Whitebeard was about to stop Marco from continuing, but Akira Stone spoke at the same time, causing Whitebeard to look at him in surprise.
Others were equally surprised. They all understood Whitebeard's intention, but Akira Stone's outburst changed their expressions. Akira Stone always called Marco "mangy bird." Despite their constant bickering, they were actually the closest of friends on the ship.
Marco always gave Akira Stone the best things—food, drink, and toys—and Akira Stone always hung out with Marco. They only ever used nicknames for each other. As far as they could remember, this was the first time they'd addressed each other by their given names.
Akira Stone, perched on Whitebeard's shoulder, slowly stood up. He stared intently at Marco, his expression more intense than anyone on the Whitebeard Pirates had ever seen.
Akira Stone's gaze swept across everyone who had laughed at him earlier. The look held an inexplicable pressure. Akira Stone felt an uncontrollable surge of anger. He allowed others to joke with him, but he couldn't tolerate being looked down upon. Since traveling through time with the ancient sword, he had possessed a unique pride. He felt his time travel was divinely ordained, and he couldn't stand being underestimated.
Akira Stone's expression radiated an air of invincibility. He seemed to be declaring himself to the heavens.
"Conqueror's Haki! I definitely possess it!"
As Akira Stone's voice rang out, an intangible aura emanated from him. The aura was faint, but everyone present was a master, and they could sense the subtle power emanating from Akira Stone.
Whitebeard's pupils constricted in shock. He thought, "That aura…"
Whitebeard was familiar with the aura emanating from Akira Stone. It was an imposing presence—the nascent form of Conqueror's Haki. If Akira Stone's presence continued to grow, he could potentially cultivate true Conqueror's Haki.
"This is an innate presence." Whitebeard was both shocked and overjoyed. Conqueror's Haki users are one in a million, yet his son possessed the potential.
"Guhahahaha…"
Whitebeard laughed uncontrollably, his excited laughter echoing across the sea, jolting the shocked Whitebeard Pirates back to reality. They stared at Whitebeard in astonishment.
While they had sensed Akira Stone's unusual aura, they hadn't felt it as strongly as Whitebeard. However, several noticed a hint in Whitebeard's expression, causing them to look at Akira Stone in disbelief.
"Could it be that Little Akira really…" They dared not continue the thought, as the speculation was too shocking. Akira Stone was only eight years old.
Whitebeard laughed, addressing everyone, "My son, Whitebeard's son, is naturally extraordinary. Little Akira, Pops believes in you."
Akira Stone stared at Whitebeard. Everyone else doubted him, but Whitebeard believed. This moved him deeply. He nodded vigorously. "Pops, I won't disappoint you."
Then, Akira Stone smiled, turning to Marco with a smug look. He said with feigned disdain, "See, Mangy Bird? Even Pops believes me. See if you dare to look down on me now."
Marco responded with a wry smile and a look of frustration. He too had sensed Akira Stone's fleeting aura. He had nothing to say, but his gaze towards Akira Stone had changed completely.
Before, he had genuinely liked Akira Stone because they got along well, but he hadn't considered Akira Stone as an equal. After all, he was a well-known pirate, while Akira Stone was just a child. But now it was different. He saw unforeseen potential and a bright future in Akira Stone.
Whitebeard laughed heartily at Marco. "Marco, if you don't work harder, Little Akira might surpass you soon."
Marco was young but already incredibly strong. Akira Stone was only eight, so even with great potential, it would take him a long time to catch up to Marco.
Whitebeard's words only fueled Akira Stone's arrogance. He looked up at Marco. "Did you hear that, Mangy Bird? One day, I'll beat you, and you'll kneel before me and sing 'Conquer'."
Marco was even more helpless. Looking at Akira Stone's smug expression, he was speechless. He couldn't believe that Akira Stone was the source of the awe-inspiring aura.
Whitebeard asked Akira Stone, "Everyone who sets out to sea has their own dreams and goals. Little Akira, what are your dreams?"
"Dreams?" Little Akira pondered for a moment, but someone spoke before him.
"Little Akira's dream is definitely to become a great pirate."
"I don't know about that, but he definitely wants to teach Marco a lesson, haha."
"I say Little Akira wants to find great treasure, maybe even become the Pirate King."
"I think so too."
…
The Whitebeard division commanders chatted and laughed, the atmosphere harmonious, except for Marco, whose face was dark because he was constantly mentioned.
"Quiet, quiet, let Little Akira speak," Whitebeard stopped the chatter.
Akira Stone thought for a moment, then raised his head and declared loudly, "Pops, well, dreams are too vague. I have three goals."
"Three?" The Whitebeard Pirates were surprised.
Akira Stone, standing on Whitebeard's shoulder, spoke solemnly, "First, to become the strongest man in the world. Second, to marry the most beautiful woman in the world."
"Pfft!"
Many people spat out their drinks, staring at Akira Stone dumbfounded.
"He actually said it, to become the strongest man in the world, and marry the most beautiful woman?"
Akira Stone's words stunned everyone, including Whitebeard. Becoming the strongest man in the world was a lofty but understandable goal; many harbored such ambitions. But marrying the most beautiful woman was a bit much, especially since Akira Stone was only eight.
"Guhahahaha…"
Whitebeard laughed heartily. "Good! Worthy of being my son, Whitebeard's son. Your goals are magnificent."
Akira Stone flattered him, "Of course, Pops, you're the strongest man in the world. As your son, my goals can't be low. Otherwise, it would be a disgrace to you."
Whitebeard laughed happily, "That's right, Little Akira, you're a smooth talker. But I'm not the strongest in the world. There are still a few people on this sea who are my match."
Akira Stone smiled, "Pops, are you talking about Roger, Shiki, and those guys? In my eyes, Pops, you're far stronger than them."
Whitebeard laughed heartily. "You're a smooth talker." Though he said so, everyone could see his happiness; no one dislikes flattery.
Only Marco muttered gloomily, "Brown-noser."
"Oh, right, Little Akira, you said you had three goals. You've only mentioned two. What's the third?" Whitebeard remembered Akira Stone's three goals.
Akira Stone said with a serious expression, "The last goal is incredibly difficult. Sigh, probably very few people on this sea could achieve it."
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