Chapter 96: Black Judge and... Whitebeard!
Roy Amos.
The name, already familiar to the world after the World Economic News Paper's report claiming he "fought a Warlord to a draw," now shook the seas once more after the Tri-Force Demonstration.
The difference was clear.
Before, in all corners of the world, Roy was known as "Admiral Zephyr's disciple," a "Marine Supernova."
What is a Supernova?
A promising young fighter.
Being able to fight a Warlord to a draw was commendable, but many still believed it was hype or that Hanafuda held back out of respect for Zephyr.
But now...
No one would call Roy a Supernova anymore.
[Tri-Force Demonstration Concludes: Victor is Roy Amos]
[Fleet Admiral Sengoku Confirms Post-Match Promotion to Vice Admiral and Title of Admiral Candidate. Inheriting the Name of His Master, 'Black Arm' Zephyr, His Title is 'Black Judge' (Xiezhi)]
[The Xiezhi is a mythical beast said to discern good from evil with its single horn. Many believe this symbolizes the new Admiral Candidate's understanding and adherence to Justice.]
[However, some legends say the Xiezhi, upon discerning evil, attacks instantly, disregarding laws—perhaps suggesting this Admiral Candidate's Justice is less than gentle?]
[Regardless, viewers of the Tri-Force Demonstration broadcast will understand that no matter the Justice he follows, the power he possesses will surely make him the Marines' next legend.]
A week after the Tri-Force Demonstration, the World Economic News Paper published lengthy reports celebrating the outcome—a rare occurrence given that their headlines had recently been dominated by 'The Zodiac'.
And so, the name 'Black Judge' Roy spread across the seas at an astonishing speed.
...
New World, Night.
A massive whale-shaped ship sailed across the ocean.
On the main mast flew a pirate flag—a grinning skull with a crescent moon mustache, strikingly visible.
It was the symbol of the Strongest of this era.
The ship was the Moby Dick, the flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates.
"Hmph... A legend of the new generation? Isn't that a bit much?"
On the deck, a man in a chef's uniform with a pompadour hairdo read the newspaper.
He was Thatch, Commander of the Fourth Division.
"Not too much."
Beside him, Marco, Commander of the First Division with pineapple-like hair, shook his head. "I watched the live broadcast... That Marine named Roy is ridiculously strong. He fought 'Black Arm' Zephyr to a standstill, head-on."
"Zephyr? That old man must be seventy now, right?"
"Even at seventy, he's still a former Admiral. Even Pops acknowledges his strength is monstrous."
Marco shook his head.
"Is that so? Then he's strong indeed."
Thatch muttered, flipping the page. "Oh, not just that Marine—look at this. 'Fire Fist' Ace... This rookie is good too."
"He sank Hanafuda's fleet before, and now he's actively hunting Hanafuda's pirates?"
A swordsman in a top hat, Vista, laughed. "I've been following that rookie for a while. Looks like his ship was attacked recently, and his comrades suffered heavy losses. That must have truly angered him."
"Cares about his comrades, does he?"
Thatch's eyes brightened. "Sounds like a good guy... Right, Teach?"
"Yes, indeed, Captain Thatch."
A burly man with a pizza slice, Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard), grinned foolishly.
Just then...
"Gurararararara!"
A unique, earth-shaking laugh interrupted their discussion.
They all looked up at the tall man who had just emerged from the infirmary, still sporting an IV drip.
The white crescent mustache, the massive stature, and the unified cry of 'Pops' from everyone on board confirmed his identity.
'Whitebeard' Edward Newgate—unquestionably the strongest pirate of this era.
"'Black Judge' Roy..."
He settled into his captain's chair, taking the newspaper. He saw the ravaged Duel Island and Roy supporting Zephyr.
A smile, matching his mustache's curve, appeared on his face. "Has Zephyr finally found a true successor?"
He showed no worry or apprehension.
It was expected.
Since decades ago, the seas had never lacked powerhouses.
The current Admirals, the other Emperors—newcomers appeared in every generation.
But Whitebeard always stood at the pinnacle.
"Reminds me of the old days... Hey! Marco, bring the sake!"
Marco's eyes widened. "Not today, Pops. You need to cut back on the alcohol."
"Hah?"
Whitebeard glared. "Nonsense, foolish son! If I can't drink as I please, why even be a pirate? Bring the sake!"
He roared.
"Hahahaha!"
"Captain Marco, just bring the sake. Pops won't quit otherwise."
"Hey, Vista, get over here before Pops starts yelling at you too."
The Whitebeard Pirates erupted in laughter.
Amidst the playful arguments, Marco reluctantly handed over the sake. "Just one cup... okay, two... sigh, fine."
He knew his father's personality—as the patriarch of the crew, he wouldn't compromise on drinking.
Whitebeard lifted the huge gourd and drank deeply.
Glug, glug, glug...
After emptying the gourd in one go, he sighed contentedly and picked up the newspaper. "Speaking of which, Marco, what about the thing I asked you to look into?"
Marco turned serious. "About 'The Zodiac', I've had Squard and Whitey Bay check through their channels, but the yield is low."
"Besides the public rumors, the only extra intel is that before the Tri-Force Demonstration, 'Marine Hero' Garp had an encounter in the East Blue with a never-before-seen member of The Zodiac, possibly named 'Inoshishi'."
He handed the newspaper to Whitebeard, showing a photo of Garp's heavily damaged warship and Garp with bandages after the demonstration.
"Garp?"
Whitebeard glanced at the face in the photo.
The veteran commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates looked grave.
Garp—they knew his name far better than the recently retired Zephyr.
Though famous for hunting the Pirate King, Whitebeard had clashed with Garp countless times. They knew the Marine legend's terror well.
"That Zodiac member... actually injured Garp?"
"Inoshishi? Is he that strong?"
"Also, didn't another one kill BIG MOM's son?"
"And another killed Crocodile—I remember that guy challenged Pops. His strength wasn't bad, right?"
The deck buzzed with discussion.
Whitebeard ignored the chatter.
"Inoshishi?"
He frowned slightly, then shook his head.
Marco, who knew him best, caught the subtle gesture.
"Pops."
He asked softly, "Why are you so interested in 'The Zodiac'? Is something going on?"
The others quieted down. Even the silently eating Teach looked at Whitebeard.
They knew their father's nature.
He only cared about his 'family.' He rarely took an active interest in other matters on the sea. Marco and the other commanders usually gathered important intel for him.
But with The Zodiac, Whitebeard actively demanded information and showed great concern.
The last time Whitebeard was this actively interested in an outside event was Roger's execution nineteen years ago.
Marco was curious.
"..."
Whitebeard put down his gourd.
He didn't speak.
Perhaps the mention of Garp and Zephyr, the names of his peers, brought back memories.
A figure seemed to flash before his eyes.
"Hey, Newgate."
The boisterous voice still echoed.
The only man Edward Newgate respected besides Roger himself.
"How did I survive? Hahaha! That doesn't matter!"
"What matters is, I made a promise to someone. You want to..."
The voices faded, but the memories were vivid.
"It's nothing."
Whitebeard said softly. "I just heard a name once."
"...A name?"
Marco was perplexed.
"A member of The Zodiac?" he pressed, curious who could make his father care so much.
Whitebeard just grinned.
"Who knows?"
He looked toward the unchanging sea.
"But I heard..."
On the distant sea, the sun began to rise, making the ocean seem vast and full of infinite possibilities.
"He's a guy who will turn the world upside down."
☆☆☆
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