During her time serving as El's secretary, Robin had gained a tremendous amount of insight and knowledge.
She had once believed that by studying history deeply, she would come to understand the secrets of the world.
But after comparing her own understanding with El's… She realized just how far she still had to go.
There were so many obscure events and complex shifts in the global balance of power… And she simply could not fathom how El knew about all of them.
Originally, Robin had intended to make use of her greatest skill — finding the right moment to escape and vanish without a trace.
However, as time went on…
She discovered that she no longer wanted to leave.
In this short period of time here, she had gained more than she ever had in her life.
More importantly, she no longer had to scheme, deceive, or fight against others for survival.
Life at El's side was incredibly simple and peaceful.
Because El was an absolute powerhouse — the strongest of the strong.
For someone with absolute power like him…
Everything in the world fell naturally into place. There was no need to struggle or worry.
There was no need to live on the run or scrape by just to survive.
There was no need for betrayal, and no need for lies or deception!
It was a feeling Robin had never experienced before.
And only now did she truly understand… That a normal, peaceful life was such a beautiful thing.
While she was lost in her thoughts… El finished reading the newspaper in his hand.
Just as expected.
Ace had been imprisoned by the Marines in Impel Down.
And Blackbeard, having betrayed and handed Ace over, had officially become the newest Warlord of the Sea.
Everything was unfolding exactly according to the known course of events.
El thought to himself: Now… it all depends on what Whitebeard chooses to do.
If Whitebeard comes to ask for my help… then I can rest easy.
Whitebeard in his prime was a force the Marines simply could not match.
But if Whitebeard decides not to come to me… El pondered.
…then I might have to step out and take action myself!
After all, Ace was the son of his old friend Roger. He could not just stand by and watch him die!
News of Ace's capture and imprisonment, alongside Blackbeard's rise to Warlord status, swept across the world like a raging storm.
Powerful figures everywhere sensed that a great change was approaching.
The fragile balance maintained between the Marines and pirates for over a decade…
Was on the verge of being completely shattered!
A massive storm was about to break.
The cautious and timid were preparing to lie low and wait out the chaos.
But the ambitious pirates were already getting ready to join the great uproar.
…
Aboard the Whitebeard Pirates' ships.
Whitebeard's health had been deteriorating rapidly.
The incidents regarding Ace and Blackbeard had only made his condition worse.
Nowadays, he spent more than ten hours a day confined to his bed, hooked up to IV drips and medicine.
Whitebeard understood clearly: his body was failing him, and his life was approaching its end.
After finishing his latest examination of the captain, Marco the Phoenix let out a quiet sigh.
It had already been a week since they started using the new medication…
Yet Whitebeard's condition had not improved in the slightest.
Marco was filled with deep self-reproach.
"Marco… this is not your fault," Whitebeard said softly.
"I am an old man now. Decline and death are simply my destiny!"
He tried to comfort Marco. "I cannot stay by your side and guide you forever, you know! Gurararara!"
Whitebeard laughed heartily, but was immediately overcome by a fit of coughing.
It was obvious to see that his time was running out.
Marco couldn't help but plead: "Father! If it comes down to it… let us go to El!"
Everyone knew El had openly stated that he possessed the Op-Op Fruit.
If Whitebeard just asked… El could cure him completely, with absolutely no side effects.
A look of regret crossed Whitebeard's face.
"There is no time… Ace has been captured by the Marines, and they will not let this matter rest."
"They could execute Ace at any moment."
"We have very little time left before we must march against the World Government."
"Going to El now… it is already too late."
Whitebeard was filled with regret.
If only I had listened to El's advice back then…
At the very least, he could have saved Ace from this fate.
Instead, now he was left with no choice but to burn away the last of his life force just to rescue his son.
Hearing his words, Marco's expression darkened completely.
Outside, hundreds of crew members were waiting anxiously, hoping for their captain to recover.
But as a doctor, Marco could not lie to himself…
Whitebeard's life was truly coming to an end.
Suddenly, Whitebeard asked him: "Have there been any news about El lately?"
"That old friend of mine… he's been keeping such a low profile lately, acting all mysterious and living a life of leisure."
There was an unmistakable tone of envy in his voice.
Recently, they had been completely focused on the matters concerning Blackbeard and Ace, leaving no time to pay attention to anything else.
Marco replied quickly: "Actually, there is!"
"Some time ago, it was announced that Warlord Crocodile has officially joined El's pirate crew."
Whitebeard's eyes lit up with thought.
"Is that so…? It seems that old friend of mine is finally stepping out to make his mark on the world again!"
"A Warlord of the Sea… straight away he recruits such a big name! I bet the Marines' faces are burning with rage right now!"
"Gurararara!"
Just then, loud shouts came from outside.
"WELCOME CAPTAIN SHANKS!"
"WELCOME CAPTAIN SHANKS!"
Hearing this, Whitebeard said to Marco: "Shanks is here!"
"Let us go out and meet him."
Several minutes later.
Marco and the Captain of the Third Division, Diamond Jozu, stood on the deck.
"All you younger lads, stand back! Make way… and be careful. Your bodies might not be able to handle the pressure," Marco warned the crew members.
"Huh…? What do you mean we can't handle it?" a young, inexperienced crew member asked in confusion.
Marco was about to explain…
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