279 New Whitebeard Guard

But Benjamin feels helpless; he can only remain an ordinary Marine soldier.

"Though you have no power, but there is still a weight to having such ideological consciousness. You're left with a choice: endure the pain or become the catalyst for change. Even your acceptance, your compromise, has the potential to reshape the world."

Whitebeard's words resonated deeply with Benjamin.

"Is it really possible to change the world? Even someone like Roger, the Pirate King, couldn't achieve it. The Revolutionary Army, led by Dragon, has been fighting for years, but it hasn't truly shaken the World Government's control," 

Benjamin expressed his doubts.

Whitebeard turned slightly, gazing at the distant sea, and said softly, "As long as you keep moving forward, you'll eventually reach your destination, won't you?"

Benjamin was once again deeply moved. He felt a strong impulse to follow Whitebeard's lead, where a glimmer of hope shone brightly, promising the realization of his dreams.

"As a Marine, if you rise to the rank of Admiral, you may wield some influence. However, compared to the will of the World Government, your impact might be minimal, and the foundation may not chance slightest bit" 

"Moreover, there's no guarantee you'll even reach the rank of Marines Admiral"

Whitebeard turned around, leaving Benjamin to think deeply. Benjamin also fell into deep thought, and began to think about what he was going to do. Would he be satisfied to remain an ordinary soldier for the rest of his life?

This seemed plausible. Initially, he sought only a simple existence, but he realized that true freedom, true justice, meant more—for himself and for others.

Such a future would surely be filled with pain.

"If I have strength." 

Benjamin couldn't help but clench his fists. In the past, he had been fortunate enough to receive guidance from Marine heroes, Monkey D. Garp and learned the Marine Six Styles. However, mastering these techniques was incredibly demanding on the body.

So, he didn't persevere, and now Benjamin regrets why he didn't put in more effort back then. If he had worked harder, he would have been at least better than an ordinary soldier.

With his abilities, he could have gradually been promoted to the position of Junior Grade Lieutenant, and then continued to climb the ranks.

"How about joining the Whitebeard Pirates?" 

Whitebeard extended the invitation without hesitation.

Benjamin was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated Whitebeard extending an invitation to join Whitebeard pirates himself, especially considering his position in the Marines.

Benjamin hesitated for a moment before responding, "I'm a Marine."

"I understand your loyalty to the Marines. But I'm asking if you'd like to join my crew. With us, you can fully utilize your abilities and potential" 

Whitebeard offered.

"But I'm a Marine" 

Benjamin insisted firmly, as he been Marines most of his life

"Does it really matter? You just said being a Marine and a Pirate are just opposites in identity. So why let that limit you now?" 

Whitebeard remarked.

"!!!!"

"Come on, be bold and confident with your ideas!" Whitebeard laughed.

Whitebeard could tell Benjamin wanted to join his pirate crew, but he seemed hesitant. He hoped that his words would give him the push he needed.

Whitebeard's words acted like a calming potion, which made Benjamin calm down and gave him newfound courage.

Facing Whitebeard, his eyes grew determined, and he said, "I'm ready to join your Whitebeard Pirates!"

"Alright, very good. From now on, you'll call me Oyaji like the rest of them," Whitebeard said with a smile.

"But I have one request to you" 

Benjamin added quickly.

"What's your request?" Whitebeard inquired.

"I hope to have a Devil Fruit!" 

Benjamin said.

While Benjamin could improve his skills with Marine Six Styles through training, having a Devil Fruit would offer quicker development.

"Alright, you have my word," Whitebeard nodded without hesitation.

When Benjamin joined Whitebeard's pirates, the Marine soldiers were shocked. They hadn't expected things to happen this way.

The Marine soldiers joining the pirate group in such a grand manner was undoubtedly an insult to the Marines.

"Should we report this to Marine Headquarters?"

"I think we'll consider it once we've successfully returned to headquarters."

The Marine soldiers decided not to report after discussing it, since they were now part of Whitebeard's crew, and secretly reporting wouldn't be wise.

At most, some information that must be made public needs to be reported, such as the incident on the Fishman island.

Benjamin joined the Whitebeard Pirates and boarded Noah's Ship with Whitebeard. Shirahoshi suddenly exclaimed, "Wow, a Marine brother!"

"I'm not a Marine anymore, I'm a pirate like you now," Benjamin said shyly.

"Ah, you're very welcome! Feel free to ask for advice anytime since I'm new here," 

Shirahoshi said with a smile.

"Please advise," Benjamin replied politely as well.

"What positions do you two want in the future?" 

Whitebeard asked, curious about their thoughts.

Neither of them is suitable for a division commander, and Shirahoshi's abilities are better suited for support roles.

"It doesn't matter. I'll take whatever position Oyaji assigns me. I'm very obedient"

Shirahoshi said without much thought

"I'll also obey whatever arrangement is made" 

Benjamin added.

"Well, how about you, Shirahoshi, become the guardian of Noah's Ship?" Whitebeard suggested.

Putting Shirahoshi in charge of Noah sounds like a perfect fit. There's hardly any fighting involved, and it sounds quite stylish.

"Okay, sounds very good!" 

Shirahoshi said happily. The idea of being the guardian seemed interesting and appealing to her.

"Well, Benjamin, how about becoming my personal guard, along with Wolf and Weevil?" Whitebeard suggested.

"So, does that mean I'll always be by your side?" 

Benjamin asked Whitebeard with a hint of concern.

"Silly boy, of course you don't need to be by my side all the time during peacetime. You're free to go around as you please"

Whitebeard reassured.

"Well, I'll follow the arrangement," Benjamin agreed readily.

Sanjuan Wolf immediately expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, "Hey, Oyaji, didn't you say last time that I was responsible for protecting you?"

"You and Weevil are my two main guards, and Benjamin is a personal guard, it's different," 

Whitebeard explained.

"Well, if that's how it is, then it's fine".

"It's really disappointing," Shirahoshi sighed suddenly.

"What's wrong?" Whitebeard asked seeing Shirahoshi sad face

"I didn't get to say goodbye to Boss Jinbei or see him before leaving Fishman Island this time"

"I feel a bit regretful. I don't know where he is now," Shirahoshi said helplessly.

.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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