Chapter 13: The Fall of the Whitebeard Pirates

"Tap, tap, tap!" The sound of Lin Yan's boots on the wooden deck of the Moby Dick echoed through the ship, reverberating like a distant echo in a valley.

The crew of the Whitebeard Pirates, renowned for their strength and skill, immediately noticed the sound in the corridor. In an instant, all 1,600 members on the ship fell silent, holding their breath. The atmosphere was tense, quiet, and expectant.

"The newcomer is arriving!"

All eyes turned toward the entrance to the hallway.

Moments later, Lin Yan stepped onto the deck, the sunlight reflecting off his face. He was suddenly exposed to the crew, standing out like a black sheep among white. Countless pairs of eyes focused on him, and an invisible wave of pressure descended on Lin Yan.

Lin Yan, boarding the Moby Dick for the first time, took in the scene. The ship was massive, bustling with the elite members of the Whitebeard Pirates, who would later participate in the Paramount War. The crew had gathered on both sides, lively and expectant, just as when the Red-Haired Pirates had visited before.

Facing all the focused gazes, Lin Yan's mouth curled into a slight smile. He couldn't help but exclaim, "They're fierce!"

In the center of the deck, a towering figure stood in place, as steady as an ancient rock. He wore a gold-trimmed cloak and a pirate captain's hat, with the iconic upward-curving mustache and bulging muscles. Though he sat receiving an IV, he exuded an aura of majesty.

Even in his old age, his presence was commanding. Lin Yan, standing some distance away, felt the weight of Whitebeard's imposing presence, filling him with awe.

Is this Whitebeard? The world's strongest man? Lin Yan thought to himself.

Next, Lin Yan glanced around at the crew members of the Whitebeard Pirates. However, he noticed that they were glaring at him menacingly, grinding their teeth as if he owed them millions. He was stunned, a flash of confusion crossing his mind.

What's going on here? he wondered.

Why are they glaring at me like that?

"You are Lin, right?" Whitebeard rose from his seat, looking at Lin Yan with an appreciative gaze. From the moment Lin Yan had stepped aboard, Whitebeard had been observing him. He expected someone like Jozu, a muscle-bound man. However, he was surprised to see such an elegant and amicable person.

"I am!" Lin Yan responded, his heart stirring with emotion.

"Gurararara, I didn't expect you to be such a young officer! Before coming, I assume Izo briefed you on the situation?" Whitebeard asked, nodding approvingly.

"He did," Lin Yan replied.

"So, what do you think of our Whitebeard Pirates?" Whitebeard asked, curious about Lin Yan's opinion.

"I have no strong opinions, it seems pretty good!" Lin Yan replied, giving a neutral answer. Whitebeard paused, clearly unsatisfied with the response.

"I've heard about you and Izo. He invited you, but you didn't give a definite response!" Whitebeard laughed, then asked seriously, "What do you think of joining our Whitebeard Pirates?"

As soon as he spoke, the crew's eyes sharpened, with a look that said, "The newbie flies, the consequences follow."

Lin Yan didn't answer immediately, feeling the invisible pressure surrounding him. "May I say something first?" he asked after a moment's thought.

"Go ahead!" Whitebeard generously responded.

"May I ask, am I familiar with your crew?" Lin Yan asked, pointing to the surrounding members.

"No, not familiar," Whitebeard replied.

"Do I have a grudge against any of them?"

"No grudge."

"So, have I met them before?"

"No"

Hearing this, Whitebeard looked puzzled by Lin Yan's question. But in the next moment, Lin Yan's response made Whitebeard burst out laughing.

"Then I want to ask, if there's nothing at all, why do your crew members look at me as if they want to devour me?"

"They must have water in their heads!"

"Then I'll go, okay?"

With a sigh emanating from a certain man, Lin Yan calmly asserted, "Actually, when you first invited me to join the Whitebeard Pirates, I was genuinely pleased!"

"However, I'm a free spirit by nature, not one to thrive under constraints."

"Since it's clear that my presence isn't welcomed by all of you, Captain Whitebeard, then I must regretfully decline your offer."

"I refuse!"

"I refuse to become a member of your Whitebeard Pirates!"