With these thoughts in mind, Whitebeard slowly spoke.
His voice rumbled like distant thunder, reverberating through the space and causing everyone to hold their breath involuntarily.
"Listen up, brats," Whitebeard said, his tone carrying an undeniable authority.
"These matters haven't slipped my mind—especially Oden and Kaido. There must be a reckoning!"
His gaze was cold and resolute, as if he had already seen through everything—including the victories, defeats and life-and-death struggles yet to come.
"But not now," Whitebeard continued, his tone softening slightly yet still brimming with strength and determination.
"Kaido has been entrenched in Wano for years. His influence is at its peak.
Though our strength has grown on another level, we're still at a disadvantage."
At this point, Whitebeard paused, his eyes sweeping over everyone present as if searching for their resolve and courage.
Then, he smiled faintly—a smile tinged with both resignation toward their current situation and confidence in the future.
"We dont need to rush," Whitebeard reiterated, his voice filled with reassurance and encouragement.
"With funds and Ron by our side, we'll grow stronger quickly.
When we strike at Kaido, we must utterly crush the Beasts Pirates! Only then can we prevent his remnants from rising again!"
His words flowed like a warm current, instantly warming the hearts of all who listened.
Each person felt the trust and support radiating from their father, further solidifying their conviction—no matter the obstacles ahead, as long as they followed Whitebeard, nothing was impossible!
And now, there was another—Ron!
With Ron among them, the Whitebeard Pirates would surely be invincible!
Whitebeard slowly voiced his thoughts, his deep gaze lingering subtly on Ron.
Clearly, he had something to say to him.
"Ron, my boy, the crew's newfound strength is all thanks to you. Care to share a few words?" Whitebeard's voice, though low, brimmed with anticipation and trust.
Ace immediately chimed in, "Yeah, yeah! Ron, say something!" His tone was full of enthusiastic support, his eyes shining with admiration.
Aside from their father, Ron was the only one who could command such heartfelt respect from him.
Marco also clapped in welcome while grinning.
"Come on, Vice-Captain!" His smile was warm and sincere.
Jozu thumped his chest boisterously and declared, "Vice-Captain, just tell me what to do, and I'll do it!" His scruffy beard gave him a rugged, trustworthy air.
Whitney gazed tenderly at Ron, her beautiful eyes filled with admiration as if saying.
'This is my man, the most formidable in the world!'
Her expression overflowed with love and pride, as though declaring to everyone that Ron was the mightiest existence in her heart.
"In that case, I'll say a few words."
Unable to decline their enthusiasm, Ron stood up.
His eyes swept slowly across the room, as if ensuring everyone was listening attentively.
Then, taking a deep breath, he began, "What we lack most right now is funds. And who are the wealthiest people in this world?"
Before anyone could answer, Ron provided the answer himself.
"The Celestial Dragons!"
At this point, Ron's eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of coldness flashing within them.
He continued, "The Celestial Dragons—these self-proclaimed gods—control nearly all the world's wealth! They live in luxury yet have never shown an ounce of compassion for ordinary people."
"Robbing them would be far quicker and easier than raiding Kaido," Ron declared with unwavering resolve. "Especially the 'Heavenly Tribute'—the tribute money the affiliated nations pay annually to the Celestial Dragons."
"That money is ill-gotten wealth extorted from the people of those nations, now used by the Celestial Dragons to fund their lavish lifestyles. If we can seize these ill-gotten gains, we'd not only rid the world of a scourge but also fill our financial gap perfectly."
Ron paused, scanning the room once more.
After his words, the room fell into brief silence, the air thick with tension and hopeful anticipation, as if a storm were brewing.
All the division commanders stared at Ron in stunned disbelief—was this really their vice-captain?
He looked like some pretty boy, yet here he was proposing to take down the most powerful group in the world!
This...
"Hiss... As expected of the vice-captain, going straight for the Celestial Dragons!" one commander muttered under his breath, eyes flashing with admiration and incredulity.
"Hahaha! Celestial Dragons? More like Celestial Pigs! Slaughtering them is no big deal!" another commander laughed, his tone dripping with disdain and provocation.
"Killing pigs AND getting paid? We have to do it!"
"Not just do it—we go big!"
"Right! I'll send people to gather intel on the Heavenly Tribute immediately. We'll report back as soon as we have leads!"
Ron gave a slight nod—this one had good instincts.
If the opportunity arose, he might reward him with a Devil Fruit.
Marco also looked at Ron and chuckled, "We should have intel soon. Those arrogant Celestial Dragons never hide their movements—wherever they go, they make a grand spectacle."
His voice carried a hint of sarcasm, as though long accustomed to their pompous displays.
"Tch. Those bastards... I ran into them once at sea," Ace recalled, eyes flashing with contempt.
"Wearing those glass helmets in broad daylight like they're cut off from the world." His words brimmed with scorn for the Celestial Dragons' arrogant attitudes.
Jozu clenched his fists tightly, his voice low and filled with rage as he spat out, "They're nothing but trash! They destroyed my homeland. One day, I'll wipe every last one of them out!"
Each word seemed to grind through his teeth, revealing his deep-seated hatred for the Celestial Dragons.
"Gurararara! You brats will get your chance. I believe... that day won't be too far off!" Whitebeard said solemnly.
Ron chimed in, "That's right. And I've got some good news to share."
Hearing that there was good news, the crew widened their eyes in excitement.
The vice-captain's surprises were never ordinary—this could be something huge!
Ace, Marco, Jozu, and the other division commanders all stood up eagerly, their eyes as wide as saucers.
"Ron, what's the surprise this time?!" they exclaimed.