Chapter 135: Warming Up

The Whitebeard Pirates wake up one by one after the meal and subsequent rest. News of Whitebeard's regained health resulted in a significant increase in crew morale.

The announcement of a forthcoming spar between Luo Ning and Whitebeard generated excitement among the crew members. Their understanding was that it would be a display of strength rather than a life-or-death battle.

The concept of piracy itself became a topic of discussion. With a powerful entity like Luo Ning existing, the purpose of a pirate's life became unclear. The potential benefits of establishing their own nation were acknowledged by some crew members.

Whitebeard's primary objective, historically, has not been the creation of chaos. Records indicate a desire to restore his homeland. During his youth, his nation's poverty prevented them from joining the World Government. This, in turn, left them vulnerable to the rampant piracy and criminality that plagued non-member countries.

Whitebeard's past actions demonstrate a commitment to his people's well-being. Historical records show that even as a young pirate, he sent his spoils back to his hometown. This highlights his strong sense of familial responsibility.

The crew arrived at the deserted island. The island's size, with a radius of tens of kilometers, provided a suitable battlefield. However, concerns regarding its capacity to withstand the potential forces unleashed during the spar were raised.

"Can't we really go and watch?"

Not being able to watch the battle left many people feeling helpless, including Nami and others. After all, Whitebeard was known as the strongest man in the world before, and now it's Luo Ning. It's no wonder there's excitement about the fight between the two strongest men in the world.

"No, but don't worry, we've sent Marco with Den Den Mushi. We just need to stay on the ship to see!"

Vista said with a smile. But Marco was a little helpless at the moment. Even though he could fly, he was relegated to being a messenger.

"The battle between Pops and Mr. Luo Ning will definitely affect a large area. Even at this distance, I feel like I'll be affected just by Pops alone! Not to mention Mr. Luo Ning!"

The other captains know Whitebeard's power well. Even though the ship is some distance from the island, it's still dangerous.

Whitebeard's devil fruit ability, the Gura Gura no Mi, has a wide range and can be called destructive. During the Summit War, the first time he used it, it affected Luffy and others who dared to approach. He directly pulled their ship over, controlling the water flow within a certain range. It was incredibly powerful.

"Let's move further away. Otherwise, it will be troublesome to repair the ship if it gets affected!"

After everyone discussed it, they moved the boat back a certain distance.

"Is it really necessary to go this far?"

Pudding asked with some doubt. Although she's Big Mom's child and has spent time with her, Pudding has never seen such a powerful attack.

"It's necessary. Whitebeard's ability is the Gura Gura no Mi, It's known as the power of destruction, so we need to stay away!"

Robin explained a little. Now they are waiting for the two to start fighting. Judging from the pictures taken by Marco, the two have reached an open area at this moment.

"Knowing your strength, I won't hold back!"

Whitebeard struck first. He didn't attempt to hide his age-related limitations or hesitate against Luo Ning. Whitebeard acknowledged Luo Ning's immense power and knew he wasn't facing an equal, but giving his all was a necessity.

Whitebeard clenched his fist, enveloped in a white light, and then slammed it into the empty air.

CRACK!

A sound like shattering glass echoed through the void, as if space itself splintered under Whitebeard's blow. It was an illusion, of course, not a literal shattering of space.

But the moment the crack appeared, a terrifying shockwave erupted like a surge of tremors.

BOOM!

Luo Ning met the force head-on with his own punch. The collision resulted in a violent explosion, causing the entire island to tremble.

Even the surrounding sea churned, and the aftershocks reached the ship.

Everyone watching via Den Den Mushi screen felt a clear shudder run through the hull.

"It reached us! It seems the old man's strength after recovery is far from what it once was. Let's move back further!"

Pudding spoke, and the ship retreated again.

Once the smoke fully cleared, a view from above revealed a horrifying sight. The terrifying cracks on the ground had spiderwebbed across the island, reaching its very edge. A single clash had transformed the island into a fractured landscape.

"Hiss... So scary!"

Marco, observing from the closest vantage point, couldn't help but wonder what such a fist would do to him. Would it obliterate him instantly? The power behind that punch was enough to make the entire island tremble.

"Impressive power, Whitebeard! You deserve the title of Strongest Man in the World! Kaido has some nerve mocking you for your age!"

Luo Ning felt a surge of emotion. Whitebeard's power was truly terrifying, and coupled with the Gura Gura no Mi's ability, it could be really called destructive.

"Gurarara! That brat Kaido wouldn't dare mess with me back in the days on Rocks' ship!"

Whitebeard reminisced about his time aboard Rocks' ship. Back then, Kaido wouldn't dare challenge him. To put it bluntly, Kaido was a bully who preyed on the weak and feared the strong.

That was always Kaido's nature. No matter how much he acted tough, it remained unchanged. He'd even resort to trickery when brute force wouldn't suffice.

Back then, Whitebeard's strength far surpassed Kaido's.

For comparison, Kozuki Oden could overpower Kaido in those days, but against Roger, Oden stood little chance. Whitebeard, on the other hand, could clash with Roger using Haoshoku Haki.

It was clear that Whitebeard in his prime possessed far greater combat power than Kaido at that time.

Kaido simply took advantage of Whitebeard's weakened state to cause some trouble.

"Enough about that," Luo Ning said. "Don't you need to use Haoshoku Haki? I'm quite interested in that power."

Before experiencing Haoshoku Haki firsthand, Luo Ning believed it was merely a way to attract weaklings. But after being entangled by it, he understood that Haoshoku Haki's power was far more significant.