[Chat Group For The Death] Chapter 31 - 40

Chapter 31: Let You Talk Blindly

"This is... this swordsmanship..."

Garp's eyes widened in disbelief as he muttered to himself.

"There's no mistake! Lucas just used the ultimate move of the Pirate King, Roger—Divine Departure!"

A cold gleam reflected off Sengoku's glasses as he spoke, his teeth gritted tightly. The memory of Roger’s last battle still burned in his mind. Before his execution, Roger had showcased his supreme skill, an act that directly triggered the Great Pirate Era. Though Garp had shared a strange camaraderie with Roger, Sengoku harbored nothing but disdain for the man.

If time could turn back, Sengoku swore he would have personally overseen Roger’s execution. And before the man could utter a single word to incite the world, Sengoku would have stuffed his marine boots into Roger’s mouth.

Meanwhile, high in the sky, Kizaru—struck by Lucas’s Divine Departure—had no choice but to abandon his attempt to stop Lucas. With a resigned sigh, he allowed his body to dissolve into golden light particles and swiftly retreated to the ground.

The light reassembled into Kizaru’s form, but he clutched his wounded shoulder, crimson blood seeping through his fingers.

"How terrifying..." he murmured, his usually playful tone subdued.

"Young people these days... absolute monsters."

For the first time, his casual drawl lacked its usual teasing lilt. Instead, there was a somber weight to his words—an unspoken realization that Lucas had reached a level far beyond what they had anticipated.

Kizaru rarely suffered injuries in battle, thanks to the overwhelming speed of the Glint-Glint Fruit. Even against powerful foes, few had ever managed to land a direct hit on him.

But today, he had been struck down in the sky.

For the first time in ages, Admiral Kizaru—so often unbothered and aloof—was genuinely furious.

"You're not going to chase him?" Akainu spat, his face dark with rage as he glared at the others.

"And how exactly do you propose we do that?" Garp shrugged nonchalantly. "Even if we all use Moon Walk to get into the air, none of us can actually fight Lucas up there. The Float-Float Fruit gives him total aerial control. It would be suicide."

"Besides, this is Marineford!" Garp gestured at the battered remnants of their headquarters. "If we start an all-out battle here, we’ll end up sinking the place entirely."

Akainu ground his teeth. "If sacrificing Marine Headquarters means capturing Lucas, I think it’s worth it."

He took a step forward, his fists trembling with anger. "The Devil Fruit powers of the Golden Lion and Whitebeard—combined with the swordsmanship of the Pirate King. Lucas has too many secrets. If we let him go unchecked, he’ll become a catastrophe in the future!"

Kizaru, still holding his shoulder, glanced sideways at Akainu and smirked. "Oh? If you’re so confident, why didn’t you stop him yourself?"

Akainu's hands clenched into molten fists. "You—!"

"Enough!" Sengoku barked, silencing them both. "The enemy has escaped, and you’re already at each other’s throats. Do I need to remind you where we are?" He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly.

"All three admirals, disperse. Maintain the peace and make sure this chaos doesn’t spiral any further."

With a dismissive wave, Sengoku sent the admirals away. The battle had left Marineford in shambles, and someone needed to restore order before panic set in.

He turned to Zephyr, who stood silently, fists clenched at his sides. "Z, you—"

"I need time to think," Zephyr interrupted curtly before Sengoku could say another word. Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Sengoku let out a frustrated sigh. "Garp..."

"Don’t even look at me," Garp cut him off immediately. "I’m not helping you convince Z."

Sengoku’s shoulders sagged slightly. He was exhausted, but he had no time to rest. Zephyr was stubborn, and there was no use in pushing him right now. But even if Zephyr was an issue for another day, the biggest problem was still Lucas.

"The abilities of three legendary pirates appearing in a single person..." Staff Officer Tsuru muttered, her face grim. "This is something we cannot ignore."

Sengoku finally refocused. "You're right. Prepare a bounty immediately. Two billion berries for him, Dead or Alive."

Silence settled over the room.

Two billion.

The sheer number was staggering, but no one objected.

Just the combined abilities of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit and the Float-Float Fruit made Lucas an extraordinary threat. On top of that, he had somehow inherited Roger’s supreme swordsmanship. If left unchecked, he could easily surpass the greatest threats the world had ever seen.

Staff Officer Tsuru’s voice was even, but there was a deep shadow in her tone. "By giving him such a high bounty, we’re putting a spotlight on him. He’s a dual-fruit user, just like Blackbeard. And one of those fruits is the very same Tremor-Tremor Fruit..."

Sengoku frowned. "You’re right. This will attract every major force in the world. Lucas has too many secrets, and if he falls into the hands of another power, it could be disastrous."

