Ever since Shanks left, the atmosphere aboard the Moby Dick had sunk into an eerie silence.
The terrifying prophecy of Ace's impending death had already spread throughout the Whitebeard Pirates. Though Whitebeard and Marco had repeatedly insisted that the prophecy was false and nothing to worry about, the crew no longer drank and sang as they once did. Only the dull sounds of weapons clashing and fists pounding against flesh during training remained.
Lucian Thorn knew very well that beneath this calm lay the prelude to an imminent war.
He knew it better than anyone else.
"Pops, your shoulder muscles are still a little stiff. Looks like your son's strength isn't quite enough yet."
Standing behind Whitebeard's massive throne, Lucian pressed his hands rhythmically against those mountain-like shoulders, his face wearing its usual filial smile. His movements were neither hurried nor sluggish, each press on the muscles perfectly measured.
But in his mind, the cold system prompt ticked forward at a despairingly slow pace.
[Parsing Progress: 45.91%...]
[Parsing Progress: 45.92%...]
Not enough.
Still too slow!
In this state of peace, the energy he absorbed was like a drop in the ocean!
There was little time left before the War of Marineford erupted. At this pace, by the time Ace was publicly executed, he would never reach 100% parsing!
Lucian's heart burned with anxiety, but his face betrayed nothing.
He had to find an opportunity.
An opportunity to provoke Whitebeard into a surge of intense emotion, or unleash overwhelming energy!
Just then, the lookout on the tower suddenly shouted an alarm.
"Forward seas! Starboard side! Fleet sighted!"
"It's the Marines' flag!!"
That cry instantly shattered the stifling calm aboard the Moby Dick.
Every crew member froze, then turned as one toward the direction of the alarm.
On the distant horizon, five massive Marine battleships charged forward in battle formation, tearing through the waves straight toward the Moby Dick!
On the deck of the leading battleship stood a tall man cloaked in the mantle of "Justice."
"Gurararara… The Marines' pups really do have sharp noses."
Whitebeard slowly opened his eyes. In those world-dominating pupils, there was no tension—only a hint of lazy annoyance at his peace being disturbed.
"Pops, looks like… they're not here for tea."
Marco the Phoenix had somehow appeared at Whitebeard's side, hands tucked lazily in his pockets as he stared at the approaching fleet.
"Hmph. A bunch of fools rushing to their deaths."
The 3rd Division Commander, "Diamond" Jozu, crossed his arms and snorted in disdain.
Meanwhile, aboard the Marines' flagship—
A sailor, clutching a telescope, nervously reported to the leading Vice Admiral.
"Report, Vice Admiral Doberman! It… it's the Whitebeard Pirates' main ship, the Moby Dick!"
"From the look of it, the atmosphere on board seems tense. Most of the crew look listless, like they've just gone through something big!"
Vice Admiral Doberman snatched the telescope, peering through it.
He saw the legendary division commanders. He saw that mountain-like figure upon the throne—Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world.
Ordinarily, not even ten lives would convince him to provoke this most terrifying Emperor of the seas.
But today… things were different.
A greedy glint flickered in Doberman's eyes.
Word had just come that Red-Haired Shanks's ship had been seen in these waters, apparently having made contact with Whitebeard.
Now, seeing this oppressive atmosphere aboard Whitebeard's ship, it was likely the meeting between two Emperors had ended poorly, leaving their morale in shambles!
Whitebeard was old, sick—a secret the world already knew.
If he could seize this opportunity to capture even one or two division commanders, it would shake the world! His path to promotion would be clear!
Perhaps… even the rank of Admiral might be within reach.
The lure of such great achievement drowned out his reason.
"Relay my command!"
Doberman lowered the telescope, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"All ships—prepare to fire!!"
"What?! Vice Admiral Doberman, you mean to attack the Whitebeard Pirates outright?"
"Is there a problem?"
"But HQ has ordered us never to engage the Emperors without permission!"
"Orders from HQ are orders—but out here, I am in command! You need only obey. Understood?"
"Yes, Vice Admiral Doberman…"
Though the Marines were unwilling, they had no choice—the officer's authority weighed heavier than reason.
"Sir!"
With the order given, hundreds of cannons across five warships swiveled in unison, locking onto the Moby Dick.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A deafening barrage erupted as countless black cannonballs, trailing long smoky tails, streaked through the sky toward the Whitebeard Pirates' ship!
"A swarm of annoying flies."
Marco's expression darkened as he prepared to take flight in his phoenix form.
"Leave it to me."
Jozu stepped forward, ready to shield the ship with his indestructible diamond body.
But just as they moved, a figure stepped out faster than both.
It was Lucian.
He strode past Whitebeard, positioning himself before Marco and Jozu.
"Brother Marco, Commander Jozu, hold your fire."
Lucian wore a relaxed smile as he turned back toward the throne, speaking confidently to Whitebeard.
"Pops."
"Hm?"
Whitebeard regarded his new son with interest.
"A swarm of buzzing flies hardly deserves to trouble my older brothers."
Though his voice wasn't loud, it carried clearly across the entire deck.
Straightening his back, his eyes gleamed with unprecedented battle intent and confidence.
"Leave it to me, Pops."
"Let me show you the new power I've just obtained!"
'And let everyone here gauge how far my strength has grown!'
The entire deck fell silent in shock.
Marco, Jozu, Vista, and the other commanders stared in disbelief.
A rookie… intending to take on an entire Marine fleet alone?
Was he insane?!
Yet Whitebeard, after a moment of surprise, suddenly burst into earth-shaking laughter.
"Gurararararara!"
"Well said! Well said indeed! You truly are my son!"
Looking into Lucian's eyes, brimming with confidence and fighting spirit, Whitebeard felt a long-lost surge of admiration and pride.
This boy—he liked his spirit!
"Go!"
Whitebeard waved his massive hand, his voice booming like thunder.
"Let the world see what kind of genius my son, Edward Newgate's child, truly is!"
"Yes, Pops!"
At Whitebeard's approval, Lucian's lips curled into a wild grin.
This was exactly the chance he had sought!
Under the stunned gazes of the entire crew, Lucian stepped forward—never retreating—until he reached the rail at the Moby Dick's prow.
Alone, he faced five steel warships.
Alone, he stood against a storm of cannon fire.
His figure, before that colossal fleet, seemed impossibly small.
On the Marine flagship, Vice Admiral Doberman sneered.
"Sending out a rookie to die? Whitebeard, you really have gone senile!"
The shrieking cannonballs were already upon him.
And Lucian—
Didn't even blink.
At the instant the first cannonball came within reach—