Chapter 377: The Monster Who Inherited Whitebeard's Power
Chapter 377: The Monster Who Inherited Whitebeard's Power
Ulki's face was also beaded with sweat, "Hey, what's a Shichibukai doing here?"
Hawkins, noticing someone approaching, possibly Wiper, spoke calmly, "I heard he's dealing with Whitebeard's remnants, which means those people are on this island too."
After Tich defeated Marco, those remnants scattered, they weren't all killed.
During their conquests, they also encountered several Whitebeard Affiliate Pirates, but they were no match for them. Usually, they either scatter and disappear or die within their original territories.
As a large island with a magnetic field, it's normal to have Whitebeard's remnants. Before they set off, Hawkins thought a troublesome squad captain might appear here, so he followed along.
But the one who appeared now is not of the same caliber as those squad captains.
"Is there a fluctuation in fate?"
Hawkins glanced at Ulki beside him, "If it were just you, what would you do?"
Ulki maintained his peculiar grin, "After all, it's a Shichibukai, and this isn't within our territory yet. Perhaps I'd observe first."
As a high-ranking executive, Ulki's current record should be the most dazzling under the Supreme Leader.
He single-handedly defeated Snag, who had a bounty of 600 million Belly.
But this achievement didn't make him arrogant, as he had witnessed Sage's battle with Big Momma.
No matter how stubborn, witnessing a battle that casually destroyed islands and unleashed storms, thunder, and flames, one would understand the gap in strength.
Regarding the Shichibukai level, Sage once said that even the weakest Shichibukai could serve as a right-hand man to the Pirate Emperor.
Moriah is a living example. Sage recently joked if he had gotten old, as he hadn't recovered for such a long time.
But even in this unrecovered state, Hawkins and Ulki found him formidable.
The World Government values its reputation more than these pirates. Choosing a weak opponent and being easily defeated would damage their prestige.
The reputation of the Shichibukai is indeed something to be cautious of.
That's why it's only 30%.
"But if it's two of us..."
Ulki hugged the rhombic lead pillar in his arms tightly, "If we back down, we'll lose face, won't we?"
"You're right."
Hawkins gripped the hilt, "We have to give it a try."
"Mom, it's the Cataclysm Pirates."
Wibbur spotted two ships docked at the port, wiping his nose, he said in a husky voice, "What are they doing here?"
Compared to him, the skinny old lady, who only reached his shins, quickly struck his ankles with her cane, "You fool, what don't you know?"
"Ow, Mom," Wibbur whined.
"Of course, they're here for the inheritance. Don't you know that?"
The tiny old lady, with her jewel-adorned hand holding the cane, tapped the ground repeatedly. Her sunglasses emitted a faint glow, and her lips, painted with bright lipstick, opened slightly:
"Just like Tich, the Cataclysm Pirates have been taking over your father's territory recently and have defeated many of his Affiliate Pirates. But they're very similar to Big Momma in their ruling ability."
Looking at the two who were already on guard, she said, "The 'Magician' Basil Hawkins and the 'Odd Monk' Ulki, two high-ranking executives. Perhaps, given your status, you might know the clues to your father's inheritance."
Thud!
The old lady slammed her cane on the ground and shouted, "Wibbur, go and ask them!"
"Roar!!"
The golden hedgehog-like hair on his back bristled with a roar, and his massive seven-meter-tall body exuded an oppressive force. He drew the scythe on his back, similar to Whitebeard's style, and with a stomp, he charged forward like a cannonball.
"My father's inheritance is mine!"
"Here they come! Hawkins, what are the odds?"
"Let's fight first!"
He no longer cared about fortune-telling odds, because fate was meant to be defied!
"You fool, it's not a fight, I told you to go and ask!"
The old lady angrily struck her cane again, but then she smirked, revealing a sinister grin:
"This is good too. Pirates should be fought first. The Cataclysm Pirates are not to be trifled with, but according to the newspaper reports, he should still be in the West Sea, so there's time."
...
The banquet hall in Storm City's palace was in full swing.
Candles and lamps flickered, and the fireplace's flames added to the festive atmosphere. Pirates sat around circular tables or on the floor, with clinking glasses and laughter filling the air.
There were also cheers as a group formed a circle, watching two pirates brawling.
