Pirates: How Many Divisions Do the Five Elders Have? What Do You Call Connections?

"Brother Jack, calm down! This ship is definitely not safe to dock with!"

On the deck of the Goubuli, Ma Qiao held Jack down firmly in the same way King Luffy had suppressed the Sword Emperor and Sword Saint back in the day.

Jack the Drought, a mammoth-powered individual, was unable to move.

The sight of a human, less than 1.9 meters tall, pinning down Fish-Man was 8 meters tall seemed rather incongruous, but neither Jack nor Teach seemed surprised by it.

In the game, it's not uncommon for two people to have arguments that escalate into real-life PvP due to coordination issues.

Whenever this happens, Ma Qiao, as the eldest brother, always appears in time, grabbing one in each hand and gently separating them.

In short, with dozens of heroes helping with physical training, Teacher Ma's physical fitness is truly freakish.

Physical fitness and fighting ability are not the same thing, but in most cases, brute force can overcome any skill, and the stronger person will always have the advantage in a fight.

Therefore, if Jack initially respected Ma Qiao simply because Kaido was eager to recruit talent, he now genuinely admires Teacher Ma.

Despite possessing such great strength, he remains unassuming, content to be an unknown cultural figure and a media warrior who spends his days writing.

In contrast, Teach is always trying to make a Big News Morgans.

One minute he's secretly colluding with the Revolutionary Army, the next he's trying to clash with Marine Admiral, and he's always giving speeches like "I've bet my legs on the new era."

What a show-off!

Ma Qiao remained noncommittal regarding Jack's complaints.

After all, for a shipping magnate to complain about others liking to show off just sounds incongruous.

At this moment, Ma Qiao really wanted to punch Jack in the head.

Teach was framed by a villain, but Jack brought it all on himself!

Is that boat you can rely on?

If you want to die, don't drag your older brother down with you!

Ma Qiao's well-trained right hand added even more force, rubbing Jack's face hard against the splint.

Because what's directly in front of us isn't just any ship, but Edward Newgate's flagship, the Moby Dick!

Ma Qiao could already see many figures on the deck of the Moby Dick.

The most striking feature, of course, is Edward Newgate's imposing physique, nearly seven meters tall. (See picture)

"Kulala!"

The Whitebeard's hearty laughter echoed between the sea and the sky, startling a large flock of seagulls.

"Welcome back, my silly son! And to all the guests who have come from afar."

This was Jack's first time aboard the Moby Dick.

He never dreamed he would appear here as a guest.

In every previous battle between the Beasts Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates, Jack wanted to board this legendary ship, which resembled a giant whale, and cut off that man's head so that Kaido could rule the world.

At this moment, the Moby Dick was filled with fine wine and food, and there was a jubilant atmosphere everywhere.

With Whitebeard, covered in IV tubes and an oxygen tank in his nose, he ignored the nurses' attempts to dissuade him and raised a huge wine bowl.

"Ma Qiao, Jack, thank you for bringing back my foolish son who risked his life for his family!"

"This bowl of wine is an old man's toast to you!"

"Stop talking nonsense, Whitebeard! I'm the one who's going to take your head!"

Jack was in pain and tried to stand up.

But a tremendous force came from his shoulder, and he was firmly pressed back into his seat by Ma Qiao.

Ma Qiao also raised a wine bowl large enough to double as a bathtub, and apologized, "Brother Whitebeard, Jack is just that kind of reckless and impulsive person. I apologize on his behalf!"

"Kulala!"

Whitebeard laughed loudly, "I know Jack's temper!"

"Today is a joyous day. Even if Kaido and Linlin were here, I would still like to have a drink with them!"

With that, the Whitebeard picked up his wine bowl and downed it in one gulp.

"Impressive drinking capacity!"

Ma Qiao exclaimed in admiration, picked up the bowl the size of a bathtub with one hand, pried open Jack's mouth with the other, and then, in the manner of someone drinking medicine, poured it all down his throat.

"Kurara... it seems you guys get along really well!"

Whitebeard felt he hadn't laughed this happily in a long time.

"Be my sons, Ma Qiao and Jack. You're both wonderful young men; you'll definitely love our family."

