34. Marines find out about the new Conqueror’s Haki users.
│3rd Person POV│
[Grand Line, New World, G5 Marine Base…]
Grand line, New World, in an Island located on the edge of Beasts Pirates territories, the Beasts Pirates, Whitebeard Pirates, and a contingent of Marines led by Zephyr were present in an open space.
The space was typically used as a training ground for recruits of the G5 Marine Base.
Surrounded by reefs from nearly all sides and featuring a relatively flat terrain devoid of vegetation, this place was an excellent venue for the impending battles between both sides.
Even in the case of Ron and his opponent using highly devastating attacks, it wouldn't have any impact on the G5 Marine Base.
However, the fight between Zephyr and Kaido would be a completely different matter. The repercussions of their fight could potentially lead to the complete destruction of the base.
Especially if Kaido were to transform into his Azure Dragon Beast Form.
"Alright, let's start. Zephyr, come on!"
Upon reaching their destination, Kaido wasted no time on small talk. He rested his kanabo on his right shoulder and advanced, with an arrogant expression on his face while showing no signs of concern.
Despite being the former Marine Admiral, Zephyr was already aged, his strength barely even reaching the level of Marine Admiral Candidates like Momousagi Gion and Chaton Tokikake, let alone the strength of peak Admiral level that he possessed in his prime.
So, Kaido was pretty certain that he would emerge victorious in their battle.
"There's no need to hurry!"
After taking a glance at Kaido, Zephyr didn't immediately agree.
He knew very well that the likelihood of him defeating Kaido was minimal, and even if he exerted all his efforts, the most he would be able to accomplish was delay his defeat by a few hours.
So, he needed to buy as much time as possible, at least until the reinforcements arrived. He could afford to lose, but losing the base was not an option.
Thinking of this, Zephyr spoke, "Kaido, we are both veterans, and there is no possibility of canceling the battle between you and me.
"I, Zephyr, won't go back on my word no matter what happens. So, under the current circumstances, before our battle commences, shouldn't we let the newcomers have it a go?
"To be honest, I'm genuinely curious to see the strength of the person stated by Whitebeard as the future of Whitebeard Pirates.
"Since being recognized by Whitebeard in this way is akin to being groomed as an heir. Aren't you curious too?"
With these words, curiosity resurfaced among the Marines and Beasts Pirates present.
As Zephyr mentioned, they were all extremely curious about the young individual Whitebeard referred to as the future.
Without a doubt, the future successor of Whitebeard would most likely be the Ron he mentioned, not Marco, the Commander of the First Division.
Everyone was familiar with Marco's strength, he was undoubtedly a person only below the level of Four Emperors. If only he had stronger Haki and been able to use the Conqueror's Haki, he may even have been called the fifth Emperor of the Sea.
But now?
Whitebeard had not chosen Marco, instead he designated a fourteen-year-old as his heir, which seemed unbelievable.
Even figures like Zephyr and Kaido considered it insane.
Hence, under the current circumstances, the prospect of witnessing Ron in action intrigued them more than the ultimate showdown between Kaido and Zephyr.
"Alright!"
Upon hearing this, Kaido contemplated for a moment and then declared, "I also want to know what the heir recognized by Whitebeard can achieve. I can wait a little longer for our battle.
Looking towards Whitebeard, Kaido continued, "Whitebeard, let that guy come out. Earlier, during our Conqueror's Haki clash, two of your sons awakened their Conqueror's Haki, right?
"I recognize the older one. He should be the supernova Ace who joined your Whitebeard Pirates a few months ago. The other kid should be Ron, the one you mentioned as the future of your crew, right?"
With these words, the expressions of Zephyr and the Marines underwent a noticeable change.
Conqueror's Haki!
A new Conqueror's Haki user has emerged within the Whitebeard Pirates. And it's not just one, there are two, with Kaido also involved in this matter.
For a moment, even Zephyr had a look of serious contemplation on his face.
A person who had awakened Conqueror's Haki was undoubtedly not a simple individual, even if they were young, even if they were only fourteen years old, they should not be underestimated.
If lacking tremendous future potential, Whitebeard would not be cultivating them as his successor. Pondering this, Zephyr and other Marine higher-ranked officers directed their attention toward Whitebeard and the others.
Overlooking Whitebeard and the Division Commanders, they immediately focused their attention on Ace and Ron.
However, compared to Ace, who was already famous across the seas as Fire Fist Ace, Ron was truly an unfamiliar face and his face even looked extremely immature.
"Ron, come out."
Whitebeard had a nonchalant expression on his face even after the matter of his crew gaining two new Conqueror's Haki users got exposed to the Marines.
He didn't even mean to conceal the news in the first place.
"Yes, Pops!"
After responding loudly, Ron stepped forward and stood beside Whitebeard.
"It's indeed him!"
"He's really young!"
"He does look like an average fourteen year old."
"Whitebeard actually chose him to be his heir?"
"What's so special about this guy?"
"Whitebeard's heir, how could he achieve such a feat at such a young age?"
...
For a while, there was a lot of discussion within the Marines.
Most of the Vice-Admirals, Rear-Admirals, Commodores, and Colonels were stunned. They all had disbelieving and complicated expressions on their faces.
Outwardly, there was nothing particularly special about Ron.
Even they could clearly feel that the aura emanating from Ron was not strong, it was only as some of the stronger Lieutenant Commander-ranked Marine Officers.
"Everyone, it is my pleasure to meet you all!"
At this time, Ron did not show any signs of stage fright.
Although all of this was indeed a bit unbelievable and new to him, since Whitebeard chose him as their representative in this event, Ron would definitely try his utmost to not embarrass the Whitebeard Pirates.
Whether he was really chosen as the next Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, or if he was being used as a shield to cover for Ace, one thing was beyond doubt.
Once he managed to bring victory from the upcoming battle, then he would have firmly earned his place within the Whitebeard Pirates.
No matter what happened in the future after this, he would have the hundred percent support of all the crew members present here, and maybe even inherit the Whitebeard Pirates in a true sense in the future.
Thinking of this, Ron looked at Zephyr and greeted him with a small bow of respect, "Vice-Admiral Black Arm Zephyr! My name is Ron, and I am a member of the Fourth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates. I wonder which student Mr. Zephyr will choose to fight with me today."
After saying that, Ron subconsciously looked over at the Marine recruits gathered not far behind Zephyr.
This group of people were young, only sixteen or seventeen years old, and the oldest was no more than twenty years old.
Unsurprisingly, they were all Zephyr's students, and they were the ones who were brought to the New World by him for training this time. The most important thing was that Ron also saw some familiar faces in the crowd.
He recognized Ain and Binz as he knew them from One Piece Film: Z.
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A/N: Well guys, I don't think we will end anywhere near the Top 3 of the [Last 30 Days] section of the Power Stone Rankings.
Let me state a more realistic Goal, alright?
Top 10. Let's aim to be in the Top 10 by the end of the week, okay?
Anyway,
Shameless P@treon & Coffee plug...;
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