Tsuru was silent for a moment before letting out a dry chuckle. "There’s nothing we can do about that now. We can't protect his identity for him. Besides, who’s to say he won’t reveal himself to the world when it suits him?"

Sengoku hesitated, then nodded grimly. "If we can use Lucas as bait to ignite a war between the pirates, it might actually work in our favor."

The decision was made.

A bounty would be issued.

Chapter 32: Beat Up Whitebeard's Son

Lucas used the power of the Float-Float Fruit to leave Marineford from the air.

In the chat group, Golden Lion expressed dissatisfaction.

Golden Lion Shiki: "No, are we just going to let them go? Didn’t we agree to make a big scene?"

Lucas: "So what do you want?"

Golden Lion Shiki: "Didn’t you touch the land of Marineford? You could’ve used the power of the Float-Float Fruit to lift it into the sky and drop it into the sea."

Lucas: "Yoho~ Since you joined the chat group, your IQ has been rising. If you had thought of this when you broke into the Marine Headquarters, you might’ve actually saved Roger."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Stop talking nonsense. Are you going to do it or not?"

Lucas: "No!"

Golden Lion Shiki: "Why?"

Lucas: "Because it’s pointless. Any Marine with decent strength has mastered the Six Powers. With Moonwalk, they can easily escape. Your move would be meaningless."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Eh? That makes sense."

Lucas: "Even if I did this, it would only hurt the weaker Marine soldiers. At best, Marineford would be reduced to ruins. It’s a thankless task. Why should I bother?"

Golden Lion Shiki: "But I’m still upset. Destroying Marine Headquarters isn’t a bad idea!"

Lucas: "It does nothing for me. I refuse."

Lucas easily saw through the consequences. If he destroyed Marineford, the Marine’s prestige would suffer an even greater blow, throwing the world into chaos. Though he aimed to overthrow the World Government, he wasn’t interested in meaningless destruction that didn’t benefit him.

Moreover, such reckless behavior would immediately provoke the wrath of the World Government and, more importantly, Imu. Since One Piece had yet to be completed when Lucas arrived in this world, he lacked sufficient knowledge about Imu. He wasn’t about to take unnecessary risks against an unknown force.

Pirate King Roger: "What a pity! you couldn’t beat Akainu to death. Such a waste of an opportunity."

Whitebeard: "I agree!"

Lucas: "With the three admirals, Sengoku, Garp, and other high-ranking officers watching, you think I could’ve taken down Akainu? You’re overthinking it. We’ll talk about it when the time is right."

Fisher Tiger: "Where are you headed now?"

Lucas: "Whitebeard’s hometown—where the Whitebeard Pirates are stationed. Since Zephyr won’t be joining me, I have no choice but to go beat up Whitebeard’s son."

Whitebeard: "What the hell?!"

Lucas: "I wanted Zephyr to leave with me and serve as my sparring partner, but he refused. So I’ll have to settle for your sons instead."

Whitebeard: "Gurararara! I see. No need to be polite. As long as you don’t kill them, beat them as much as you like. I’ve been too lenient with them over the years—this won’t do. Without my protection, they need to grow strong enough to protect themselves."

Whitebeard generously granted Lucas permission to spar with his crew.

Children won’t amount to much unless they endure hardships. If his sons wanted to survive in the brutal world of piracy, they needed strength.

More than that, Whitebeard saw an opportunity. Through Lucas, he could observe the outside world and guide his sons one last time before his inevitable demise.

Fisher Tiger: "Um… Mr. Lucas, can I ask you for a favor?"

Lucas: "Speak."

Fisher Tiger: "Your Float-Float Fruit ability lets you lift entire islands into the sky. Could you bring Fishman Island to the surface? I’d like to give my people a safe place to live under the sun."

Lucas: "That’s easy. No problem. But first, I need to deal with the Whitebeard Pirates. Fishman Island will be fine for now, but the same can’t be said for Whitebeard’s crew."

Lucas decided to delay Fishman Island’s relocation and focus on resolving the situation with the Whitebeard Pirates. If he was too late and only Marco remained to lead them, Whitebeard would be furious.

Whether Whitebeard lost his temper or not was secondary. The real issue was reputation. If Lucas wanted to leverage the remnants of Whitebeard’s forces for his own goals, he needed to maintain a certain level of credibility.

Fisher Tiger: "That’s fine. I’m not in a hurry. Fishman Island has waited hundreds of years—what’s another couple of days? Besides, it wouldn’t be easy to gain the trust of the fishmen just by showing up."

Fisher Tiger: "But if someone from the Whitebeard Pirates vouched for you, things would go much smoother. The Whitebeard Pirates have protected Fishman Island for years. The people trust them."

