Whitebeard lowered his head slightly, the wide brim of his hat casting a shadow over his face, obscuring his expression.
His thick fingers unconsciously caressed the hilt of Murakumogiri, and after a long while, he let out a heavy sigh that seemed to carry the weight of all his years.
"Gurararara…" His laughter rang out, but it carried a hint of an almost imperceptible hoarseness and nostalgia, as if he had traveled through time and seen the chef who always smiled while preparing delicious meals for everyone.
"Thatch… my foolish and kind son…"
He looked up, his gaze piercing through the deck and out to the distant blue horizon, as if conversing with shadows of the past.
A moment later,
He slowly turned his head, his deep gaze falling on Ace, his eyes filled with the vicissitudes of life.
"Ace." His voice was low and solemn, "Your Big Brother Ron… is a truly good older brother, a family member worth entrusting everything to."
He paused, speaking each word with utmost clarity, "You must cherish such a family member for your entire life, understand?"
Ace met his father's gaze without the slightest hesitation.
He straightened his back, flames burning fiercely in his eyes—a belief so firm and a loyalty so unquestionable—and nodded heavily, his voice strong and clear, like an oath:
"I will, Pops! Always!"
The lingering shock from the phone call had not yet subsided when a more realistic problem presented itself to the Whitebeard Pirates.
Vista was the first to lose patience, looking at Whitebeard, who was seated in his chair, and asked in a booming voice:
"Pops! Since Ace's Big Brother Ron has provided such a method, whose Devil Fruit should we seize next?
Should we go directly to Wano Country, challenge Kaido, and aim for his strongest 'Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon Form'?"
He paused, his tone becoming somewhat hesitant, "Or… should we first search for other suitable Mythical Zoan or Ancient Zoan Fruits ourselves on the high seas?"
This question plunged everyone into deep thought.
Challenging Kaido was undoubtedly a tough battle, and by no means easy even for the Whitebeard Pirates.
Just then,
Jozu suddenly slapped his thigh with a loud *bang*, then grinned broadly and let out a hearty laugh: "Hahaha! I've thought of an even simpler solution!"
Everyone's eyes instantly focused on him.
"Why go far when you can stay close!" Jozu extended a thick finger and pointed at Marco, "Isn't Marco already a Mythical Zoan ability user?
His 'Phoenix Fruit' possesses the strongest regenerative ability, which is exactly what Pops needs most right now!"
The more he spoke, the more brilliant he found the idea, and he waved his hand: "We'll just extract Marco's ability and transfer it to Pops! As for what to do with Marco afterward…
We'll find him another powerful Devil Fruit to replace it? Maybe he'll even benefit from the misfortune!"
This astonishing proposal instantly silenced the deck; everyone was too stunned by Jozu's simple and crude line of thinking to speak.
However, even more shocking was Marco's reaction.
With almost no hesitation, Marco's face broke into a relieved and resolute smile.
He stepped forward and said calmly, "I'm perfectly fine with it. If my Phoenix Fruit can truly help Pops, you can take it now."
His tone was light, as if he weren't about to give up a powerful ability intertwined with his very life.
"What nonsense are you talking about!" Ace was the first to jump out in protest, "How could we possibly…"
But Marco raised his hand to interrupt him, his gaze remaining sincerely fixed on Whitebeard: "Pops's health is more important than anything. It's just a Devil Fruit; I'm willing to offer it."
At this moment, the deck was silent, with only the howling sea breeze.
All the crew members held their breath, awaiting Whitebeard's decision. This readiness to sacrifice everything without hesitation for family was the strongest bond of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Whitebeard's expression, which had been tinged with reminiscence, suddenly changed. His brows furrowed, and he slammed his palm onto the armrest of his chair with a muffled *bang*, his booming voice filled with undeniable authority:
"Nonsense!"
His sharp gaze swept over Jozu and Marco, finally landing on Marco: "…Every single one of you is a son I cherish!
As your father, it's only right for me to protect you all. How could I possibly take my sons' strength?!"
His voice vibrated the air, and the emotions contained within it moved everyone.
He paused slightly, his massive body leaning forward a bit, his fingers habitually caressing the hilt of Murakumogiri as he fell into contemplation.
The distribution of power across the entire sea seemed to flow in his deep eyes.
"If we're talking about Zoan Devil Fruits…" Whitebeard mused for a moment, his voice like a low tsunami, "Across the entire sea, Kaido's Beasts Pirates are indeed the most rampant!
His so-called title of 'Strongest Creature' has certainly accumulated quite a few formidable ability users."
Then he looked up, a flash of domineering Haki that disdained the world appearing in his eyes, and made his decision with a voice like a great bell:
"Since that's the case, then let's go 'see' Kaido! Let's see what fruits he has collected that are worth a look!"
"Oh—!!!" The entire deck instantly erupted! Everyone excitedly raised their weapons and responded with a roar!
"Hahaha! That madman Kaido would never expect that one day Pops would personally come to 'visit' him!"
"Make him hand over all his treasured possessions!"
"I can't wait to see his expression then!"
Ace also stepped forward and added, "That's right! Besides powerful Zoan types, along the way, we also need to pay special attention to whether there are any fruits with healing abilities!
This special ability might be even more effective for Pops's physical recovery than a simple Zoan type!"
"Gurarararara! Well said!" Whitebeard stood up and laughed heartily:
"Then, let's go!"
The Moby Dick's massive white whale figurehead slowly turned, carrying everyone's hopes and fighting spirit, cutting through countless waves, and resolutely heading towards the Beasts Pirates' stronghold—Wano Country!
...
Meanwhile,
Water 7's bustling dock district was suddenly shrouded in an ominous atmosphere.
Spandam, leading a team of CP members, including Kalifa, Kumadori, and Fukurou, aggressively stormed the area, creating a standoff with the Straw Hat Pirates.
"Search for it! Keep an eye on Pluton, and find the Straw Hats for me!" Spandam waved his scepter frantically, shouting hysterically.