In the New World, the Whitebeard Pirates, who had drawn little attention, seemed to be making moves of their own.
Over the years, Whitebeard had traveled with his sons, taking in more along the way.
As they traveled, the Whitebeard Pirates grew in number, and their fame spread.
With more pirates came the inevitable need for a large ship, one that belonged to the Whitebeard Pirates.
On Putt Island in the New World, the Whitebeard Pirates' Moby Dick was born.
Many pirates under Whitebeard's protection joined his crew or became affiliated pirate crews.
He welcomed anyone willing to become family, regardless of their strength.
It was, admittedly, an effective way to expand his forces.
Many pirates struggling to survive the New World's brutal competition joined the Whitebeard Pirates.
The name "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate carried weight. His strength gave his followers someone they could trust.
The Whitebeard Pirates were expanding rapidly. They still lacked top-tier fighters, but their overall strength was no longer weak.
Whitebeard cared little for territory. In fact, he had no need for it.
The Moby Dick was his home, and its crew was his family. As long as the ship and his family were together, it didn't matter where they went.
But some things were not as simple as they seemed.
As his forces grew, the Whitebeard Pirates would inevitably have to wage war and seize territory.
Without question, "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate was being pushed along.
His many children all wanted him to join the struggle for supremacy.
To them, Pops was the strongest, a man every bit as powerful as "Golden Lion" Shiki. Why should the Flying Pirates alone claim the glory?
Whitebeard would never refuse his family. He needed to secure room for them to survive.
In the New World, islands were resources.
Without stable