"The warships have already started moving. It seems the navy isn't too slow. So, Whitebeard, what's your choice?"
The port of Porto Tsibalta Island originally had several warships docked there, but most of them were capsized by the aftershocks of the recent battle, leaving only one warship still able to sail normally.
Google search TWKAN
After many soldiers boarded the ship, it started moving. Although it did not launch an attack directly, it was moving toward the flank of the Moby Dick, seemingly having received some kind of order.
In fact, the Navy Headquarters was somewhat confused about the information coming back from the Navy.
Normally, the navy should not be near Porto Tsibalta Island, as this is not within the navy's patrol range, much less its base.
The fact that the navy was here clearly meant that the commander had violated some rules, but that's not important; such things are not uncommon in the navy.
From Garp to the base commanders of all corners of the world, there are always some who violate the rules.
What's even more unbelievable to the headquarters is that it was Lyriana who fought Whitebeard.
They knew Oran had a daughter, and they knew that Oran's daughter was quite powerful, but they never imagined that she had grown to the point where she could go toe-to-toe with Whitebeard.
These minor issues can be studied later, but the Navy Headquarters' operations have already begun.
Lyriana could accept whatever choice Whitebeard made.
Gameno has learned his lesson and gotten back what he lost. So far, Piltover's losses are 0.
Without incurring any losses, taking whatever you want is a profit; it's just a matter of how much you profit.
This time, what she wanted wasn't real money or profit, but fame—fame that was useful in the pirate world.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea, the middleman of the underworld, the uncrowned Gray King—these titles sound impressive, but they mean little to those ambitious pirates.
Redfield's joining Piltover caused a huge uproar at the time, but unfortunately, the old man was really thinking about retiring and hasn't participated in any major operations over the years.
Without any outstanding achievements, newspapers wouldn't focus on promoting someone who had already retired, and Redfield's name has been somewhat forgotten by the world.
Whitebeard is currently at the height of his fame, and defeating him head-on is the most effective thing in the pirate world.
The fact that Fishman Island can avoid most of the troubles by relying on Whitebeard's flag is enough to show its effectiveness.
Moreover, Lyriana has an absolute advantage in terms of age. Anyone who isn't stupid can see who has the potential to become a future star by seeing Whitebeard fight a young man like this.
Even a white-bearded man who reaches middle age, no matter how powerful he may remain in the future, will gradually grow old; that is the terrifying power of time.
As long as Whitebeard remains active on the island, today's battle will continue to be mentioned, reminding people of the country's princess, who was also a monster capable of fighting Whitebeard.
This fight forged a legacy of forty years of prestige.
"Gurararara, Leliana, right? I'll remember you. It's been years since anyone has pushed me to this point."
Whitebeard's tone revealed neither joy nor anger. Strength was only one aspect; ever since Rocks's defeat at God Valley, no active figure on the high seas dared to claim that they were superior to Whitebeard.
Roger, Shiki, and Red Earl all disappeared on the high seas in different ways. After that, there were fewer and fewer equally matched opponents, and only a handful of people in the Navy could fight him.
At this point, Whitebeard acknowledged Lyriana's strength; she was an evenly matched opponent. However, this was not a reason for him to utter the word "forced" (or "pushed").
Lyriana presented him with a rather unsolvable dilemma. The Whitebeard Pirates were unaware that something like this would happen here. Marco, Jozu, and other key captains were not on board, and Vista, the most capable fighter among them, was the one with the sword.
If they continue to drag things out with Lyriana and allow the main force of the Navy to arrive, it will not benefit the Whitebeard Pirates at all.
Even if Whitebeard wins, this whole thing will still be a loss for him.
The Whitebeard Pirates hadn't even received the protection money for Portoch Baralta Island yet. After Gamenio was thrown out, Absalom conveniently took the money as compensation for emotional distress.
The intense battle left half of the island in ruins. Forget about seeking refuge there; even if it had become Whitebeard Pirates' territory, this battle would have been a complete loss.
The most crucial ones are his sons.
If the navy really surrounds us, that would be a problem.
"I acknowledge your strength. Among young people, I have never seen anyone as talented as you. If the Navy hadn't interfered, I wouldn't have minded continuing, but now, it's time to end this."
"What a stubborn old man. Let me give you a piece of advice: keep an eye on your sons, or they'll bring you trouble sooner or later."
Whitebeard didn't respond to that, but simply turned and left with considerable confidence, completely unconcerned that Lyriana might attack him from behind.
This seems to be an unspoken rule among the strong: since everyone believes the battle is over, no one will make another move.
"Dad, what's wrong?"
When Whitebeard returned to the ship, the others noticed his condition; his signature crescent-shaped mustache was stained red.
Whitebeard could use vibrations to inflict what he called true damage, and Lyriana naturally had her own methods for doing the same.
"It's just a minor injury, nothing serious. It's just that Marco will start nagging again when he gets back."
"Dad, is that woman really that strong?"
"They are strong, but not to the extent you think. There are naval spies around here. If this drags on, it will be disadvantageous for us once naval reinforcements arrive. Let's leave this matter here for now. You are not allowed to do anything behind the scenes!"
This was also Whitebeard's way of protecting his sons. This time, it could be said that he only touched on the issue briefly, but if anyone did something behind the scenes, things would develop in a more uncontrollable direction.
Whitebeard's orders were basically absolute on the ship. Although his crew members had their own ideas, none of them objected. Gamenio seemed somewhat dissatisfied with the outcome, but he also remained silent.
Seeing that Whitebeard had returned to the ship, the warships in the distance did not take any action, but continued to maintain a safe distance.
Whitebeard's gaze remained fixed on the island.
"Roger, is this the new era you wanted to see?"
Although Lyliana is not a pirate, there is no doubt that she is not on the Navy's side, otherwise she would not have let herself leave so easily.
It's obvious that the other party is also calculating what benefits they can gain, and clearly wants to use their reputation for something.
"This kind of era is anything but boring."
On the island, the invisible Absalom returned to Lyliana's side.
"Princess Leliana, you are probably the strongest in the kingdom now."
"Who knows? Old Mr. Ryder is too easygoing; it's hard to tell. But what's that in your hand?"
"It's a camera. I took some photos, which should be more useful for public relations. Would you like to strike a nice pose and take another one? If you'd like, perhaps we can use this photo as the cover."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"