Clues to the Final Island!

And almost as soon as Nicholas appeared on the island's coast, the Marines who had been defeated by Roger's crew turned pale.

For the past three days, they had been tending to the wounded and trying to repair their ships, so they had been closely monitoring the battles between Roger's and Whitebeard's crews. The fact that the two sides, who had been fighting for three days, were now sitting down to a banquet had already made them nervous enough, but the sudden appearance of another formidable individual made the situation even more tense.

"Vice Admiral John Giant, according to the information provided by our surveillance and intelligence operatives monitoring Whitebeard's and Roger's crews, it has been confirmed that the individual who recently landed on the island is the notorious Nicholas with a bounty of 1.8 billion."

Upon hearing his subordinate's report, Vice Admiral John Giant, wrapped in bandages, also turned pale. Although Nicholas's bounty was not as high as Roger's or Newgate's, it was because he had been inactive for a long time. In terms of danger, he was no less than Roger and Newgate.

"Damn it, what the hell is going on!? Get me connected to headquarters immediately."

Vice Admiral John Giant ordered his wounded deputy.

"Yes, sir."

"Bulululu, this is headquarters, I'm Sengoku speaking. Vice Admiral John Giant, do you have any new developments regarding Whitebeard and Roger's crews?"

Soon, Sengoku's voice came through the Den Den Mushi, and ever since Vice Admiral John Giant and his Marines survived their encounter with Roger's crew, their communications had been given high priority at headquarters.

Especially with Whitebeard's crew appearing and engaging Roger's crew in battle, if not for the need for the Den Den Mushi to rest and eat, headquarters would have demanded constant contact.

"Admiral Sengoku, it's bad news. Nicholas has landed on the island of Burton!!!"

[AN-I don't remember the original island's name so can anyone tell me?]

Vice Admiral John Giant's voice of panic came through the Den Den Mushi, and it could be said that Whitebeard's contact with Roger, at most, would have raised the alert level for the Marines and prepared them for battle. After all, the relationship between these two pirate crews was known to the Marines. Although they were opponents, they were also friends. It was normal for them to fight and then hold a banquet, demonstrating their camaraderie.

But Nicholas's appearance changed the significance of the situation entirely. It could be said without exaggeration that if these three individuals joined forces to attack headquarters, the Marines might not be able to withstand it.

"Vice Admiral John Giant, maintain vigilance. The Marines stationed at G1 Branch are prepared to assist you."

Sengoku said solemnly, but he had never thought about starting a war. With the current strength of the Marines in the New World, confronting those three would be suicidal.

"So, are you really going to die?"

"Yeah, I don't have much time left."

Roger grinned, seemingly not bothered at all by his impending death.

"But why can't I tell that you're about to die?"

Putting down his wine cup, Whitebeard scrutinized Roger, furrowing his brow slightly.

Then he looked at Nicholas, apparently realizing that the news of Roger's impending death didn't come from Roger himself, but from Nicholas.

"I'm sick, terminally ill."

Roger said nonchalantly, not seeming to be troubled by his impending death but rather carefree.

"Sick? And Crocus's power can't cure you?"

Whitebeard's expression grew heavy as he picked up his wine, no longer seeming to enjoy it as much.

Shaking his head, Roger smiled without saying a word, but the meaning was clear.

"Should I let Marco take a look at you?"

"Your kid on the ship? Can the Phoenix's ability cure diseases?" Hearing Whitebeard's words, Roger was somewhat surprised, recalling the little guy who emitted blue flames all over his body and turned into a Phoenix.

"Gurarara... Marco is a great kid."

Apparently proud of Marco, Whitebeard said.

"Indeed, Newgate, you've found a great family. And Nicholas, thanks for spreading the news that I'm dying everywhere. I appreciate it!!"

Raising his wine cup, Roger clinked it against Whitebeard's and Nicholas's, then took a sip and continued, "My illness can't be cured by Marco."

"Is that so?"

Whitebeard didn't question Roger further, as it was completely unnecessary.

"By the way, why have you been inquiring about Oden during our voyage?"

Whitebeard furrowed his brow, as he still hadn't figured out the connection between Oden and this matter.

"Ah, that's because I asked a historian I met during our voyage to look into it. She told me that in her research, she found a significant connection between the historical texts and a country called Wano. I promised her that if the historical texts were deciphered, I would give her a copy. Originally, I was planning to head to Wano, but when I heard about the guy named Kozuki Oden on your ship, I knew he was the person I was looking for."

Roger spoke cheerfully, drinking as he recounted. It could be said that the historian had been a great help to them. Although her research on the historical texts had just begun, she had still been a great help, at least pointing them in the right direction, preventing them from floundering aimlessly. Especially with Roger's terminal illness, time seemed especially precious.

Hearing Roger's words, Whitebeard also paused, then looked at Nicholas.

Roger had come for Oden, but was Nicholas also here for Oden?