"So, have you already joined the Whitebeard Pirates, that's why they didn't detain you?"
Katakuri asked, not surprised by such a realization.
"Before I saw you, I tried to join the Whitebeard Pirates, but Whitebeard rejected me directly"
Smoothie replied.
This answer immediately surprised Katakuri, and he immediately asked, "Why did he refuse?"
"Because he didn't think I was sincere enough. He saw that; I joined the Whitebeard Pirates to make a better life for you and our sibling"
Smoothie explained.
"Whitebeard, what an strange person,"
Katakuri sighed lightly, acknowledging the weird thing but also finding it strangely charming.
"Brother Katakuri, I believe we should join the Whitebeard Pirates together. I'm certain it's our best option,"
"With you joining, others sibling will reconsider, and I won't have any other worries,"
Smoothie added.
Smoothie continued to persuade Katakuri to join the Whitebeard Pirates. This persuasion lasted for over ten minutes, until finally Katakuri seemed to waver.
"Give me some time to think it over. I'll seriously consider what you said," Katakuri promised.
"Alright, Brother Katakuri, get some rest. I'll go check on others"
After speaking, Smoothie left the room. Under the guidance of Charles Vane and Benjamin, Smoothie met with Perospero and others.
Similarly, Smoothie shared her idea with Perospero. However, when Perospero learned that Smoothie had left the Big Mom Pirates, his reaction was particularly strong.
Unlike Katakuri, Perospero's allegiance to Big Mom is unwavering, likely because he is the eldest son.
In the end, Smoothie still couldn't convince Perospero to join the Whitebeard Pirates; instead, he scolded her.
"Well, it seems persuading them won't be easy. I'll just let Katakuri's actions influence them,"
Smoothie conceded, choosing to rely on Katakuri's actions rather than her words.
If Katakuri joins the Whitebeard Pirates in the future, his influence will gradually change their minds
....
At night, Bluff Island is quiet, with sentries stationed in all directions to watch for any movement in the distance.
However, the watchers' range is limited. Beyond their observation zone, a Marine reconnaissance ship remains stationary at sea.
"Vice Admiral, the Whitebeard Pirates haven't left yet. It looks like they're staying on the island for the night," reported an observer to a Marine Vice Admiral.
"Got it. Keep watching,"
The Vice Admiral replied softly.
The Marine Headquarter hastily dispatched this reconnaissance ship to monitor the conflict between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates.
However, they arrived too late. By the time they reached the scene, the battle between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates was already over, and it was mostly time for clean-up.
Therefore, the Marines didn't know the details of the battle, but they did observe some information. For example, the Whitebeard Pirates captured many members of the Big Mom Pirates.
This indicates that the Whitebeard Pirates become the winner in this war. However, the Marines haven't found Big Mom's whereabouts yet. Currently, they're on standby, ready to pursue her if necessary.
The Marine Vice Admiral reported all the information to Marine Headquarters. Soon after, the Marine Headquarter began to mobilize warships under Fleet Admiral Akainu's orders.
...
At the base camp, Kid, Killer, and Capone Bege stood before Whitebeard. A group of commanders flanked them on both sides, with Benjamin by Whitebeard's side. All eyes were fixed on these three supernovae.
"Do you want to join my pirate crew?" Whitebeard confirmed after understanding their intentions.
"Yes, we were forced to join the war by Big Mom before. I was captured by her, and I used this opportunity to escape,"
At the forefront of the three of them, Eustass 'Captain' Kid immediately replied.
"Do you understand the rules after joining the Whitebeard Pirates?"
Whitebeard asked.
Kid and Killer exchanged glances, then Kid responded, "Once I'm in, I won't be leaving the Whitebeard Pirates. I'll stick around for life."
"Guurarara, if you're committed to that, it's great. But honestly, I don't have that requirement. Maybe you're just caught up in the moment, thinking that my reputation is too big. But it's fine if you decide to leave in the future. I do have one very important bottom line though,"
Whitebeard remarked.
"This bottom line is something everyone must follow: never betray your comrades. Even if you leave the Whitebeard Pirates in the future, if you harm your companions, then consider it the end. The Whitebeard Pirates will pursue you to the ends of the seas!"
Whitebeard's request is actually quite simple, especially compared to Big Mom and Kaido. In their pirate groups, once you join, leaving is not an option. Quitting means forging a deadly feud with them.
However, when Whitebeard spoke these words, it sent a shiver down everyone's spine. They didn't doubt the sincerity of Whitebeard's warning. Crossing Whitebeard could mean they will have to live on the run in the future.
Even Capone Bege, who had been silent, felt a lump in his throat after hearing Whitebeard's words. Luckily, the condition wasn't too strict.
Even without Whitebeard saying it, Capone Bege wouldn't harm the members of the Whitebeard Pirates like a fool, Blackbeard is a clear example.
"Whitebeard, don't worry. We'll never harm our comrades,"
Kid assured, with everyone else nodding in agreement.
"Alright, from now on, you're members of the Whitebeard Pirates. In my name, let's stir up some waves on the sea,"
Whitebeard said casually.
Kid and Killer immediately showed joyful expressions. At that moment, Marco reminded them, "From now on, you'll call him 'Oyaji,' and I hope you treat him like your own father."
"I got it," Kid and the others replied in unison.
After the three of them left, Marco began to express his concerns. He said to Whitebeard, "Oyaji, I have a feeling that something's not right with them."
"What do you mean, Marco?" Whitebeard asked.
"That Capone-Bege is suspicious to me. He had a gloomy look since he entered here, and his eyes have been fixed on Oyaji the whole time. Plus, he doesn't seem to show much fear"
Marco explained.
"I also think that he seems to be hiding something, and we don't know what his purpose is."
Benjamin also said.
"Guurarara, you're being a bit cautious, but it's not that important. Whatever their purpose is, as long as they don't cross the ship's bottom line, they're free to do as they please. Let's not put to much pressure for the people on this ship,"
Whitebeard said casually, brushing off their concerns.
.
.
TO BE CONTINUED
________________________
I put an advanced chapter at P@treon, you can read 130+ chapters ahead of everyone.
Link : patreon.com/MoonEater18