Chapter 132: Luo Ning's Offer
"This is eerie," someone on Luo Ning's ship muttered. "They're all so quiet, just staring at us."
Indeed, the surrounding pirate ships held an unnerving silence. Hundreds of eyes fixated on Luo Ning's vessel.
"No surprise there," Robin chuckled. "Remember Lord Luo Ning's reputation?"
Luo Ning rolled his eyes at her playful jab. Realistically, this reaction wasn't unexpected. They'd just left the scene of a fallen Emperor, and Big Mom's colossal pirate crew was now a footnote in history.
Under this watchful gaze, the warship soon docked beside Moby Dick. Luo Ning wasn't here for trouble this time, so bringing a few girls wasn't an issue.
"Bringing a child? You think little of the Whitebeard Pirates?" Jozu, known for his short temper, bristled. Women were one thing, but children? Shirahoshi and Pudding were practically children.
"Quite the gathering of captains, Whitebeard," Luo Ning scanned the deck. Aside from the imprisoned Ace, all the commanders were present. "Such a grand welcome ceremony? Unnecessary, wouldn't you say?"
"After all," Whitebeard boomed, not a hint of fear in his voice, "it's a bigshot like you we're welcoming. A little pomp is alright, wouldn't you agree, boy? Now, tell me, what brings you here?"
He addressed Luo Ning not by name, but as "boy." Despite the power disparity, Whitebeard wouldn't change his ways. Luo Ning simply shrugged it off.
In Whitebeard's eyes, Luo Ning was practically a child, a vast difference in age and stature.
"That's hardly a courteous way to put it," Luo Ning declared. "My purpose here is straightforward: a battle with your Whitebeard Pirates!"
His intentions were clear and devoid of subterfuge.
A collective response came from the Whitebeard commanders. Almost in unison, they either drew their weapons or activated their Devil Fruit abilities. Marco's body ignited with blue flames, while Jozu's transformed into a shimmering diamond.
Luo Ning, under the misapprehension that Jozu possessed the Diamond Fruit, scoffed. "Shining Fruit? That's a stretch. Diamonds may shine, but they don't transform you like that."
"Whitebeard," Luo Ning addressed the captain, seemingly unimpressed by the display of power. "Your crew seems a tad jumpy. As I said, I'm here to fight, not slaughter. I also have a request that necessitates your cooperation."
He dismissed the commanders' strength, believing he could overpower them all with a single move. Their strength varies, but to Luo Ning, it's all the same. A single attack will suffice. Their abilities are beneath his notice.
Whitebeard, from the outset, suspected Luo Ning wasn't there for trouble. A belligerent wouldn't bring his family, especially children, along. The presence of girls and youngsters indicated otherwise.
"Sons, that's enough! You're overwhelming the guests," Whitebeard boomed. He saw through Luo Ning's facade. Bringing family wouldn't be the act of someone seeking a fight.
"But Pops..." Marco began to protest, but upon meeting his father's gaze, he extinguished his flames. The other commanders followed suit, deactivating their powers and sheathing their weapons.
"Explain yourself," Whitebeard demanded. "That lunatic Linlin met her end at your hands!"
"Don't pin the blame on me," Luo Ning countered. "While I detest pirates and their plundering ways, there are many in your crew who don't follow to that lifestyle. For your sake, if you promise to reign them in, I won't target them."
He acknowledged his past actions against Big Mom and her crew, but made it clear such behavior wouldn't be tolerated in Whitebeard's territory. Whitebeard's crew operated as a unit, and the captain wouldn't stand idly by while Luo Ning threatened his people, especially children.
Luo Ning, despite harboring a begrudging respect for Whitebeard, held back and allowed the captain to control his men.
"Are you trying to dictate my actions?" Whitebeard boomed, his gaze piercing.
"Not at all," Luo Ning soothed. "I propose a mutually beneficial arrangement. Your Whitebeard Pirates exist solely for your family. You have no need for the pirate moniker. The Charlotte Pirates, under Linlin's tyrannical and deranged rule, were a force for evil. Cooperation with them was unnecessary."
"Pirates, in general, leave a foul taste in my mouth. So, while I'm here, I might as well clean the house."
"While you operate as pirates, Whitebeard, your actions demonstrate a higher purpose," Luo Ning said. "Perhaps a change of title is in order. Consider establishing a nation, similar to Cake Island, and leave the pirate moniker behind."
"Hear me out before you reject this offer. You're well aware of your health, Whitebeard. Your body won't last much longer. If a stronger threat emerges, your remaining time will dwindle even further. Upon your death, a pack of ravenous wolves will descend upon your crew."
"Therefore, I suggest forming a nation. Disband the Whitebeard Pirates after its foundation, integrating your children and crew as citizens. You'll become a stable sovereign, not unlike Cake Island, your actions essentially unchanged."
"As part of the deal, I can offer medical attention for your injuries. Additionally, after your passing, I can extend Impel Down's banner to your children, offering them protection."
"Of course, refusal is an option. But if cooperation proves impossible, then the conditions I proposed are null and void. Those who oppose me now will face the consequences."
Luo Ning finished his proposal in a single breath, waiting for Whitebeard's response. A tense silence followed, evident on the faces of the Whitebeard commanders and the captain himself.
"Boy, are you threatening me?" Whitebeard's voice rumbled, anger simmering beneath the surface.
"Threats?" Luo Ning scoffed. "Do you think I need to resort to such tactics? Whitebeard, defeating you wouldn't be a challenge. Big Mom, for instance, offered little resistance when I killed her. Do you honestly believe I need to threaten you?"
Luo Ning's words hung in the air, a challenge laced with a hint of arrogance.