"You old geezer, don't go too far! I would never betray Kaido!"

"You're just a seventy-year-old man covered in tubes... Waaah..."

Just as Jack was about to launch into his long-winded speech, Ma Qiao quickly stuffed a large chunk of roasted Sea Kings meat into his mouth.

An old man in his seventies, covered in tubes... that's all?

Ma Qiao really wondered how this guy managed to live to be twenty-four.

However, Ma Qiao certainly wouldn't do something like being someone else's son.

He laughed and said, "Brother Whitebeard, you're joking. I've heard from Brother Garp that you're a playful old man who loves to joke around."

"Old rascal? Garp must be talking about himself."

Whitebeard shook his head, and the matter of recognizing Ma Qiao as his son came to an end.

After all, this guy brought up Garp and stated that he and Garp were like brothers, equals, and that he addressed Garp as "brother" over and over again, making his stance very clear.

Ma Qiao noticed that when he invoked Garp's name, most of the people present, such as Marco the Phoenix (first division captain), Diamond Jozu third division captain), Thatch the Chef (fourth division captain), Vista the Vista the Flower Sword (fifth division captain), and the Decalvan Brothers, all subconsciously shivered.

Even in the New World, the reputation of Iron Fist Garp instilled fear in many proud and arrogant pirates.

There was only one person, the Second Division Commander, Fire Fist Ace. Although he visibly trembled, even more violently, an undisguised look of longing appeared on his face.

However, the main characters of today's banquet are not Ma Qiao and Jack, nor is it Fire Fist Ace was recently making waves within the Whitebeard Pirates and ascended to the captain's seat as a newcomer.

Instead, it was Marshall D. Teach, the devoted son of the Whitebeard Pirates, who remained silent until he made a stunning debut.

In reality, Ace was extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed at this moment.

Ace wasn't a petty person; he was happy that his companions were the center of attention and receiving enthusiastic cheers from everyone.

However, for the past month or so, newspapers have been filled with articles praising Teach while inevitably taking a jab at him, the background figure, which makes Ace very uncomfortable.

Teach wasn't much better off.

Young people hoping to make a name for themselves are silently suffering, while ambitious middle-aged people who only want to live a long and peaceful life are thrust into the spotlight.

In the past, at such a large banquet for the whole team, Teach would either shrink into a corner or serve tea and wine to the various captains.

Today, the cheers, applause, and clinking of glasses all belong to him!

Furthermore, Teach spent a considerable amount of time with the Whitebeard Pirates.

Although he was always slacking off in combat, he usually played the role of a generous and easy-going good guy, which made him very popular.

Furthermore, since his companions had already learned from the newspapers about Teach's touching story of confronting Marine Admiral for his Pops's sake, their gazes towards him now held not only affection but also a touch of admiration.

After several rounds of drinks and toasts, the banquet reached its climax.

Whitebeard put down his now-empty wine bowl and pulled Teach to his side:

"Teach, my son, what are your plans for the future?"

Before Teach could figure out how to answer, Ace, who had been drinking alone all day, stood up.

"Pops, I think it was a bit hasty to make me the Second Division Commander. Brother Teach has sacrificed so much to protect the Whitebeard Pirates. Now that he has shown the world his strength, he should be the Second Division Commander!"

Ace's words were sincere and without any falsehood.

Even the captains of the other squads nodded in approval, thinking that this young man knew how to conduct himself appropriately.

After all, emotionally speaking, Teach had been on the ship for nearly thirty years.

Logically, Teach's ability to escape from Marine Admiral suggests that his true strength is comparable to that of Emperor's Deputy, and may even surpass that of Marco.

Such a person is truly the one everyone wants to appoint as the Second Division Commander.

However, this would put Ace in a somewhat awkward position.

Although they haven't known each other for very long, everyone likes this optimistic and cheerful young man very much and is worried that such a setback will harm his growth.

It's great that Ace has taken the initiative to step forward; everyone is very happy about this.

However.

"Pops, brothers, I'm already disabled. How can I compare to Captain Ace, who is young, promising, and has unlimited potential? I'm willing to assist Captain Ace and work hard to build our family into a better place!"

