149. Lies Don't Hurt People, The Truth Is The Sharp Knife!

Remainder: Giveaway will end on 24th

-----

Crash

On the sea surface of the New World, the Angel sailed forward.

On deck.

Rob held a newspaper in his hand, smiling at the news reports.

He spoke:

"Has it really come? The era of the 'Four Emperors'!"

Whether it was the butterfly effect brought about by his existence, or a pattern formed by natural development, Shanks had successfully risen to power at the age of 33, becoming one of the sea overlords of the New World!

Nearly four years early, the "Four Emperors" era officially began.

"Although it doesn't affect me, I still need to pay attention to the current situation!"

Closing the newspaper, Rob's eyes flashed.

Even though--

The arrival of the "Four Emperors" era hasn't significantly impacted their small family, which can rival a single Emperor, there must be some effects, so he should pay attention.

The coming of the "Four Emperors" era.

The most direct impact on Rob is——

As the number of free pirates in the New World decreases, more and more pirates fly the "Four Emperors" flag. During the voyage, Rob's "income" has changed!

The Whitebeard Pirates and Red-Haired Pirates will not attack him. Once they see the Angel from a distance, they avoid it and never collide head-on.

The pirates under Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates react similarly. Only a very small number of pirates dare to "deliver goods" and "offer warmth" to Rob under the name of "Four Emperors"!

Such a situation -

Naturally, Rob's "income" during the voyage has decreased.

Of course.

As the "income" decreased, Rob's travels became more comfortable!

Now, even the "Four Emperors" pirate groups that dominate the New World's seas need to inform their subordinates in advance not to provoke Rob and his crew, let alone other forces.

"Ni-chan, I see the island."

Just as Rob was thinking, in the training room above the main mast, Uta, who was strengthening her physical and mental training, called out in a clear voice.

Hearing Uta's reminder.

Rob nodded:

"I see!"

As they spoke.

Rob walked to the bow of the Angel, looking at the huge island that appeared at the end of the sea.

With a twinkle:

"We'll meet again soon, Whitebeard!"

In these two months.

With the help of Stussy's intelligence network, Rob found two Zoan ordinary species Devil Fruit users in the New World, extracted their blood factors, and made two perfect artificial Zoan ordinary species Devil Fruits!

After getting ready for the trade, Rob would naturally come to Whitebeard to exchange Marko and his own blood factor with him.

So, when he learned that the main ship of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Moby Dick, was now on the island in front of him, Rob rushed over directly.

Half an hour passed.

The Angel docked on the island, and after being informed by the crew of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco with pineapple hair came to greet Rob himself.

"Long time no see!"

Rob had a friendly smile on his face when he saw Marco.

He took the initiative to say hello:

"Marco!"

Hearing Rob greet him so warmly, Marco trembled all over, as if being targeted by some ominous presence.

After shaking his head, Marco looked at Rob:

"Indeed, it's been a long time! So, what do you want this time? I don't think you're here just to catch up with the elders, for a guy like you who comes knocking on our door!"

"If it's a fight, it's not convenient for Pops to get involved, so I'll take you on myself!"

Hearing Marco's words, the corners of Rob's mouth turned up slightly.

He spoke:

"Even if I was going to fight, you are not my opponent at all!"

Swish—

On one of Marco's eyes, the "flame of regeneration" unique to the Phoenix fruit was burning, and he looked at Rob seriously.

Then he opened his mouth and said:

"Indeed! No one in our group except Pops can win! And as you said, I'm not your opponent, but that's not why I'd back down!"

"If you're here to fight, let me play with you first!"

Rob shook his head and took two steps forward, the smile still on his face.

He reached out and patted Marco on the shoulder:

"Forget it! I'm not interested in fighting you! Another thing is—I'm not here to fight this time! I'm here to make a deal with Whitebeard."

Rob walked directly toward the Whitebeard Pirates' camp on the island:

"Lead the way, Marco!"

