One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

The success of our attack on the Navy's communication hub had sent ripples throughout the Grand Line. The world was watching. Pirates, revolutionaries, and even civilians who had long suffered under the Navy's iron grip were starting to take notice.

But as much as our victory fueled our cause, it also made us a bigger target.

The Navy was furious. They tightened their security, increased patrols, and began hunting us with a newfound intensity. They weren't just trying to stop us—they wanted to erase us.

We needed allies.

⚔🔥🔥🔥

Tatsuo stood at the center of our strategy tent, a large map spread across the wooden table. Smoker, Selene, Shira, and I were gathered around, listening intently.

"We can't fight this war alone," Tatsuo said. "The Navy has the resources of the entire World Government at its disposal. We need support. We need alliances."

I nodded. "But who can we trust? Pirates only care about their own interests. Revolutionaries might see us as a distraction."

Smoker folded his arms. "Not all pirates are the same. And the Revolutionaries hate the Navy more than anyone. If we play this right, we might be able to get both on our side."

Tatsuo tapped a spot on the map. "There are groups out there that oppose the Navy but haven't taken action yet. Some are waiting for a leader. Others are waiting for an opportunity. We're going to give them both."

Selene leaned forward. "Who are we targeting first?"

Tatsuo's expression hardened. "The White Shark Fleet."

A silence fell over the room. The White Shark Fleet was a notorious group of pirates who operated in the Grand Line. Unlike most pirates, they didn't pillage aimlessly—they had a code. They only attacked ships belonging to the World Government and corrupt nobles.

"If we can get them to join us," Smoker said, "we'll have an entire fleet at our disposal. But they don't trust easily."

I smirked. "Then we'll just have to prove we're worth trusting."

The Hunt for the White Shark Fleet

Tracking down the White Shark Fleet was easier said than done. They never stayed in one place for long, constantly moving to avoid being cornered by the Navy.

After three days of searching, we finally got a lead—an informant told us they were docked at a hidden cove near Water 7.

As we approached the island, I felt the weight of the moment pressing down on me. This was our chance. If we convinced them to join us, it could change the tide of this war. If we failed... we might end up as corpses at the bottom of the ocean.

The moment we stepped onto the cove's rocky shore, we were surrounded.

Pirates emerged from the shadows, blades drawn, rifles aimed. They moved with the precision of trained warriors—this was no ordinary crew.

A man with jagged scars across his face stepped forward, his sharp, shark-like grin sending a chill down my spine. This was Captain Darion "White Shark" Vex, one of the most feared pirates in the Grand Line.

"You've got five seconds to tell me why I shouldn't feed you to the sea," Vex growled.

Tatsuo stepped forward, unfazed. "Because we have a common enemy. And together, we can bring them down."

Vex raised an eyebrow. "The Navy? You're not the first to come to me with that offer. What makes you different?"

Smoker exhaled a puff of smoke. "Because we're already winning."

There was a moment of silence. Then Vex let out a deep, rumbling laugh.

"Winning? Against the World Government? You've got guts, I'll give you that."

He studied us for a long moment before his grin widened.

"Alright," Vex said. "Let's see if you're worth my time. You want my fleet? Prove to me you can survive the Shark's Trial."

The Shark's Trial

The Shark's Trial was infamous. No one outside the White Shark Fleet knew exactly what it entailed, only that those who failed never returned.

As we were led deeper into the cove, I exchanged a glance with Tatsuo. We were walking into unknown territory, but there was no turning back now.

Vex smirked. "Welcome to the test of survival. If you make it through this alive, you'll have my fleet. If not… well, at least you'll die knowing you tried."

The trial had begun.