Whitebeard

Crocus cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, if you're not keen on making friends, Jack, perhaps you'll consider a temporary truce? At least for the duration of our stay on Fishman Island."

Jack glanced at Crocus, his eyes still that tranquil blue. "You planning on causing any trouble?"

Roger laughed heartily. "We're pirates, but we're not here for trouble. Today, at least."

"That'll have to do," Jack conceded, stepping back slightly.

"Good," Crocus said, visibly relieved. "We all have our reasons for being here. No need for conflict today."

Rayleigh sipped from a flask at his belt. "Well then, Pirate Hunter Jack, will you at least join us for a drink? A neutral ground sort of thing."

"Thanks, but no thanks." Jack's voice was even as he declined Rayleigh's offer. His eyes, a steady blue, met Roger's before he turned away.

Roger watched him go, feeling the weight of Jack's presence even in his absence. "There's something about that man," he mused. His eyes met Rayleigh's and they both chuckled.

"Let's go," Rayleigh said, smiling. "I think we've met our quota for intriguing people today."

With that, Roger, Rayleigh, and Crocus walked back to their crew, who were enjoying the company of the Fishman Island residents.

Jack returned to the inn where he had been sitting earlier. As he stepped inside, he saw Otohime pacing near the entrance. The moment her eyes met his, a sigh of relief escaped her lips.

"Jack, what's going on out there?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"Nothing to worry about," Jack assured as he took a seat at the bar. He accepted the drink Otohime had quickly prepared for him and took a sip. "The pirates mean no harm. At least for now."

Otohime's eyes brightened. "That's a relief. We have enough trouble as it is."

Jack's eyes remained that tranquil blue, but as he caught sight of Otohime's relief, something akin to warmth flickered within them. He savored his drink and let the tension of the day slowly fade away.

Back at the Pocket Space island where his family resided, Jack felt the subtle shift in atmosphere as he stepped through. Aria was sitting under a tree, engrossed in a book.

"Hey, Princess," Jack called softly, not wanting to startle her.

Aria looked up, her eyes lighting up instantly. "Daddy!" She closed her book and ran towards him, throwing her arms around his waist.

"Missed me?" he chuckled, lifting her up into his arms.

"Always do," Aria grinned, tucking her head against his shoulder.

Jack walked towards the sitting area where Robin was playing with blocks. "Hey, Little One," he greeted as he set Aria down.

Robin looked up, a small smile forming on her lips. "Hi," she uttered, clearly focused on her task.

Jack chuckled, sitting down and ruffling Robin's hair. He couldn't help but feel the contrast between this peaceful moment and the palpable tension back at Fishman Island.

As he settled in, Amelia brought over a cup of tea for him. "So, how was your day?" she asked.

"The usual," Jack replied, his eyes meeting hers. "Ran into some pirates. No big deal."

His eyes, always so impassive, betrayed nothing. But Amelia knew better. She sensed the undertones of a story yet to be revealed. "As long as you're back here, safe and sound," she said, kissing him on the cheek.

Just then, Hancock, Sandersonia, and Marigold toddled over to him, their eyes wide and curious. "Pway?" Marigold asked, her vocabulary not fully formed yet.

Jack grinned, finally allowing himself that simple joy of family. "Alright, what are we playing today?

--

In the dead of night, Jack's eyes snapped open. He rose from the bed, fully alert. He'd been resting atop the covers instead of beneath them, an old habit from when he needed to be ready for anything, anytime. Tonight, his senses were on edge; he felt an imposing aura encroach upon the island. Although his Observation Haki was usually confined to a limited range even with the enhancement of the bead, the sheer weight of this new presence was impossible to ignore.

Walking towards the Ship Graveyard he'd visited a few days back with Otohime, Jack felt the air thicken with tension. Under the dim light emanating from the Sunlight Tree Eve, he saw a ship docked at the shore. Pirates busied themselves on the deck, but what drew his attention was the man standing at the forefront—an imposing figure with a broad chest and an iconic crescent-shaped mustache.

"Whitebeard," Jack muttered. The name itself carried the weight of the seas.

Behind the man were a few notable figures, but it was Whitebeard who dominated the scene. At the same time, Jack felt the familiar presence of Roger and Rayleigh nearby, no doubt lured by the gravitational force of Whitebeard's aura.

Emerging from the shadows, Jack stood with his arms crossed, taking a final measure of the men before him. His eyes flickered from calm blue to a raging deep blue, like an ocean in a storm.

He nodded his head upwards, locking eyes with Whitebeard. There was an intensity in the gaze returned to him, a piercing weight that felt almost suffocating. Jack had been in many fights, had faced formidable enemies, but he knew without a doubt that if a battle broke out now, he'd be overwhelmed. His Haki might be strong, but it wasn't "shatter an island" strong, a reputation Whitebeard well deserved.

"So, you're the one they call Jack," Whitebeard rumbled, his voice carrying the weight of the ocean. "Heard you killed some of my men."

"Men under my flag are my family, boy," Whitebeard warned.

Jack met Whitebeard's imposing gaze without flinching. "I will say what I told your men since they said you sent them to protect Fishman Island. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt," he began, his eyes turning into a deep shade of blue, like an ocean readying for a storm. "The men you sent acted against your orders. They were planning to kidnap a few dozen mermaids for quick cash before they carried out whatever you'd told them to do. I killed them despite their threats that they belonged to you. I told them that if Whitebeard comes after me for killing such scum, then he's scum too. So let me ask you: are you here to defend a few scumbags?"

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