Chapter 4:

"The Marines are here! Get ready, everyone!" The lookout shouted from high above, using his telescope to scan the horizon.

"Thud."

"Thud."

"Thud."

The pirates lined up on both sides, as Whitebeard strode forward, wielding his colossal Murakumogiri (bisento). His wide white cloak, adorned with the emblem of the Whitebeard Pirates, billowed behind him.  

"Glug-glug-glug! It's about time we stretched our legs; we're getting rusty! Let's give these Marines a lesson they won't forget!" Whitebeard roared with laughter.  

"Target the Marine ships, and charge!"

"That's the spirit!"

"The Marines are nothing to us, the Whitebeard Pirates fear no one!"  

"Let's show these Marine dogs they shouldn't mess with us!"

The crew, filled with fighting spirit, faced the Marines without an ounce of fear. Even Teach began polishing his Purgatory's blade.

Teach had been with the Whitebeard Pirates for two years now, fully assimilating into the crew. Life on the high seas wasn't as dull as he'd imagined. His days were filled with drinking, eating, learning swordsmanship from Vista and Kozuki Oden, and sparring with his crewmates. Teach's progress was rapid, mastering one-sword and two-sword styles, even developing his own signature moves.

His physical training also progressed quickly. The Whitebeard Pirates' ship housed numerous training methods, available for all crew members to practice. Teach chose to focus on Finger Pistol (Shigan) and Moonwalk (Geppo). Finger Pistol training would strengthen his fingers, while Moonwalk was incredibly practical for aerial combat.

No one guided Teach in his physical training; it was all self-taught. He occasionally sparred with others, refining his martial arts, claw techniques, and legwork. His mastery of Finger Pistol and claw techniques made his fighting style formidable.

The vast sea offered countless unique and mysterious islands, each with its own customs and cultures, which continually amazed Teach. He documented his experiences in a small notebook. As the infamous Whitebeard Pirates expanded their influence, battles were inevitable. They fought against small-time pirates who foolishly challenged them, powerful pirates that tested Whitebeard's authority, and even future Emperor-level pirate crews.

The ever-present Marines were also a challenge, sometimes led by Marine Hero Garp or Admiral Sengoku. In this era, the Marines were still very active in the New World. Teach encountered the Marines' rising stars – the future Admirals, Devil Fruit users like Kuzan (Aokiji), Sakazuki (Akainu), and Borsalino (Kizaru).

Although he hadn't fought them, they had already made a name for themselves in the New World, shining brightly on the battlefield.

Teach's innate, boundless mental power (spiritual energy) meant he never needed to sleep, allowing him to train tirelessly every night. Though he hadn't reached his rapid growth phase, his physical strength and power never ceased to increase. Teach often dove deep into the ocean while fishing to train under the intense water pressure. After all, even those with monstrous physiques needed relentless training and development.

Only Big Mom was an exception; a natural-born monster. Teach couldn't fathom just how strong she was from the start.

As the Whitebeard Pirates drew nearer, the Captain of the warship seemed uneasy. "Vice Admiral Thomson, the Whitebeard Pirates are quickly closing in. What should we do next?"

Thomson fiercely puffed on his cigarette, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. Without hesitation, he ordered, "Retreat for now and buy some time. Immediately request backup from nearby warships. The Whitebeard Pirates are not an enemy we can handle alone."

Having spent years in the New World, he understood just how terrifying Whitebeard's power was. With his earth-shattering Tremor-Tremor Fruit ability, he had gradually earned the title of "The Strongest Man in the World."

"Yes, Vice Admiral," the Captain nodded and promptly relayed the orders.

"Lousy luck," Thomson muttered. Initially, he had wanted to track the Whitebeard Pirates for a while after discovering their whereabouts. However, they had ended up tailing him instead. His concentration sharpened, knowing that one misstep could lead to complete annihilation. "I can only hope reinforcements arrive soon enough," he thought, preparing for battle.

