The Blackbeard Pirates Come Calling / The Rumble-Rumble Fruit Exposed

The heavy losses in this battle did not discourage Whitebeard; instead, they fueled his domineering Haki.

Upon returning to the New World, he swiftly eliminated those who sought to challenge his position, and tracked down the trail of 'Blackbeard' Marshall D. Teach.

Whitebeard is determined to pull this traitor, whom he successfully escaped, out of the darkness with all his might.

However, even an aging lion experiencing a second spring has its side effects.

Almost during his rest periods, Whitebeard relied on medication to sustain his entire body, making his condition more intense than ever before.

If things continue like this, it will probably collapse in just a few years.

"Pops, leave that guy to me." Marco asked with a worried expression, looking at the Haki Whitebeard.

For the past month, in order to suppress those who challenged Whitebeard Pirates's status, it seems that Saeko, in order to prove to the New World that he is not old yet, has personally taken action every time.

The Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power was devastating, but it also triggered a hidden ailment within Whitebeard's body.

As the person who knew Whitebeard's physical condition best, Marco naturally didn't want Whitebeard to set off again.

"Gurararara... No need for that mournful look. It's too unsightly, Marco!" Whitebeard laughed heartily, "I am Whitebeard! As long as I live, no one on this sea can rival me."

"But you are different..." The Whitebeard tilted his head slightly, his eyes filled with affection, and said, "That knight brat is not to be underestimated."

"Don't worry, Pops! My abilities are just the right counter to him, and that golden light is also a trump card move. As long as I dodge it in time, he's nothing to fear," Marco said confidently.

"And me..." At this moment, the one-armed Ace walked over, his face full of pleading, and said, "Pops, I bear a great responsibility for Jozu's death. Please let me go with Marco."

"Forget about Ace, you're not used to using your right hand yet! You're no match for that guy." Before Whitebeard could speak, Marco said sternly, "We're family. Neither Jozu nor Little Oars Jr. blamed you! So, Ace, you have to pull yourself together and not dwell on your guilt over their deaths."

"Marco is right, don't forget the ironclad rules of the Whitebeard Pirates!" Whitebeard reached out and placed his hand on Ace's head, ruffling his fluffy hair, and said affectionately.

"That's right, Captain Ace! We've never blamed you, don't feel guilty!"

"We're all so relieved to have rescued Captain Ace... This battle was a victory for Whitebeard Pirates!"

"I killed a lot of marines, avenging my fallen brothers!"

"..."

"Pops, everyone..."

Tears welled in his eyes, Ace bit his upper lip hard, choking out, "I'm sorry!!"

The loud sobs released the heavy guilt in the boy's heart, and his state of mind was elevated.

He has learned his lesson this time and will not be so reckless and willful in the future.

Meanwhile, Whitebeard Pirates's body, whether bandaged or unharmed, stood to the side, smiling as he looked at Ace.

My worries lessened considerably for no apparent reason.

Meanwhile, in a certain sea area of New World.

"That's wonderful news!"

In a village severely damaged by fire, a group of people gathered together. Leading them was a burly, middle-aged man with a rugged appearance. He opened his toothless mouth wide and let out a wild laugh, "He dares to enter the New World after just offending his Pops? He truly lives up to his kingly potential!"

"Captain, do you want to team up with him?"

"Of course, we have a common enemy," Blackbeard said matter-of-factly. "He killed Captain Jozu, and Pops will never let him get away with it. And those sea monsters in the New World are determined to kill him, a bounty hunter. Surrounded by enemies, and possessing Supreme Great Grade Sword and the legendary Pegasus, he needs outside help most right now, doesn't he?"

Is it really that easy?

"Give it a try! I happen to need a Famous Sword worthy of me, and I'd like to see how my Nidai Kitetsu compares to the legendary Twelve Supreme Grade Blades."

Chapter 136 Blackbeard Pirates Comes Knocking (Second Update)

More than half a month has passed since the "East Starrion" arrived in the New World. After passing Fish-Man Island, the "East Starrion" embarked on a different route from Luffy and his crew in the original story, on "Risky Red Island," one of the islands indicated by the New World Pose.

In that short two weeks, Arthur was attacked seven times: three times at sea and four times on the island. It was as if everyone was hostile to him and wanted to kill him.

The black market bounty attracted bounty hunters, the Supreme Great Grade Swords and Pegasus attracted sea monsters, and the "East Starrion" attracted treasure ship hunters. In addition, there were many people who owed favors to Whitebeard Pirates or wanted to curry favor with Whitebeard by taking Arthur's head. It could be said that the world was his enemy.