Chapter 33: You Really Know How to Talk, Teach!

Whitebeard's hometown—Sphinx.

The remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates were stationed here, dedicated to protecting their late captain’s homeland.

"Captain Marco, you need to see today’s newspaper!"

A crew member rushed toward Marco, his face pale with urgency. Without hesitation, he shoved the newspaper into the hands of the first division commander, Phoenix Marco, who had taken over as the de facto leader of the Whitebeard Pirates.

The war had left their ranks in shambles—Ace of the Fire Fist, the second division commander, was gone. Diamond Jozu, the third division commander, had been gravely injured, and Thatch, the fourth division commander, was dead. Among the remaining members, Marco was the only one with the seniority and strength to lead.

"A newspaper?" Marco muttered, brows furrowing as he unfolded the paper. His expression darkened the moment his eyes landed on the headline.

"Marine Traitor Lucas: Bounty of 2 Billion Berries!"

"He possesses a great secret. His known abilities include the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the Float-Float Fruit, and the legendary swordsmanship of Pirate King Roger."

"This individual is highly dangerous, with combat power comparable to the Four Emperors. Whether dead or alive, he is worth an enormous sum from the World Government."

Marco's fingers tightened around the edges of the paper. "The World Government is joking, right? No… that’s not it. The bounty system isn’t something they mess around with. But… how is this possible?"

The Whitebeard Pirates around him listened in stunned silence.

"Dad’s Tremor-Tremor Fruit power… wasn't that stolen by that bastard Teach? How could it appear on someone else?"

"And if this bounty is accurate, that means there's now a second dual-fruit user in the world?"

A heavy silence filled the room. Marco exhaled slowly, his mind racing with possibilities and implications.

Meanwhile, just beyond the waters surrounding Sphinx Island, a fleet flying the infamous three-skull Jolly Roger approached. The vessels of this fleet were unlike conventional pirate ships—they looked more like enormous rafts haphazardly pieced together with massive wooden planks. This bizarre design reflected the crude aesthetic of their captain, Blackbeard—Marshall D. Teach.

In Blackbeard Pirates second ship, the infamous Shiryu of the Rain sat calmly, wiping down his treasured sword Raiu as he spoke.

"Captain Teach, have you read today’s newspaper? If this report is accurate, there’s another dual-fruit user out there with the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit."

Beside him, Avalo Pizarro laughed with amusement. "I recall that there was a gap between Whitebeard’s death and the moment you stole the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, right? Maybe part of its power was lost during that time and re-manifested as a new Devil Fruit."

"Weihahaha! If that’s the case, then that explains why you still haven’t awakened its full potential!" The drunken Big Vasco Shot, his voice thick with intoxication.

Blackbeard’s lips curled into a grin. "Zehahaha! If that’s true, then it’s actually great news. All I need to do is kill that so-called 'Marine Traitor' Lucas and take the Tremor-Tremor Fruit from him! Then, I'll finally be able to push my own ability to its awakened state."

The fighting champion, Jesus Burgess, let out a booming laugh. "Uiihahaha! Captain Teach, that guy won’t be easy to deal with. The World Government labeled him as someone with strength equal to the Four Emperors."

Sniper Van Augur adjusted his scope and scoffed, "Comparable to the Four Emperors? That’s what the World Government claims, but who knows if it’s actually true? If becoming an Emperor was so easy, there wouldn’t only be four of them."

Burgess, unwilling to back down, retorted, "But Lucas is different! He’s got Whitebeard’s and Golden Lion’s abilities—plus, he wields the swordsmanship of the Pirate King himself! How do you think he managed to escape from Marineford? That kind of feat isn’t possible for someone who’s weak."

Teach chuckled and waved his hands. "Alright, alright! Quit your bickering! Even if he really has the strength of a Four Emperor, so what? At the end of the day, he’s still just one man. But I’ve got a crew full of powerful and reliable mates—like all of you."

Hearing this, Avalo Pizarro smirked. "You really know how to talk, Teach!"

Vasco Shot burst out laughing. "Exactly! We’re not afraid of a single Four Emperor! Whitebeard was the strongest man in the world, and we still managed to kill him together, right?"

Burgess nodded enthusiastically. "That’s right! And if you think about it, this Lucas guy is a walking treasure trove for us! He’s got the Tremor-Tremor Fruit that Captain Teach wants, and he also has the Float-Float Fruit—Golden Lion’s legendary power."

Van Augur narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "The Float-Float Fruit… If I had that power, I could hover midair and snipe targets from any angle. The ability to remotely control objects I touch—it seems like an ideal fit for me."