A large chunk of meat rotated on a metal rack, its juices dripping onto the charcoal fire with a sizzling sound. The chefs skillfully sliced the meat, allowing the pirates to take their share, while others pushed carts filled with freshly prepared dishes, ensuring a constant supply of food.
In a corner of the banquet hall, a band played lively tunes, their melodies soaring and drums echoing.
The dance troupe performed in the center, their movements synchronized with the music, eliciting cheers and hearty laughter from the surrounding pirates.
The chaotic scene featured scattered barrels, fierce-looking pirates, luxurious decorations, and a magnificent hall.
It seemed contradictory, yet somehow harmonious.
"Hahahaha!"
Sage stood at the largest table in the center, holding a gem-studded wine glass and laughing heartily.
As soon as he returned, he immediately started a banquet and continued it for three consecutive days, drinking until he passed out and then waiting to drink again once he woke up.
Two months of high-speed sailing had taken its toll on him.
Such rapid travel required everyone on board to remain secured in their cabins, making it impossible to move freely.
This meant that Sage couldn't even hold a banquet on the ship. But now, with the transport mission completed, he was free to do as he pleased.
Sage drained his glass and set it down, and Belana, standing by his side, promptly refilled it.
"Next time, I won't organize anything. No wonder those guys rarely venture out to sea; it's such a hassle."
Link, standing not far away, perked up at this, "Sage, if we're short on people, should we consider recruiting?"
"Do you know how to do it?" Sage rolled his eyes. "I don't have pigeons, nor do I have bats. Let's put off getting into the news industry for now. Let's focus on securing our territory first."
Sage was determined to venture into the six major industries of the underground world, but with his territory not yet firmly established, he lacked the necessary conditions to do so.
He had long recognized the importance of the news industry, with its ability to disseminate information at any time, but recognition alone wasn't enough; he needed the capability.
As a pirate, how could he possibly publish a newspaper in his own territory?
A simple broadcast would suffice.
Who would read a pirate newspaper outside his territory, and through what channels would he distribute it?
The leading figure in the news industry, Morgans, could control seagulls.
The World Government had its messenger bats.
Even the smaller news agencies had their methods, such as the fast-running lizards and ducks in Alabasta, which could deliver newspapers accurately.
And there was no way the World Government would allow a pirate to freely publish a newspaper.
If Sage had the ability to do so, he could attract more people by publishing news at will.
Sage had once considered capturing Morgans, but these underground world 'emperors' were notoriously difficult to find.
Take Du Feld, for example; Sage hadn't even discovered his whereabouts to settle the score.
"If you have any ideas, keep them in mind, or you can conduct experiments yourself. You know the rules," Sage said.
"I understand, Sage," Link replied and withdrew.
Slave trading could also be a good idea, as long as the slaves were brought over, they could be used as a labor force.
All that was needed was a cost of 50,000 Belly per person.
However, Sage was unwilling to spend money on buying slaves, which would undoubtedly deter slave traders.
Of course, there was also the possibility that slave traders might kidnap a large number of people here and sell them within the jurisdiction of the World Government.
After all, the unallied countries had no human rights.
Not long after Link left, Lily entered from outside, her expression turning solemn.
"What's wrong?" Sage asked, sensing something amiss from Lily's demeanor.
Lily didn't beat around the bush, "Hawkins' subordinate called. Hawkins and Urki encountered Edward Wiper on Party Island, and they couldn't force him to retreat. They might be in trouble."
"Edward Wiper?" Sage paused, then realization dawned on him, "Oh, the Second Whitebeard. I thought he became a Seven Warlord. What's he doing in my territory?"
"Strictly speaking, that's not our territory yet, as we haven't conquered it," Lily clarified.
"Should we gather people to board the ship now, or should Hawkins and Urki retreat in advance?" she asked.
"There's no need for that!" Sage finished his freshly poured wine and slammed the gem-studded glass down. He reached out, and Lily immediately understood, handing him the velvet cape hanging nearby.
"I'll go there myself. What was the name of that island again?"
"Party Island. The Eternal Compass is ready," Lily said, producing the Eternal Compass. "Based on the distance, it should take about eleven days to get there from here at the speed of the Doom Star."
Sage grinned, took the cape, and draped it over his shoulders as he stood up.
As he rose, the pirates, still enjoying the festivities, turned their attention to him.
"Guys, keep the party going! I'll be right back!"
