The New World, Slanter Island.
A war-torn land now flew a skull flag with elegant curves—marking the end of conflict from this day forward.
No longer would they pay exorbitant Celestial Tribute, nor would they rely on the Marine's protection.
All they had to do was provide some fine liquor, food and a minimal protection fee to the Whitebeard Pirates each year.
Compared to the Celestial Tribute, this was less than a tenth of the cost!
Aboard the Moby Dick, Whitebeard was guzzling down alcohol, his once-lush golden hair now mostly gone.
Marco stood nearby, sighing in exasperation.
"Pops, you really should cut back on the drinking. This is the last barrel for today—you'll have to wait until tomorrow for more!"
"Gurarararara! Marco, just one more barrel! We expanded our territory so much today—celebrations call for more drinks!"
Seeing his captain's tipsy grin, Marco remained stern and unyielding.
"No Pops. If you want to keep drinking in the future, you have to stop now! Also... Kaido seems to be making moves again lately."
Hearing that headache-inducing name, Whitebeard scratched his head and chuckled.
"That brat? He's already recovered after I sent him flying last time? Gurarararara! What a restless bastard. What's he up to now?"
Marco pulled out a recent newspaper and pointed at Jake's photo.
"Pops, remember this report from a few days ago?"
Recognizing the headline, Whitebeard sneakily took another swig before grinning.
"That Marine kid? Yeah, I remember. Times are changing—it can't just be the pirates with rising stars. Look, the Marines have their own new generation emerging too. The future's gonna be interesting—will it be the Marines' era or the pirates'?"
Listening to Whitebeard's words, Marco first snatched the bottle of liquor from his hand, took a hearty swig, exhaled deeply and then laughed.
"No matter whose era it is, as long as you're still here, this era will always be called the Whitebeard Era!"
"Gurarararara, Marco, don't think sweet talk like that will make me forget my grudges. This bottle's on your tab!"
Watching Whitebeard being stingy again, Marco couldn't help but retort.
"Pops, whether I drink or not, you'll always find an excuse to make me pay. Last time, you charged me an 'admission fee' for 'watching the world's strongest man drink' and then used it to pay the bill! And another time, you said I was breathing in the liquor fumes around you and made me pay! So no matter what, I'm footing the bill!"
Hearing Marco's sharp retort, Whitebeard burst into laughter, his old face flushing slightly as he quickly changed the subject.
After all, constantly scamming money from his sons at his age wasn't exactly honorable—though if you asked whether he'd do it again next time? That went without saying.
All his money was donated to his hometown.
Despite being the world's strongest man, he was also the world's poorest!
Marco naturally knew where his father's money went and he didn't mind.
If possible, he'd gladly spend his whole life paying for Whitebeard.
"Pops, Kaido's target this time is likely connected to that Marine."
Whitebeard grew curious at Marco's words and asked.
"What does that brat have to do with Kaido?"
"Recently, Doflamingo—who's been frequently collaborating with Kaido—was attacked by Katakuri, losing around 120 million in goods."
"That underworld guy? Does he have beef with the Big Mom Pirates?"
"Not originally, but right after the newspaper report, his goods were attacked. And you've met Katakuri before—he's not the type to act recklessly."
Nodding at Marco's explanation, Whitebeard sighed.
"That kid… I know him. If he were willing to join us, he'd make a fine son. Gurarararara~"
Marco retorted.
"He's got a real mom, you know. Are you planning to marry that nasty old hag, Pops?"
"Damn you Marco, keep talking like that and I'll quake you right into the sea."
Seeing Whitebeard's mock anger, Marco wasn't the least bit afraid and continued.
"From what I've gathered, the reason Katakuri targeted Doflamingo this time is probably tied to Gourmet Town. The real mastermind behind that Marine's clash with Katakuri is likely Doflamingo, who then shifted the blame onto Kaido's goods."
"And the reason Kaido's after that Marine is probably because of his Devil Fruit ability—a healing power even stronger than mine. Knowing Kaido, he'll definitely try to kidnap him by force. What should we do?"
Hearing Marco's words, Whitebeard frowned slightly.
"What does this have to do with us? Let Kaido and those Marines fight it out. In the end, that guy Kaido will probably come slinking back defeated. After all, with that kind of talent, the Marine will definitely protect that kid."
"Pops, you know what I mean..."
Seeing Marco's suddenly solemn expression, Whitebeard furrowed his brows, his voice turning grave.
"Marco, I'm not so old that I need my sons to do things for me! Stay right here and stop entertaining those wild thoughts."
After a moment of silence following Whitebeard's words, Marco suddenly took a large swig of alcohol before speaking.
"Pops, I've been following you since I was just a teenager and have never disobeyed your orders. But this time... forgive me for being willful just once. The power within that kid is the only thing that might completely heal your body! I absolutely cannot let such an opportunity slip through my fingers!"
Before Whitebeard could respond, Marco continued.
"This time, the Beast Pirates are causing trouble for the Marine, and with so many forces like Doflamingo and Katakuri involved, the waters are chaotic. It's the perfect opportunity. Even if it costs us dearly, it's worth it as long as we can get that Marine kid to treat you!"
"I know he's a marine, and I know he might refuse to treat you. But I want to try. What if I can persuade him? What if he's a coward who fears death? What if he can recognize true justice in this world? Father, give me this chance—this one reckless opportunity! I beg you!"
With that, Marco knelt before Whitebeard, pressing his forehead to the ground, his expression resolute.
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