Unaware of the looming execution of Portgas D. Ace, the Hell Prince Pirates continued their journey to Sphinx Island, the remote hotown of the legendary Whitebeard, The World Strongest man. Known for its serene beauty and humble villages, the island was also a frequent resting place for the Moby Dick, Whitebeard's flagship.
Dave leaned casually against the railing, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. "The Cipher Pol agents are getting bold," he muttered. "They're not even bothering to hide their presence."
Rayleigh chuckled beside him, his arms crossed as he observed the trailing ship in the distance. "They're probably hoping to observe, maybe gauge our strength. But I doubt they'll act unless they have a reason."
"Should I blast them out of the water?" Enel asked from above, perched lazily on the mast. His lightning crackled faintly, a subtle display of his readiness.
Dave shook his head. "Let them follow. If they're stupid enough to pick a fight, we'll deal with them. Otherwise, they're wasting their ti."
"Not to ntion, it's just waste of Ti"
Tony erged from below deck, wiping his hands clean of oil. "They're either desperate for intel or overly confident. Either way, they're no real threat—not yet, at least."
Shakky, who had been quietly sipping tea near the helm, smirked. "Let them co closer. The more they think they know, the more we can mislead them."
After Carn ca with everyone's food, they all sat together as they ate it.
The crew returned to their tasks, though Dave occasionally glanced back at the distant vessel, his mind calculating. Cipher Pol's interest in his crew was expected, but their persistence hinted at sothing more significant.
It took them just few days with the advanced ship they have to cover the distance as they soon reached their destination-The Sphinx Island.
As they approached Sphinx Island, the rugged cliffs and lush greenery ca into view. Despite the island's peaceful appearance, there was an air of watchfulness about it. Whitebeard's protection over his holand had long kept threats at bay, but even in his absence, his influence lingered.
The Hell Prince Pirates docked their ship at a secluded spot along the shoreline. The villagers watched cautiously from a distance as Dave and his crew disembarked. They were clearly accustod to pirates, but the sight of this particular crew, led by the man whose reputation was rapidly growing, put them on edge.
Rayleigh, ever the diplomat, stepped forward and raised a hand in greeting. "We an no harm," he said with a calm smile. "We're just travelers passing through."
An older man stepped forward, his posture straight despite his age. "Travelers, huh? This island's not exactly on a common route. What do you want here?"
Dave stepped beside Rayleigh, his commanding presence silencing the whispers among the villagers. "We're looking for information about Whitebeard. This island was his ho, wasn't it?"
The elder's eyes narrowed. "It was. But he's not here now, and we don't take kindly to outsiders digging into our affairs."
"We're not here to dig," Dave replied evenly. "We respect what Whitebeard stood for. We're just curious about the man and his legacy."
The elder studied him for a mont before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. But don't cause trouble. The people here have protection of Whitebeard."
As the villagers returned to their routines, the crew explored the island. They passed modest hos, fields of crops, and shrines dedicated to Whitebeard's mory. It was clear that the people revered him not just as a pirate, but as a protector and father figure.
Enel, bored of the quiet, wandered off to investigate the island's natural resources, while Tony examined the architecture with a mix of curiosity and critique. Shakky, ever observant, mingled with the locals, gleaning insights from their cautious conversations.
Dave, anwhile, made his way toward a small hill overlooking the village. At its peak stood a simple shrine adorned with carvings of the Whitebeard Pirates' emblem. He stood there in silence, his thoughts drifting to the man who had once commanded the seas with unparalleled strength and compassion.
But now he is old and solemnly take part in battles.
"You're not from around here."
The voice pulled Dave from his thoughts. He turned to see a young boy, no older than ten, clutching a small wooden sword. His eyes were wide with a mix of curiosity and defiance.
Dave crouched down to et the boy's gaze. "No, I'm not. What's your na?"
"Haruto," the boy said, gripping his sword tighter. "Are you here to hurt us?"
Dave smiled faintly. "No, Haruto. We're just passing through. But tell , why do you think you need that sword?"
"To protect the village," Haruto said firmly. "I want to be like Sir Whitebeard who always protect our Village."
Dave's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "That's a big responsibility for soone so young."
Haruto puffed out his chest. "I'm not scared. If bad people co, I'll fight them."
Dave nodded approvingly. "Brave words, kid. But protecting sothing isn't just about fighting. It's about knowing when to stand and when to call for help."
Haruto hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I'll rember that."
Later that evening, the crew regrouped near the ship. Rayleigh had learned that the Moby Dick wasn't far from the island, stationed at a nearby cove. It was a tempting opportunity to et Whitebeard, but it also carried risks.
"What's the plan?" Tony asked, leaning against the ship's railing. "Are we making contact?"
Dave considered the question. "Not yet. We don't need to provoke them, We are just here to make Alliance anyway."
'I can alone destroy the World Governnt but I need soone to rule when I leave, and Whitebeard are vest for it' Dave thought as among the Pirates they are the only one in which territory he saw happiness, not even in marine Protected island they were as lax as Whitebeard pirate protected islands.
As the crew settled in for the night, the Cipher Pol ship lood in the distance, its presence a constant reminder of the eyes watching their every move. But Dave wasn't concerned. He knew that sooner or later, those watching would have to act—and when they did, he'd be ready.
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