"Pops, that Marine warship is trying to get away!" the lookout monitoring the warship shouted.

"Gurarara! We can't let our prey escape so easily, boys. Full speed ahead!" Whitebeard laughed heartily. Lifting his bisento, he slammed its hilt into the ground. Instantly, the Moby Dick accelerated, rapidly closing the distance between itself and the warship.

Teach's eyes lit up at the sight. This ingenious use of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit was akin to generating tsunamis, causing waves to propel the Moby Dick forward at breakneck speeds.

Meanwhile, the warship's speed had slowed considerably.

"What's going on? Why has our speed decreased?"

"Damn it, the current has changed direction! We're going against it now!"

"How is this possible? Why isn't the Whitebeard Pirates' speed affected?"

Panic spread throughout the ship.

"Silence!" Thomson roared. "This is Whitebeard's power. If we can't escape, we'll prepare for battle. Justice will never be defeated – fight for it!" His words quickly rallied the crew.

Such was Whitebeard's might – changing the course of the current singlehandedly. Battle with the Whitebeard Pirates loomed, leaving little time to stall. Thomson hadn't expected the fight to come so soon.

"What? Vice Admiral Thomson is being pursued by the Whitebeard Pirates?!"

Back at the Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Kong slammed his hand on the table, shattering it. Catching his breath, he asked, "Which Vice Admirals are closest to him?"

"Two, sir: Vice Admiral Lona and Vice Admiral Levi. They can arrive in fifteen and twenty minutes, respectively."

"Inform them both to assist Thomson. Then, notify G1 Branch to have Sengoku set out immediately. Whitebeard's influence has expanded too rapidly in recent years; we must suppress it," Fleet Admiral Kong commanded.

The current state of the New World was becoming clear. Shiki's Flying Pirates (Golden Lion Pirates) were the most powerful, with numerous formidable subordinates. While Whitebeard's crew was not as large, he alone wielded tremendous intimidation, not to mention some of his "children".

Finally, there was the Roger Pirates, a small crew but each member an elite fighter. Their concentrated power posed the greatest threat. The New World recognized these three crews as the strongest, and their captains were known as the "Three Legendary Pirates."

This declaration greatly damaged the Marines' reputation, and they needed a battle to prove themselves. As luck would have it, the Whitebeard Pirates' location was exposed, and the other affiliated crews hadn't received the news in time to provide support. Their power was not fully concentrated, offering the Marines an opportunity.

"Is that so! Understood, we'll set off immediately," Sengoku, having received the news, stood up with Tsuru by his side.

"All Marines, prepare for a full assembly!" The command echoed through the fortress as soldiers rushed to their designated locations. The sound of hurried footsteps filled the air as the entire Marine force was alerted and quickly returned to their posts.

"What's going on? The entire fortress is mobilizing."

"I don't know, but be ready. I saw Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru heading out."

Sengoku, clad in his cape of justice, strode onto the warship with Vice Admiral Tsuru at his side, the Marines' three Logia supernovas standing behind him.

As the Marines' priority development targets, these individuals had been training in the New World. Though they still held the rank of Rear Admiral, their strength was already comparable to Vice Admiral-level fighters.

"Oh dear, facing that monster Whitebeard is truly terrifying," said Borsalino, dressed in a yellow-striped suit.

"Hmph! The Marines represents justice; these pirates don't deserve to live. We must eradicate them in this operation," Sakazuki fiercely replied, donning a red suit.

"Don't make such a scary face," Borsalino teased, smirking nonchalantly.

Aokiji, the Ice-Ice Fruit user, glanced at his two teammates. After years together, he understood their personalities well but remained silent.

The G1 Branch's efficiency was unmatched, and in just five minutes, all was ready.

"All forces, advance!" Sengoku shouted towards the sea.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The warships roared to life and cut through the waves. Ten warships, nearly thirty thousand marines - G1 had mobilized their entire force.

