In an unmarked stretch of sea, the Rocks Pirates' ship was steadily advancing across the water.
On the deck, Whitebeard leaned against the stern, gazing into the distance. After realizing he had given Bob zero relevant information, Whitebeard felt deeply remorseful. He had finally given his brother some guiding advice, only for it to turn out to be a complete blunder. This made him feel extremely sorry for Bob.
His eyes, fixed on the horizon, couldn't help but take on a melancholic hue.
"Giahahahaha!"
"Edward, hasn't Bob returned yet?"
Shiki, with a cigar in his mouth, leisurely strolled over to Whitebeard's side, his face brimming with excitement.
Upon learning that Bob had gone to find a woman, only to end up in a secluded area, Shiki's mood had improved immensely. The frustration of being defeated by Bob earlier was completely swept away.
Like Whitebeard, Shiki had also been coming to the deck from the time during Bob's absence. His purpose, of course, wasn't to warmly welcome him back, but to see if Bob could return in a disheveled state, ready to mock him and relish in his discomfort.
Every time Shiki imagined Bob rowing back in a small boat, having accomplished nothing, with a look of frustration on his face, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Shiki's thoughts were simple since he couldn't regain his pride in terms of strength for the time being, finding humor in little matters was also quite amusing.
"Sigh! I wonder what Bob and the others encountered over there?"
"Logically, if they didn't find any beauties there, they should have turned back immediately! Why haven't they returned after all this time?"
Whitebeard expressed his concern. The fact that Bob and kaido had been gone for so long made him think that something must have happened.
"Gihahahaha!"
"Could they have gotten lost at the sea?"
"Maybe Bob and Kaido are having a blast playing with the animals in some corner of that place!"
As Shiki said this, he made a perverse expression, making it clear to anyone who was listening about his thoughts at that moment.
"Get lost!"
"Shiki, it seems Bob didn't hit you hard enough last time!"
"When he comes back, he'll give you another beating!"
In response to Shiki's words, Whitebeard shot him a glare, not forgetting to mock him loudly.
Hearing Whitebeard bring up this matter, Shiki's previously cheerful expression instantly froze. This was the one thing he couldn't stand hearing about on the ship. Whoever mentioned it in front of him would receive a proper "beating" from him.
At this moment, anger surged on Shiki's face.
"Humph! If you have the guts, let's settle this right now. Even if i can't beat Bob it doesnt mean im scared of you!"
With that, Shiki reached for the swords Oto and Kogarashi at his waist.
But suddenly...
A single sentence from Whitebeard made him lower his hands.
"Look over there! A ship is approaching—it's the Celestial Dragons ship!"
Whitebeard exclaimed, his face filled with seriousness.
Following his gaze, they saw an extremely luxurious cruise ship, adorned with opulent decorations, rapidly approaching the Rocks Pirates' ship from the right rear.
The luxury and sheer size of the ship made it instantly recognizable as the Celestial Dragons' extravagant cruiser, even from a distance where the details on board were unclear.
After all, on the vast seas, no one but these world nobles would dare to sail on a vessel with such bravado.
"Quick, notify the entire crew to prepare for battle!"
As soon as Whitebeard's voice fell, Golden Lion immediately sprang into action. This was no time for petty disputes.
In no time.
The ship was filled with the rustling sounds of movement. The deck was packed with crew members, divisions commanders, and even the Captain Rocks, himself.
Upon hearing the news of the Celestial Dragons' sudden attack, they immediately dropped what they were doing and rushed over.
Standing on the deck, Rocks gazed into the distance. There was no trace of fear on his face instead, he wore a grin, chuckling coldly.
Generally, when Celestial Dragons encountered the Rocks Pirates, they would choose to steer clear, as Rocks was known to kill any Celestial Dragon he came across.
This time, the Celestial Dragons' provocative attack could only mean one thing their ship was now equipped with formidable forces from the Marine Headquarters, confident enough to take down the Rocks Pirates.
However, even with this realization, Rocks' eyes were filled with disdain. He was eager to see what forces the Marines had deployed this time and whether they were worthy of him unleashing his full strength.
Watching the luxurious cruise liner approaching in the distance, Rocks waved to someone beside him. A pirate promptly handed him a telescope.
Rocks pressed his eye against the lens of the telescope. Through the circular view, he saw the massive cruiser sail brilliantly under the sun, exuding unparalleled extravagance.
Yet, on the deck, he didn't spot a single Marine. After searching for a while, he still couldn't find anyone.
Rocks' expression changed rapidly.
Then, he tilted his gaze upward, and his face suddenly froze, as if he had seen something unbelievable.
At the top of the flagpole bearing the "Celestial Hoof" emblem, two figures were seated.
"Bob? Kaido?"
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