11 The Ever-Evolving Monster

Whitebeard's arrival on that island was purely coincidental. While on a separate errand in the first half of the sea, he passed through Fish-Man Island and received information that a World Government ship was approaching the territory island.

Pirates being trifled with by the World Government on their territory was a matter of pride. Given their proximity to the island, Whitebeard decided to change course and head there.

As the island became clearer in sight, Marco approached Whitebeard, looking in the direction of the island and murmured, "… But what business does the World Government have on that island?"

"I don't know. We'll find out when we get there," Whitebeard replied.

The members of the Whitebeard Pirates showed no signs of nervousness, appearing rather relaxed. Not only did they have the confidence of being strong, but also the high probability that there wouldn't be a battle this time.

Even Navy warships wouldn't dare provoke the Whitebeard Pirates, let alone a poorly armed government vessel with officials not used to combat. In the somewhat relaxed atmosphere, the lookout's voice was heard.

"… Someone is coming out!"

At those words, Whitebeard and his sons turned their gaze toward the island, where a figure wearing a hood emerged from the forest facing the shore. Just then, the bright daylight turned as dark as pitch, and the ship shook violently. More than half of those on the deck lost consciousness and collapsed.

"This is... Conqueror's Haki!?"

"Yeah, that's Haki…"

Feeling the tremendous Haki emanating from the figure, the members of the pirate crew were unsettled. Amidst this, Whitebeard concentrated and released his own Conqueror's Haki. The clash of the two Haki caused the sea to surge and the air to tremble. The crew of the Whitebeard Pirates stared at Whitebeard's unyielding back, displaying the strength befitting the "Strongest in the World," and gradually regained their composure.

However, Whitebeard himself was also shaken.

(… It's him, there's no mistake… but damn, he's far stronger than back then… It's been only two years… Even back then, he was already at a level that was practically unmatched in the world. But is it possible that he's still in a developmental stage, not even at his peak?)

Whitebeard realized that the person who appeared on the coast was the same individual he clashed with using Haki during a naval battle about two and a half years ago. At the same time, he could sense that this person now possessed far more tremendous power.

He had indeed felt their formidable strength back then, but even so, he was certain that there was enough difference for him to be confident of victory in a battle.

… But what about now? If he were to fight this opponent, Whitebeard would need to be prepared for the worst. He would have to risk his own life, lose most of his sons, and even if he were to survive and win, the wounds he would sustain might be too severe to ever fight again. That's how much stronger his opponent had become.

However, at the same time, Whitebeard's honed instincts, shaped through countless battles and survival in various harsh situations, told him something.

… This is his "last chance."

Certainly, he had to be prepared for great sacrifices. Yet, there was still a chance, now, to defeat this monster. However, there would be "no next time." If they were to meet for the third time, Whitebeard was convinced that this monster would have evolved to a point where he could no longer handle it, even if he gave up everything.

Should he fight, or should he avoid it… Whitebeard pondered for a while, and then decided to hold back his Haki, choosing not to engage.

Yes, Whitebeard chose not to fight. The risk was far too great compared to the rewards. Moreover, he could hardly bring himself to gamble not just with his own life but also with the lives of his sons.

Furthermore, even if he fought, the assumption was that the opponent would engage in the battle until the end. However, considering their encounter last time, the opponent showed no warrior's pride and acted very rationally. If they saw the situation as unfavorable, they would likely retreat immediately.

In that case, the worst outcome would be suffering losses without gaining anything in return. That's why Whitebeard chose not to fight.

He had no regrets about this choice. If there were any regrets, it would be about not having taken action during their previous encounter. Though expressing it now would change nothing about the current situation.

As the figure wearing the hood retreated, Whitebeard had to admit that, in essence, it was a defeat. He felt bitter about it, but as expected of a great pirate, he closed his eyes lightly and shifted his focus, commanding his sons to investigate the island.

***

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