"That's impossible! There's no way that could happen! Jake, your ability must be malfunctioning. Teach came aboard even earlier than some of the commanders—he's been a crew member for decades! He's always smiling at everyone and has never even fought with anyone! How could he possibly be as you describe?"
As soon as Jake finished speaking, Marco couldn't help but refute him.
To Marco, every member of the crew was like family, especially Teach, who had been on the ship longer than most, including himself.
Marco absolutely refused to believe Teach could harbor the malice Jake described.
But Whitebeard remained silent, only staring intently at Jake with a deep frown before asking in a low voice.
"Is that all the reason you have?"
Jake met Whitebeard's gaze, trying to discern something from his eyes, but they were as unfathomable as a dark pool, revealing nothing.
"That's all the reason I have. I don't know Teach at all and I have no reason to frame him. But I can sense the malice of those around me and his, is the strongest I've ever encountered—utterly repulsive."
Monet chimed in at this point, explaining to Whitebeard and Marco.
"Jake and I relied on this ability back then to successfully dismantle the internal relations of the Black Hawk Pirates within Prince Kingdom, inciting infighting among them and creating factional conflicts between their captain and vice-captain."
As Monet spoke, Marco seemed about to say something, but after a moment of silence, Whitebeard turned to Jake and asked.
"What do you propose? Keeping Teach here?"
Hearing this, Jake nodded and continued.
"Keeping him is a given, but you can't leave him alone. At the very least, you should retain a third of the crew here. As for the reason, we can say it's to prevent surprise attacks from the other Emperors. Though it's unfair to those left behind, I believe this is the best solution."
"Fine, we'll do as you say." Whitebeard's words shocked Marco.
He looked at his father in disbelief and said.
"Pops! You know Teach's reputation. How could you just—"
Whitebeard sighed and explained calmly to Marco.
"Marco, it's Jake who proposed this venture. Whether you or I trust Teach, if Jake doesn't, then this expedition will be canceled. Don't be stubborn—this time, we'll follow Jake's lead. My decision doesn't mean I actually suspect Teach. You're all my sons, and I trust each of you absolutely."
At this point, Whitebeard glanced at Jake and added.
"But that doesn't mean I distrust you, Marine brat. To me, though you're not yet my son, I already see you as one. So I believe your words too. For a father, judging which son is lying is crucial—I can't favor either side."
"Besides, Jake's request has merit. Kaido's been acting up lately, so leaving some men behind is necessary."
"But still, isn't this too harsh on Teach?"
"Enough, Marco! My decision is final. You help me select a third of the crew to stay on the island. The rest will ride the Knock-Up Stream with me to Sky Island!"
*****
Three days later, Blackbeard stood at the harbor, watching the Moby Dick slowly sail into the distance, his face darker than ever.
Beside him, Jozu patted his shoulder and said cheerfully.
"Come on, Teach. I know you're upset about missing the adventure with Pops, but it can't be helped. Kaido's been restless lately, so guarding the base is just a precaution. A full third of us stayed behind—if everyone moped like you, Pops would be heartbroken, right?"
Hearing this, Blackbeard quickly turned his head, masking his grim expression and replied to Jozu.
"Commander Jozu, I'm not that unhappy, just a bit regretful. After all, an opportunity to go to Sky Island with Pops might only come once in a lifetime. How could I not feel disappointed? But I would never harbor any resentment towards Pops because of this. He's our Pops after all!"
Hearing Blackbeard's heartfelt words, Jozu's face showed traces of moved tears.
He then patted Blackbeard's shoulder and sighed.
"If Pops knew you felt this way, he would surely be very happy!"
*****
Meanwhile, Whitebeard was leisurely drinking booze, enjoying the sea breeze.
A strange yet familiar sensation washed over him—how many years had it been since he last experienced such an exhilarating adventure?
Not only had his crew grown too large to allow for such ventures, but his aging body had also made it impossible to embark on new, thrilling journeys.
Yet, with Jake's help, he could feel his withered body rejuvenating with health, revitalizing his spirit that should have long faded.
Unable to contain his excitement, Whitebeard gulped down his drink and laughed heartily at Jake.
"Gurararara! This is truly an adventure worth looking forward to! Kid, why don't you join my crew? I'll make you my vice-captain!"
"Hey hey hey! Pops, I won't agree to that! If you're really serious about it, pay back the money you owe me for drinks first!"
"Ah~ Marco, you unfilial son! Since when does a father have to pay back his own son?!"
Watching the two banter, Jake couldn't help but laugh.
Finally, he was free from Blackbeard's creepy staring—that bastard had been watching him nonstop for days.
What a monster!
*****
Over at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku felt a headache coming on when he heard that Whitebeard's Moby Dick was heading for Paradise.
This must be Jake's doing!
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