Alliance of the Four Emperors

Blue-gold wings suddenly unfurled. Marco spun around and struck with a Phoenix Seal, only to be frozen in midair.

"You really are impatient. We haven't seen each other in over a decade, yet your eyes are still as lifeless as ever. But you... time has truly worn you down to this state. The years are merciless, Newgate!"

In his seat, Whitebeard's drooping eyelids slowly lifted, revealing tired eyes that gradually sharpened.

"Gurarararara! What a long-lost old acquaintance. I thought you'd died in some unknown place long ago. Never expected you to still be alive. Compared to decades ago, you haven't changed in the slightest!"

"What exactly do you want, coming aboard my ship, Uchiha Hanazuki...?"

Bang! Clatter, clatter...

Edward Newgate roughly tore off all the medical equipment connected to him, gripping his naginata as he forced his sickly body to stand.

"Forget it, Newgate. If this were you at your peak, I might have had some interest in warming up. But you now? Don't bother with these meaningless movements. They'll only turn your threat into the whimpering of an old dog..."

A faint curve formed at Hanazuki's lips as he sat back. Zeus, concealed within his cloak, had already turned into a cloud sofa, constantly adjusting itself into the most comfortable position.

As they spoke, his azure gaze occasionally fell upon Whitebeard's heart. That heart, once so powerful, was already riddled with old injuries.

"You haven't changed at all. You're just as annoying as ever. Why did you come aboard my ship? State your purpose clearly, you irritating bastard!"

"My purpose? It's nothing much. I only wanted to tell you two things. First, I drove Kaido out of Wano Country, and there's a good chance he'll seek an alliance with Charlotte Linlin..."

"As for the second thing..."

His voice trailed