– New World –
Aboard the Moby Dick.
“Oi, what’s wrong, Ace? Did something happen?”
Marco looked at the Den Den Mushi in his hand, which was transmitting Ace’s face, and asked with some concern.
Not long ago, Red-Haired Shanks had come by, warning them that Ace’s current pursuit might be dangerous.
Now that Ace was calling, Marco couldn’t help but worry that he had run into trouble.
“Oi! Marco, what’s with that tone? You think I’m that weak? That bastard Teach just runs fast, that’s all! As long as I catch up to him, I’ll definitely take him down!”
Ace spoke viciously, showing no sign of taking Blackbeard seriously.
“But enough about him. Marco, I’ve got good news! It’s about Pops!”
Hearing this, even Marco started getting anxious.
Ace was far too careless—he definitely needed to talk some sense into him.
But when Ace mentioned “good news about Pops,” Marco’s curiosity was piqued.
“What news?”
Ace cleared his throat and said slowly, “I’ve found a doctor who can treat Pops old injuries!”
“WHAT!!!”
The moment Ace finished speaking, a loud exclamation rang out.
Even someone as composed as Marco was momentarily at a loss for words.
His rough voice practically echoed throughout the entire Moby Dick.
Hearing Marco shout like that, the rest of the crew quickly gathered around. If Marco reacted like this, it had to be something big.
Jozu, with his broad and imposing figure, was the first to approach.
Just as he was about to ask what was going on, Marco urgently spoke into the Den Den Mushi:
“Ace, you better not be joking. You should know that Pops injuries aren’t something just anyone can heal.”
The gathered crew immediately understood why Marco had lost his composure.
Ace had found a doctor capable of treating Pops injuries!
Could he have been deceived?
That was everyone’s first thought.
Even Marco couldn’t help but think the same.
No one knew Pops condition better than him.
But Ace’s next words made them waver.
“His treatment can also enhance a person’s strength.”
Ace didn’t say much—just that one sentence.
Yet, those simple words made everyone’s eyes widen in shock.
Healing and strength enhancement?
What did that mean?
Individually, the words were easy to understand, but together, they didn’t make much sense.
This was unheard of.
It only made them more convinced that Ace had been tricked.
Surely, Ace didn’t actually believe something this ridiculous?
But before they could ask further, Ace continued.
“The person whose strength was enhanced… is me. And my power increased by at least ten percent.”
“WHAT!!!!!”
This time, the uproar was even louder.
The commotion was so great that even Whitebeard, who had been dozing nearby, turned to look.
‘What are these brats up to now?’
Whitebeard shook his head with a helpless smile.
Meanwhile, the gathered crew found themselves at a loss for words.
After all, the one claiming his strength had increased… was Ace himself.
There was no way he would lie about something like this.
Wait—how much did he just say?
Ten percent!?
*Gasp~*
Everyone involuntarily sucked in a breath.
That wasn’t a small amount!
A ten percent increase!
If Ace’s strength had truly increased by that much, then the doctor’s abilities were beyond question.
This was simply unbelievable.
A doctor this powerful actually existed in the world?
For the first time, they realized that medical skills could be used to enhance a person’s strength.
They had truly been ignorant.
How could they have doubted such an amazing doctor?
If what Ace said was true, then this doctor might actually be able to heal Pops!
At that thought, the expressions on everyone’s faces began to change.
From initial disbelief to overwhelming excitement!
This was about their beloved Pops, who had suffered from his injuries for so many years.
“Ace! You lucky bastard! If Pops really gets healed, you’ll be the biggest hero! Hahaha!”
Marco, now filled with excitement, shouted into the Den Den Mushi.
On the other end, Ace grinned proudly.
“Piece of cake~ Hahaha!”
“Oh yeah! You guys need to send someone to pick him up—I can’t leave right now.”
Even though Ace was thrilled, he hadn’t forgotten why he made the call in the first place.
“Got it! Don’t worry, there’ll be a fight over who gets to do it!”
After Marco responded, Ace gave him the details about Vir, instructing them to find the Straw Hat Pirates.
After giving his final instructions, Ace hung up.
The moment the call ended, the entire Moby Dick erupted into excitement as the crew rushed toward Whitebeard.
Whitebeard watched them approach, utterly confused.
Jozu was the first to reach him, nearly pressing his face against Whitebeard’s.
If Marco hadn’t pulled him back… he probably would have kissed him.
“Pops!”
“Pops! We’ve got great news!”
“Ace found a miracle doctor!”
The entire crew shouted excitedly, their faces lit with joy.
Marco took the lead in explaining.
“Pops, Ace met a doctor with incredible skills. He says this doctor can heal your injuries! We’re sending a division commander to pick him up.”
“We’ll bring him here as fast as possible!”
After Marco finished, Whitebeard simply shook his head again.
Resting his hand on his forehead, he looked a little troubled.
He knew his own condition best.
He didn’t have much time left.
He wanted to tell them not to waste their efforts, but seeing their hopeful eyes and expectant expressions, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.
These children of his…
They had grown up.
If they wanted to try, he wouldn’t stop them.
“Gurararara! Go quickly and come back soon! This old man doesn’t have many days left!”
Whitebeard’s booming laughter echoed, full of his usual carefree boldness.
“WOOOOO!!!”
A loud cheer erupted across the ship.
It wasn’t because Pops had “a few days left”—they knew he was joking.
They had been worried he might refuse, given his nature, but now that he had agreed…
It was time to move!
“Don’t worry, Pops! It won’t be long before he’s standing right in front of you!”
Marco declared as the crew began arguing over who would be sent.
The usually laid-back and brotherly atmosphere instantly turned into a heated competition.
At first, it was all polite words—then tensions rose, and soon enough, fists started flying.
“You think your scrawny self can protect anyone? Step aside!”
“And what about you, fatty?! Don’t get in my way!”
“I’m obviously the best choice! Move it!”
After a chaotic scuffle, Whitebeard finally put a stop to it.
“Jozu will go. He should be able to protect a newcomer just fine.”
With that, the “battle” ended.
“Ahaha! You brats thought you could compete with your Uncle Jozu? Not a chance!”
Jozu gloated, looking down on the rest.
Five minutes later…
A smaller ship sailed away from the Moby Dick.
Onboard, a tall figure lay unconscious, bruised and battered…
It seemed he had been knocked out cold.
—–
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