Whitebeard froze for a moment when he saw Ace's nervous expression and Mu Chen's serious face. Then he burst out laughing. "Gurararararara! Hahaha!"
But as soon as his laughter ended, Whitebeard turned solemn again. Looking at Mu Chen, he said slowly and firmly, "Whatever relationship Ace has with you people, he's my son now." "Pops..."
Those words moved Ace so deeply that tears streamed down his face.
"Mu Chen, what exactly did you come here for today?"
"Just to tell me all this?"
Whitebeard's tone softened considerably as he asked. Mu Chen's gaze settled on Ace, and he continued, "I came to see him. That old bastard Garp couldn't stop worrying. He insisted I come check whether anyone was bullying Ace."
"Who could bully me?"
Hearing that, Ace immediately retorted, "I'm Pops's son now! Who in the New World would dare mess with me?"
"Good, as long as no one's giving you trouble. But remember, wherever you are, whether you're a pirate or anything else, you can come to me anytime someone wrongs you."
Mu Chen nodded as he spoke. He had come to see how Whitebeard felt about Ace and to put Garp's mind at ease. That old fellow really was getting far too annoying.
Besides, Mu Chen wanted to show off a little in front of Whitebeard. Revealing secrets always brought a strange sense of satisfaction, especially when the audience was one of the Four Emperors.
Mu Chen turned to Whitebeard, his tone growing serious. "Old man, I'm leaving Ace with you because I trust you to protect him. But you've seen what he's like. The brat's stubborn and impulsive. You'll have to keep an eye on him."
"Hmph, you don't need to tell me that. Ace is my son now. Of course I'll protect him."
Whitebeard snorted,