After parting ways with Hawkeye, Vane set his course toward Whitebeard's territory.
The seas under Whitebeard's flag stretched vast and wide, and finding the Moby Dick within such a domain was no easy task. Still, after questioning several pirate crews, Vane finally gathered enough information.
Every pirate group active here either belonged to the Whitebeard Pirates or held a deep connection with them. No matter how arrogant a crew might be, once they entered Whitebeard's waters, they acted with caution. Few dared to cause trouble here—aside from Kaido of the Beasts, no one in the world would willingly challenge Whitebeard in his own domain.
Whitebeard's name carried weight across the seas. When he gave a command, hundreds of thousands of pirates would rally under his banner without hesitation. Before Big Mom and Kaido rose to claim their territories, Whitebeard, Roger, and their contemporaries had already stood at the peak.
He was a true monster, the man who had turned the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit into one of the most fearsome forces on the seas.
That night, the Moby Dick brimmed with laughter and music. Of the Whitebeard Pirates' four main ships, the Moby Dick was the heart of their family. Known across the world alongside the ship of the Roger Pirates, it stood as one of the most legendary vessels to ever sail.
The ship was alive with joy. Whitebeard, now well into his seventies, had reached the age where the happiness of family outweighed ambition. He had no desire to dominate the world. When Roger returned from Laugh Tale, he had even offered to share the location with Whitebeard. Any other pirate would have gone mad with greed, yet Whitebeard declined. He had no interest in the Pirate King's title. For him, living peacefully with his sons was enough.
At this moment, Whitebeard sat in his great chair, a massive bowl of sake in hand. Nearby, a crowd had gathered around Marco and Ace, who were locked in a spirited guessing game. The loser was punished by downing an entire bowl of sake—cups, after all, were for women.
The Whitebeard Pirates were men of iron wills, united by their bond to the man they called "Father."
Whitebeard's deep laughter boomed across the deck. Though this scene repeated itself daily, it never grew old to him.
But just as he lifted his bowl to drink, his expression hardened. His sharp eyes narrowed as he set the sake aside.
"Sons," his voice rumbled, "someone is coming."
The cheers around Marco and Ace died instantly. Every pirate froze, their gazes snapping toward their captain.
"Someone… is coming?" Marco murmured in confusion.
Whitebeard's brow furrowed. "A powerful presence, unlike any I've felt in years. A man is approaching—his strength rivals my own."
The words sent a shock through the crew.
"What!"
"Someone as strong as Pops?"
"That's impossible!"
"Could it be the Golden Lion?"
"Or Kaido again? Coming for another fight?"
"No way! Kaido can't measure up to Pops!"
The deck erupted in disbelief. Few in this world could stand on equal ground with Whitebeard, and to hear him speak of someone on par with him sent unease through even the bravest sons.
Whitebeard rose to his feet, his gaze fixed on the skies ahead. "He's here."
All eyes followed his line of sight. Suddenly, the night sky split with golden brilliance. A vast circle of light shimmered like rippling water, the deep toll of an ancient bell echoing across the sea.
Around the massive golden array, countless smaller circles spun in harmony, flooding the night with a radiance so dazzling that many shielded their eyes.
Gasps broke out among the crew.
"What is this?"
"Is this how the one Father spoke of will arrive?"
"With such a spectacle, he must be no ordinary man…"
"Of course not! Pops said he's no weaker than him!"
The Moby Dick fell silent as all attention locked onto the blinding light above.
From within the circle, a figure emerged. A foot stepped out first—armored, gleaming with golden brilliance. The armor itself seemed regal, its craftsmanship radiating power and nobility.
The man was coming.
The one who could stand as Whitebeard's equal.
_____
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