23 Chapter 23: Lin? Who is this person?

Across the sea, the Whitebeard Pirates stand unparalleled in strength and influence. After much deliberation, the Navy has decided to take action against them, believing the flame of the era's leader must be extinguished. Whitebeard has become Fleet Admiral Sengoku's top target. But how should the Navy act against one of the New World's great powers, one of the Four Emperors? For the Navy, this requires careful planning.

Not long ago, Captain Thatch of the Whitebeard Pirates' Fourth Division was killed due to a Darkness Fruit, which was momentous news for the Navy. Squad captains hold a significant position in the Whitebeard Pirates, and now, with the loss of a captain, their strength is slightly weakened. The Navy initially planned to use this as a breakthrough point, but shortly afterward, the Whitebeard Pirates recruited another captain-level combatant, causing a headache for Sengoku. Being a Fleet Admiral is not easy, and after prolonged planning, Sengoku's white hair has gradually increased.

"Sigh!" Sengoku leaned back in his chair. If a neutral person like Lin had been recruited by the Navy first, how great that would have been. "Garp, give the order to closely monitor the movements of the Whitebeard Pirates. Before we engage them, make sure no other incidents occur!" Despite his disappointment, Sengoku immediately instructed Garp to handle it. Since this is the first intel, it's inappropriate to issue a bounty rashly. For now, just keep an eye on it and plan for future actions.

"Alright!" Garp readily agreed. "Meeting adjourned!" Sengoku signaled everyone to leave.

However, as Sengoku and the others adjourned the meeting, the Grand Line was far from peaceful. The path to fame had just begun for Lin Yan. While he wasn't well-known and few people recognized him, this wasn't the case for the Whitebeard Pirates. The Whitebeard Pirates' fame even surpassed that of the Marines. In the vast sea, who wouldn't know the Whitebeard Pirates? As the foremost of the Four Emperors, countless people followed them, especially media outlets. When they learned about Lin Yan, they immediately reported the news, detailing the recruitment of a new crew member.

If it was just an ordinary recruitment, it would have been fine, but when people found out that this newcomer had landed on the Moby Dick and overwhelmed the massive Whitebeard Pirates, the news spread like wildfire across the Grand Line. Many people shared a consistent thought: what was the Whitebeard Pirates' status in this sea? How strong were their members? Anyone on the Grand Line could answer that. Now, the Whitebeard Pirates, at their peak, had been challenged by a newcomer. Wow!

Especially after seeing detailed reports of how the newcomer defeated various commanders, many people gasped. First, they were impressed by Lin's extraordinary strength. Second, they were surprised that the Whitebeard Pirates had found a treasure! With such a strong crew member joining, their overall strength would certainly rise. In the New World, the Red-Haired Pirates were also aware of the news.

"Lin? Who's this person?" In bright sunshine and clear skies, Shanks opened today's headlines after paying Bailey to a seagull. Upon seeing what had happened with the Whitebeard Pirates, he was astonished to hear that this newcomer defeated Jozu, Vista, Izou, and other commanders. "Lin... he's not simple!" said the first mate, Benn Beckman, looking at the newspaper.

In a castle, Dracule Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman, who was also one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, examined the newspaper with sharp eyes. Supporting his head with one hand, his brows furrowed as he read, "Lin, in terms of swordsmanship, isn't as strong as Vista..." When it comes to a love for swordsmanship, Mihawk claims the second place, and no one dares to claim the first. Even Shanks has to step aside. Vista is one of the few who can threaten Mihawk's position as the World's Greatest Swordsman. If Vista was defeated by Lin Yan, then how skilled is Lin's swordsmanship? Mihawk's curiosity grew.

At Marine Headquarters, Kizaru, who had just returned to Marineford, learned about the news and smiled wryly. "Oh my, he defeated so many strong foes from the Whitebeard Pirates! That's really scary!"

"Hmph, just a small-time clown. If he dares to appear before me, I'll tear him apart!" Akainu, behind Kizaru, clenched his fists, burning the newspaper to ashes with magma, the eerie flames casting shadows on his cold face.

In Totto Land, on Cake Island, Big Mom laughed, "Mamamama! Whitebeard has held the title of the strongest for years. It's time he gave it up!" After reading the news, she shook her head, surprised at how the Whitebeard Pirates had declined. A mere newcomer had swept through them.

In Wano, on Onigashima, Kaido scoffed, looking at the newspaper while drinking. "Ohh, the Whitebeard Pirates have come to this? Age must be catching up with him!" His eyes gleamed with pride, as he had long coveted the position of the strongest emperor. It seemed that soon, a sea emperor might step down. With this thought, Kaido's eyes flashed with ruthlessness.

On Banaro Island, in the first half of the Grand Line, Blackbeard staggered out of the ruins, covered in sweat, laughing wildly, "Zehahaha! Second Division Commander, who would've thought you'd end up like this!" Beside him, a man lay on the ground, covered in blood and dark matter, with the Whitebeard Pirates' tattoo on his back. He was none other than Fire Fist Ace, the second division commander!