Sage let out a hearty laugh and strolled to the courtyard, casually kicking a tree, causing it to shoot up from the ground.
He then lifted the tree with both hands, aiming it in the direction indicated by the Eternal Compass. As his cape fluttered in the wind, he hurled the tree with immense force.
"Hundredfold!"
The tree vanished from sight the moment it left Sage's hands, and so did Sage's body.
In the next instant, high up in the distant sky, Sage stood atop the tree, his cape flailing wildly in the turbulent air currents. He and the tree became a tiny dot at the horizon before quickly disappearing.
Whether or not there was a ship made a significant difference to Sage.
A ship was merely a necessary tool for sailing the ocean and a symbol of spirit. When accelerating, one had to consider the ship's quality and whether it could withstand continuous high speeds.
But with this tree, it didn't matter if it was damaged or not.
So, Sage's speed would only increase!
...
Two hours later.
Port of Party Island.
As an island with a large magnetic field, the entire island had a tropical climate with dense jungles and various wild beasts. Many areas remained untouched, so there weren't many people or nations.
This port town was already considered the center of the island, with a considerable population. However, the port area was filled with dilapidated buildings, all of which had been destroyed.
Boom! Hawkins's body flew backward, slamming into a half-ruined building and completely collapsing it.
The massive body of the golden-haired monster leaped high, gripping a scythe with both hands. As he slashed downward, it seemed as if he were tearing through the air, creating a fissure.
"Impermanence!"
Just as the scythe was about to strike, a thick lead pillar flew in from the side, heading straight for him.
Thud! The downward-slashing scythe abruptly changed direction, striking the rhombic surface of the lead pillar. After a shower of sparks, the scythe sent the pillar spinning.
"Straw Hand Saber!"
From within the ruins of the building, a long straw extended into the air, curved for a moment, and then stabbed at the thick neck of the golden-haired monster, which was covered in stitched scars.
Thud! Another crisp sound rang out.
The swinging scythe swiftly changed direction, slashing the attacking straw and sending it flying. With immense force, the massive body of the monster plummeted downward.
At that moment, Hawkins, transformed into a giant scarecrow, emerged from the ruins and quickly dodged to the side.
Bang!!
"Roar!"
The falling body created a circle of air waves, blowing away the rubble. The monster roared again, and the scythe slammed into the ground, creating a dent and sending flying stones toward Hawkins, who had dodged to the side.
There was no time to dodge! The scarecrow's terrifying face was filled with solemnity, and its soft straw body suddenly started dancing. The straw sword appeared in front of it, swaying like grass blown by the wind.
But it was imbued with Dominance.
"Paper Drawing·Grass Phantom!"
Using the paper drawing's evasion ability, the scarecrow's body withstood the attack.
It was as if the wind had blown it, borrowing the force while canceling out the impact. At the very least, it allowed Hawkins to smoothly retreat backward.
Bang!!
However, the scythe didn't even touch the straw sword Hawkins used for defense. A barrier formed along the edge of the blade, forcing the scarecrow's sword to bend and slamming it toward the body.
Dominance unleashed!
Unstoppable! Just then, Urki jumped out from behind, crashing heavily beside Hawkins, and his arms also unleashed Dominance, pushing forward in the moment of stiffness.
"Iron Block·Golden Square!"
Bang! The arms collided with the Dominance of the scythe, and together with Urki, they blocked the incoming scythe.
"It's useless!"
But soon, with a roar, the scythe smoothly swung forward, and its powerful Dominance sent both of them flying, causing a loud crash as they hit the ground, creating a cloud of dust.
"Tell me the clues to the legacy!"
Edward Wiper roared, "I am Whitebeard's son, and I will inherit everything from my father!"
Before the dust had settled, Urki was the first to stand up. He wiped the fresh blood from the corner of his mouth, glanced at the bleeding slash wound on his arm, and his smile turned slightly bitter. "What monstrous strength."
"And Dominance."
Hawkins, covered in injuries, emerged from the dust, took a deep breath, and looked at Edward Wiper, who was gripping the scythe with both hands, resembling a giant beast. He pursed his lips and spoke in a low voice, "Indeed, he's a monster."
Edward Wiper, known as Whitebeard's son and referred to as 'Second Whitebeard,' was not an exaggeration. While it couldn't be said that he had inherited Whitebeard's strength, he had undoubtedly inherited Whitebeard's power!
(End of Chapter)
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