Then he glanced around suspiciously. "Where are Aria and Aikes?"
"They went shopping with Robin and Ain."
"Is that so? Then forget it. I won't disturb your sunbathing."
Seeing that the kids weren't around, Zephyr shook his head in disappointment and began to walk away with his hands behind his back.
But after walking a short distance, he stopped, slightly lifted his head toward the sun on the horizon, and sighed with complicated emotion: "Rocks' son, the King of the Pirates' son, and I heard that Garp's grandson is about to set out to sea too... Seems this peaceful era won't last much longer."
Then he chuckled cheerfully, hands still behind him.
"Why bother thinking so much? I'm not a marine anymore. The one who should be getting a headache is Sengoku."
On the other side, after Zephyr left, Ian continued resting his head on his arms while sunbathing casually and murmuring softly: "Now then... What choice will you make?"
...
"Are you sure you want to go to the East Blue, my son?"
The captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, the man known as the strongest in the world, Edward Newgate, was at this moment frowning at Teach, who was kneeling respectfully before him.
"I don't know who would put out a ten-billion-belly bounty for a Devil Fruit, but that amount of money is enough to attract all kinds of forces. Marco just received word that Kaido has already dispatched fleets to the East Blue. It won't be long before the East Blue is thrown into chaos."
"Pops, I know."
Facing Whitebeard's words, Teach lifted his head, still looking respectfully at his father. "But, pops, that's ten billion belly. If we really get that money, you and everyone can live more easily. And if the Beast Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, or the Red-Haired Pirates get it, then the Whitebeard Pirates will be in trouble!"
He lowered his head again and kowtowed.
"Pops, please forgive me for not being able to stay by your side for the moment. I truly wish I could remain with you, but as your son and a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, we cannot watch the other three emperors grow stronger. Please rest assured, if I find the Dark-Dark Fruit, I will definitely bring the ten billion belly back to you, pops!"
Everyone: "..."
Everyone fell silent.
They were all moved by Teach's words. Even Whitebeard looked at Teach, stunned by his display of loyalty.
But after a moment of silence, Whitebeard lifted his head again, his tone complicated as he said: "Teach, my son... I'm proud of your devotion. But you should know that I don't care about such things. Compared to those, my children, you all, are my greatest treasure."
He paused slightly, looking at Teach, who still had his head lowered, and let out a long sigh.
"Forget it. Since you've already decided, I won't stop you. Go, Teach. But I want to tell you one thing."
Teach: "...?"
Hearing that, Teach, who had just been filled with joy from receiving permission, raised his head in confusion. "Pops, please tell me."
"My son..."
Whitebeard suddenly showed a gentle, fatherly smile.
"No matter what happens in the end... I hope you'll come back home. Come back to my side."
…
"Pops, do you really believe what Teach said?"
After receiving his promised permission, Teach left.
Sitting cross-legged beside Whitebeard, Marco, who had been hesitating, finally could not hold back his doubts. "I always feel that Teach... is weird somehow."
Although Teach was also Whitebeard's son, their brother, and even looked simple and honest, cheerful and optimistic, and very filial, Marco still felt that something about that guy didn't match what he showed on the surface.
Lifting his head and looking at Whitebeard, who was also frowning in silence, he hesitated and said: "Pops, how about we just..."
"Marco, my son, I know what you want to say."
But before Marco could finish, Whitebeard shook his head and cut him off. "But, Teach is also my son. He has not, and has never, betrayed me."
While speaking, he lowered his head and looked at Marco beneath him with a smile. "Maybe Teach has some kind of secret, but I still hope that we can trust each other. Maybe one day that kid, Teach, will tell us himself."
Marco: "..."
Hearing this, Marco, who had been on the verge of speaking, suddenly fell silent. But moments later, he let out a long sigh. "Pops, you're right. I was overthinking. Sorry."
He smiled at his Whitebeard. "Teach hasn't done anything wrong. I shouldn't have doubted my own brother."
After all, they were all their pops' children, all brothers.
And him? He had just doubted his brother right in front of Whitebeard. That was truly shameful.
"It's fine. I know you're just worried about me. Gurararara!"
Hearing Marco's words, Whitebeard showed a trace of relief on his face while letting out his unique laugh. "But I still hope we can trust and support each other with everyone together... Teach is setting out to sea, so go see if he needs any help!"
"Yes, pops!"
…
"Teach, I didn't expect you to be so filial. I'm really impressed!"
"Hahaha! Well done! If we really get that ten-billion bounty, pops can eat whatever he wants! No more scrimping like now!"
"Teach, how about I go with you?"
"No need, no need."
Facing the enthusiastic brothers around him, Teach kept the same simple, honest expression. "I just want to bring the ten billion back to Pops. And I don't even know if I can find it. You guys don't need to come. I can go alone. If I can't find it... I'll definitely come back."
Bring these guys with him?
If he actually found it, what would he do then?
Then he put on a solemn expression and looked at everyone in front of him. "Please take good care of Pops. I'll be back as soon as I can!"
As soon as he said that, the brothers, who moments ago were interested in the ten-billion bounty, all froze for a moment while staring at Teach.
In their hearts, they couldn't help but sigh: Teach is really such a sincere, filial brother!
Without hesitation, all of them patted their chests, promising they would definitely take good care of Whitebeard and that they would wait here for Teach's return.
Whether or not he found it, they would hold a banquet for Teach.