One Piece: Pirate Code

Zeff and Raith were well aware of Dampier's sharp tongue and paid no mind to his mocking words. Although some members of the Red-Haired Pirates eyed him with disdain, they ultimately let it go. However, three of Zeff's men glared menacingly at both Dampier and William, their hostility palpable.

Dampier had brought with him advanced weapons, including repeating rifles and grenades, equipment typically exclusive to the Navy. His ability to reverse-engineer such technology demonstrated his remarkable ingenuity.

Once the transaction for weapons, orders, and logistics was finalized, Raith and Zeff's groups left the underground meeting room.

The groups remained relatively calm as they passed through the subterranean bar. However, tensions reignited as they reached the restaurant's main door. Just as the two groups were about to part ways, Zeff's men stepped forward to block the door, signaling for their captain to exit first.

For Raith and the Red-Haired Pirates, the gesture struck a nerve. In the cutthroat world of East Blue's top pirate crews, pride and respect were paramount. The brewing tension escalated quickly, ignited by lingering resentment from their earlier meeting.

Harden, one of Raith's men, immediately stepped forward, trying to push past Zeff's crew. At the same time, William, observing the bustling street beyond the doorway, leapt into action, moving almost in unison with Harden.

William, carrying the rifle Dampier had given him, instantly drew the ire of Zeff's men. One of them reached out to shove him, but William had other plans. Taking advantage of the moment, he struck quickly, his knife-hand slicing the pirate's wrist before the man could react. As the pirate recoiled in pain, William extended two fingers, aiming for his eyes.

The ferocity of William's movements caught even Zeff off guard. With a flick of his foot, the seasoned pirate launched a high kick, his leg cutting through the air with a sharp crack.

William had anticipated this. He had been closely watching Zeff, knowing that captains were typically the strongest fighters in any crew. As the attack came, William partially unsheathed his curved blade, the gleaming steel catching the light. The exposed edge was enough to halt Zeff's kick mid-swing.

Although Zeff's legwork was unparalleled, it was no match for sharp steel. Forced to pivot, Zeff redirected his kick, his knee bending to avoid the blade's edge. Yet, before William could press his advantage, Zeff transitioned seamlessly into another attack, a spring-loaded strike aimed at William's jaw.

William barely dodged, the force of the attack grazing his lips and leaving a small cut. Undeterred, he crouched low and swept his leg toward Zeff's supporting limb.

Zeff sneered, his leg changing course mid-air. Like a hammer, his heel crashed down on William's back, forcing him into a roll. Yet, instead of faltering, William used the momentum to spring to his feet behind Zeff, his blade now fully drawn.

The situation escalated in an instant. As William's blade reached Zeff's neck, the latter's men drew their guns, aiming them at William. Meanwhile, Raith's crew responded in kind, pointing their weapons at Zeff's men.

Despite the chaos, William stopped his blade just as it grazed Zeff's skin. With a sharp twist of his wrist, he positioned the edge against the captain's throat, creating a stalemate.

The scene outside the restaurant was tense and volatile, both sides ready to open fire. Zeff, surprisingly composed, turned his head slightly, the blade at his neck slicing a shallow cut. "Not bad, kid," he said with a smirk. "But aren't you a little too petty for a pirate?"

"Old ghost," William retorted, licking the blood from his lip, "who do you think will die first—me or you?"

From the sidelines, Raith finally spoke, his tone cold and calculating: "Stollert, kill him."

The command hung in the air, sending ripples of uncertainty through both crews.

Zeff chuckled dryly, addressing both William and his own men. "Go ahead, kid. Strike me down, and my crew will shoot you where you stand. I'm an old ghost; you're just a whelp. I've lived long enough. A one-for-one trade? Not bad."

William's sharp eyes scanned the room, assessing his chances. The three pirates pointing guns at him were stone-cold professionals, their resolve unwavering despite the tense standoff. A firefight here could leave him riddled with bullets before he even had the chance to escape.

Raith's words made it clear he saw William as expendable—a pawn to be sacrificed if it meant eliminating Zeff. However, William had already achieved his real objective. The chaos they'd caused was spreading, drawing the attention of passersby. The sounds of panic and retreating footsteps could be heard from the street outside.

This wasn't just a clash of pride—it was the spark for something much bigger.

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