https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-398-The-Strongest-and-the-Closest-to-God-/12559558/
Chapter 399: The Strongest vs. the Closest to God!
Chapter 399: The Strongest vs. the Closest to God!
Even at his peak, Whitebeard was not his match in terms of absolute strength, and there was a vast gap between them.
However, Feng Ye still held a great deal of respect for Whitebeard in his heart.
The reason was simple.
Whitebeard had relied on his own power to reach the pinnacle of this world, and Feng Ye would always respect such a figure, regardless of the differences in the world's power levels, never showing any disdain or scorn.
Feng Ye respected those who worked hard and those who could reach the top of their world through their own efforts, even if the combat power of that world was rudimentary.
Furthermore, Whitebeard himself did not leave a bad impression on Feng Ye.
Very few pirates could achieve what Whitebeard had, and it wasn't just his strength that had ultimately convinced Fire Fist Ace.
The era of the Four Emperors had not yet arrived, and the seas were dominated by one superpower and many weaker forces. The Whitebeard Pirates reigned supreme, towering over all other powers. Yet, ironically, they were also the poorest pirate crew.
On the one hand, the Whitebeard Pirates rarely engaged in plunder, and when they did, it was often against other pirate crews. On the other hand, they also refrained from demanding hefty tributes from the countries that flew their jolly roger.
Whitebeard would give away any treasure he acquired to the people of his homeland, keeping almost nothing for himself, to the extent that he left no inheritance upon his death.
In fact, they could no longer be considered pirates but rather a force that ruled over a certain sea territory and opposed the World Government, akin to a separatist force.
The subsequent Four Emperors were more or less the same, each ruling over and dominating a portion of the sea.
"That being said..."
Feng Ye smiled at Whitebeard and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist, drawing it out slowly. "I'd still like to offer a greeting."
In the world at present, no one could surpass Whitebeard in strength. Undoubtedly, he was a suitable opponent for Feng Ye to hone his Haki and swordsmanship.
Aside from swordsmanship, there was still room for improvement in his Haki as well.
"...?"
Feng Ye's action of drawing his sword once again tensed Marco and the others.
However, Whitebeard merely grinned, his mouth twisting as he said, "Gurarara, it seems your bout with Captain John didn't satisfy you at all."
Feng Ye had made his intentions clear—he wasn't looking for trouble. Hence, this greeting wouldn't be a battle to the death.
Nonetheless.
When faced with Feng Ye's challenge, a serious light also flashed in Whitebeard's eyes. There weren't many opponents on the high seas who could make him take things seriously, but Feng Ye was undoubtedly one of them.
"He was too weak."
Feng Ye spoke casually.
Indeed, his battle with Captain John had been somewhat lacking in excitement.
"Old man!"
Marco, who was watching from a distance, couldn't help but call out.
"Marco, Jozu, both of you step back," Whitebeard said, glancing at Marco and the others before turning his attention back to Feng Ye. His right hand gripped the Naginata Murakumo, one of the twelve supreme grade blades, and he grinned slightly, exuding the aura and vigor befitting the world's strongest man.
"There's no need to worry. I am... Whitebeard!"
Witnessing this, Marco and the others clenched their fists but ultimately obeyed Whitebeard's order, quickly retreating with the unconscious crew members.
Feng Ye also waved his hand, sending Robin back to the ship's deck.
Whitebeard, fully prepared, exuded a serious aura as he unleashed his Haki and swung his naginata, Murakumo, to meet Feng Ye's sword.
The two blades clashed in the air, letting out a crisp, metallic clang and sending sparks flying.
Clang!!!
The crisp sound reverberated through the air.
Then, like thunder, a deafening boom shook the entire island's sky.
The countless cherry blossom petals dancing in the sky were swept away by the terrifying blast, scattering in all directions out to sea.
The cloudy sky was split cleanly in two!
"Conqueror's Haki..."
"He's holding nothing back, that traveler."
Diamond Jozu, watching from a distance, witnessed the shocking scene in the sky with a tense expression. He slightly clenched his fists, and the tips of his fingers transformed into a diamond-like form.
"Don't worry too much, Jozu," Marco said in a low voice. "That guy said he wasn't looking for trouble. A man like that doesn't make empty promises. Besides, Pops might not lose to him."
Although Feng Ye had destroyed the holy land of Mariejois and single-handedly taken down the entire Captain John's pirate crew before their very eyes, Whitebeard had never been defeated by anyone!
Not even the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger,
had ever bested Whitebeard!
The title of the World's Strongest Man was not self-proclaimed; it was a recognition bestowed by the entire ocean. Whitebeard stood at the pinnacle of the world, the undisputed strongest!
This was...
A battle between the strongest and the one closest to a god!
"Yes, Pops won't lose to anyone, not even that guy," said Vista, his voice filled with conviction.
Whitebeard was only fifty-five years old at the time. Although his physical strength had declined slightly, his combat abilities, including his Haki, were still at their peak! Moreover, they hadn't just arrived at this island; they had been there for a while, allowing Whitebeard time to rest and recover, ensuring he was in peak condition!
In this state, Whitebeard,
they believed, would not lose to anyone, not even Feng Ye!
"...Too naive," Robin said, standing at the front of the deck, looking in the direction of Whitebeard and Feng Ye. She could hear Marco and the others not far away, but she simply shook her head inwardly.
Perhaps Whitebeard was indeed the World's Strongest Man, the pinnacle of human existence, unbeatable by any mortal. But Feng Ye... had long transcended humanity!
The man closest to a god?
No.
Having witnessed Feng Ye's abilities firsthand, she knew that this description was far from accurate. Feng Ye was not merely the closest to a god; he was—a god walking among men!
And under the watchful eyes of Robin, Marco, and the others...
Feng Ye, with his sword pressed against Whitebeard's naginata, slowly spoke, his eyes fixed on Whitebeard, "So this is the power of the Gura Gura no Mi?"
He could feel the intense vibrations coming from where the blades met, causing his fingers to tremble and making it difficult to maintain his grip on the sword.
Whitebeard grinned, "That's right... I am an earthquake man who ate the Gura Gura no Mi. If you fight me, you'll have to endure the power of earthquakes..."
Feng Ye smiled gently, "I should be able to manage."
(End of Chapter)
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