The more Akira Stone acted this way, the more curious the Whitebeard Pirates became. In their eyes, Akira Stone was unlike other children; he was far more mature and sensible.
"Little Akira, tell us, what's your last goal?" Someone couldn't contain their curiosity and urged Akira Stone.
Akira Stone suddenly adopted a lonely and melancholic expression, his tone wistful. "To retire to the mountains, to live a peaceful life free from worldly strife."
"Cough, cough."
The Whitebeard Pirates burst into a coughing fit, staring at Akira Stone in astonishment. His first two goals were so grand, so ambitious, they expected the last one to be equally astounding. This was indeed astounding, but not in the way they'd imagined.
"Retire to the mountains? Cough, Little Akira, where did you come up with that?" Thatch asked curiously.
Akira Stone looked at him with disdain. "Ignorant fool, isn't that goal ambitious enough? Once you're in the world, you can't escape it. To be able to leave the world is the dream of countless predecessors. You actually find it funny?"
Of everyone present, only Whitebeard's expression turned serious after hearing Akira Stone's words. He muttered, "Once you're in the world, you can't escape it. Once you're in the world, you can't escape it. Well said, well said."
Whitebeard said solemnly to everyone, "Little Akira is right. Once you're in the world, you can't escape it. Look at how many great pirates on the sea have a good ending? As Little Akira said, to be able to retire peacefully after achieving your dreams is truly enviable."
Seeing Whitebeard say this, the others fell into deep thought. However, they were still young, longing for the exciting adventures at sea. Retiring to the mountains was too distant a concept for them to easily grasp.
Akira Stone's idea stemmed entirely from the information explosion of his past life. The more powerful one becomes, the harder it is to enjoy old age—an unchanging truth, and not easily overcome.
As everyone was pondering, a Whitebeard Pirate rushed onto the deck, shouting, "Pops, Pops! Enemy ships ahead! Judging by the flag, it's the Roger Pirates!"
"The Roger Pirates?"
Whitebeard was startled, then burst into laughter. "I never expected to meet that Roger here. If we don't greet him, that'd be rude. Lads, prepare to meet Roger!"
"Haha, it's the Roger Pirates! Haven't had a fight in a while. My hands are itching! They've come right to us!"
"The last time we fought them was ages ago. I wonder if they've improved."
"Brothers, let's fight! Let's fight!"
The entire Whitebeard Pirates crew showed excitement, sharpening their weapons and preparing for a great battle.
"The Roger Pirates? Is that Pirate King Roger?"
Upon hearing the name "Roger Pirates," Akira Stone immediately thought of the future Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Roger hadn't yet found One Piece and become Pirate King, but even so, he was already one of the three legendary pirates of the New World, second only to Shiki and Whitebeard.
From the excited yet serious expressions of the Whitebeard Pirates, Akira Stone could tell that the Roger Pirates were formidable. In the six months he'd been with the Whitebeard Pirates, they'd fought many battles, but never with such a unified, battle-ready atmosphere.
"The Roger Pirates? Exciting."
Whitebeard put Akira Stone down from his shoulder and instructed him, "Little Akira, be careful when the fighting starts. Hide and avoid getting hurt, understand?"
Akira Stone, touched by Whitebeard's concern, replied, "Yes, Pops."
Whitebeard nodded, then said to Marco, "Marco, make sure you protect Little Akira."
Marco laughed, "Pops, if Little Aki loses a single hair, you'll be coming after me."
Akira Stone stood at the back. Being short, he had to stand on a crate. He saw a magnificent pirate ship rapidly approaching the Moby Dick. Though not as large as the Moby Dick, it exuded an incredible aura.
Yes, aura. A ship wouldn't normally possess an aura, but after countless bloody battles, countless scars remain—an aura. Especially with the pirate flag billowing in the wind, the entire ship gave off an intimidating presence.
Looking at the pirate flag—a skull with a curved mustache—Akira Stone knew it was the Roger Pirates. No one on this sea dared to impersonate them.
"BOOM!"
Before Akira Stone could react, both sides opened fire simultaneously. Explosions rocked the sea, and the Moby Dick constantly changed direction, its speed and agility more than double what it had been before. This made Akira Stone realize that the Whitebeard Pirates hadn't been using their full strength in previous battles.
However, the long-range attacks didn't continue. Both sides closed the distance, stopping at a certain point.
"Hahaha, Whitebeard, long time no see! You're still alive?"
A boisterous, domineering laugh echoed. A group of pirates emerged onto the deck of the opposing ship, the Oro Jackson. Leading them was a middle-aged man wearing a captain's hat, his unique mustache revealing his identity.
The Roger Pirates, Gol D. Roger, the future Pirate King!
"Guhahahaha…"
Whitebeard's booming laughter echoed across the sea, filled with power. He declared, "Roger, that should be I asking you. I heard you were chased by Shiki across half the New World. What? Lucky enough to survive?"
Roger laughed arrogantly, "Shiki wants to kill me? He's not quite there yet. I've already discovered his weakness. Next time I meet him, he's dead."
Roger didn't deny being defeated by Shiki, but he was even more confident. Next time he met Shiki, he would be the victor.
Roger stared at Whitebeard, shouting, "Whitebeard, I've obtained information about Laugh Tale. Join me! Let's find that treasure together!"
"Guhahahaha…"
Whitebeard said, "I'm not interested in Laugh Tale. I am, however, interested in your crew. How about merging your crew into mine?"
Roger laughed, "Looks like we can't agree again today."
Whitebeard said, "The iron rule among pirates is strength speaks louder than words."
"That's right."
Roger agreed, "Then we can only fight."
"I'd be delighted." Whitebeard sneered, "You, who was chased by Shiki, probably don't have much strength left."
Roger said, "Defeating you, Whitebeard, is still more than enough."
Whitebeard roared, "Lads, let the Roger Pirates see our might!"
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