The soft sound echoed across the ship's deck, causing everyone's expression to change. Their gazes fell on Ace, their faces filled with disbelief.
During this time, Ace's admiration for Whitebeard was evident to all.
He had long been accustomed to being Sachi's godson; otherwise, Ace wouldn't have immediately gone to hunt him down alone after Thatch's incident.
However, now, facing the banquet of the Four Emperors Alliance held by the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates, Ace actually hoped that Whitebeard would not attend.
This was the first time they had ever heard of such an idea.
In particular, according to Ace, these words came from Whitebeard's mouth.
If they hadn't heard it with their own ears, they would never have believed it was true.
Sensing the sudden change in the atmosphere around him, Ace opened his mouth, about to say something.
The Whitebeard, seated upright in his chair, spoke first.
" Ace, I know what you're worried about. You think Pops's too old to handle this kind of stress, right?"
"However, don't forget, no matter how Pops gets, this era still belongs to the Whitebeard generation."
"I've never taken Charlotte Linlin and Kaido of the Beasts seriously, but this time they've held their so-called Four Emperors Alliance banquet and openly invited me."
"This action is undoubtedly a challenge to the prestige of the Whitebeard Pirates."
"If the Whitebeard Pirates don't go, it means that the Whitebeard Pirates have already fallen behind them."
" Pops wouldn't want to see something like this."
At this point, the Whitebeard tilted his head back and took a swig of liquor.
"However, even if they really intend to attack our Whitebeard Pirates, I'll see if they're even worthy of swallowing me whole."
"I've experienced battles to the death before; if they want to kill me, they'll have to pay a heavy price."
"Then I'll see if they have the courage."
His words were firm and authoritative, carrying an air of unquestionable authority.
The crew on deck were clearly spurred on by these bold words, and many clenched their fists in secret as cheers erupted.
" Pops is right. We are the Whitebeard Pirates, the strongest crew on this sea. For them to want to swallow us Whitebeard Pirates is simply a pipe dream."
"If they dare to attack our Whitebeard Pirates, we will make them pay with their lives."
"Our Whitebeard Pirates are the true masters of this era."
"..."
The scene immediately erupted in excitement.
Cheers rose and fell, filling every corner.
Ace opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately gave a helpless, bitter smile.
" Pops, it seems Bai Yu was right. Once you've made up your mind, it really can't be easily changed."
"However, if you insist on attending the banquet, Pops Ace is willing to fight for you!"
"Haha, Pops, we're willing to fight alongside you and Brother Ace!"
Upon hearing this, Jozu and the others burst into laughter and responded in unison.
After all, over the past few decades, the aura of the Whitebeard Pirates had made them accustomed to this unbridled way of doing things.
If they are allowed to cower and refuse to leave now, the damage to the honor of the Whitebeard Pirates would be far more serious than the danger to their lives.
At least in their eyes, not attending the banquet would certainly damage the reputation of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Whether the other party would dare to make a move if one chose to attend the banquet is also unknown.
Weighing the two options, the choice was clearly obvious for these pirates who were used to living on the edge of a knife.
"Haha, Ace, with those words from you, Pops is more than satisfied."
The Whitebeard laughed loudly.
"However, you just said that Bai Yu, that brat, actually guessed that I had to go. It seems he knows me quite well. Next time we meet, I must have a good chat with him."
" Ace, do you think Bai Yu, given his personality, will attend the banquet?"
All eyes were on Ace.
They absolutely had to attend the banquet hosted by the Four Emperors Alliance.
However, having another strong foreign player would be helpful in relieving some of the pressure.
Nobody would refuse.
"I don't know either. He just told me mysteriously that he was going to give them a big gift."
Ace gave a helpless, bitter smile.
"However, given Bai Yu's fearless nature, he'll most likely go."
Before leaving, Ace did chat with Bai Yu for quite a while.
Bai Yu also explained a lot of things to him.
However, when asked whether he would attend the banquet hosted by the Four Emperors Alliance, Bai Yu simply smiled and did not give a direct answer.
Ace was equally curious about the so-called "grand gift."
Moreover, Whitebeard's decision now is the same as what Bai Yu said back then.
Ace now hopes that Bai Yu can be present.
"Alright, let's not think too much about this kind of nonsense for now. I'm just worried that Charlotte Linlin and Kaido won't dare to make a move."
The Whitebeard laughed loudly.
"It's a relief that Ace has returned safely, and we haven't had a banquet in a long time. Tonight, let's drink until we drop!"
"Thank you, Pops!"
A burst of cheers erupted.
A long-awaited banquet was once again held within the Whitebeard Pirates.
Only Ace, after taking a sip of strong liquor, looked out at the turbulent sea in the distance.
He knew perfectly well that Whitebeard had indeed made a decision.
However, what follows will definitely not be a simple matter.
Like the vast, ever-changing sea before me, it is like a stormy ocean.
Four days later, the morning sunlight, like scattered gold dust, spilled across the sea.
On this day, the Totto Land of Whole Cake Island was in complete uproar.
Compared to the previous banquet, this one was much more lively and bustling due to the Four Emperors Alliance.
Especially after hearing the news that the Four Emperors Alliance was going to recruit various pirate crews on a large scale.
There are not many requirements regarding strength or bounty.
This is especially true for pirates who have always wanted to join the Four Emperors' group and gain their protection.
This is undoubtedly a pleasantly surprising piece of good news.
For a time, any pirate crew from the New World, or those that had just arrived in the New World from the first half of the Grand Line, was a force to be reckoned with.
Upon hearing the news, people flocked to Totto Land Whole Cake Island.
This method of recruiting new talent has indeed significantly lowered the entry barrier for the Four Emperors Group.
However, it was also through this method that the Four Emperors Alliance was rumored to have reached a total size of 100,000 people in just four days.
Known as the king of the seas, their power and influence were unparalleled at the time.
To attract even more people to join.