[Former Admiral Aokiji Joins Forces with the Rebel Kaelen Tsukishiro.]
This headline spread like wildfire across the Grand Line.
The shock it caused was immense. Neither the Four Emperors, nor the World Government, nor the Marines could afford to ignore it.
It's said that when the news reached Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Akainu nearly melted his entire office out of rage.
What followed was an even more aggressive wave of World Conscription.
---
On the deck of a quiet sailboat, Robin glanced over at the two men lounging in the sun like useless salted fish, unsure how to feel.
It had been two days since Aokiji came aboard. And ever since, things changed—yet stayed the same.
Now there was one more lazy man on the ship.
Robin, meanwhile, remained the only one working: training her Devil Fruit abilities, honing her Observation Haki, cooking, and cleaning.
The two men? Useless. Lazy. They'd probably starve if she weren't around.
Of course, a small part of her envied their lifestyle. She wanted nothing more than to lie around reading books all day too.
As she thought about it, a News Coo swooped down from the sky.
After paying 100 Berries, Robin took the latest issue of the World Economic Times. Her eyes scanned the page—then stopped.
"The Blackbeard Pirates have continued to conquer territories once held by the Whitebeard Pirates. Reports suggest the final battle between both sides is imminent..."
Robin narrowed her eyes.
"Blackbeard... So he's finally making his move to become a Yonko?"
Just then, a familiar voice startled her.
Kaelen sat up lazily and yawned, as if he hadn't just dropped a world-shaking comment. Robin gave him a mildly annoyed look.
"Blackbeard? That toothless, shady guy? You're telling me he's got what it takes to become a Yonko?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm.
She'd met him once, before heading to Skypiea with Luffy. Her impression wasn't flattering.
Kaelen just chuckled.
"Don't underestimate him. If anyone on this sea truly deserves the title pirate, it's that guy."
"He had immense power, but stayed hidden for decades aboard Whitebeard's ship just for a single Devil Fruit. Planned every step. Played both the Marines and Whitebeard's crew like pawns."
"And in the end, he became the biggest winner of the Summit War."
"Blackbeard may be arrogant, but he's not to be taken lightly."
Kaelen's voice grew quieter, more thoughtful.
A real pirate: ruthless, cunning, ambitious. Unpredictable. Someone who burns, pillages, and lies without hesitation.
Blackbeard embodied all of that.
Unnoticed, Aokiji had also sat up, listening intently. When Kaelen finished, he added in his low, calm voice:
"Blackbeard is dangerous. And with the crew of cutthroats he's gathered, he's more than capable of challenging any Yonko."
"In the new era ahead, he might be the greatest destabilizing force."
He glanced at Kaelen without a word, his eyes flickering with something unreadable.
The truth was, Aokiji had originally intended to approach Blackbeard and strike some kind of deal.
But fate had other plans. He crossed paths with Kaelen first. After a brief clash, and finding Robin on board, he shifted his plans.
Even if Kaelen hadn't invited him, Aokiji would have found a way to stay.
Kaelen had already guessed that much. He didn't really care though.
"The battle between Blackbeard's crew and the remnants of Whitebeard's is going to be worth watching," Kaelen said, adjusting the ship's course toward the region.
"We're going?"
Aokiji raised a brow, casting a sidelong glance at him.
Robin also looked up from the newspaper, curiosity in her eyes.
Kaelen smirked. "Maybe. Depends on what happens when we get there."
He didn't give a straight answer, but in truth, he was already leaning toward intervening.
When he first crossed into this world, the power he inherited was Whitebeard's. That fruit gave him the strength to survive here.
He owed Whitebeard that much.
Ace and Little Oars Jr. had left words that stuck with him. Maybe it wasn't a full-fledged connection, but it was enough to stir a response.
They had died, and after thinking it through, Kaelen decided he'd intervene—if only once—to protect what remained of Whitebeard's legacy.
Part of him wanted closure. Peace of mind.
And maybe... just maybe... he'd get a chance to take Blackbeard's Dark-Dark Fruit or another ability.
It was a perfect multi-purpose opportunity.
---
Meanwhile, deep within the territory of the Whitebeard Pirates...
"Marco, everyone's assembled. This time, no matter what happens, we're keeping Father's name alive!"
"That's right! Even if it costs our lives, we won't let that bastard Blackbeard steal what's left!"
"We swear to protect Dad's legacy with our last breath!"
The impassioned cries of the Whitebeard Remnants echoed around the gathering.
Marco stood at the center, overwhelmed by the moment. It all felt surreal—like a dream he hadn't woken up from.
Since Whitebeard's death, they'd been pushed back, betrayed, and burdened. The weight of it all landed squarely on Marco's shoulders.
He hadn't had a full night's sleep in weeks.
Finally, Marco raised his hand, quieting the others.
"This battle... will be the final chapter in our feud with Blackbeard!"
---
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