Hancock froze at Elder Nyon's words and quickly looked back. Her expression turned grave.
The shockwave from the clash just moments before had left many of her warriors collapsed on the ground; the younger ones were face‑down, some even unconscious.
She looked up at the two figures where blades had met.
"A clash of Conqueror's Haki…"
While she was awestruck by the sheer power both Grimm and Whitebeard displayed, she also realized how far her own crew still had to go.
Even though Haki was basic training for every member of the Whitebeard Pirates, the difference in mastery was undeniable.
"You understand now, don't you, Empress? This is no time for you to be blindly chasing after a man. If you want to survive in the New World, you must strengthen your crew even further."
Elder Nyon spoke earnestly — and this time, Hancock did not argue, nor did she try to throw her overboard.
Meanwhile, aboard the Moby Dick, Marco and the others watched Whitebeard gripping his massive bisento and cried out in alarm.
"Father!"
They were not worried about who would win or lose — they were worried about his health.
Every member of the crew knew that behind that terrifying display of power lay a ticking time bomb inside Whitebeard's aging body.
"What kind of pirate would I be if I did not answer when challenged?"
Whitebeard pulled out the two large medical tubes still attached to his right arm, gripped his weapon firmly, and swung it in a wide arc, unleashing a gale‑force wind.
Then he slammed the blade down hard against the deck.
"I AM… WHITEBEARD!"
Grimm rolled his eyes. Always the same line… can't you ever come up with something new?
"Father, there is no need for you to fight! Let us handle him!" Marco stepped forward, and the others behind him shouted in agreement.
"Right!"
"Leave him to us, Father!"
Before Whitebeard could reply, two enormous hands suddenly grabbed the port and starboard sides of the ship. A massive skull‑like face rose up before Marco and the others.
"Your opponent… is me."
Marco gritted his teeth. "Mannoroth… you freak of nature…"
Whitebeard glanced toward the shore and the Kuja warriors. The Empress is strong, yes… but looking at those girls lying unconscious back there… they are still far too green.
"Our battle is far too fierce for those young women. Let's move away from here."
He did not want to endanger the Kuja, but he was also doing Grimm a favor.
If the full power of the Tremor‑Tremor Fruit were unleashed here, this entire island would not survive.
"Mannoroth… prepare for battle." Grimm spoke the name calmly.
"At once, Master!"
Mannoroth responded, then detached the massive palace structure he carried on his back.
Grimm waved his hand and instantly stored the entire building away into his system space.
Mannoroth grabbed the stern of the Moby Dick and swam rapidly, pulling the great ship far away from the waters around Amazon Lily.
"Lord Grimm!" Hancock cried out anxiously as they vanished into the distance.
"Empress, tend to your people first. You must trust Lord Grimm," Elder Nyon warned again.
"Whitebeard is his greatest rival. Just last year alone, the Marines recorded three battles between them. This is not something we can get involved in."
"SO NOISY!"
Hancock finally snapped back to her usual self and kicked Elder Nyon straight into the sea. My head is already a mess… and you keep mocking me for being weak…
When… when will I finally awaken that true power?
"All those still able to move — carry our fallen sisters back. Their Haki will restore them quickly enough," Hancock ordered.
"Our strength… is still not enough for the New World…" Sandersonia said dejectedly.
Elder Nyon had wanted to humble Hancock's overconfidence. In the New World, the Kuja were certainly strong enough to hold their own — but compared to crews like Whitebeard's, they were still outclassed.
They had to understand the gap between them and the world's top pirates. Serving under Grimm meant protection, yes… but it also meant endless danger.
Just look at his two main territories: the Sanctuary and his new base Al‑Dimi.
Both were under constant threat from powerful enemies, and only the strongest warriors stood guard there day and night.
Thirty kilometers away from Amazon Lily, Mannoroth finally slowed to a halt.
"Captain… is this distance enough?"
"Perfect, Mannoroth. You did well. I promise I will help you restore your full power one day." Grimm smiled.
Mannoroth practically trembled with excitement.
Grimm turned toward Whitebeard. "Are you ready, Father? Today… I will knock you down from your pedestal as a god!"
"Gurararara! Are all brats these days this arrogant?!"
Whitebeard slammed his palm downwards. The shockwave sent Grimm flying hundreds of meters away onto a desolate island.
With a single heavy stride, Whitebeard landed directly opposite him — a towering, mountain‑like figure.
Two immense auras clashed — one golden, one white — like two ancient beasts facing each other down.
"UAAAAAAAH!"
Whitebeard roared, raised his bisento, and stepped forward, thrusting the blade straight at him.
Grimm dodged sideways, summoned a heavy shield, and hurled it with full force. Whitebeard struck out with one hand, smashing the shield so hard it vanished into the distance.
HUMMM…
Suddenly the air vibrated. A wave of golden sword‑energy erupted from Grimm and spread outward — the Holy Storm.
"TAKE THIS!"
Whitebeard shouted, unleashing his Conqueror's Haki once more. The very atmosphere trembled under its weight, shattering the golden energy completely. He raised his arm again.
Marco's eyes widened in horror. "Father is getting serious! Quick — turn the ship to three o'clock!"
The Whitebeard Pirates had been founded decades ago. Marco had seen Whitebeard fight countless times.
Even without seeing the attack land, he knew exactly where it was going to strike the moment Whitebeard lifted his hand.
The helmsman spun the wheel hard, turning the ship just as ordered.
And in that exact second… the world tilted.
Or rather — the entire ocean tilted.
Mannoroth could not reposition fast enough. His colossal body, along with the sea beneath him, was lifted high into the air.
Seconds later, the sea crashed back down, hurling Mannoroth into the waves. Massive swells rose and fell, driven by the tremors Whitebeard had unleashed.
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off