Betrayal

Two days later, on an expansive base situated on an island within the New World, a bustling crowd had gathered. Pirate ships continuously arrived, their distinct flags fluttering in the wind, representing various pirate crews from far and wide.

During this time, the island's surroundings no longer bore the marks of ferocious beasts. The WorldPirates had diligently purged the area nearby, while the mere presence of the newcomers on the island emitted an aura that unsettled the original rulers of these lands.

Amidst the vibrant chaos of the gathering, conversations ebbed and flowed like the tides of the sea, blending with the clinking of glasses and hearty laughter. Each word spoken held promises of alliances and secrets shared under the moonlit sky.

"Ah, it's been a while, hasn't it? Heard you raided a town recently. Must've bagged quite the loot, eh?" The jovial banter intermingled with the salty air.

"Haha, you bet! My crew and I feasted like kings. Life on the open seas can get stuffy. I've got a few hand-picked individuals on board. Shall I send them your way tonight?" The exchanges resonated with the spirit of camaraderie and shared exploits.

"Much obliged. By the way, I've got my sights on a convoy of merchant ships and already charted their course. But we're short on manpower. Care to join forces?" The negotiations carried with them the weight of ambition and opportunity.

"Your Devil Fruit power is just the run-of-the-mill Animal-type. Asking for 20 million berries seems a tad excessive, doesn't it?" The competitive edge seeped into every offer and counteroffer.

"Hey, mate, this is a sea gem we're talking about! Twenty million berries is nothing. Your current bounty barely matches the value of this fruit. But if you consume it, your worth would instantly double, wouldn't it?" The allure of power and riches danced in the air like fireflies in the night.

Just like many pirate crews aligning with the Rocks Pirates, Waldo, under his command, led not only the WorldPirates directly but also a significant number of New World pirate crews.

Yet, the motley crew assembled by Waldo over the past few years was mostly a mismatched bunch, not quite up to par. Even Rocks, known for his prowess, would likely balk at the prospect of having them as allies. Sometimes, problematic teammates proved more dreadful than formidable adversaries.

These individuals, summoned by Waldo, served not only to exchange goods and information but also to bolster his influence in the region.

"After all, an army of over ten thousand still carries considerable weight. These chips undoubtedly give us the upper hand in negotiations with Rocks Pirates down the line."

"Waldo, must we truly cooperate with Rocks? He gives off an air of danger."

A dwarf sporting a Viking horn pirate hat, an oddity amidst the throng of pirates, expressed concern.

At the center of the banquet, Waldo, upon hearing this, responded somewhat impatiently, "Friend, this is a rare opportunity. Plus, we're not obligated to collaborate. We'll play it by ear. Once Rocks gains momentum, we'll strike at the World Government and the Marines. If Rocks falters, we'll seize the moment and claim what's left behind."

In terms of age, Waldo belonged to the same era as Rocks, Whitebeard, and Roger, a decade senior to BIG MOM. Yet, he wasn't in the same league as the Rocks Pirates, teeming with formidable fighters, or the elite-centric Roger Pirates.

Initially, he and his brother Byojack set out to explore the seas and seek freedom. However, upon stumbling upon the Moa-Moa Fruit, capable of enhancing speed, strength, size, and weight, along with power came ambition. Their quest for freedom evolved into a quest for absolute power.

Their motto transformed into "destroy everything in our path." Navy warships, formidable pirates, innocent civilians—everything fell prey to their destructive rampage, earning Waldo the moniker "The World's Bane."

"But..."

Byojack appeared poised to voice further concerns.

"That's enough. Follow my lead, and together, we'll ascend to the pinnacle of the seas," Waldo retorted coldly.

...

"Yes, all affiliated pirate crews have assembled. The targeted individuals are also present. Moreover, due to the rushed launch, our second-in-command, Byojack, seems to have caught wind of something.

Rest assured, we remain undetected. The poison procured earlier has been disseminated. We can proceed with the assault once the banquet commences."

"Excellent work."

"Captain, as per the plan, weren't we supposed to neutralize the threat of Rocks before moving against the WorldPirates and the other crews? Why the haste?"

"You need not worry about that."

"Understood, Captain."

Listening to the respectful tone of his subordinate over the Den Den Mushi, the individual on the other end was in high spirits. "In fact, I'll tell you. This fellow's actions reek of arrogance, posing a destabilizing influence. In the clash with Rocks Pirates, we must ensure such destabilizing factors are neutralized. Upon our return, your merit will surely secure your promotion."

With these words, he terminated the Den Den Mushi call, reaching for another nearby.

"Inform Vice Admiral Garp that we're ready to launch a full-scale assault in two hours. Our CP department will coordinate."

"Captain, all members of the affiliated pirate crews have congregated."

A tall Fishman entered the WorldPirates' base, reporting to Waldo.

"Are they all present? Then let the festivities begin, hahaha!"

Waldo's excitement was palpable, envisioning the day he'd reign over the seas.

As Waldo followed the Fishman out, Byojack, diminutive in stature, turned to Gairam beside him. If Waldo represented the brawn of their ship, then Byojack was undoubtedly its brains. Many of the WorldPirates' strategies stemmed from him, the brains behind the might.

"Gairam, I sense something amiss."

Gairam regarded Byojack. If Waldo embodied the WorldPirates' power, then Byojack epitomized its intellect. Often, the WorldPirates' maneuvers were concocted by this unassuming but formidable strategist.

"Byojack, are you being overly cautious? This is our stronghold, with several pirate crews gathered. Even the Marines wouldn't dare to assault us rashly, would they?"

Gairam sought to assuage Byojack's apprehensions.

"No, I sense impending trouble, as though an unfavourable turn of events looms on the horizon."

Byojack's concerns persisted despite Gairam's reassurances, his brow furrowing deeper.

"Gairam, utilize your ability to carve a concealed passageway leading directly to the sea from here. Summon Sebastian and Nightin as well. It's better to err on the side of caution."

After deliberating for a moment, Byojack instructed Gairam.

"Very well, it won't take much effort. But must we place the exit beneath the sea's surface?"

For Gairam, creating a secret passage wasn't overly taxing due to his Devil Fruit ability. However, as a Devil Fruit user, he preferred to limit his exposure to the sea, a realm loathed by Devil Fruit wielders.

"The exit must lie below the sea's surface. You and Sebastian shall proceed together. With the Fishmen's affinity for the sea, construct a breakable wall at the end."

Meanwhile, Waldo remained oblivious to the temporary disappearance of several key members of his crew. Presently, he reveled in wine with the pirates surrounding him.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A barrage of cannon fire shattered the tranquility of the banquet, drawing everyone's attention to the source.

Waldo, too, ascended to the highest vantage point, his gaze fixated on the direction of the cannon fire, pupils contracting sharply. In the distance, a multitude of warships materialized on the sea's surface. The recent bombardment targeted the WorldPirates and other crews' vessels.

As the pirates prepared to retaliate, individuals began collapsing, a wave of paralysis sweeping through the gathering.

Even Waldo, known for his iron resolve, discerned the conspiracy unfolding before them.

"Waldo, pleased with our gift?"

At that moment, a figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a sly grin as he advanced towards Waldo.

The WorldPirates surrounding Waldo fell into an uneasy silence. This man!