Yang Zhen (6) Dry; open attacks, assassinations, etc... Arthur has experienced all of these in the past two weeks.

However, faced with the perception and Future Sight of Observation Haki (A++), those people's intentions were easily seen through, leading to their demise and further solidifying Arthur's reputation in the New World, increasing his threat level within the Sea Kingdom.

Bill Island, one of the transit points in the New World, is home to a little-known town.

"Hmm? Interesting..."

The silver-white "East Starion" docked at the shore and then vanished into thin air, leaving three figures to land steadily on the ground.

Arthur, who was walking towards the town, paused slightly, his expression showing a hint of surprise.

"Arthur, what's wrong?" Nami, who was standing next to Arthur, asked.

"It's nothing. You go with Robin into the alternate dimension first. Read some books and draw some nautical charts on the ship. Come out in two hours," Arthur said with a smile. Without waiting for Nami and Robin to ask any questions, he continued on his way.

Nami and Robin exchanged a glance, one puzzled, the other seemingly understanding, before disappearing from the spot.

"It's been a long time, 'Knight of Knights,' no, I should call you 'King of Knights' now!"

Upon entering the town, the atmosphere was extremely oppressive, with the smell of gunpowder permeating everywhere.

Although it was a small town, it lacked any sign of life and was instead filled with a sense of despair.

Flames burned the wood, and charred charcoal was everywhere.

Most of the town was reduced to ruins.

On the street, several figures stood out conspicuously.

The leader, seeing Arthur appear, immediately stood up, stretched out his arms, and walked over with a warm smile, saying bluntly, "King of Knights, let's join forces!"

"Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, it's you?!" Arthur, his right hand in his pocket, looked at Blackbeard in front of him, feigning surprise, and said, "You really are skilled and daring! You murdered the Whitebeard Pirates, betrayed the Marines you'd served for decades, then captured your own commander to exchange for the position of Shichibukai. With Shichibukai position, you secretly hijacked a Marine Headquarters warship, stormed Impel Down, created the biggest prison break in history, and then made a dazzling appearance at Paramount War before leaving in style."

"You, who are wanted by the Navy and have a bounty of Whitebeard Pirates), not only returned to the New World, but also made such a high-profile appearance here?"

"That's too unchallenging. The New World is where I'll truly reign supreme." Blackbeard laughed arrogantly, his eyes filled with a sinister aura unlike Doflamingo's, as he looked at Arthur and said, "Isn't that why you came to this sea? Someone who can obtain that King's Sword and possess the ambition to rival Pops Whitey doesn't believe you'd be content to be just an ordinary bounty hunter."

"King of Knights ~ I don't know what your ambitions are, but shall we join forces?!"

"Join forces?" Arthur tilted his head slightly, looking puzzled.

"That's right, it's about joining forces!" Blackbeard said matter-of-factly. "Undeniably, you are incredibly strong! But you underestimate this sea, and you don't understand who Pops is. Even in his old age, he's Monster that inspires no courage in anyone to fight him! The World's Strongest Man!"

· ······Requesting flowers···· ·······

As he finished speaking, Blackbeard's eyes were filled with fervent adoration, like those of a die-hard fan of Whitebeard.

"Then why did I sense a murderous aura emanating from you?" Arthur asked with a smile.

"The arrogant young man laughed loudly, his outstretched hands emitting wisps of black smoke, and said with a sinister air, "That's right, Pops is the most powerful person I've ever met! Therefore, I will personally destroy him!"

After saying that, Blackbeard stared at Arthur with burning eyes and said, "How about it, King of Knights? Join forces with me and together we'll bury the World's Strongest Man!"

"If I refuse, are you going to attack me?" Arthur asked instead of answering, his tone assertive.

Golden light coalesced in his hand, revealing a magnificent Golden Sword.

"I've already made my move, Lafitte." Blackbeard scratched his head helplessly and gave an awkward laugh.

"I told you, Captain! After all, he's a man with the potential to be a king. Knowing the world is his enemy, he still came to the New World without fear. How could he possibly join forces with us?" Lafitte, wearing a black top hat and holding a red wooden cane, said with a chilling yet elegant smile on his pale face.

"We shouldn't have wasted so much time in the first place. We should have just killed and robbed them." Shiryu of the Rain of the Rain said with a cold look in his eyes, a cigar dangling from his lips.

