A tense quiet had fallen over the New World, and nowhere was it heavier than on the flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates. A deep unease had settled over the crew in the past few days. They had received confirmed news: Ace, the Commander of their Second Division, had fought a world-shaking battle against the traitor Blackbeard Teach on Banaro Island. No one knew the outcome, but Marco hadn't been able to contact Ace since. The steadily burning edge of Ace's Vivre Card told them everything they needed to know.
On the deck of the Moby Dick, Whitebeard rested with his eyes closed. No matter how much his children refused to admit it, age was an unavoidable enemy. It was slowly beginning to wear down even the World's Strongest Man, leaving him tired. The worry for Ace had made it worse, and these last few days, his sleep was filled with dreams of the past. He dreamt of his childhood, of his hometown, a place called Sphinx. They say old men live in their memories. He was beginning to think it was true.
Just then, a familiar voice cut through his thoughts.
"Pops!"
Whitebeard slowly opened his eyes. His first commander and most trusted son, Marco, was looking down at him with worry in his eyes. Whitebeard's gaze sharpened, the weariness vanishing in an instant as the powerful Yonko returned.
"Ace," he rumbled. "Have you still not been able to contact him?"
Marco hesitated before nodding grimly. "Mm."
"What about Jinbe? Is there any news from him?"
Marco shook his head. "Jinbe is also helping us ask around, but…" He didn't say anything about regretting their decision to let Ace chase after Teach. He knew Pops had approved, and that was that. Besides, Ace was a commander. When a subordinate betrayed the crew and murdered the commander of the Fourth Division, it was his duty to act. To do nothing would be unthinkable for a son of Whitebeard.
Seeing the look on his son's face, Whitebeard fell into deep thought. His memory drifted back to his last meeting with Red-Hair. Shanks had warned him, had told him to call Ace back. But as a father, how could he stop his son from doing what he believed was right?
He pushed the memory aside and straightened up. "Marco."
"Yes, Pops."
"Tell all the commanders to return. Contact the affiliated crews as well. The Whitebeard Pirates are entering a state of defense."
Marco's eyes widened. He knew exactly what that meant. This was a preparation for war. Did Pops truly think the situation was that dire? The enemy couldn't just be Teach; mobilizing the entire fleet for one man would be overkill. But he didn't question the order.
"I understand, Pops. I'll go arrange it immediately," he said. He paused for a moment. "Should I contact Yamato?"
His reasoning was simple. If a war was truly unavoidable, a top-tier fighter like Yamato could be a decisive factor. He had heard what happened at the Sabaody Archipelago; Yamato was strong enough to hold back Admiral Akainu. More importantly, she was Kaido's daughter. If she joined their side, it would at least reduce the pressure from the Beasts Pirates. Marco already knew from Izo that Kaido was making major moves in Wano Country. While Kaido should be busy with his own affairs, no one could predict when the man might suddenly go on a rampage.
After hearing Marco's suggestion, Whitebeard considered it. "How is that little girl doing?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
Marco's expression softened slightly. "She's fine. I spoke with her a few days ago. The World Government's spies are still after them, so she's crossing the Calm Belt with her crew. Said they were heading for the South Blue."
A small smile touched Whitebeard's lips. "It seems that girl has found her own life."
"Mm," Marco agreed, smiling as well.
Whitebeard's decision was made. "There's no need to drag her into this. She has her own path to follow. Besides, this is our family's business."
Marco's face tensed. A part of him desperately wanted Yamato's help, but he would not go against his captain's wishes. He took some comfort in knowing that Yamato had a piece of Ace's Vivre Card. She would know something was wrong.
"Then, Pops, I'll go make the arrangements."
"Ah, go."
But just as Marco turned to leave, a young crewmate nervously walked onto the deck. "Pops, Commander Marco," he said respectfully, "we just received a message from Nodock Island. Someone there wants to see you."
Marco frowned immediately. As a Yonko crew, the Whitebeard Pirates held a vast territory in the New World. There were so many islands flying their flag that even he couldn't remember them all. Nodock Island was one of the outermost islands under their protection.
"Hey, what is this?" Marco said, his voice sharp. He didn't want anyone bothering Pops right now. "Not just anyone gets to see Pops."
Whitebeard's expression was also clearly displeased. But the subordinate's next words made both of them freeze.
"I know, Commander Marco, but… the person said he is Commander Oden's father."
Half a day later, under the cover of night, a small boat approached the Moby Dick. A strangely dressed person quietly boarded the massive ship. This time, Whitebeard did not meet the visitor on the main deck. Instead, he waited in the reception room. It was a large, simple room, nearly empty except for the huge chair where Whitebeard sat. Only three people were present: Whitebeard, Marco, and the man who called himself Kozuki Sukiyaki. Flickering candlelight cast long shadows across their faces.
Marco did not bother to hide his displeasure as he stared at the masked man. "You're in the presence of Pops. Aren't you going to take off your mask?"
He had good reason to dislike the man. He had already heard the full story of what happened in Wano from Izo. Although Kaido had claimed that Oden's father, Sukiyaki, was still alive, the samurai who had escaped didn't believe it. They couldn't understand why Sukiyaki would hide while his family and country were destroyed. But now, this man had appeared on his own, looking like nothing but trouble.
Kozuki Sukiyaki was clearly embarrassed. He could feel the hostility from the two men in front of him, but he had no other choice. Hearing Marco's command, he nervously untied his mask. The candlelight revealed the face of a hunched old man, his features etched with shame.
Marco glanced at Whitebeard, then looked back at the old man. "You say you are Commander Oden's father," he said, his voice cold. "Do you have any proof?"
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