In the New World, on the turbulent seas, a massive ship cut through the waves. Its enormous flag bore a white crescent-shaped skull — the proud banner of the Whitebeard Pirates.
This was their main vessel, the Moby Dick, the strongest pirate ship in the world.
On the deck, the division captains had gathered, their voices low, their expressions grim. A heavy atmosphere weighed over them.
Marco, the First Division Commander, glanced at the solemn figure sitting at the center.
"Oyaji… what's going on? You're not usually this serious."
The others turned their eyes to Whitebeard as well. It was rare to see him like this. Ever since Roger's execution, the Whitebeard Pirates had never issued such an urgent summons. For them all to be gathered, something disastrous had to have happened.
Whitebeard exhaled a deep sigh, his massive frame shifting slightly.
"Ace… He's been captured."
The words slammed into the deck like thunder. The crew's faces hardened.
Whitebeard explained that his informants had finally tracked down Ace's movements. Not only had Ace been defeated by Blackbeard, but that traitor had handed him over to the Marines.
"Not only Thatch, but now Ace too… all because of Blackbeard?!" one captain roared.
"That bastard Teach dared to betray us and even work with the Marines!"
"He broke the crew's iron rule. He deserves nothing but death!"
"Let me go, Pops! I'll kill him myself!"
"Me too, Pops! I'll clear our name and cut him down!"
One after another, the commanders spoke with burning fury, their killing intent radiating across the deck.
But Whitebeard shook his head, his voice like an earthquake.
"My sons… Teach hides in the shadows. If you go recklessly, you'll share Ace's fate. Even if you defeat him, who among you can guarantee an Admiral won't arrive to finish the job?"
The deck fell into silence, their rage smoldering but trapped by reason.
Marco clenched his fists, unwilling to accept it.
"Pops… let me handle it. I'll kill Blackbeard Teach myself!" His eyes gleamed with cold determination.
But Whitebeard only placed a heavy hand on his shoulder, his expression softening.
"Marco, I know your strength. But there is someone better suited than you."
The captains exchanged confused glances. Someone stronger than Marco? Apart from Whitebeard himself, who could that be?
Then Whitebeard chuckled, the aura of an Emperor returning to his presence.
"Have you forgotten? Our crew has a Zero Division Captain."
That name sent a ripple through the group.
Zero Division Captain.
He was a ghost among the crew, a man few had ever seen with their own eyes. Known only as Thorne Ashveil, he had been placed in seclusion under Whitebeard's protection, said to emerge only when absolutely necessary.
For years, rumors swirled about him — some said he was an ancient monster, others whispered he might even rival legends like Silvers Rayleigh.
And today, it seemed, the time had come for him to reveal himself.
Just then, the door to Whitebeard's quarters creaked open.
Everyone turned.
A young man stepped out casually. He wasn't some grizzled veteran nor a legendary warrior. Instead, he looked barely twenty. Loose shirt, flip-flops, a hamburger in one hand and a cola in the other — he strolled out as if he had just woken from a nap.
Ashveil glanced around, chewing as he sighed.
I told the old man to be careful of Teach years ago. But Oyaji always trusted his sons too much… now look what happened.
The captains were stunned.
"He's that young?!"
"He doesn't look like a fighter at all…"
"Pops, don't tell me this is the guy you're sending after Blackbeard…" Vista muttered.
"Did he trick you, Pops? This brat looks like he can't even throw a punch!" Marco added with a dry laugh.
The crew's suspicion was clear — not from jealousy, but from doubt. If Ashveil truly had the strength, they wouldn't mind. But from the way he looked now, he seemed nothing more than a carefree slacker.
Whitebeard only grinned, his massive hand patting Ashveil's shoulder. His eyes glinted with mischief.
"They won't believe it unless they see it for themselves. Ashveil, why don't you show them a little of your strength?"
Ashveil rolled his eyes. Figures. This old man has been itching to see what I've got after all these years.
He took another bite of his burger and let out a helpless sigh.
"Fine then… but don't blame me if you regret asking."
For ten years, the world thought Ashveil had been training in isolation. In truth, he hadn't lifted a finger. He spent his days fishing, eating, watching TV Den Den Mushi broadcasts, and playing games.
And yet, thanks to the [Haoshoku System] he had awakened upon arriving in this world, he had grown monstrously powerful without even trying. Every day he logged in, every task he completed — his Conqueror's Haki grew stronger.
A decade of lazy days had still made him into a monster.
Today, with all eyes on him, Ashveil decided it was finally time to remind the world why Whitebeard had entrusted him with the title of Zero Division Captain.
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