48 48. Boarding, Luffy's Resignation
Luffy wears his straw hat.
Zoro holds his long sword ready.
Sanji lights a cigarette.
Chopper turns into a big, strong human form.
Luffy leads the way, followed by Zoro and Sanji, with Chopper bringing up the rear.
The Oro Jackson ship approaches the Moby Dick, and a set of stairs lowers from the Moby Dick to connect the two ships.
Luffy takes the lead, walking towards the Moby Dick.
"You don't have to go. The upcoming clash isn't something you can handle."
Rayleigh sits on the Oro Jackson's rail, holding a silver flask, his head slightly bowed, the light glinting off his glasses.
His voice stays calm.
Though he smiles a little, his aura becomes sharp.
At this moment, it's not the laid-back Rayleigh from Sabaody Archipelago before everyone, but the real legendary pirate, Dark King Rayleigh.
"You don't need Jinbei to join either. This is a negotiation between us and Whitebeard."
Rayleigh speaks calmly, halting Jinbei, who is about to follow.
"But, Mr. Rayleigh, if I'm there, maybe Dad won't be as aggressive," Jinbei says, worried. He knows Whitebeard's stubbornness when dealing with newbies, especially after Rayleigh's recent confrontation. Luffy's boldness boarding Moby Dick might irk the old man.
"If I'm there, things might not get so bad," he adds.
"No need. Luffy and the crew are much stronger than you think. After all, he's the one who inherited that hat," Rayleigh says calmly, nodding slightly.
After that, he doesn't look at Jinbei again.
Instead, his gaze fixated on Luffy's back as he uttered softly, "Don't disappoint me, Luffy."
"Your era starts today."
Boom.
The sound of wooden steps echoed crisply on the stairs.
Boom.
With each step, an unmatched vigour radiated outwards.
The formidable Conqueror's Haki, resembling a tide of black and red, engulfed the surroundings as if painting the world into Asura's purgatory.
An indescribable weight pressed upon everyone's hearts instantly.
"What an intense spirit. Is this Brother Luffy's Conqueror's?" Jinbei stood on the Oro Jackson's deck, stunned, watching Luffy exuding a fearsome aura.
The Luffy, who usually seems carefree and rough, now stands as a sovereign of the sea.
Boom.
Another step descended.
Though he exerted little force, the wooden stairs groaned as if under immense pressure.
An invisible storm surged forth.
Bang, bang, bang.
It wasn't the sound of Luffy's footsteps but the splintering of wooden hulls throughout the Moby Dick.
The deck seemed to be swept by an unseen blade, resulting in small explosions. The railings threatened to snap outward.
"What's happening?"
A pirate in the Moby Dick struggled to speak before collapsing with vacant eyes.
"Why does it feel like when the redhead was here last time? It's Conqueror's."
Someone exclaimed, but in the next moment, he too slipped into unconsciousness.
"Isn't that Rayleigh's aura? Ace's brother is here, isn't it the Sea Emperor?"
Marco sat on the railing, his expression slightly grim. He managed to maintain his composure, but inside, he was shaken.
This kind of bravery is almost on par with when the Shanks came aboard. It's as if a true overlord has descended.
Even during the Shanks's visit, I wasn't this shocked. Back then, I was mentally prepared. But now, I was just trying to relax, maybe even offering some food, but Ace's younger brother came with a big impact.
"The newbies should stay hidden on deck. This is beyond your league," Diamond Joz bellowed.
If he had hesitated about dealing with the Roger pirates, as he mentioned to his father before, he's fully committed now. They're the Whitebeard Pirates, after all. How could they be frightened by a young pirate, even if he's Ace's brother?
"Hmph, interesting kid, decent spirit," Whitebeard remarked, visibly surprised but quickly regaining his composure with a disdainful snort.
Boom.
Another powerful surge swept across like a shockwave, causing the massive Moby Dick to tremble slightly.
Dark clouds gathered in the sky, obscuring the sun, and the sea around them rippled as if some giant beast were about to emerge.
On the Moby Dick, aside from the old man, some newcomers either collapsed or were ushered into the cabins.
"Here he comes," Marco said calmly, blue flames flickering around him.
A radiant glow enveloped Diamond Joz as he casually drew two long knives.
Finally, I ascended the stairs.
Luffy is already standing on the Moby Dick's deck.
"You're Whitebeard, I'm Monkey D. Luffy."
Luffy adjusts his straw hat with one hand, tilts his head slightly, and gazes up at the towering figure seated on the massive chair across the deck.
The man stands over six meters tall, remarkably imposing and robust.
Clad in a white cloak that exposes his muscular upper body, adorned with countless scars—a testament to his battles.
Most striking is the crescent-shaped white beard beneath his nose.
Though the man appears aged, the sheer presence he exudes, even in repose, is overwhelming.
Luffy didn't sense this level of pressure from Kizaru.
"Rayleigh mentioned you could help with Ace's situation. I'd like to discuss it with you," Luffy says, his voice deep.
"Little devil, I'll handle Ace's matters. Forget the discussions. You, brat, just follow along and do your part. Frontline battles aren't for kids like you," Whitebeard says from his massive chair, his voice resolute and commanding, laced with undeniable Haki.
"However, if you're adamant about talking, you can approach me, and we'll discuss," he adds calmly, observing Luffy with interest, almost as if regarding a curious junior.
"Strange old man, it's just a matter of standing in front of you," Luffy replies, lifting his foot to step forward.
Boom.
Like the crackle of burning flames, a blue figure materializes before Luffy in an instant.
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