#48 The Grand Revelation

Blackbeard was in full show-off mode, explaining their entire plan with exaggerated gestures, thinking he looked cool. Carlo watched, cringing internally.

Dude, you just don't have the charisma for that, Carlo thought. Better accept it and move on.

After about ten minutes, Blackbeard finished detailing the plan that he and Carlo had crafted. He didn't hold back: from capturing Ace to become a Warlord of the Sea, to inciting a global war, and ultimately replacing Whitebeard.

Silence fell over the group. Only the crackling of the roasting meat could be heard. Everyone was stunned.

Yes, everyone. Even Hancock and her elite squad were shocked into silence, their eyes wide with disbelief.

Burgess and Lafitte were even more comical in their reactions. They sat there, mouths full of half-chewed meat and hands holding fallen bottles, too shocked to even breathe properly, staring blankly at Blackbeard.

"So... it was you, Captain, who killed Whitebeard's subordinate. No wonder... I felt such immense pressure when you used your ability today!"

"With such a power, our future is bright! We'll rule the seas for sure!"

Lafitte, usually composed and theatrical, dropped his act entirely. His face was filled with fervor as he looked at Blackbeard.

"No wonder the Whitebeard Pirates haven't reported the real culprit..."

Van Augur set his beloved sniper rifle aside, rubbing his hands together, still trying to process the information.

"You're amazing, Captain! Not only do you possess such a terrifying ability, but you also conceived such a brilliant plan!"

"Once we succeed, we'll replace the Whitebeard Pirates and become one of the Sea Emperors!"

"Wiihahaha, just thinking about it gets me pumped! I need a drink to cool down!"

Burgess grabbed a bottle from the table, spinning it excitedly.

Everyone, except for Hancock and her squad, was in a frenzy. Even Van Augur was caught up in the excitement, his usual calm demeanor completely shattered.

For them, it was unbelievable that they were part of such a high-stakes operation, targeting the world's strongest pirate and the hated Navy.

"Zehahaha, the Dark-Dark Fruit is indeed my power. But I'm not smart enough to come up with such a plan. It was your vice-captain, Carlo, who devised this brilliant strategy!"

"When we first formed this crew, he already had this plan to take me to the top!"

"Thank him, not me. Zehahaha, even the Devil Fruits you have are thanks to his planning and our theft from the Celestial Dragons!"

Blackbeard wrapped an arm around Carlo's shoulder, presenting him to the newcomers with admiration.

Hancock, watching this, felt a strange resistance. She didn't like others getting so close to Carlo, even if it was a man.

"Damn, it was the vice-captain? Incredible! To think he came up with such a plan!"

Burgess exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Yes, and right when the crew was formed. It's unbelievable!"

Lafitte added, taking a sharp breath, clearly in awe.

To think someone could come up with such a terrifying plan without any help or established team! The scope of Carlo's vision was beyond anything they could imagine.

He had killed a Celestial Dragon and laid plans against the world's top powers. It sent chills down their spines just thinking about it.

Even Hancock looked at Carlo with a mix of awe and disbelief. What kind of audacity did this man have?

"Alright, enough staring at me like that. It's creepy. Are we continuing this feast or what?"

Carlo's remark broke the intense atmosphere. He wanted to keep a low profile, but it seemed impossible.

"The vice-captain is right, let's celebrate! Wiihahaha, let's make this night unforgettable!"

Burgess said, raising his bottle, his usual awkwardness gone.

The revelation of Carlo's plan had everyone buzzing with excitement. The feast reached its peak, with everyone's spirits soaring.