So he could not run. Since he could not run, he would not cower either.
When the Spade Pirates heard Ace say that, every one of them looked like they were about to cry. They were doomed—that was one of the Four Emperors!
How did we end up this unlucky?!
You have to believe in Captain Ace!
Shut up!
Ace did not care what his crew said. He merely grinned, revealing a smile identical to Roger's, and said excitedly, "Perfect. I've been wanting to make a name for myself and become the strongest man in the world!"
As the Moby Dick swiftly drew near, its massive hull practically swallowed the Spade Pirates' little boat.
Whitebeard stood by the rail, looking down at Ace like an immovable mountain.
"Kid, I hear you're pretty good at fighting?"
Whitebeard's voice was like a booming bell, making Ace's eardrums ache.
Ace looked up at him without the slightest fear and shot back, "Not bad, right?"
"At least I'm stronger than certain old men who only know how to brag."
The moment those words came out, everyone aboard the Moby Dick was enraged. "This brat is looking for death!"
"Dad, let me tear him apart!"
Whitebeard merely waved a hand, signaling them to be quiet.
He looked at Ace with interest and said calmly, "Oh?"
"You think you can beat me?"
"I don't know."
The flames in Ace's palm burned ever fiercer as he flashed a supremely confident smile.
"But how will I know unless I try?"
"Gurararara! You've got guts!"
Whitebeard burst into laughter, his voice making even the seawater churn.
"Then I'll play with you."
The moment Whitebeard finished speaking, he suddenly leaped from the Moby Dick and landed steadily on the Spade Pirates' little boat. The vessel immediately sank deeply, nearly capsizing.