Chapter 479: Whitebeard's Goal, Sandbag Self-Training
Across the vast seas of the New World, pirate ships sailed in a frenzy. The world's most dangerous sea had become even more restless, as countless crews chased after a single legend—Raftel.
Rumors that the island's location would soon reappear had ignited the primal fire in every pirate's heart.
For many, it was this dream—the lure of the final island—that had once driven them to set sail. But somewhere along the way, that dream had been buried beneath greed and vanity.
Gold, women, power… all had dulled the spirit of adventure.
There were few fools like Luffy, who had carried his childhood dream unbroken all the way to the Grand Line.
--
"Pops, we're about to catch up with Captain Ryuunosuke's fleet," Marco said as he approached the towering figure of Whitebeard. "Should we move with them when we reach Raftel?"
Though relations between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Dragon Hunter Pirates were friendly, they were still rivals in pursuit of the Pirate King's title.
Ever since Whitebeard had named Ace as his successor, he too had resumed the journey toward Raftel. And now, with Ryuunosuke sharing the coordinates to the island, the time had come to decide their path.
Whitebeard grinned, his laughter deep and thunderous. "No need to tail that brat. We know where Raftel is. We'll go around him and head there first! Don't tell your brother, Ace. Gurararara!"
He raised a massive jug and took several hearty swigs, rum spilling down his beard.
After all, Gol D. Roger himself had once stood where he stood now—had shared the island's truth with him personally. Even Roger's own crew hadn't known as much about Raftel as Whitebeard did.
"But Pops," Ace said, frowning, "if we go there before them… shouldn't we at least tell big brother first? The title of Pirate King doesn't matter to me. What matters is that no one gets hurt."
Ace's concern wasn't without reason. His biological father, Roger, had returned from Raftel scarred in ways no medicine could heal.
Though Whitebeard claimed to have found a way to counter that curse, Ace couldn't shake the feeling that his father figure was keeping something hidden.
"Ace," Whitebeard said quietly. "You're strong—but you still live under your brother's shadow. The Whitebeard will always be the Whitebeard We won't bend the knee to anyone, not even to Ryuunosuke."
Ace lowered his gaze. "I understand, Pops… What do you want us to prepare next?"
Whitebeard chuckled and reached into his coat, pulling out an orange, glowing stone. "The preparations are already done."
Ace's eyes widened. "An Infinity Stone?"
He'd seen one before in Ryuunosuke's hands—and heard of its unbelievable power.
It seemed his brother had been right all along.
Now, perhaps, Ace was beginning to understand what kind of weapon Whitebeard intended to unleash.
—
While Whitebeard plotted his own path, another Emperor of the Sea was taking a more direct approach.
Kaido wasn't interested in Raftel, nor in the title of Pirate King. All he wanted was strength—limitless, unrestrained power.
After his last clash with the Dragon Hunter Pirates, Kaido's crew had grown stronger, and he himself had touched the edge of a new awakening.
But he hungered for more.
Only Ryuunosuke possessed what he needed—the Essence of Life, the catalyst that could shatter limits and rebuild warriors.
And so, Kaido sought him out again, this time not as an enemy, but as a sparring partner.
—
"Captain, the sandbags we've got this time are even better," Tatsumi said, wiping sweat from his brow as he walked across the training deck. "Sevian's no longer the top punching bag. He's stronger, but his potential's still too low."
"What!?" Sevian, who was stretching nearby, immediately stood up. "How dare you! I'm still the number one punching bag of the Dragon Hunter Pirates!"
Over time, Sevian had accepted his role as the crew's designated training target—a durable, regenerating human sandbag.
He sparred with everyone, ate with everyone, and though his pride took daily beatings, his body—and spirit—grew tougher each time.
But now, the thought of losing his "title" to a newcomer lit a fire under him.
"Hahahaha," Ryuunosuke laughed as he passed by. "Sevian's doing well. Keep it up, and the Dragon Hunter Pirates won't treat you unfairly."
He handed the stunned man a small vial glowing with blue light.
"Here. You've earned it."
Ryuunosuke turned away before Sevian could even respond.
For a moment, the crew fell silent.
The Essence of Life—a rare and priceless reward. Only those who achieved true breakthroughs or great feats received it.
And now, the crew's official sandbag had been given one.
Tatsumi's mouth twitched. "He's really lost it. All those punches must've rattled his brain."
Kaido, who had been watching from the side, threw his head back and roared with laughter. "Worororo! A pitiful man trading pity for power! How tragic!"
Sevian's expression hardened. "Newcomer! You may have muscles, but I'll show you the true art of being a punching bag!"
Ryuunosuke paused mid-step, smirking slightly as he heard the commotion behind him.
"Hmm," Kaido said, cracking his neck. "Let's see what you've got, sandbag. Show me a proper fight."
The two collided instantly, their clash shaking the entire deck.
Tatsumi just sighed, watching the absurd contest unfold. "The world of punching bags… really isn't for me."
Still, he couldn't help but smile. Between Kaido's monstrous training and Sevian's newfound determination, the Dragon Hunter Pirates had no shortage of entertainment—or strength.
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