Chapter 171: Throw the Pot!
Five days later.
The Whitebeard Pirates had been stationed on the island—just a day's journey from the Navy—for nearly a week now.
They had arrived even before Ryuunosuke and his crew's fierce battle with the Golden Lion Pirates.
Truth be told, after making two critical misjudgments, even Whitebeard had started to rein in his pride.
"Still not awake?"
At that moment, Machi stepped out of Whitebeard's quarters.
Seeing her exit, Whitebeard called out with a hint of concern.
"Not yet," she replied. "The captain's body is stable. Physically, he's fine."
"As for why he hasn't regained consciousness, I believe it's due to the impact of that last terrifying explosion."
"However, judging by his condition, he should wake up soon."
"There's also a unique energy coursing through his body… No need to worry about his food or hydration."
Machi removed the gloves from her hands and calmly tucked them away.
Yes—Ryuunosuke had fallen unconscious during the space-distorting explosion.
As for the rest of the Golden Lion Pirates? Their remnants had been swiftly dealt with.
The island behind them now... it wasn't even a real island anymore.
It had absorbed the remains of the island-ship and evolved into the Evil Warship—a hybrid fortress.
Not only had it perfectly merged the traits of an island and a Warship, it retained the maneuverability of the original vessel.
It was, in essence, a mobile war fortress with insane speed.
While most pirates sailed atop islands on ships…
The Dragon Hunter Pirates drove their island into battle.
Besides its larger size, the Evil Warship had unlocked a second form.
After all, a massive hull was still a hassle in certain environments—like sailing into the New World.
Its second form still maintained the battleship's structure, but now it featured a sprawling lawn deck, blending relaxation with combat-readiness.
Whitebeard sighed. "Good to know he's stable... but what now?"
He was clearly uneasy.
Before Ryuunosuke entered the picture, Whitebeard's plan had been straightforward: locate and execute Blackbeard—no matter what.
Given his principles, there was no way he could let Blackbeard's betrayal go unpunished.
But with Ryuunosuke's involvement—and now the chaos caused by the Golden Lion's arrival—the situation had gotten murky.
Yes, the world's strongest man... was hesitating.
To kill Blackbeard for his crimes, for the family he betrayed, for the honor lost...
Was it worth risking his entire crew?
That question plagued him.
"Uncle Whitebeard, that gloomy look doesn't suit you."
A familiar voice drifted over.
Whitebeard turned sharply. "Ryuunosuke?! You brat…!"
"You're awake?"
"I'm fine," Ryuunosuke said, lifting his hand.
A powerful aura surged from his body.
Whitebeard's eyes lit up.
Ryuunosuke's strength had clearly risen again—drastically.
"Captain, you've been unconscious for five days," Najenda said, walking up and handing him a stack of reports. "The Navy should be fully mobilized by now."
"Should we act now... or wait?"
Ryuunosuke flipped through the intel calmly.
Aside from his bounty being raised again, there wasn't much to note.
After all, his killing of the Golden Lion had already shaken the world.
Even the Four Emperors were beginning to fear his strength.
The Navy had been making frantic preparations behind the scenes.
"We go now," Ryuunosuke said, smiling.
"They're nearly ready. Let's not give them more time."
Najenda nodded and moved swiftly to relay the order.
While Ryuunosuke had been unconscious, only Machi remained at his side. The other captains had gone on missions, except for the First Division, which stayed behind.
Whitebeard observed the Dragon Hunter Pirates silently.
They reminded him of the old Roger Pirates—not just fearless in battle, but precise.
They'd gather intelligence fast, craft a solid plan, and then strike.
Step by step, rising to the top.
"So... this is the leader of the new era?"
He watched Ace approach Ryuunosuke to ask questions, while Vista and Akame sparred nearby.
He never imagined seeing such a sight.
Maybe—just maybe—the Whitebeard Pirates' ongoing dilemma could be resolved through this new crew.
---
Meanwhile, at Marineford.
"What the hell?!"
"You brat! You dare contact me at a time like this?!"
Garp glared at the Den Den Mushi in front of him, anger radiating from his face.
The call had come from none other than Ryuunosuke.
Luckily for him, it wasn't a face-to-face conversation—otherwise, Garp might've smacked him on the spot.
"Uncle Garp," Ryuunosuke's voice came calmly. "Just follow my instructions."
"That way, no matter how this ends, the World Government can't pin the blame on you."
Garp's brow twitched.
Ryuunosuke never held much hatred toward the Navy.
Sure, he wouldn't hesitate to kill the hypocrites within its ranks.
But for steadfast men like Garp, who held onto their ideals, he held a certain respect.
The sea still needed people like them.
"You dumb brat…"
"Do you even know what you're doing?"
"If I relay this to the World Government, they'll shoot it down in a heartbeat!"
"Have you lost your mind? Or did the Golden Lion rattle your brain too hard?!"
Ryuunosuke's proposal?
To formally notify the Five Elders that the Navy was planning to resist the joint Whitebeard-Dragon Hunter assault…
And then request approval for such an operation.
To Garp, it was nonsense—like taking off your pants just to fart.
Was this kid turning into another Luffy?!
"Old man, you're missing the point."
"The result may stay the same—but the process changes everything."
"And remember—it's not you making the decision, so it's not you taking the blame."
Ryuunosuke's tone sharpened.
And just like that, Garp repeated the line and dumped the idea onto Sengoku's desk.
Now, the ball was in Sengoku's court.
"What do you mean you're following Ryuunosuke's suggestion?" Sengoku asked, baffled.
"Why the hell would he tell you this?"
"He's… kinda half my grandson," Garp replied with a shrug. "Anyway, I'm off to rest. We move tomorrow—no, we fight tomorrow."
With that, he walked away like it wasn't his problem anymore.
Sengoku clutched his forehead, watching the old man vanish.
"Unbelievable…"
"I actually think the brat has a point."
Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke up.
"This way, Sengoku, if things go sideways... the failure isn't on you. You just followed orders."
Sengoku paused, eyes narrowing.
After a moment, he reached for the Den Den Mushi.
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