[33] The Yonko summit

In a secluded, dimly lit chamber hidden deep within the labyrinth of the Devil's Choke, the four Yonkos convened in a rare council. The air was heavy with tension and the unspoken weight of piracy and power.

Seated at the head of the table was Old Man Hawkins, leader of the Southern Serpents, his fleet known for its diversity and crucial role in the region's trade. Despite his age, his eyes were sharp, and his demeanor exuded an air of experience and wisdom. He was dressed simply, his attire practical for life at sea, but there was an unmistakable air of authority about him.

To his right sat Blackbeard Bartholomew of the Black Maelstrom fleet, a giant of a man with a dark, intimidating presence. His weather-beaten face and tangled beard spoke of years battling the high seas.

On his left were the Twin Terrors, Jolly Roger and Rackham Ray of the Shadow Corsairs. Jolly, with his sly, calculating eyes and jagged facial scar, contrasted sharply with Rackham's colder, more calculated demeanor, marked by an eye patch and slick black hair.

Hawkins cleared his throat, bringing the room to order. "We are here to address a common threat – Cassandra and her new allies, the Sea Wolves. Their growing influence is a concern to us all."

Blackbeard Bartholomew grunted in agreement. "That bitch is getting too big for her britches, and those damn Sea Wolves are bolstering her power. We need to cut them down to size."

Jolly Roger leaned forward, his voice laced with malice. "They're making us look like fools. It's time we remind them who rules these waters."

Rackham Ray, always the strategist, added, "A direct assault would be unwise. We need a plan that's subtle yet effective. Divide and conquer, perhaps."

Hawkins nodded, considering each point. "Our approach must be calculated. We can't afford a full-scale war, but we can't let this alliance go unchecked. We need to weaken their bond, turn their strengths into vulnerabilities."

Blackbeard slammed his fist on the table. "I say we hit their operations, disrupt their routes. Make them bleed gold."

Jolly Roger smirked. "And spread rumors, create distrust among their ranks. Make Cassandra doubt her new pets."

Rackham Ray's eyes gleamed with a cold light. "And if we can turn some of their own against them, even better. The Sea Wolves aren't invincible."

Hawkins raised a hand for silence. "We must proceed with caution. Our actions will have repercussions. We strike surgically, dismantle their operations piece by piece. And we must be united in this. No lone wolf acts."

The chamber, already thick with tension, turned volatile as the Yonkos attempted to forge a plan to dismantle Cassandra's stronghold. The initial consensus on forming a combined fleet quickly disintegrated into chaos, with disagreements erupting on every subsequent strategy.

Blackbeard Bartholomew slammed his massive fist on the table, his voice booming. "We need to strike fast and hard! A direct assault on her HQ!"

Jolly Roger scoffed, his eyes glinting with malice. "You brute! A head-on attack is suicide. We need subterfuge, deceit. Hit her where she's weakest."

Rackham Ray interjected, his tone sharp and calculating. "And who leads this so-called combined fleet? I don't trust any of you bastards to stick to the plan."

Tempers flared as accusations and insults were hurled across the table. Swords were drawn, the sound of steel ringing in the confined space, echoing off the stone walls.

Hawkins, who had been watching the scene unfold with a growing sense of frustration, finally stood up, slamming his hands down on the table. "Enough of this damn foolishness!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the cacophony. "We're acting like squabbling children, not leaders. Put away your weapons, or I swear I'll leave you to tear each other apart."

The authority in his voice was undeniable, and gradually, begrudgingly, the weapons were sheathed. The room fell into an uneasy silence, the air still electric with unresolved anger.

"We're getting nowhere like this," Hawkins continued, his tone now more measured. "We need a unified strategy, but clearly, that's beyond us right now. We agree on a combined fleet to target Cassandra's base. Let's start there and reconvene once we've had time to cool off and think strategically."

Blackbeard Bartholomew grunted, his expression still thunderous. "Fine. But mark my words, if any of you try to double-cross me, you'll regret it."

Jolly Roger sneered, "As if you could outsmart any of us, Bartholomew. We'll play along for now."

Rackham Ray, his expression unreadable behind his eyepatch, nodded slowly. "A temporary truce, then. But I'll be watching all of you."

The meeting ended abruptly, with each Yonko departing in a mix of anger and caution. The alliance, formed out of necessity, was fragile at best, a volatile mix of ambition, distrust, and power.

Q: Do you watch One Piece?