Toko! I'm here!"

Dolodo arrived just in time. His arms crossed, hardened with Armament Haki, as he blocked Redfield's lightning strike.

"A Logia-type Rumble-Rumble Fruit? And it fell into the hands of pirates?! Unacceptable!"

The vice admiral's expression darkened—this was one of the most powerful Devil Fruits in existence. freeweɓnøvel.com

"A Marine vice admiral, huh? Perfect. I was looking for a real fight."

Redfield showed no fear, transforming into pure lightning as he streaked toward Dolodo, his cane sword crackling with Haki-infused electricity.

"You've mastered Armament Haki as well? That makes you even more dangerous! I can't let you live!"

Dolodo had assumed Redfield was just some lucky pirate who stumbled upon a powerful fruit. But now, he realized the truth—this man was a real threat.

"Jealous of my Rumble-Rumble Fruit, are you? I can see it in your eyes."

Redfield's sword clashed against Dolodo's Haki-coated fists, sparks flying as lightning surged toward the Marine, momentarily stunning him.

"Hmph! Kill you, and that fruit will be reborn somewhere in the sea. It's only a matter of time before it belongs to the Navy!"

Dolodo swung both arms wide, forcing Redfield back. But he could already feel the effects of the lightning—his body tingled, slightly numb.

-----------

+100 Chapters on p@treon/tambeerg