"If there's no other way, then let's go!" Blackbeard's expression changed instantly, and his gaze towards Arthur was filled with murderous intent.

Just like in the luxurious interior of Mary Geoise, this incredibly promising brat will surely become a formidable rival in his quest to dominate the New World.

Since you've already refused, let's just settle it here.

Chapter 137 The Rumble-Rumble Fruit Exposed

"Wouldn't it have been better if we'd done this earlier?" Looking at Blackbeard, who exuded a murderous aura, and his subordinates, Arthur's handsome face revealed a faint smile, "'Blackbeard' Marshall D. Teach, 'Devil Sheriff' Lafitte, 'Fighting Champion' Zizas Burgess, 'Supersonic' Van Augur, Shiryu of the Rain, 'Death God' Doc Q, 'Crescent Moon Hunter' Catarina Devon, 'Barrel' Bacchus Jolt, 'Corrupt King' Avalo Pizarro, what a luxurious lineup! However, the giant from Marine Headquarters seems to be gone. Could it be that he parted ways with you?"

"Your W-shaped weapon is too big; it'll easily become your target," Blackbeard light that the King of Knights unleashed—a light that could even kill Captain Jozu, who possesses the World's Strongest physical defense, '667'."

Arthur nodded slightly. "I see."

"So, have you finished your last words, brat?" Shiryu of the Rain drew his Nidai Kitetsu, a sinister smile spreading across his face as he bit his cigar.

"Ah... bring it on!"

Arthur spoke casually, emanating an invisible aura that pressed down on Blackbeard Pirates.

"That kind of domineering Haki is useless against us," Blackbeard laughed dismissively.

"Captain, this is useful to us."

However, Zizas Burgess and Van Augur, who were behind Blackbeard, said with some discomfort.

After all, this is (B) level Conqueror's Haki.

"Then let's all attack together!" Blackbeard's smile faltered slightly as he gave the order.

Swish--

A cold, sharp glint of light suddenly appeared, the sword's pressure tearing through the ground, carving a straight, smooth trench that stretched towards Arthur.

Shiryu of the Rain, who had been itching to act, launched the first attack on Arthur.

Bang!

Facing the attack of the sword pressing down, Arthur, wielding Excalibur, effortlessly launched himself into the air.

"Indeed, he is an extremely powerful swordsman." Seeing how easily Arthur deflected his 'greeting,' Shiryu of the Rain's grin widened, his eyes beneath his pilot's cap brimming with intense malevolence.

Whoosh—Bang!

In the next instant, Shiryu of the Rain vanished from his spot, his figure transforming into a blur as he charged toward Arthur.

Behind him, Van Augur also raised his 'Maxim' rifle and fired at Arthur.

The bullet sliced through the air, creating a sonic boom, and shot out.

"Hahaha... I love it when the numbers outnumber the enemy!"

Seemingly emboldened by everyone, Jessaus Burgess, who was originally under the pressure of Conqueror's Haki (B), raised his thick arms, bared his teeth, and ran towards Arthur without fear.

"Since that's the case, I'll just stay here and watch the show, meow!" The Corrupt King stroked his string-like beard and remained motionless.

"Uh... let's see how things go first!" Bacchus Chote said, looking quite drunk, with a burp.

"..."

The others remained silent, but held a sense of agreement, standing still to observe what would happen next.

Apart from those who were with Blackbeard from the beginning, the others were all companions recruited by Blackbeard from Infinite Hell. Originally, this temporary team would have disbanded after the original plan failed, but Blackbeard maintained the team by using his great strength and temptations.

These individuals are all arrogant and unruly; each of them was a criminal with a bounty of over 100 million before their arrest.

Although Arthur shone brightly in the Paramount War, he still looked down on such a young newcomer.

Even Shiryu of the Rain's eagerness to act stemmed from his desire to contend with a powerful opponent and to obtain the King's Sword.

"If it's you guys, then there's no need to hide it anymore..."

As Arthur watched Shiryu of the Rain towards him in anger, he suddenly uttered a statement that left everyone puzzled.

'Zzzzz... Boom!'

As soon as he finished speaking, a sound of electric currents emanating from Arthur came through.

Wisps of blue and white electric sparks swirled around him, flashing continuously.

Suddenly, the azure sky was struck by a series of thunderclaps, accompanied by a deafening roar.

A thick bolt of lightning struck down from the sky, setting a house in the town behind Blackbeard Pirates on fire.