In a mere three minutes, the Moby Dick was closing in on the Marines vessels. Pirates leaped aboard, engaging the marines in combat. Each participant locked onto their opponent; Vista targeted the warship's swordsman.

"Whitebeard!" Thomson, breaking into a cold sweat, watched Whitebeard on the bow. As a Vice Admiral, retreat was not an option.

"I'll take care of this one. It's been a while since I've had some action." Kozuki Oden leaped off the ship, drawing his beloved swords, Enma and Ame no Habakiri. He landed in front of Thomson with a smile, exerting immense pressure.

A samurai from the closed country of Wano? This man was a monster. Kozuki Oden had become quite renowned in the New World, a fearsome warrior who had defeated countless adversaries. His Wano heritage only added to his mystique.

Seeing their Lord take action, the retainers were eager to join the fray. Nekomamushi, Inuarashi, and Kin'emon each fixed their gaze on a target.

The Whitebeard Pirates' overwhelming strength was on full display. Whitebeard himself didn't need to lift a finger; if he had to intervene in such battles, it would be beneath him. Besides, his children needed some toughening up.

With a hiss, Teach's blade pierced the heart of a Marine Commander, stepping into the interior of the warship. Along the way, virtually no naval officer could withstand his sword. Pirates were plunderers of treasure and collectors of spoils. Over the past two years, Teach had grown immensely through countless battles. Besides numerous adventures, he had gathered many spoils from fighting other pirates and Marines forces: treasures, swords, Berries ($$$), and even Devil Fruits.

Teach had deduced that the chances of obtaining Devil Fruits were highest within the Whitebeard Pirates. In just two years, he had collected over twenty Devil Fruits. He kept one for himself, a Zoan-type Lizard-Lizard Fruit he had stolen from another pirate crew, and traded it for a Feather-Feather Fruit. In Teach's view, the potential of the Feather Fruit far surpassed that of the Lizard Fruit, and it wouldn't turn him into Godzilla.

He spread his Observation Haki around, every corner appearing in his mind. Over the past two years, his Observation Haki had progressed rapidly on a microscopic level; even inanimate objects couldn't escape his gaze. Teach barged into the Captain's quarters, which also served as the Marines' meeting room.

Teach was well-acquainted with the structure of warships; this wasn't his first time doing this. Upon entering, he discovered a hidden compartment. His Observation Haki pierced through the steel plates and revealed a space beneath the desk, where a stash of treasures lay: two Devil Fruits, undoubtedly a great haul, and a booklet detailing the complete Rokushiki martial art techniques, complete with annotations and the secret art of Life Return. These items were likely the collection of a Marine Vice Admiral, but now they would benefit Teach.

Suddenly, Teach's expression changed. Through his Observation Haki, he discovered a Marine officer in a hidden corner, communicating via a Den Den Mushi, "Headquarters, we're in a critical situation and can't hold out much longer. Whitebeard's crew is too powerful." The communications officer had seen the one-sided battle outside. Vice Admiral Thomson had been suppressed the entire time, gasping for breath, and it was unclear whether he could hold on. However, the officer believed that if Kozuki Oden didn't have the intention to kill, they might be able to withstand the attack for a while longer.

"Vice Admiral Levi and Vice Admiral Lona are en route to your location. G1 branch, led by Admiral Sengoku, has mobilized all forces and is coming to reinforce you. We will annihilate the Whitebeard Pirates. Hold on at all costs, and you will become the greatest heroes of justice."

"For justice!" the communications officer yelled as he hung up the Den Den Mushi. A fire of hope ignited in his heart, and he grabbed his weapon, ready to join the fight outside. The longer the battle dragged on, the more advantageous it was for the Marines.

Suddenly, a flash of white light crossed his vision. What was going on? Why was he floating? He glanced down and saw his own lifeless body.

"How could I possibly let you guys stall?" Teach said. This was undoubtedly a major crisis. If the Whitebeard Pirates were not prepared, they would definitely suffer heavy losses.