47. Whitebeard's Attitude

On board the Moby Dick, Whitebeard sat upon his imposing throne, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"They're approaching, Dad. Rayleigh and Jinbei are with them, along with Ace's brother, the Straw Hat," a pirate reported, peering through a telescope.

In truth, they had been spotted the day before when the Oro Jackson entered Whitebeard's territory. Given the significance of Ace's connection to Whitebeard, unfamiliar ships were typically intercepted before reaching the Moby Dick.

"It seems they've finally arrived," Whitebeard remarked, his voice resonating with authority as he opened his eyes, a glint of curiosity flashing within them.

"It's intriguing that Rayleigh has involved himself, not for Ace, but for the Straw Hat crew. And to bring out the Oro Jackson for a newcomer," he mused, pondering the strength of Ace's younger brother that compelled Rayleigh to make such a gesture.

Whitebeard doubted whether Rayleigh knew Ace's true identity; such sensitive matters were likely entrusted solely to Garp, a man of similar character to Ace's father, Roger. Even if Rayleigh were aware, Whitebeard doubted he would pursue Ace.

As Roger's right-hand man and most trusted confidant, Rayleigh wasn't one to retire easily. He harboured a sense of duty, a mission far more significant than mere retirement.

What was he waiting for? The inheritor of Roger's will? Or perhaps someone even more crucial—the person Roger had been anticipating.

"Roger," Whitebeard murmured softly, his mind drifting back to their final moments together beneath the Sakura tree.

"Hey, Newgate, I'm on my deathbed," Roger had said with a serene smile, accepting his fate with the same ease one might drink a cup of tea.

"How much time?" Whitebeard had asked, concern creasing his brow as he downed a bowl of wine in one gulp.

"I can't say for sure, perhaps a year," Roger had replied.

"Newgate, do you know my true name?" he had inquired.

"Isn't it Gold Roger?" Whitebeard had responded.

"No, that's the name the World Government uses to conceal a certain truth. My real name is Gol D Roger," Roger had revealed with a laugh.

Their conversation had turned to the enigmatic "D" that appeared in certain names.

"We've reached the final island and learned everything about this world. Do you want to know?" Roger had offered.

"I'm not interested in that. I just want my family," Whitebeard had replied flatly.

"That's just like you, Newgate. You have the power to change the world, yet you seek only your loved ones," Roger had remarked.

"In the future, a person with the initial 'D' will ignite a massive war that will reshape the world entirely," Roger had foretold. "Unfortunately, I won't be here to witness it."

"Hey, Roger, are you drunk?" Whitebeard chuckled, looking at his friend lying peacefully on the grass.

Memories always tinged with a sense of nostalgia, retained their beauty as if viewed through a filter of fondness.

"Is he the one you were waiting for, Roger?" Whitebeard's eyes opened, filled with memories and a hint of sentimentality. His expression softened, a rare occurrence for the imposing figure.

"Father," Marco, standing nearby, spoke with concern.

"I'm fine. Just reminiscing," Whitebeard replied in a calm tone.

"Marco, Jozzy, for now, don't view the Straw Hat boy simply as Ace's brother, understand?" Whitebeard's demeanour suddenly shifted his presence, commanding attention like a raging storm.

"Father..." Marco hesitated but quickly grasped Whitebeard's intentions.

Whitebeard intended to test Ace's younger brother's mettle.

"I want to see if he's truly worthy of coming to me on the Oro Jackson," Whitebeard explained. "Do you remember how you faced Roger and the others?"

"Dad, isn't that a bit harsh? Ace's brother is just a rookie," Marco voiced his concerns.

"Just do as I say," Whitebeard replied calmly, closing his eyes in contemplation.

"Understood, Dad," Marco, Foil, and Diamond exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. They would follow their father's directive, albeit with the hope that Ace's brother would prove strong enough to endure the trial.

Meanwhile, Rayleigh shared insights with Luffy and his crew.

"I know Whitebeard all too well. He's majestic, stubborn, and proud. Despite his age, he admires youth with potential and strength," Rayleigh explained, offering a glimpse into Whitebeard's character.

"You don't need to hold back, just show your arrogance," Rayleigh chuckled.

Jinbei, feeling slightly offended, interjected, "Mr. Rayleigh, Whitebeard has a noble personality."

"Good? He's only good to those he acknowledges. Have you not seen how he deals with enemies?" Rayleigh retorted with a smile. Turning back to Luffy, Zoro, and the others, he continued, "Don't underestimate him. He'll surely test you soon."

"This 'test' will assess your strength and courage, and it'll be more intense than usual, especially since you're aboard the Oro Jackson," Rayleigh explained further. "He may even confront you as he once did with us."

"What happened when you met the Whitebeard pirates?" Nami inquired, trying to fathom the encounter between two legendary crews.

"There was a battle, of course," Rayleigh replied, his eyes narrowing as he recalled the fierce clashes of his youth with the Whitebeard pirates. "So, if you approach with the intention of peaceful dialogue, you'll be at a disadvantage from the start."

"Let's fight, let's show our strength. The stronger, the better. It'd be ideal to defeat Whitebeard directly; then negotiations will be much simpler," Rayleigh advised with a hint of mischief.

"A fighting spirit? That's exactly what I'm after," Zoro grinned, readying his sword at his waist.

"I'm in," Luffy declared, tightening his grip on his straw hat, his gaze sharpening.

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