Time passed on Fish-Man Island in an increasingly tense atmosphere. It felt like a taut bowstring ready to snap at any moment, making every second feel suffocating. Whether it was the people who believed in Queen Otohime's dreams, the radicals who worshipped Takuro, or the worried moderates, everyone's eyes were glued to the bubble membrane separating them from the deep sea. They were all waiting for the arrival of the giant ship that symbolized the peak of military might from the old era.
Finally, a massive shadow like a moving mountain pierced through the bubble membrane. With its whale-like bow and the crescent-shaped skull flag of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Moby Dick had arrived. The ship did not rush inside; instead, it anchored in the deep waters just outside the island, its mere presence acting like a mute button on the restless population.
Whitebeard, also known as Edward Newgate, was the first to step onto the land. He was a Tier 4 Galactic-level power, standing so tall he appeared massive even compared to the Giant Race1. He didn't need a massive escort to show his power, though famous captains like Marco, Jozu, and Vista followed closely behind him. Their combined aura was so strong that the Ryugu Palace Guards could barely breathe.
"Newgate!" King Neptune called out as he came to greet his old friend. Seeing that steady, mountain-like figure finally allowed the King to relax just a little bit.
"Gurararara... Neptune, it's been a long time," Whitebeard laughed, his voice booming as he clapped the King on the shoulder. "Look at that face of yours. It's just a kid with a little bit of talent, right? Leave him to me".
His relaxed confidence made it seem like Takuro was just an ignorant brat who needed a lesson. This calm attitude, which came from having absolute power, helped ease the fears of Neptune and his officials. However, the King still warned him that Takuro's strength was extraordinary.
"Don't worry," Whitebeard said, waving a hand. His sharp eyes were already locked on the area where Takuro's ship, the Conqueror, was docked. "If he can make you this nervous, I'll have to meet him personally".
Without resting, Whitebeard led his commanders straight toward Takuro. They moved like an unstoppable tide, making it clear that this problem would be solved right now.
On the deck of his ship, Takuro remained as leisurely as ever, as if the tension of the world didn't involve him. Gion stood beside him, watching the approaching pirates. Even though she was a Marine Vice-Admiral and a Tier 2 power herself, her palms were sweating2.
"Whitebeard... he actually came," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. She knew that the World's Strongest Man was a legend that even Marineford feared to fight. She looked at Takuro and felt a flicker of doubt. Could he really defeat a living legend at the pinnacle of the sea?. Nico Robin also looked solemn, knowing the terrifying level of power the Whitebeard Pirates represented.
Soon, the pirates arrived at the port in front of the ship. The two sides stood apart, and the air turned freezing cold.
"Hey! You! Kid named Takuro! Get out here right now!" Diamond Jozu roared, his voice sounding like a massive bell. "You've got a death wish, causing trouble on an island protected by Pops!". The other pirates joined in, shouting insults and threats. They had never seen a newcomer disregard their reputation like this.
Facing the insults, Takuro finally stood up and walked to the bow of his ship. He picked at his ear, looking bored as he scanned the crowd until his eyes settled on Whitebeard.
"You're all so noisy. A bunch of small fry," Takuro said impatiently.
He didn't move or take a fighting stance. He simply let his impatience flare. Suddenly, a terrifying pressure erupted from him—not Conqueror's Haki, but the unique Ki pressure of a Saiyan, filled with the will to destroy3.
Buzz—!
The air seemed to turn solid as a tsunami of pressure swept forward.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
In an instant, the ordinary crew members who had been shouting fell like harvested wheat. They rolled their eyes and collapsed unconscious, overwhelmed by the aura. Over $80\%$ of the pirates were knocked out by this casual release of power.
The port went silent. Only the division commanders and a few strong fighters remained standing, their faces full of shock.
"What?! Is this Conqueror's Haki?" Marco gasped. Even he had only felt this much pressure when Whitebeard used his full power.
Whitebeard, sitting in his giant chair, finally let his eyes turn serious. He let out a cold snort.
"Hmph! You're an interesting kid!".
Immediately, an equally massive and profound Conqueror's Haki surged from Whitebeard4. It felt like an awakened lion as it slammed into Takuro's violent aura.
Boom—!!
The two invisible forces clashed in mid-air. There was no sound, but it felt like thunder exploded in everyone's souls. The ground trembled and the light seemed to dim. Gion and Robin paled and were forced back half a step by the shockwave.
At the center of the storm, Takuro felt the vast, ocean-like power of Whitebeard's Haki. His bored expression vanished. For the first time, his crimson eyes lit up with the excitement of a hunter finding worthy prey. He took a breath, savoring the power, and broke into a wild smile.
"Hey... now that's more like it, old man," Takuro said, twisting his neck until it crackled. A golden aura began to flicker around him. "It looks like your title of 'World's Strongest' isn't just a lie. It's enough to make me... actually get a little serious!".
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