One Piece: Capitalist Brook's Crew Expansion Plan
Chapter 139: One Strike

Chapter 139: Chapter 139: One Strike

The level of flying sword slashes that Brook just casually unleashed—something even a seasoned swordsman would need time to charge up—startled the general of Wano Country more than a little.

Could Brook actually be a great swordsman? After all, only a true great swordsman could swing so casually and still send out sword energy that stretched for a hundred meters.

In truth, this was the natural ability of the Shichiseiken. Even in the original story, Saga—a one-armed swordsman—could carve sword scars kilometers long. With Brook’s current strength, it was no surprise that his casual slash carried such power.

...

Seeing everyone’s attention shift toward Brook, Golden Lion Shiki was feeling a bit sour. Did he really have to steal the spotlight like that? Since when could showing off look so effortless and cool?

"Brook, aren’t you just bullying kids at this point? Was it really necessary to let out that level of sword energy? That kid looks like he only just came of age! Weren’t we supposed to ease him in, let him learn a bit of Ryuo Haki first?"

Hyougoro, body still ablaze, broke out into a cold sweat at the terrifying sword aura. He thought to himself,

I’m just an 18-year-old street gang boss... was that really necessary?!

Was Brook trying to kill him because he refused Brook’s earlier offer? Or was it because his underlings mouthed off and this was payback?

There was barely any time to react as Hyougoro crashed into the hundred-meter-long sword aura. Even Brook felt he’d gone a bit overboard.

A mournful shout rang out with a loud impact. Hyougoro was sent flying, crashing into a pile of rubble. His katana shot up into the air and stabbed into the ground.

"I really didn’t mean it! That was just a casual swing—I didn’t even use any strength! I didn’t expect him to be that weak!"

Brook looked a little embarrassed and immediately yelled for ship doctor Crocus to come help. He definitely didn’t want anyone dying here.

...

A group of gang underlings, crying out in panic, rushed to dig Hyougoro out of the rubble. Crocus hurried over, grumbling as he prepared to clean up Brook’s mess.

"I’m the doctor! Move it, all of you!"

Grabbing one thug after another, Crocus cleared a path to the injured Hyougoro. Without another word, he uncorked a bottle of ’Laboon Brand’ healing tonic and poured it down Hyougoro’s throat.

After a quick inspection of his bones and wounds, Crocus swiftly set the fractures, applied a dose of ’Laboon Brand’ impact ointment to the wounds, wrapped them tightly, and completed the emergency treatment in record time.

"All done, all done. I’m the strongest vet alive! If I can heal an island whale, patching up a human is no big deal. Now get lost."

Crocus, having finished his work, immediately returned to his little medical stall, continuing his business like nothing had happened.

...

In less than a minute, under the anxious eyes of his underlings, Hyougoro opened his eyes. A rush of I survived! flooded his mind.

"Boss! You’re alive! That doctor’s amazing! He brought you back so fast—we have to thank him!"

Some of the gang members had already rushed to Crocus’s stall, offering up gold and bowing at ninety degrees in gratitude.

"Forget the gold. It was our captain’s fault for causing this in the first place. Saving him was our responsibility too," Crocus said lightly, appearing every bit the aloof master healer.

In truth, he simply couldn’t care less about a few bars of gold. After all, his mortars, his medicine jars, even his measuring scales were made of gold. Ever since he’d struck it rich in the Golden City of Shandora on Skypiea, he viewed money as nothing but dirt beneath his feet. He had long since returned to the pure path of medicine, untouched by greed.

Even Streusen, the cook, had gone a little crazy with gold—if it weren’t for how soft the metal was, he would’ve made his kitchen knives and cutting boards from it too.

...

"Doctor, you truly are a noble healer beyond material things! The Sakura Group will always remember your kindness!"

One of the underlings carefully pocketed the gold again after thanking Crocus and rushed back to Hyougoro’s side.

...

"You okay, Hyougoro? I overdid it. Here, take this hundred pounds of gold. Go back, get some rest, and focus on gathering that Seastone for me. Otherwise, who knows when your daimyo will kick me out?"

Brook handed him back his sword and the gold, throwing in a few concerned words. Time was precious—he needed them back to work as soon as possible!

"Sir Brook, you’re too strong. I hope that someday I can learn from you—or even serve under you. But first, let me finish gathering the Seastone as we agreed."

Hyougoro, still aching from his injuries but alive and kicking thanks to Crocus’s treatment, was more determined than ever. Working for a true great swordsman—how many gangsters like him would dream of such an opportunity? Reverence for the strong was ingrained in every samurai’s heart.

...

"Thanks, Hyougoro. You’ve got real potential. I hope someday we can adventure together."

Brook flashed a warm smile. Since displaying a little strength, the thugs around him looked at him with new respect—and maybe even a little awe. Recruitment would definitely be easier now.

Hyougoro hesitated. Following a true powerhouse was every gangster’s dream... but leaving Wano Country—that was a different story.

...

"Come on, Hyougoro. Be our ally. You can stay here in Wano and help us locally. We’re not forcing anyone to set sail."

Brook pressed on. Even a small local ally could help them slowly sink roots into Wano, a country where the Kozuki family’s prestige was almost unshakable.

After all, even Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi had needed to trick Oden for five long years to damage the Kozuki family’s influence.

Right now, under Kozuki Sukiyaki’s rule, all the daimyos were loyal. The people adored him. And the Hell Pirates alone weren’t nearly strong enough to control Wano.

They didn’t even have a single daimyo willing to defect—only diehard Kozuki loyalists remained. The Kurozumi family had all but vanished.

Slow infiltration would be key. Warm water boils a frog; patience would win Wano in the long game.

...

"Brook-san, would you ever harm Wano?"

Hyougoro’s voice was cautious. He admired Brook’s strength, but not at the cost of betraying his homeland.

"Of course not," Brook said with a reassuring smile. "I’ll help Wano thrive—make sure everyone has food to eat and work to do."

With that, Brook saw Hyougoro’s defenses finally fall. He had won over his first local ally. In time, the Hell Pirates would have a steady source of Seastone—and maybe even a foothold in this closed-off country.

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