Blackbeard, One of the Future Four Emperors

Just then, a distinctly peculiar laugh suddenly drifted through the tavern, as though it had floated out of some dark corner. The moment it rang out, the previously boisterous tavern fell completely silent, and everyone turned their eyes toward that corner in unison.

Although Moke's expression did not visibly change, it felt as if an invisible hand had gripped his heart tightly. His heartbeat accelerated wildly, as though it were about to leap from his throat. In the world of One Piece, many people had distinctive laughs, and one could even identify them by their laughter. At this moment, that laugh was all too familiar to Moke—it was undoubtedly Blackbeard, one of the future Four Emperors!

Moke's pupils shrank sharply. He had never imagined that he would encounter such a major boss the moment he entered the Grand Line. With his current strength, he stood no chance against Blackbeard! Moke drew a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, then slowly turned his head toward the corner where the laughter had come from.

Sure enough, he saw a burly man sitting there. The man had originally had his back to him, but now turned around and stared straight at him. A faint smile rested on the man's face, while his eyes held a trace of appreciation. Beside him sat another man, haggard and sickly, looking as though he were terminally ill and on his last breath.

Poison Q! Moke focused his gaze, and a familiar feeling immediately surged through him. He knew that name all too well, because Poison Q was one of Blackbeard's original Four Commanders!

The other three were Lafitte, Jesus Burgess, and Van Augur, along with the Poison Q before him. Yet what puzzled Moke was why Blackbeard had suddenly appeared at the entrance to the Grand