"An Indispensable Key?"
Marco's voice was once again filled with confusion.
He stared fixedly at Chen Ye, trying to find even the slightest trace of a joke on that wildly smiling face.
However, there was none.
Chen Ye's eyes held nothing but absolute certainty, along with a decision that allowed no argument.
It left Marco feeling unprecedented discomfort and incomprehension.
His reason screamed that the young man's words were utterly fantastical.
"Chen Ye..."
Marco's voice finally regained a measure of steadiness, but every word seemed squeezed out through the gaps between his teeth.
"I admit that he's a newcomer with great potential and courage. As Ace's younger brother, of course we'd think highly of him."
"But..."
He emphasized the word and took a step forward, his azure eyes locked tightly onto Chen Ye.
No matter how formidable he might be at his peak period!
But!
"To place him on the same level as Peak Mr. Rayleigh and Pops at his peak period, I still don't think he measures up!"
"This isn't a matter of potential at all! It's an insurmountable gulf of time and experience! One is a legend who stood at the pinnacle of the Old Era, while the other is a newcomer who has only just entered the New World. The gap between them is obvious..."
Moreover, Mr. Rayleigh and Pops had proven their overwhelming strength in their Peak Periods, but Luffy had not. Even if the kid might become strong in the future, had Chen Ye ever seen it?
They couldn't use a rookie who had only just set sail as a gamble!
"Brother Marco."
Chen Ye suddenly spoke, calmly interrupting him.
That extraordinary composure stood in stark contrast to Marco's agitation.
He looked at the Phoenix, who seemed ready to carve the words "This is unreasonable" onto his face. The smile on Chen Ye's face faded somewhat, replaced by a profound mystery, as though he had already seen through the future.
"Don't underestimate him."
Chen Ye's voice was not loud, yet it carried a strange power that lodged every one of Marco's further rebuttals in his throat.
"The Straw Hat Kid of the future, after growing into his peak period, will be an existence that makes the entire world tremble."
He paused, seemingly giving Marco and Whitebeard time to digest those words.
"Gurararara..."
A low rumble rolled from Elderly Whitebeard's throat. His massive body leaned against the broken wall, and the Sake Gourd in his hand was no longer raised. The scrutiny in those eyes that had seen through the ways of the world grew increasingly intense.
He did not believe it, but neither did he deny it.
He was merely observing, judging.
Judging whether this young man who dared propose such a mad plan before him was truly a prophet, or a lunatic whose mind had been clouded by power.
Chen Ye naturally sensed Whitebeard's gaze, but he did not care.
As a Transmigrator, he naturally knew just how powerful Future Nika Luffy was!
Meeting Marco's still-skeptical gaze, he slowly said,
"As for just how strong he is..."
"When the time comes, I'll open the Space-Time Door and let you see for yourselves."
Those words instantly stirred a monstrous wave in Marco's heart.
See for ourselves?
Just like... just like when they had gone to see Pops in his peak period earlier?
Go see the future Straw Hat Kid Luffy in his peak period?
After hearing that, Marco could not help but ask,
"How strong could a kid who only just set sail possibly become in the future?"
"Alright, now isn't the time to discuss this."
Chen Ye clapped his hands, completely drawing both of their attention back.
The air of mystery on his face vanished in an instant, replaced by decisive efficiency.
"If the plan is to succeed, we must race against time."
He raised a finger and tapped the air, as though sketching an invisible battle map.
"Just like with Pops, I need to fight them in person to max out the System Resolution. Only then can I open the Space-Time Door, travel to their Peak Periods, and invite those two at their peaks here."
His gaze turned toward Marco, sharp as a blade.
"So I need you to make a trip with me, Brother Marco."
"We have two targets."
"First stop: the Sabaody Archipelago, to find Pluton Rayleigh as he is now!"
"Second stop: Amazon Lily. Ace's younger brother, Straw Hat Kid Luffy, is currently there!"
Two exceptionally clear place names and two utterly specific targets came spilling from Chen Ye's mouth one after another.
But Marco's mind was still caught between agonizing over whether Straw Hat Kid Luffy was qualified one moment, and suddenly being presented with a search plan spanning the first half of the Grand Line the next.
That leap in thought left even the Whitebeard Pirates' First Mate feeling breathless.
He instinctively looked toward Pops.
Yet he discovered that Elderly Whitebeard had somehow already straightened his body.
On that weathered face appeared a spark of long-lost excitement and wildness, as though something had been reignited.
"Gurarararara!"
His hearty laughter rang out across the ruins once more.
"That old Rayleigh, huh? I really want to see what he looks like now."
"And Garp's grandson... Hmph, this old man is quite interested in that brat too!"
The World's Strongest Man had made his decision.
He casually tossed the enormous Sake Gourd in his hand. Liquor splashed across the cracked earth, making a sizzling sound.
"Marco!"
Whitebeard shouted in a deep voice.
"Yes, Pops!"
Marco's body jolted, and he instinctively stood at attention as he replied.
"Do as Chen Ye Kid says."
Whitebeard's voice allowed no dissent, filled with the domineering might to Reign Over the World.
"Take him there!"
"Yes!"
Marco no longer hesitated. The moment Pops made his decision, he cast all his doubts and confusion to the back of his mind.
All he needed to do was carry out the order.
"Chen Ye!"
Marco looked at Chen Ye, and his eyes had completely changed.
There was only trust now!
Chen Ye grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.
"Then I'll be in your care, Brother Marco."
"Hold on tight."
Marco was succinct.
The next moment, he spread his arms, and azure flames shot into the sky, instantly enveloping his entire body.
When the flames dispersed, a magnificent blue giant bird stood in his place. Its wings spread wide, stirring up a scorching current of air.
Without hesitation, Chen Ye leaped onto the Phoenix's broad back.
"Let's go!"
At Chen Ye's command, the Phoenix let out a piercing cry.
Its enormous blue wings suddenly beat.
The wind howled as man and bird became a streak of deep-blue light, shooting into the sky and vanishing beyond the horizon in an instant.
Before you continue