Chapter 12

Whitebeard looked at the newspaper, lost in thought. Captain Buffalo of the Thirteenth Division said, "What do you think of this newcomer, Pops?"

"I don't think his potential is that great," replied Whitebeard. "After all, immense potential means the possibility of becoming one of the top powerhouses in the sea, just like the Four Emperors who currently rule the New World. But how likely is that? Even if he possesses Conqueror's Haki, not everyone can become one of the Four Emperors. I estimate this newcomer will at most become a figure similar to the Warlords of the Sea, and that's likely his limit."

Several other division captains nodded in agreement. Whitebeard chuckled and said, "You guys have all underestimated him."

"Could it be that this newcomer isn't that strong?" Buffalo asked, puzzled. "Why would Pops say we've underestimated him then?"

Whitebeard laughed heartily, "Silly kids, this newcomer, Luffy, is a formidable individual. Such sharp eyes wouldn't be found in a rookie. It's the gaze of someone with absolute confidence."

Marco and Ace fell silent. Whitebeard rarely spoke carelessly, which meant that this newcomer, Luffy, was indeed powerful.

...

Marco said, "If that's the case, the Marines won't let this newcomer enter the New World. As the First Division Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, I've had dealings with the Marines for a long time. They spare no effort in dealing with newcomers who have superlative potential."

Whitebeard was eager for this newcomer's arrival, but it wasn't just the Whitebeard Pirates who paid attention to the Luffy Pirates. The other Four Emperors' pirate crews were also keeping an eye on them. After all, any seedling with potential on the sea, whether in the Marines or among pirates, was worth watching. Such individuals could potentially change the balance of power.

However, the Beasts Pirates and the Bigo Pirates didn't pay much attention, while the Red-Haired Pirates, led by Shanks, were interested in Luffy, much like Whitebeard. Shanks gazed at the sea with sharp eyes because Luffy was approaching the time for setting sail, and this powerful newcomer would undoubtedly become a rival to Monkey D. Luffy in the future. Shanks planned to make contact with Luffy when the opportunity arose.

...

Onboard the Luffy Pirates' ship, which had already reached the North Blue, Shirazu and Bakara followed closely behind Luffy. Bakara worriedly asked, "I think we've become a high-priority target for the Marines. Our future voyages might not be so easy. The Marine Headquarters will surely dispatch Vice Admirals or higher-ranked forces to intercept us."

Bakara's concern was valid. Having spent time in the underworld, she was well aware of the Marines' tactics. Shirazu, however, had a confident smile. "Don't worry too much, Bakara. Luffy's strength is formidable. Even the Marine Headquarters Admirals wouldn't be his match, let alone a couple of Vice Admirals."

Bakara was a bit surprised by Shirazu's confidence, as she had previously believed that Luffy was only on par with Vice Admirals at most. It seemed that her perception of Luffy needed some adjustment.

Bakara glanced at Luffy and then sighed, "It seems like Luffy is only interested in training and nothing else. I wonder if he cares about anything other than improving his strength."

Shirazu smiled and replied, "That's how Luffy has always been. He's been like this for over a decade. But that's also why he's become so powerful at such a young age. Because Luffy has very ambitious goals."

...

Bakara couldn't help but admire Luffy. "Indeed, he's truly exceptional. Since I joined the crew with Laffitte and Capone Bege, I've realized just how important Luffy's Devil Fruit ability is."

Shirazu nodded, "I've known that since Luffy recruited me. From the moment Luffy became captain, he's been incredibly dedicated to training and improvement. We shouldn't slack off either. Let's work hard on our Haki training."

Bakara and Shirazu both started their Haki training, inspired by Luffy's dedication. After all, with such a powerful captain leading them, they couldn't afford to be lazy.

...

Meanwhile, on the ship, Baccarat was radiating confidence and enthusiasm. "Haha, come on, ten of you, spar with me!"

The crew members eagerly accepted Baccarat's challenge, not daring to refuse. They knew that if they declined, they might end up unable to walk later.

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