Edward Teach strolled through the forest of Frozen Hell.
He carried Morley in his hand as if he were a frail little chick.
Just moments earlier, he had used his Observation Haki to probe the entire forest.
The areas where Morley had appeared were especially important places to search.
After a careful investigation, Edward Teach discovered a hidden entrance deep within the forest. His Observation Haki allowed him to clearly hear a constant stream of noise emanating from within.
If nothing unexpected had happened, that hidden entrance was the passage to New Okama Paradise on Level 5.5 of Impel Down.
Edward Teach—
or rather, Storm, hidden inside the "Edward Teach Humanoid Mech"—
was heading toward New Okama Paradise beyond the mysterious entrance.
After several minutes of travel, Edward Teach arrived near the entrance.
Here, even without Observation Haki, the sounds from within were unmistakable.
Edward Teach didn't hesitate and stepped inside.
At first, the passage was extremely narrow, barely wide enough for one person. After walking several dozen steps, it suddenly opened up.
Edward Teach found himself inside a vast cave.
Although it wasn't as high as the Frozen Hell outside, it was still tens of meters tall—more than enough for giants to move freely.
The cave's interior was clearly designed with intent, resembling a rudimentary theater.
When Edward Teach entered, the people inside were immersed in celebration.
A strangely proportioned man with an afro was performing passionately on the stage.
"…Everything is here!"
"Drinks! Food! Weapons! Most importantly—freedom!"
"This is Impel Down's secret garden—New Okama Paradise—"
The afro-haired man turned around and saw the enormous figure among the crowd.
His eyes bulged, his mouth fell open, and his tongue curled involuntarily.
"Whitebeard—???"
The performer's reaction triggered an immediate chain response.
The lights came on.
Every okama present saw the unfamiliar guest.
"Whitebeard!" "Edward Newgate!" "The world's strongest man!!"
Panic spread throughout New Okama Paradise.
"What a lively place, gurgle gurgle…"
Edward Teach chuckled and casually tossed the wounded man in his grasp toward the stage.
"This is your subordinate, isn't it, Okama King?"
Emporio Ivankov instinctively caught the heavily injured, unconscious figure.
"Morley!? What happened?"
"The details are complicated."
Edward Teach rubbed his stomach and glanced at the banquet tables.
"Is there food here?"
"Yes! Of course! Please wait!"
Ivankov immediately administered a healing hormone to Morley.
Then he hurried to Edward Teach's side and carefully guided him to a seat.
"Food! The best ingredients! The finest wine! Bring everything!"
Before long, a mountain of food was piled in front of Edward Teach.
"I won't stand on ceremony!"
Storm, hidden within, silently allocated points to his abilities.
After previous battles and accumulation, Storm now possessed 11 [Golden Trophies] and 3 [Platinum Trophies].
Before entering New Okama Paradise, he had already upgraded several abilities.
[Moonwalk / Storm Kick / Swordsmanship / Life Return: ★★★★★]
Now, faced with abundant food, Storm invested in [Physique].
As the last three [Golden Trophies] were consumed, his [Strength] and [Speed] surged.
Without hesitation, the remaining three [Platinum Trophies] were invested into [Endurance] and [Speed].
[Strength: ★★★★★]
[Speed: ★★★★★☆]
[Endurance: ★★★★★★]
The moment his Physique was complete, an overwhelming hunger erupted.
Storm grabbed a chunk of Sea King meat and stuffed it into his mouth.
The mountain of food vanished rapidly.
Only monstrous eating sounds echoed through the cave.
The okama watched in stunned silence.
No one dared speak.
Even Ivankov, the Okama King, did not disturb "Whitebeard" during his meal.
Seeing the food supplies dwindle, Ivankov urgently signaled the chefs to hurry.
Time passed.
The New Humans exchanged amazed looks.
'He's been eating for half an hour…'
'Unbelievable… his stomach is bottomless…'
'That's a week's worth of food…'
Ivankov observed carefully.
This Whitebeard was different.
Even imprisoned, Ivankov—commander of the Revolutionary Army's Grand Line forces—possessed extensive intelligence.
Whitebeard was supposed to be gravely ill.
Yet the man before him was brimming with vitality.
Ivankov had met a young Whitebeard over thirty years ago.
They had survived the God Valley incident together.
'This doesn't feel like Whitebeard…'
'This feels like a young Whitebeard.'
The resemblance was uncanny.
'Wait… no way.'
A shocking thought struck him.
'Could he be Whitebeard's son?'
At last, Storm finished eating, having emptied New Okama Paradise's reserves.
Ivankov stepped forward cautiously.
"Lord Whitebeard."
He bowed with a forced smile.
"What are your orders?"
"No need for formality, Okama King. I've heard of you."
Edward Teach stood and extended his hand.
"Be my friend, Emporio Ivankov."
"I am Edward Teach—Whitebeard the Third."
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