As Jake, Monet, and Marco stepped onto the deck, the entire feast's focus instantly shifted to them.
Watching the two figures cloaked in the Marine's attire, the Pirates' faces flickered with faint traces of peculiar expressions.
Some even showed evident disgust, though they restrained their malice as much as possible given Whitebeard's relatively amicable attitude towards Jake and Monet.
Marco walked at the forefront, using his own body to clear a path for Jake's group while shouting loudly.
"Everyone, these two behind me are the Marine Headquarters' super rookies and they're also the young men I specially invited from the North Blue to treat Pops! They're my guests! If anyone dares to give them trouble, they'll be dealing with me! Understood?!"
Marco's usual easygoing demeanor on the ship was completely gone as he scanned the pirates gathered on the deck, his expression uncharacteristically serious and stern.
Jake understood that Marco was putting his reputation on the line for them, even at the risk of offending some crew members, to ensure they received proper treatment.
Naturally, Jake could feel Marco's goodwill.
Glancing at Whitebeard, who remained seated with a faint smile, Jake knew it was time to show his own stance.
Then, Jake gently patted Marco's shoulder and said with a smile.
"Thank you, Marco-san. You can rest assured about this deal—I'll do my best. Now, let me show my own stance too."
Hearing this, Marco seemed about to say something more, but seeing Jake's determined expression, he simply chuckled and replied.
"Ah, it's about time these guys see that the Marines have people like you too!"
As Marco stepped aside, under Whitebeard's amused gaze, Jake took a step forward.
A terrifying aura erupted from him, sweeping across everyone present!
This overwhelming presence, like hundred-meter tidal waves, crashed repeatedly against the spirits of every pirate there.
Within this Conqueror's Haki was a quality entirely different from others they'd experienced.
They couldn't quite describe it, but they recognized it as something fundamentally opposed to pirates—an aura of absolute order.
The Conqueror's Haki washed over them in waves, even causing faint cracks to appear on the deck and drinking cups.
However, Jake deliberately avoided directing his Haki towards Whitebeard, letting it disperse indiscriminately instead.
This was just a warning to the other pirates, not a challenge to Whitebeard himself.
Understanding Jake's intention, Whitebeard chose not to release his own Conqueror's Haki.
Instead, he watched Jake with amusement, waiting to hear what this Marine prodigy would say.
As the Haki continued its assault, Jake's voice rang out.
"Members of the Whitebeard Pirates! I'm Marine Headquarters Lieutenant Jake Lawrence! The man who will one day end this Great Pirate Era! I appreciate your hospitality today! When I arrest you all later, I'll go easy on you!"
The moment these words left Jake's mouth, it was like water hitting boiling oil.
The Moby Dick's deck erupted in uproar as pirates drew their weapons, shouting furiously.
"Hey! You arrogant Marine bastard! If not for Marco's protection, you'd be dead already! How dare you spout such nonsense! I kill you right now!"
"The great pirate era won't be ended by a brat like you, pururururu!"
"What a bold little brat, hehahaha! But I like that! How about becoming a pirate?!"
Amidst the threats and insults from the surrounding pirates, Jake simply gazed calmly at Whitebeard, his eyes unwavering and showing not a hint of fear.
Watching Jake at this moment, Whitebeard finally couldn't hold back his booming laughter.
"Gurararara! What an impressive little Marine brat! If you weren't a Marine, I'd be itching to invite you aboard right now! So, will you join this pirates' feast, little Marine?"
As he spoke, Whitebeard tossed an unopened jar of liquor straight at Jake.
Catching the jar, Jake grinned and asked Whitebeard.
"What exactly is this feast celebrating?"
Without hesitation, Whitebeard replied.
"I've taken control of another island and pocketed its Celestial Tribute! That's what we're celebrating!"
"What's the tax rate you've set? How does it compare to the Celestial Tribute?"
"One-twentieth of the Celestial Tribute!"
Hearing Whitebeard's answer, Jake simply grinned wider before declaring.
"I'll join your feast! And thank you—for once again saving an island the Marines couldn't. This jar is my toast to you!"
With that, Jake popped open the jar.
As the rich aroma of alcohol filled the air, he didn't hesitate before downing it in large gulps.
Seeing this, Monet looked worried and seemed about to intervene, but Marco chuckled.
"Monet, this amount is nothing. Jake will be fine."
Still uneasy, Monet replied.
"But... this is Jake's first time drinking..."
Whitebeard naturally overheard Monet's concern.
Watching Jake, who was still tilting his head back to finish the entire jar before his face turned bright red, he laughed heartily.
"Gurararara~ Little Marine brat! You've earned my approval!"
With that, Whitebeard hefted his own massive, meter-tall liquor jar and began drinking.
Strong liquor spilled down his sleeves, prompting a flurry of protests from the short-skirted nurses around him.
"Pops! Your body can't handle this much at once!"
"That's right, Pops! This is already a week's worth! If you keep drinking, this month's treatment will be wasted again!"
"Marco, you idiot, hurry up and stop Pops!"
Amid the nurses' complaints, Whitebeard reluctantly prepared to set down his jar—until Jake's slightly slurred voice rang out.
"N-no! No need! Th-this much? I'll... I'll fix you right up!"
"Healing Prayer!"
As Jake's voice echoed, Whitebeard suddenly felt his entire body bathed in a radiant Holy Light.
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