Seeing that Rob did not appear to be malicious and noticing the small lockbox in Rob's hand, Marco knew in his heart that Rob indeed meant business.

He didn't say anything more to show the majesty of the Whitebeard Pirates and led the way directly. Under the awe-inspiring gazes of all the cadres and members of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco took Rob alone to their camp.

On the Angel, Robin, Uta, and Makino waited on the boat, remaining on guard against the Whitebeard Pirates. This time, Rob brought several artificial Devil Fruits, perfect replicas, even down to the color!

What if Whitebeard decided to seize them?

This is a Four Emperors pirate crew! Once a fight starts, it wouldn't be a one-on-one duel anymore.

Trusting the character of the Whitebeard Pirates? That's naive!

In the brutal world of pirates, believing in the character of a legendary pirate who has endured several eras is irrational!

While the strong have their own charm, and Whitebeard is famous for his kindness to his crew, his kindness extends only to his crew!

Better safe than sorry, be cautious to avoid unnecessary risks!

Back to the main story.

Following Marco, it didn't take long for Rob to meet Whitebeard in an empty camp. The middle-aged man looked even older than a few years ago and still had a drip tube attached.

Whitebeard now—

His body had started to deteriorate.

This was due to the decline of his vitality and the accumulation of large and small injuries from years of battles. Various hidden injuries left behind had broken out one after another for many reasons!

Unless there's a way to inject a lot of vitality into Whitebeard, his decline is inevitable.

"I haven't seen you for a few years, and you've become so weak? Whitebeard!"

When meeting Whitebeard, Rob sent his own greeting directly:

"How many strikes can you take from me now?"

Hearing Rob's words, Whitebeard, with the oxygen tube up his nose, froze.

Then he laughed out loud:

"Gurarara... How can a person not grow old? If you want to fight, I can still accompany you and fight all day long! Come and test the old man and see how much strength I have left!"

Swish—

Whitebeard's tiger eyes locked on Rob with a sneer on his face:

"You brat!"

Meeting Whitebeard's gaze, Rob smiled:

"Forget it! I'm not interested in bullying the old man. No matter how strong you are now or in the future, you can't be my opponent!"

Hearing what Rob said, the sneer on Whitebeard's face remained unchanged, but he didn't refute Rob's words either.

Because what Rob said is the truth, Whitebeard couldn't deny it.

He was old, and more importantly, his body no longer allowed him to fight as freely and powerfully as he did when he was young, able to battle for several days on end.

But I have to say——

Hearing these words from Rob, the young man who took away his title of "the strongest," really broke Whitebeard's defenses.

As the saying goes——

Lies don't hurt, but the truth does!

With one word, Rob silenced Whitebeard directly.

Pat--

Rob casually sat down on the seat prepared for him.

Gulp

He took a sip of the wine that Marco brought him.

Rob went straight to the point, talking about the purpose of his visit:

"I'm here to make a deal with you, Whitebeard! But before I say anything about this deal, please have all your subordinates, except Marco, step back!"

"The content of this transaction is currently top secret in the sea, so we can't let more people know!"

Hearing Rob, Whitebeard took a deep look at him.

Then he looked to his crew:

"Marco stays! The others step back temporarily. Don't let anyone disturb our conversation!"

Hearing Whitebeard's order, everyone in the camp left except for Marco.

After everyone left,

Pat

Rob directly opened the suitcase he brought, revealing the four artificial Zoan Devil Fruits, excluding the artificial Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon that he kept with him!

Originally, only three Devil Fruits were prepared, so the artificial Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon fruit was included in the trading items.

But after obtaining two common Zoan Devil Fruits, Rob decided to store the artificial Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon fruit separately, using it as a bargaining chip if needed.

If it didn't need to be traded, it could still be useful in the future!

After all, it was a Mythical Zoan fruit!

----------

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: p@treon.com/CosmicKaminari