#3 Blackbeard's Lucky day

Blackbeard POV

Seeing Carlo unleashing an immense, terrifying energy in the distance, Blackbeard was dumbfounded, almost sneezing in shock!

Conqueror's Haki!

How could he not recognize it? After spending over a decade on Whitebeard's ship, his former 'dad' was a master of Conqueror's Haki, wielding it to its fullest potential.

In those days, only Pirate King Roger could rival him.

This aura was so familiar to Blackbeard...

Though its power was still weak, only able to intimidate unintelligent animals and ordinary people, it was useless against top-tier fighters like them.

But it could grow stronger. Carlo looked very young, so it was only natural that he would master this power in the future.

Anyone with Conqueror's Haki was bound to be extraordinary!

In an instant, all of Blackbeard's doubts and worries vanished completely...

Conqueror's Haki had appeared. If there were any problems, they were his, not Carlo's!

"What's wrong? Blackbeard, you seemed to have something to ask me?"

After his body was fully transformed and his Conqueror's Haki retracted, Carlo looked at the still-stunned Blackbeard with a faint smile.

"Ah… no, no, nothing at all. I was just celebrating our new partnership, Zehahaha!"

Snapped out of his daze by Carlo's question, Blackbeard quickly responded.

Wow, what luck! He had just found an amazing right-hand man, the first of his crew, with such outstanding potential. His crew's strength was immediately boosted!

He had hit the jackpot!

Now, he couldn't risk upsetting Carlo. If Carlo left because he felt unwelcome, Blackbeard would be devastated.

"Glad to hear it. My name's Carlo."

Carlo smiled slightly. Showing off was his specialty. While he didn't know exactly what Blackbeard was thinking, he could guess.

After all, if he encountered a mysterious person out of nowhere, he'd be wary too, let alone invite them to join him!

But now, Carlo didn't need to explain anything. His display of Conqueror's Haki was explanation enough!

"So, Carlo, Zehahaha! I'm Marshall D. Teach. Call me Teach."

Blackbeard stepped forward, revealing his full name to show his respect for Carlo.

Maybe it was because of Carlo's earlier "Little Brother" comment that Blackbeard felt the need to clarify.

After a round of introductions, they got to know each other better...

Well, it was more that Blackbeard got to know Carlo better.

To Carlo, Blackbeard was like an open book. He could see through him completely.

A few minutes later, by the sea. Carlo POV

Carlo looked at the giant raft docked on the shore, feeling a bit speechless. "You're sailing on this thing??"

"Don't joke with me. I don't want to end up as fish food right after setting sail!"

Carlo had always thought Blackbeard found his crew first before using the giant raft as their ship...

He never imagined Blackbeard had been sailing this rickety 'ship' from the dangerous New World all the way here!

Well, it was definitely unique!

"Zehahaha, resources are limited, but we'll upgrade eventually."

Hearing Carlo's complaint, Blackbeard looked a bit embarrassed but responded quickly. His expression turned serious, as if he'd made a major decision.

"Carlo, since you've joined my crew, I need to trust you completely. There are some things you should know."

"We can't stay in one place too long. I feel like someone is chasing me."

Then Blackbeard shared his story with Carlo—killing Thatch, taking the Darkness Fruit, and escaping.

"Oh? Really?!"

Carlo already knew this, but to avoid suspicion, he played along, showcasing his acting skills.

"Blackbeard, you're impressive! To have such a fearsome power and escape from one of the Four Emperor's grasps... you're destined for greatness on the seas!"

Carlo praised Blackbeard without a hint of shame, fully committing to his act.

"Sigh, but the consequences are hard to bear."

Blackbeard looked a bit awkward at Carlo's exaggerated praise but focused on Carlo's reaction to his story.

Choosing to join him meant becoming enemies with the Four Emperors and risking constant pursuit.

Such a risk wasn't easy for most to handle. To avoid being betrayed later, Blackbeard decided to be honest upfront.

Carlo's reaction satisfied him greatly!

There was no fear of the Four Emperors on Carlo's face. Instead, his interest lay in Blackbeard's Devil Fruit power!

This showed that Carlo was someone like him.

Blackbeard felt even luckier. Those strange nicknames didn't matter anymore.

If he couldn't change it, he'd just get used to it!

"Carlo, before we set sail, we need to plan our next steps."

"Back in the first half of the Grand Line, I want to find crewmates and partners first. I don't have a clear plan for what comes next."

"Zehahaha, now that you're with me, I'd like to hear your thoughts."

Hearing this, Carlo raised an eyebrow, realizing something.

From Blackbeard's words, Carlo saw that his future plans and goals were still unclear...

He hadn't yet decided on things like becoming a Warlord, recruiting from Impel Down, causing chaos in the world, or orchestrating the Marineford War.

'This is my chance! An opportunity delivered right to me!'