Chapter 03: The Whitebeard Pirates

*Chapter 03: The Whitebeard Pirates*

The vast ocean was alive with chaos. Cannonballs roared through the air, their thunderous impact splitting the tranquility of the sea. Explosions lit up the horizon like temporary stars, casting shadows over the relentless waves. The clash was between three colossal Marine battleships, their sails bearing the insignia of the World Government, and the fearsome vessel of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Moby Dick.

Shouts echoed across the battlefield, the voices of the Marines filled with a mix of determination and desperation. "We must stop Whitebeard here! He's one of the most dangerous criminals in the New World!"

Despite the cacophony of war, atop the grand deck of the Moby Dick, Edward Newgate—better known as Whitebeard—was utterly unbothered. Reclined on a chair that seemed more like a throne, he sipped leisurely from a tall glass filled with a creamy blend of apple, milk, and banana. The concoction was smooth and rich, its sweet aroma faintly mixing with the salty tang of the sea. His golden eyes sparkled with amusement as he took another sip.

"Delicious," Whitebeard declared, his voice a deep rumble. "This juice Meliodas made is truly the finest thing to touch these old lips."

Around him, the atmosphere was starkly different. The pirates stood at attention, their faces painted with stern resolve as the Marines intensified their assault. Cannonballs landed dangerously close, the shockwaves making the deck tremble.

A particularly deafening explosion rocked the ship as one cannonball struck just short of the deck. Teach, a stocky man with a wild beard, yelped as the blast knocked him onto his rear. He clutched the deck for balance, his face a mix of panic and irritation. "That was way too close!"

Near the edge of the ship, a tall, slender man in a wide-brimmed hat stood poised with a calm confidence. His name was Vista, and his silhouette against the blue-gray sky was imposing. The sun glinted off the metal of his rapier as he glanced at the Marine ships with an unimpressed expression.

"Their courage is commendable," Vista remarked, his tone laced with mockery. "To attack a Yonko's crew with such recklessness... They march to their deaths, yet they don't falter."

From behind him, the light patter of small feet interrupted his musings. A young boy, no older than ten, approached with an unbothered demeanor. His bright yellow hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his sharp green eyes carried a playful glint. In his hands, he balanced two cups of the same creamy juice Whitebeard had been enjoying.

With a faint smile, the boy—Meliodas—sidled past Vista. "You always talk like you're the mysterious type," he said, his voice light but teasing. "When will I get to see that swordsmanship you brag about so much?"

Vista's stoic mask cracked, and he snatched one of the cups eagerly. "Ah, a new flavor! As always, your juice is unbeatable!" He took a long sip, momentarily forgetting the battle around them.

Seated nearby, Jozu, the hulking first division commander with arms as sturdy as steel, let out a booming laugh. He was about to take another drink when a cannonball hurtled toward him. Unfazed, his arm transformed into glistening diamond, and with one swift motion, he smashed the cannonball into harmless debris. "No Admirals?" Jozu asked, his deep voice tinged with disappointment. "Where's the fun in that?"

Meliodas appeared beside him, holding out the last cup of juice. Jozu took it with a wide grin. "The last one! Thought I'd miss out for sure this time."

Meliodas chuckled softly. "Your diamond toughness still amazes me."

Jozu nodded, taking a sip. "What amazes me is your talent with this juice, kid."

Above them, Marco, the first division commander, soared effortlessly through the air. His phoenix wings, alight with brilliant blue and golden flames, cast an ethereal glow on the battlefield below. His piercing eyes scanned the ship as he called out, "Meliodas! Don't tell me you didn't save a secret cup for me."

Miliodas looked up at him, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Only if you agree to teach me Armament Haki today."

Marco chuckled, his wings flapping lightly as he hovered in place. "Keep dreaming, Melio. You're still young for that."

But Meliodas's attention had already shifted. His sharp green eyes locked onto the eastern side of the ship. Three cannonballs were sailing straight toward them, their trajectory deadly. Without hesitation, he bolted toward the edge of the deck, his movements as fluid as the sea itself.

As he ran, he grabbed a sword from a nearby pirate's hand. The pirate, startled, shouted after him, "Hey, Meliodas! How many times do I have to tell you to stop taking our swords randomly like that?!"

Ignoring the protests, Meliodas leapt effortlessly onto the ship's rigging, darting up the mast with nimble precision. The crew watched in quiet admiration, smiles tugging at their lips.

"That kid loves to show off."

"His movements are almost unreal."

"A natural talent, through and through."

Even Whitebeard, from his throne-like chair, shifted his gaze to the boy. His golden eyes narrowed slightly as he murmured, "Show me again, boy, the power of that fruit you insisted on keeping for yourself."

Perched high above the deck, Meliodas balanced on the mast, his sword gleaming in the sunlight. His gaze flicked between the three cannonballs and the Marine ships in the distance. With a serious expression, he tightened his grip on the sword, pulling it back over his shoulder.

"Full Counter!" he shouted.

The blade swung with precision, connecting with the cannonballs in rapid succession. Each one reversed its course, propelled back toward the Marine ships with even greater force.

The air was filled with a deafening roar as the cannonballs struck their targets. Explosions erupted across the Marine vessels, sending flames and debris soaring into the sky. The ships buckled under the impact, their sails catching fire as panicked screams filled the air. The once-mighty battleships were now sinking wrecks, the ocean swallowing their remains.

Meliodas landed lightly on the edge of the Moby Dick, his green eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Sate, sate, sate," he said with a smirk. "Retreating already? I was hoping to see an Admiral for the first time."

Behind him, Teach had collapsed to his knees, his eyes fixed on the boy's back. Sweat trickled down his face as he thought, This kid grows stronger every day. The power of his Devil Fruit is a complete mystery… Oyaji, I won't let you keep him. I'll take him for myself someday. 

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