A Union of Hidden Agendas

Yet while the pirates' alliance seemed to pose a considerable threat to the Neo Marines and the Marines, reality was far from as smooth as imagined.

At one of the negotiation sites.

Before a temporary conference table on an abandoned island, a group of fierce-looking, towering pirate leaders faced one another, the air thick with the stench of gunpowder.

The roar of the sea and gusts of wind crashed against the island's rocks, as though silently cheering on the conflict about to erupt.

Bloodhand Abis sat at the center of the table. His bruised face was covered in long, narrow scars, and whenever he lowered his head and narrowed his eyes slightly, a venomous glint could be seen flashing within them.

The bottle in his hand swayed slightly with his movements, producing a crisp clink.

"We have to unite, or we won't stand a chance against the Neo Marines.

"They have Whitebeard and other powerful figures backing them. They can't be underestimated."

Abis's voice was low and intimidating, but his words did not receive the response of the room.

Flame Wolf Rossi gave a derisive snort, pointing at a nautical chart on the table, his voice tinged with anger.

"Unite?

"You want me to stand with these unreliable bastards?

"If you think I'll throw my life away for your benefit, you're dreaming.

"I've only ever trusted myself."

He jabbed a finger forward, and his clenched fist nearly crushed the bottle on the table, making the atmosphere instantly taut with hostility.

Iron Hammer Claw sat to one side with his arms crossed. There was little emotion on his face, but a barely perceptible fighting spirit flickered in his eyes.

"You got a problem?

"Then let's settle it with our fists. Every pirate crew looks out for itself anyway."

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