Teach limped over to Ace: "Captain Ace, I can't. It's not that I don't want to serve Pops, it's just that Red Dog is too ferocious..."

To make his words more convincing, Teach coughed a few times, as if he were on his deathbed.

There was nothing he could do; he genuinely didn't want to be the team leader.

Why can the Whitebeard Pirates protect an island simply by planting a flag? It's not because pirates on the high seas follow rules, but Whitebeard Pirates earned their reputation through countless battles.

Pirates are inherently unruly, especially the Supernovas who emerge every year. Once they enter the New World, without exception, they all make challenging the Four Emperors their goal.

If he were to become the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, it would mean that in the future, he would not only become a target of the Navy and the World Government, but also a target for those hotheads who wanted to make a name for themselves.

Seeing Blackbeard missing a leg and an ear, his body covered in unhealed wounds, looking pitiful and clearly having lost a lot of fighting power, Ace also wavered.

After all, he knew that becoming the captain of the combat team would be fraught with danger. If his good intentions led to the deaths of the Teach brothers, it would be a case of good intentions gone wrong.

At this moment, Thatch, the captain of the Fourth Division, spoke up, "How about this, Teach, you become the captain of the Fourth Division. I'm a chef, and I'm not interested in fighting. Once you're the captain, I can focus on cooking for everyone."

"How can that be? Brother Thatch, stop talking! I, Teach, am not the kind of person who would steal from my brother!"

Teach shook his head vigorously, refusing to be the captain no matter what.

"Kulala!"

Whitebeard was very pleased to see such a loving scene of brotherly respect and humility.

However, figuring out how to arrange Teach also gave him a headache.

At that moment, he suddenly saw Ma Qiao, who was stuffing himself with food, and his eyes lit up.

"Brother Ma Qiao, I've heard you're known as a kind and understanding mentor; you must have your own unique insights into human relationships."

"Now that my sons are deferring to each other, how should I arrange Teach's position? What do you think about me creating another squad?"

"There's absolutely no need for that!"

Ma Qiao shook his head.

This answer prompted Teach to nod repeatedly and give Ma Qiao meaningful glances.

"You truly are my good older brother! You must dissuade Pops from his foolish idea!"

Ma Qiao also secretly gave him a look, "You just wait and see!"

Whitebeard, oblivious to the exchange between the two, rested his chin on his hand and pondered.

"But if we don't create a new squad, it means one of the captains has to leave or Teach will remain without a formal title, which conflicts with my principle of treating my children fairly..."

Ma Qiao stated decisively, "I believe Teach is a magnanimous person and certainly wouldn't care about such a trivial matter."

"Ah, yes, yes! That's exactly the kind of person I am."

Teach nodded repeatedly and secretly gave Ma Qiao a thumbs up.

"But!"

Seeing the expectant look in Teach's eyes, Ma Qiao changed the subject.

"Although he wasn't interested in fame or fortune, now that his Pops has passed away, he must be given a title, because this concerns the alliance between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Revolutionary Army. Imagine if the Revolutionary Army knew that the person they were in contact with didn't hold a position in the Whitebeard Pirates —wouldn't they feel looked down upon?"

"Therefore, I think we shouldn't create a new division and have Teach as its captain. Instead, we should create a new Whitebeard Pirates Revolutionary Army Liaison Department, or Revolutionary Liaison Department for short, and have Teach as its head!"

Ma Qiao finished speaking.

Teach was dumbfounded.

Whitebeard's eyes lit up, and he gave a thumbs up. "Brilliant! Brilliant! No wonder Shanks and Garp both value your mentor! Your idea is absolutely brilliant!"

Jack, standing to the side, coldly said, "What are Shanks and Garp? Let me tell you, my Kaido is the one who's most eager for talent. Mr. Ma Qiao has already been hired as the tutor for our Kaido's son!"

"Hiss!"

What was said without malice may have been taken to heart by the listener.

All the cadres of the Whitebeard Pirates gasped in shock.

This child is terrifyingly powerful.

To have a naval hero and three of the Four Emperors simultaneously praise him is just too incredible!