Chapter 60: Face-to-Face with Yonko Whitebeard — Rok's True Intention!
CLANG!
Before Whitebeard's words even finished echoing,
the Supreme Grade blade Murakumogiri tore through the air, cleaving straight toward Rok's head!
In that instant,
the entire battlefield fell dead silent.
Every eye locked onto the Moby Dick.
No one had expected Whitebeard to suddenly attack Rok — the man currently stealing all the spotlight.
By all logic, the Whitebeard Pirates should be allying with him!
Only Sengoku and a few top Whitebeard commanders understood.
The Strongest Man in the World had his pride.
You want to negotiate terms with him?
Then you'd better prove you're qualified.
As expected,
Rok didn't flinch.
He drew Black Blade · Scythe of the Death God and met Murakumogiri head-on!
DUANGGGGG!
When two Supreme Grade blades collided,
two monstrous waves of Conqueror's Haki erupted.
The entire Marineford trembled.
The shockwave was so violent that the whole headquarters turned to look.
Even the World's Strongest Swordsman, Hawkeye Mihawk, showed rare shock.
Because at that moment,
his own black blade Yoru began vibrating wildly in its sheath, screaming with excitement.
It had found a rival.
Mihawk's hawk-like eyes locked onto Rok's scythe.
A blade that could make Yoru react like this?
Unheard of.
Who was this young man?!
"Look! Up there!"
"The sky — it's splitting!!!"
Someone screamed.
Above Rok and Whitebeard,
a massive fissure tore open the heavens.
Clouds churned violently within the crack like a living wound.
The war actually paused for several seconds.
Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku stared, speechless.
If he had one more chance…
He would give up his title as Fleet Admiral in a heartbeat to keep Rok in the Marines.
But it was far too late.
"Gurarararara!"
"Not bad, brat. You're strong."
"Speak. What's your condition?"
The clash ended quickly.
Whitebeard withdrew his blade first, eyes now filled with genuine respect.
"Just a small compliment from a legend, senior."
Rok replied politely.
"Simple. I will do everything in my power to help you rescue Fire Fist Ace today."
"In return — if one day the World Government and Marines come to kill me,"
"I want you, Edward Newgate, and every son who acknowledges you — whether the Whitebeard Pirates still exist or not — to fight for me."
His voice wasn't quiet.
It rang across all of Marineford.
This was his real goal.
After the Summit War,
the World Government would likely make him their top target — possibly launching an all-out war.
To buy time to grow in peace,
he needed a deterrent.
Even if Whitebeard died today,
Marco and the commanders would still command terrifying power.
He didn't actually need their help.
He just needed the promise to exist.
A sword hanging over the World Government's head.
"Gurarararara! Clever little bastard!"
"Fine. I, Edward Newgate — Whitebeard, swear on my name: If the World Government ever tries to kill you, every single one of my sons will fight for Douglas D. Rok!"
Whitebeard saw through the ploy instantly — and agreed without hesitation.
Then, a mischievous grin.
"Actually… there's an even better option."
"...?"
Rok froze, bad feeling rising.
"Become my son!"
As expected.
Rok's face went completely dark.
He respected Whitebeard, but becoming a pirate's son?
Hard pass.
"Senior, time is short — no jokes. I'll do my best to save Ace."
"Also — watch out for Great Vortex Spider Squard. Akainu has already tricked him into betraying you."
Rok didn't give Whitebeard time to push the adoption again.
He vanished in a flash of lightning.
As for Squard?
He had considered just killing the guy.
But that would piss off Whitebeard and the commanders.
It was their family matter.
He'd warned them.
Whether Whitebeard avoided the betrayal was up to him now.
"Squard…?"
After Rok left,
Whitebeard's eyes flickered with doubt.
One of his dear sons… tricked into stabbing him?
Impossible.
But Rok had no reason to lie.
…
After the alliance was formed,
the Marines' morale visibly dropped again.
On the battlefield,
Admiral Akainu stared at the shining Rok,
killing intent burning hotter than his magma.
At this moment,
his desire to kill Rok surpassed even Ace.
The son of Roger was not Roger.
Ace was no real threat.
But Rok?
He had a premonition.
If this monster left Marineford alive,
the very concept of "Justice" might one day fall by his hand.
That was unacceptable.
And where the hell was Borsalino?!
With Rok's new speed, even Akainu couldn't force a head-on fight.
He needed leverage.
He scanned Rok's known weaknesses:
Hancock and Momousagi — too strong to control easily.
Robin and Nami — protected deep in Whitebeard's ranks.
Then he found the perfect target.
Lieutenant Commander Alice from G-9 branch — Rok's former swordsmanship senior sister.
Currently standing confused on the battlefield.
Akainu's face darkened with ruthless decision.
He turned and charged straight toward Alice.
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