As the two ships gradually drew close, they finally came alongside each other.
Compared to the mighty Moby Dick, Rolan's ship still seemed small. The Whitebeard Pirates boasted a large crew, while the Breaking Sky carried only about ten people.
Even with all its functional rooms, the ship could hardly compare to Whitebeard's colossal flagship.
However, in terms of craftsmanship and luxury, the Ion Tempest was clearly superior.
The members of the Whitebeard Pirates showed no contempt upon seeing such a small but exquisitely made ship. They treated every visitor with respect.
"Quick, prepare to welcome Godslayer Rolan!" one of them called out, and the Whitebeard Pirates became busy with preparations.
Although they had not met Rolan before, as a known figure in the New World they took it seriously.
On the Ship, Kuro looked at the lowered ladder and asked, "Rolan, are all four of us going over?"
Rolan replied in his usual calm, nonchalant tone, "If you want to go, then go. It's nothing, just a friendly visit."
Crocodile said first, "I'm definitely going."
Enel quickly chimed in, "Then I'm going too!"
Kuro also nodded. After all, Whitebeard was known as one of the strongest men in the world, and it would be worthwhile to meet him.
"Let's go," Rolan said, stepping onto the ladder first.
As he boarded the Moby Dick, he noticed a massive seat at the back of the deck, near the central mast. A towering figure sat there, his huge crescent-shaped white mustache curving upward, striking and unforgettable.
This was none other than Whitebeard, Edward Newgate, widely recognized as one of the strongest pirates in the world of One Piece.
Around Whitebeard, several nurse ladies moved with composed efficiency, their leopard-print outfits distinct and familiar to those who knew of his condition.
Rolan remembered the scene from the original story where Shanks had met Whitebeard, and he decided to emulate Shanks' posture out of a sense of respect.
His Conqueror's Haki surged outward, mixed subtly with his electromagnetic power. With every step he took, the intensity grew stronger.
In an instant, the hair of the Whitebeard Pirates on deck stood on end, and dozens fell to the ground, overwhelmed by the pressure.
Gulp after gulp of air echoed around. For a moment, they felt as though they had just encountered Red Hair Shanks himself.
Ace sat on the railing by the helm, excitement visible on his face.
It wasn't until Rolan was about ten steps away from Whitebeard that Marco's voice finally spoke.
"Hey, what exactly are you trying to do?" Marco asked, concern and irritation in his tone.
Rolan shrugged lightly, "Just boarding an unfamiliar ship, so it's polite to make a greeting."
Marco instantly transformed, enveloped in blue flame as he leaped in front of Rolan, ready to block him.
But before Marco could strike, another figure moved faster than anyone expected, practically teleporting to stand in his path.
"I advise you not to act rashly," Kuro said calmly.
"God Peng Kuro!" Marco's eyes widened as he stared at Kuro, clearly startled by his speed.
Whitebeard let out a booming laugh while signaling Marco to stand down.
"Step back, Marco, they don't look like they're here to fight," Whitebeard said with amusement in his voice.
Slowly, Marco returned to human form and stepped aside, giving room for Kuro and the others to stand behind Rolan.
Rolan walked forward and stood before Whitebeard, then slowly sat down.
He looked at the old man with tubes and medical apparatus around him and said, "Old Man Newgate, I've heard much about you."
Whitebeard's ancient eyes fixed on Rolan, and a wave of emotion passed through him. This young man seemed exceptionally strong.
"Oh, your reputation outshines this old man's," Whitebeard replied in his deep, rumbling voice.
Just then, a swirl of yellow sand appeared behind Whitebeard and took form.
"Whitebeard, long time no see. I've come for your head," Crocodile growled, stepping forward.
Rolan remained expressionless, and Whitebeard merely extended a massive hand, pushing Crocodile aside with a single, effortless punch.
The yellow sand dissipated as Crocodile slid across the deck.
"Gurarararara, Crocodile, you're still a long way from beating me," Whitebeard chuckled, looking genuinely entertained.
Crocodile's face was grim. With just that punch, he could feel the gap in strength between himself and Whitebeard, though it was smaller now than before.
Rolan raised an eyebrow as Whitebeard turned his gaze toward him.
"Kid, was this your instruction?" Whitebeard asked, amusement clear in his eyes.
Rolan's expression was unchanged. "That's a grudge between you two, not something I told him to do."
Inwardly, Rolan cursed silently. Old man, why drag me into your feud?
Whitebeard tilted his head, a bit suspicious.
"Are you cursing me in your mind?" he asked, his eyes narrowed.
Rolan felt both amused and irritated. Is this old man senile? he thought.
"All I'm saying is, if you want to show off, pick the right time and place, okay?" Rolan replied evenly.
"What? Rolan actually dared to speak to Pops like that?" Diamond Jozu exclaimed, astonished. Never before had anyone dared speak so arrogantly to the Emperor.
"Gurarararara, you're still too young to lecture me," Whitebeard laughed.
With that, Whitebeard reached behind him and lifted Murakumogiri, his enormous naginata blade of supreme grade, gripping it tightly before bringing it down toward Rolan.
Rolan's lips curled into a slight smirk. He stood and extended his hand into the air. Instantly, a blade infused with crackling blue lightning appeared, gleaming with Conqueror's Haki.
The two weapons clashed, releasing an explosive wave of power that rippled outward.
Those who had barely stood under Rolan's Conqueror's Haki moments earlier now collapsed completely.
"Hey, get up, what's wrong with you guys?" Jozu asked.
Ace quickly answered, "They just fainted, there's no danger to their lives."
As the aura surged into the sky, the clouds above split apart, a truly terrifying sight.
Meanwhile, Marco watched Rolan and Whitebeard with a puzzled look.
"What exactly does Rolan want to do? Is he really here to fight?" Marco wondered. With only a few people, he lacked reason to fight such a powerful Emperor.
Just as others prepared to intervene, Rolan and Whitebeard simultaneously sheathed their weapons and relaxed their stances.
Where seconds ago had been two raging forces, now stood two calm pirates.
"Kid, your strength is impressive," Whitebeard said with admiration.
"Old Man Newgate, you fight as fiercely as ever," Rolan replied.
Their laughter blended together, and Marco's hesitant expression eased.
Whitebeard looked directly at Rolan, admiration shining in his eyes.
"Gurarararara, Rolan, what brought you here?" he asked.