Garp snorted coldly, a mocking smile playing on his lips, completely shattering the last of Luffy's flimsy excuses.
However, the next words Luffy spoke caused even a figure like Garp to freeze in surprise.
"Oh, I don't need to worry about that at all. Luna's dream isn't to become the One Piece; she won't compete with me. What do I have to be afraid of? Even if she did compete with me, I wouldn't be scared. We'll see who has the last laugh. I have confidence in myself, and I have confidence in my crew." Luffy declared firmly and resonantly.
All the members of the Straw Hat Pirates cast approving glances his way, their faces beaming with smiles. This was the reason they respected their "idiot captain."
Moreover, they were all comrades Luffy had earned with his life. Since Luffy had given so much, they would undoubtedly assist him wholeheartedly and spare no effort.
"Oh, what is that little girl's goal? Do you know, boy?" Garp immediately became interested, asking urgently with a face full of curiosity and eagerness to know. The Marines and Bogard behind him were equally attentive.
After all, Luna had become the Navy's number one enemy, and compared to other hostile powerhouses, she was filled with enmity and malice toward them. Knowing her dream or goal would absolutely be extremely beneficial intelligence for the Navy.
The Navy could then prepare defenses in advance and respond specifically. Of course, for the Navy, whether the World Government could reach space and obtain the so-called Cosmic Needle was also crucial.
"It's nothing much. It's probably similar to the One Piece, just slightly stronger—to become the new Queen of this world," Luffy said casually.
But his understatement was like a clap of thunder, instantly darkening the expressions of Garp and Bogard, because they knew deep down that Luna certainly possessed the strength to challenge that position. Didn't that mean Luna definitely intended to take action against the World Government?
This... this was truly excellent. Finally, the Navy wouldn't have to bear the malicious attacks from the Pink Hat Pirates alone.
As their boss, or even their master, the World Government should also step forward and take responsibility, shouldn't they?
What followed was the same as the original plot. Upon learning that Rocks would not cause trouble in Water Seven, Garp immediately breathed a sigh of relief. The events happening here were essentially similar to the original storyline; Rocks' team was nearing completion of their construction and preparing to depart soon.
Rocks was currently on a small boat, watching the sky fire robot submerged in the sea, grinning widely. It was his, his, this was his... Meanwhile, on the Whitebeard Pirates' territory, aboard the Moby Dick.
Of course, Shanks' Pirate Crew was nearby, but only Shanks himself had actually come aboard, carrying a large wine gourd filled with West Blue fine wine.
Luna was still one step too late; Shanks and Whitebeard had already finished their unsuccessful discussion.
"I have said all I can. Since you feel this way, I can only take my leave now. But let me say one last thing: Blackbeard is truly not as simple as you imagine him to be."
Sighing, Shanks knew he couldn't achieve his goal and prepared to leave. He sheathed his sword, looking at Whitebeard, who had just clashed with him.
Whitebeard fell silent upon hearing this. Had he truly underestimated that bastard Teach?
Fortunately, Luna's arrival was not too late.
Especially since, right at that moment, an ordinary crew member of the Whitebeard Pirates rushed in frantically.
Red Hair was stunned, and an unpleasant expression crossed Whitebeard's face.
"Pops, Commanders, Mr. Shanks, please don't be angry, but this is huge news! The total bounty for the Pink Hat Pirates has reached 20 billion, and their captain, Rocks D. Luna, has broken the world record, reaching an astonishing 6,099,900,000 Berries! I heard that the bounties for all Pink Hat Pirates members were set by the Five Elders, and, most importantly, the Pink Hat Pirates have been designated the fifth emperor by the Navy. A new Sea Emperor has been born!"
The Pirate, seeing their reaction, immediately felt goosebumps and fear, sweating profusely. He quickly spoke, simultaneously presenting the bounty posters he had brought.
"Huh?"
"Hmm?"
The two Yonko were immediately shocked upon hearing this. They had actually been designated the fifth emperor? A total bounty of around 20 billion, and an individual bounty of 6,099,900,000 Berries—that truly broke the record. Even Whitebeard was surprised. If he remembered correctly, Old Captain Rocks' bounty back then seemed to also be 6 billion, but without the extra amount.
Did those old geezers really think Rocks' Granddaughter was even more threatening than him?
Shanks was also greatly astonished, but having witnessed the battle yesterday, he clearly understood that the Pink Hat Pirates had earned this through their strength and achievements. However, their growth rate truly surprised him.
"What? No way, the total bounty exceeds 20 billion!"
"Heavens, they really are an incredible group of girls."
"Exactly, especially Luna. She truly is the Granddaughter of the Devil; she actually broke the world record!"
"This fifth emperor Pirate Crew, even though they are just young girls and rookies, they truly deserve the title."
"Yes, they are qualified to be called the fifth emperor."
The other Pirates of the Whitebeard Pirates were also astonished. They immediately took the bounty posters from the ordinary Pirate. Especially upon seeing the specific bounty amounts, they were even more shocked: every single member exceeded 1.5 billion Berries.
Good heavens! One must know that among the current Yonko' First Mates, only Benn Beckman, who possesses true Yonko-level strength, exceeded that amount.
Yet, they saw that other young girls in the Pink Hat Pirates had bounties of 2.5 billion and even 3 billion Berries.
It was fair to call them the strongest fifth emperor Pirate Crew today, and perhaps the only Pirate Crew that could truly contend with, or even eliminate, the Navy, because they absolutely had that strength.
The bounty poster quickly reached Whitebeard's hands. When he saw the details, even he was incredibly surprised, realizing he had still underestimated these young girls.
Shanks felt a bit speechless and restless; he wanted to see it too.
"Shanks." But suddenly hearing someone call his name, and in a familiar voice, Shanks turned around and immediately saw that his crewmates had arrived.
Leading the way, Benn Beckman immediately handed a copy of the bounty poster to him.
Without needing to ask, he knew it was the bounty poster for the Pink Hat Pirates. So, Shanks immediately began reading it, while also thanking them. It was truly timely; otherwise, he would have been thoroughly embarrassed.
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