Whitebeard revealed a satisfied grin.
"Gurararara! My sons, I told you the Zero Division Captain was strong, but you just wouldn't listen…" His tone carried a mix of pride and amusement.
This time, none of the Whitebeard Pirates dared to argue.
Even Shanks, recognized across the seas for possessing the most overwhelming Conqueror's Haki, had never so effortlessly suppressed one of Whitebeard's captains with sheer will alone. And yet…
Wait a moment.
Everyone's expressions stiffened in disbelief.
"So… Ashveil, that guy… his strength has already surpassed you, Pops…?" Marco's voice cracked slightly as he asked the question no one else dared to.
Dozens of curious eyes turned toward Whitebeard.
"Gurararara! You brats…" Whitebeard's hearty laughter rumbled across the deck. He leaned back, taking another pull from his sake before speaking with rare honesty.
"Ten years ago, Thorne Ashveil's Conqueror's Haki was already on par with mine. But back then, he didn't know Armament Haki or Observation Haki."
The crew stiffened.
"Whether he's surpassed me now… I can't say. He's been in seclusion for ten long years. Let him answer that himself!" Whitebeard's smile faded into a look of solemn curiosity.
All eyes fell on Ashveil, who slowly retracted his overwhelming Conqueror's Haki. The oppressive weight lifted, and Atmos—the mighty Water Buffalo—struggled to his feet, drenched in sweat.
As the only one who had faced Ashveil's might directly, Atmos was still shaking. That suffocating fear, the primal dread carved deep into his soul, lingered even after the pressure vanished.
Atmos bowed his massive head.
"You are truly strong, Ashveil. I have no choice but to admit defeat."
Ashveil waved his hand dismissively, his tone calm.
"Your strength isn't bad either, Atmos. If it were a little greater, I wouldn't have been able to suppress you with just my Conqueror's Haki."
For someone he might be stuck working with in the future, Ashveil decided to give the man a shred of dignity.
After Atmos withdrew, Ashveil turned toward Marco, Jozu, and even Whitebeard himself. Their curious gazes bored into him, and he felt a headache creeping in.
Seriously, what have I even been training for these past ten years?
If he told them the truth—that he just wanted to be left alone, to laze around in peace, to live a quiet life with good food, good drink, and a comfortable villa—would Whitebeard really grant him that kind of freedom?
Not a chance.
If these guys knew his true intentions, they'd probably rush him all at once, forcing him into battles just to "test" his strength.
No… he had to say something else.
Ashveil's expression shifted, becoming serious. His voice rang firm across the deck.
"For the past ten years, I've devoted myself entirely to mastering Conqueror's Haki. Day and night, without rest."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"My Conqueror's Haki has reached its pinnacle. With it alone, I no longer need Armament or Observation Haki."
At first, his words sounded awe-inspiring. The Whitebeard Pirates looked at him with admiration. But then…
"…Wait. What?" Marco blinked, stunned. "Ashveil, are you saying you still don't know Armament Haki or Observation Haki?"
"I told you," Ashveil replied coolly, "I don't need them. One Haki is enough."
The deck fell silent.
Marco frowned. His voice grew stern.
"Ashveil, I acknowledge your position as Zero Division Captain. But leave Blackbeard to me. Even Shanks himself suffered against him. Without Armament and Observation Haki, you could fall into one of his traps."
Marco's reasoning was sound. Blackbeard wasn't just strong—he was cunning, ruthless, and unpredictable.
No matter how overwhelming Ashveil's Conqueror's Haki was, it wouldn't be enough to crush a man like Blackbeard outright… right?
But unknown to them, Ashveil wasn't as reckless as he seemed. When his Conqueror's Haki had surpassed 3000 points, the System had granted him a bug-like ability—his willpower itself could inflict physical damage, even on Logia users.
Of course, he wasn't about to explain all that.
He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Since when did the Whitebeard Pirates become so cautious? Honestly, it's troublesome to explain every little thing."
Turning his back, Ashveil waved them off.
"Give me three days. I'll bring you Blackbeard's head."
With that, he strode away.
But before he could get far, a blazing blue flame descended from above, blocking his path.
Ashveil tilted his head up. Of course—it was Marco, the Phoenix.
"I'm sorry, Ashveil," Marco said firmly. "But Blackbeard isn't ordinary. Until I see with my own eyes that you have the strength to defeat him, I won't let you go."
Jozu, Vista, and even Atmos nodded in agreement, stepping forward to back Marco.
"That's right," Vista added. "Without Armament Haki, taking down Blackbeard is too dangerous. Marco's only looking out for you, Captain."
Whitebeard, meanwhile, looked thoroughly entertained, guzzling down sake.
"Gurarararara! It's been too long since my sons had this much fire in them! Marco, Ashveil… how about you two have a match?"
Ashveil rolled his eyes, utterly speechless. Whitebeard, the so-called "father" of this family, had less composure than his crew.
"…Fine. But listen carefully," Ashveil said at last, his tone weary. "If I defeat Marco, I'm done. I won't accept any more pointless challenges."
It wasn't fear that stopped him. It was sheer annoyance.
One by one, sparring against all of Whitebeard's captains sounded like the worst kind of nightmare. For a man like Ashveil, who just wanted to live quietly, it was far more unbearable than even facing death.
Marco's eyes burned with resolve. He stepped forward, flames licking across his shoulders as he bowed slightly.
"Then forgive my impudence, Zero Division Captain."
Ashveil raised an eyebrow, his voice flat.
"Make it quick, Marco. Once I'm done with you, I still have to go kill Blackbeard. Don't waste my time—I have a show waiting for me back home."
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