Creak, creak…
Murakumogiri — one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Swords — shimmered with Armament Haki as it pressed down, forcing Shirogai Yamikuro downward in midair.
What incredible strength. Even at over seventy years old, Edward Newgate — the great Whitebeard — still possessed physical power that could rival Beasts Kaido in his prime.
Shirogai narrowed his eyes slightly, impressed despite himself. He hadn't even gone all out yet.
"Brat, I heard you've already paid a visit to Linlin and Kaido, those two troublemakers?" Whitebeard's deep voice rumbled with amusement, his massive frame unmoving as his sharp eyes met Shirogai's.
"Your nerve's something else! Visiting three Emperors in just two days — you planning to challenge all Four Emperors before the week's over?"
"The Four Emperors are nothing special," Shirogai replied calmly, forcing Murakumogiri upward again. His gaze met Whitebeard's without flinching. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Though I have to admit, Whitebeard, your body looks a little ordinary now. Isn't it unfair for me to be bullying an old man?"
"Gurarararara!"
Whitebeard threw back his head and laughed, his mighty beard trembling. The spark in his eyes showed that his spirit was still unbroken by time.
"Newbie brat, who do you think you're talking to?!"
Whoosh!
A wave of thick, violent Haki burst forth, engulfing the entire Moby Dick.
"Oh no, Pops is getting serious!" Marco muttered, gripping the railing, his wings twitching.
"Pops is really angered by that kid?" Jozu frowned, stepping forward. "I'll go teach that punk a lesson!"
"Wait," Marco stopped him, chuckling softly. "No, Jozu — you've got it wrong. Pops isn't angry. He's excited."
Whoosh!!!
A shockwave exploded as Whitebeard's sword clashed with Shirogai's, the latter sent flying across the sea.
Bang!!!
Whitebeard stomped heavily, shaking the ship. His right hand clenched, and the air itself began to crack and tremble violently.
"I am Whitebeard!!!"
Crack!!!
The sky and sea warped as if struck by an invisible hammer, distorting and roaring under Whitebeard's power.
"It's coming!" Shirogai crossed his arms, his hands transforming into scaled Dragon Claws infused with Armament Haki to block the unseen tremor.
Bang!
He was thrown back, his figure flickering through the air before steadying himself again.
"Did Pops win?" Jozu's eyes widened.
Marco shook his head. "Not yet. But… did you see that? His hands just now — they turned into Dragon Claws. That's Kaido's ability!"
"So the rumors are true," Jozu muttered. "Shirogai — can mimic other Devil Fruit users' powers?"
"If that's true," Marco said seriously, "then we're dealing with something terrifying. Still, I bet there's some kind of limitation. No Devil Fruit could be that broken without a catch."
"Watch yourselves!" Whitebeard roared suddenly, his expression turning sharp. "That kid's not done yet — he's countering!"
"The Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power really is impressive," Shirogai's voice echoed from above, his tone almost amused.
"Dragon Punch: Tremor Wave!"
Crack!!!
The sky and sea split apart, an invisible quake tearing across the ocean as towering waves crashed toward the Moby Dick.
"What?! That's Pops's power!" Marco shouted. "He copied it already?!"
"You brat!" Whitebeard laughed heartily, fists crackling as he clenched the air again. "Trying to sink my ship, are you?! Tremor: Distortion Screen!"
Crack, crack, crack…
The air twisted above the Moby Dick, forming an unbreakable barrier of quaking energy that shielded the ship. The tsunami struck but could not penetrate.
"Such refined control," Shirogai remarked with a faint smile from midair. "Creating a tremor barrier — expanding and contracting to dissipate pressure without harming those inside. Impressive, Whitebeard… but even heroes fade. Your body tells the truth — you're old."
Whitebeard coughed, his massive frame trembling for just a moment. "Tch…"
The barrier faltered briefly, seawater crashing down in sheets.
"Marco!"
"Got it, Pops!" Marco leaped into the sky, blue flames bursting from his body as he spread his wings wide.
"Blue Flame Regeneration: Azure Phoenix Fire!"
The blue inferno met the falling waves, vaporizing the seawater into mist that scattered across the deck.
"This guy's pushing it!" Jozu growled. "Let me go, Pops, I'll smash him!"
"No need!" Whitebeard barked, lowering his weapon and laughing. "We're not enemies here. You arrogant brat, put away your Devil Fruit powers!"
"As you wish," Shirogai replied, landing lightly on the deck, his aura fading. The sea stilled around them.
Whitebeard's laughter softened. "Kid, Ace told me about you."
Shirogai met his gaze, silent.
"I like your spirit. Why don't you and your crew join the Whitebeard Pirates? Isn't your captain Ace's younger brother?"
Shirogai chuckled, shaking his head. "Thanks, but the Straw Hats prefer to stand on their own feet. We'll carve our place in the world our own way."
"What a pity," Whitebeard sighed, a rare note of regret in his voice.
If this young man joined them, he could one day lead the Whitebeard Pirates — hold them together after his time was done. But some paths could not be forced.
Whitebeard looked down at Shirogai once more, a spark of respect gleaming in his eyes. If only you were my son…
But he didn't say it. He wouldn't insult a man who stood on equal ground.
He only smirked, crossing his massive arms.
"Brat! You came all this way to visit an old pirate empty-handed — don't you think that's a bit rude?"
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