Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
----------
New World, Hachinosu
Moby Dick
Thatch's murder by Blackbeard had cast a long shadow over the Whitebeard Pirates, only recently showing signs of lifting.
The commanders gathered in a circle, their hearts melting as they gazed at the pineapple-headed infant in the cradle, their hands clasped together.
"So cute!"
"Look, he's smiling!"
"I want to hold him!"
"Idiot, you're so clumsy, you'll hurt him!"
"I want to adopt little Marco as my godson!"
"Me too!"
The commanders flushed, arguing over who would be the second or third godfather, and soon came to blows, neither willing to yield.
The birth of the little one held great significance for the entire Whitebeard Pirates, even Whitebeard himself secretly wiped away a tear. Marco picked up the child and approached Whitebeard, happily requesting, "Pops, please give this child a name."
"A name...? Gurararara."
Whitebeard pondered for a moment, then suggested with a laugh, "Pineapple, how about it?"
"That's a great name!"
Marco looked at the child in his arms and poked his face with a finger. "From now on, your name is Pineapple!"
"Wah~~~"
The little one giggled with delight.
Marco's heart was filled with happiness as he joyfully said, "Pops, I want to invite Daichi to Little Pineapple's birthday feast!"
"Gurararara, suit yourself."
Whitebeard waved his hand with a smile, feeling a genuine sense of satisfaction seeing his son with his own family and child.
He hesitated for a moment.
"Marco, let me hold my grandson."
Meanwhile, at Hoenn Fortress
"Perfume Femur!"
"Thunder Bagua!"
The two women were fighting as usual.
Daichi sat by the window, watching the fierce battle below, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
"I need to prepare a gift."
He had received contact from Marco.
Coincidentally, he was looking for an excuse to visit Hachinosu.
Among the New World's underground forces, the Whitebeard Pirates held the largest territory, primarily due to their dozens of captains.
Whitey Bay, Oars Jr....
Many of these captains had long been famous, capable of fighting against Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, and each captain had their own territory.
In fact, their mid-tier combat strength was even greater than his own.
This time, with Marco's child born, those captains would surely attend the celebration, providing an opportunity to meet and increase familiarity.
Now the time was ripe. Straw Hat Luffy had entered the Grand Line and would soon reach Sabaody Archipelago.
Once Ace was captured, he could reveal his plans to Whitebeard.
"And this brat."
Daichi pulled out a wanted poster.
"White Horse" Cavendish, a Supernova who entered the New World last year, currently with a bounty of 210,000,000 Berry.
This kid was currently on Hachinosu. Not long ago, while pursuing a resident of his who fled to Hoenn Community, he injured the person outside the main gate before being stopped by guards and leaving.
He knew his place. A lesson was enough.
Kikara reported, "Daichi-sama, the commanders have all arrived."
"Mm."
Daichi nodded slightly and went to the adjacent meeting room, where 10 newly selected commanders were seated.
Six men and four women.
Ran of the Kuja Corps, formerly a Kuja Pirates officer, was calm and responsible for leading the Kuja warriors.
Karura of the Mink Corps, a tiger Mink with rare white fur and blue stripes, had mastered Moon Lion.
Reiju of the Scientific Corps, a princess of the Germa Kingdom. Judge was surprisingly generous, actively recommending his daughter to join his subordinates.
Talia of the Knights of Radiance, a female knight from the Luen Kingdom, with the Zoan-Zoan Fruit, Arctic Wolf form.
The remaining six men were warriors selected from non-member nations, all tall, robust, and quite strong.
The Giants were not included. They were considered special-grade combatants.
Everyone rose to greet him.
"Grand General!"
"Mm, all sit down."
Daichi nodded slightly, scanning the room.
The Hoenn Government's scale was limited and could not yet have as many military ranks as the Marines, such as Admiral and Vice Admiral.
Currently, there were only ten corps, totaling less than ten thousand people. Each corps had a main and deputy commander, along with numerous squad leaders.
As for the Beast Pirates, they were unruly pirates and could only temporarily assist. It was not a long-term solution. His Hoenn Government needed to establish its own army.
The loyalty issue was more troublesome.
Aside from the Kuja and Giants, the loyalty of the other corps was very low, some even hostile towards him, as he had purged them all.
After discussing some minor matters, Daichi gave his orders.
"Prepare yourselves. You will set sail with me."
"Yes!"
Soon, the Groudon entered the New World.
Meanwhile, West Blue
A certain winter island
Red Hair Pirates' temporary base
Freed from the constraints of the "Yonko" title, the Red Hair Pirates once again embarked on a global journey, visiting many previously uncharted areas.
The shadow of defeat had disappeared, replaced by a sense of ease, allowing them to rediscover their former joy.
Hongo brought intelligence and tossed it to Shanks.
"Boss, Blackbeard was last seen in Drum Kingdom of the Grand Line."
"Thanks, Hongo."
Shanks took the intelligence.
While traveling, they were also searching for the Blackbeard Pirates' whereabouts, but each time they were a step too late.
The Beast Pirates, Whitebeard, and them.
All were searching for Blackbeard.
Blackbeard was well aware of his situation. While searching for comrades, he never stayed in one place for too long.
What was worse, he learned that Ace was pursuing Blackbeard alone.
Although Ace was very strong, he was too young. In his judgment, Ace was definitely no match for Blackbeard.
If Ace were defeated, Blackbeard, with his long-hidden ambition, would surely use Ace to bring about the downfall of the Whitebeard Pirates.
In that case, the already turbulent world would become even more chaotic. Once the New World lost Whitebeard, the Beast Pirates would have no further restraints.
Shanks called his companions.
"I need to meet Whitebeard!"
"Go to the New World?"
The officers exchanged glances, their brows furrowing.
This was not good news.
Yasopp said gravely, "Boss, you know what returning to the New World means. With our current strength, I'm afraid..."
"I understand, but I must go."
Shanks made his decision, then chuckled, looking at his worried companions.
"Don't worry so much. Didn't Marco have a child? We're just going to celebrate as friends. Even if Daichi has objections, he wouldn't start a war in Whitebeard's territory."
"That's true."
The officers sighed helplessly.
Their biggest obstacle to returning to the New World was not Kaido, but Daichi, who was even more troublesome than Kaido.
This time, Whitebeard was the host, so even if Daichi was arrogant, he would have to show Whitebeard respect, at least not cause trouble on Hachinosu.
But after that, it was uncertain.
"Since it's decided, let's set sail!"
Shanks said with a smile, "Perfect, I want to visit two friends in Little Garden on the way. With their help, things should go more smoothly."
"Understood, Captain!"
"Hoist the sails, set sail!"