Burgess frowned. "Hey, hey, the power of a Devil Fruit should be earned through strength! What’s the point of thinking about who it matches? Whoever takes it, keeps it!"

Van Augur shot Burgess a disinterested glance and sighed, unwilling to waste words on an idiot.

Chapter 34: Blackbeard's Combo

Lucas's body was hidden in the clouds high in the sky, silently observing the Blackbeard fleet below.

In the chat group:

Lucas: "Do you see that fleet down there? That’s the Blackbeard Pirates. Wow, Blackbeard’s taste in ship design is still as peculiar as ever."

Whitebeard: "Teach, that guy is really something. It hasn’t been long, yet he’s already assembled such a huge fleet."

Lucas: "There was no other way! After obtaining the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, Teach has reached the level of a Pirate Emperor. Not only that, but he’s also intimately familiar with your former territory. More than half of what used to belong to the Whitebeard Pirates is now under his control. If he defeats your remaining crew, he'll officially claim the title of Emperor."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Lucas, what are you waiting for? Go down there and beat him up! This is the ocean, your home turf. Whether it’s the Tremor-Tremor Fruit or the Float-Float Fruit, you can create tsunamis and sink his fleet in an instant!"

Golden Lion Shiki was growing impatient, urging Lucas to take action immediately.

However, Whitebeard had a different perspective.

Whitebeard: "Wait! Let my sons fight him first. I want to see their strength."

As a father, Whitebeard was torn. On one hand, he believed his sons were capable pirates who could stand against any challenge. On the other hand, he saw them as his children, unprepared for the real dangers of the sea.

This was a rare moment of a father’s dilemma—pride and worry clashing in his heart.

Lucas: "No problem!"

Since Whitebeard wanted to see how his sons fared, Lucas was happy to oblige.

The Blackbeard Pirates' fleet advanced into Sphinx waters, immediately drawing the attention of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Phoenix Marco led the charge, guiding the remaining commanders of Whitebeard’s crew to the island’s edge, where they prepared to confront the Blackbeard Pirates head-on.

"Zehahaha! This is a matter between me and the Whitebeard Pirates. No need for any of you to interfere. I’ll handle it myself!"

Blackbeard laughed heartily as he gave his orders, then charged directly toward Marco and the others.

Dark Water!

Seaquake!

Black mist erupted from Blackbeard’s left hand, spreading rapidly across the ground. The darkness exuded an eerie gravitational force, swallowing objects and pulling in Whitebeard Pirates' crew members who weren’t quick enough to react.

At the same time, his right hand formed a glowing white halo as he punched the air in front of him. The resulting shockwave shattered the very air itself, sending a powerful tremor outward like a tidal wave.

Marco and the others, who had been rushing toward Blackbeard, were thrown back mid-charge. The tremor forced them to stagger, and the black mist beneath them restricted their movement, turning the battlefield into a death trap.

Lucas, watching from above, sighed and shook his head.

In the chat group, Golden Lion Shiki wasted no time mocking Whitebeard.

Golden Lion Shiki: "Whitebeard, these are the sons you’re so proud of? They look pretty weak to me. No wonder they were so eager to call someone else their father."

Whitebeard: "Shut up, you don’t know a damn thing! It’s not that they’re weak—it’s that Teach, who now possesses the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, has become too strong! That’s right, that’s it!"

Whitebeard refused to admit his sons were lacking. He had to blame someone else.

Pirate King Roger: "Whitebeard, you need to face reality. Did you see it? Blackbeard Teach, now a dual-fruit user, is combining his abilities masterfully."

"The Dark-Dark Fruit spreads across the ground, suppressing and weakening anyone who touches it. Even close fighter like Vista and Marco find their movements sluggish in the black mist."

"Naturally, to counter this, people will try to leap into the air and attack from above—like Marco is doing right now. But in midair, there’s no leverage. Unlike those on solid ground, they can’t brace themselves against attacks. So when they get hit, they’re sent flying."

"And those who stay on the ground? Well, they’re stuck in a swamp of darkness, unable to move freely. Either way, they’re at a disadvantage."

For once, Roger spoke in a serious tone, analyzing Blackbeard’s tactics with precision.

Though often perceived as a reckless warrior, Roger was a battle-hardened pirate who had fought countless life-and-death struggles. His instincts and understanding of combat were second to none, and he immediately grasped the essence of Teach’s strategy.

Golden Lion Shiki: "It’s a solid tactic, I’ll give him that! But…"

Lucas: "Yeah, what a shame…"

Fire Fist Ace: "What are you two regretting?"

Golden Lion Shiki let out a smug laugh. "It’s a pity that this move is useless against someone with the Float-Float Fruit. A real aerial fighter can treat the air like solid ground and move freely. Hahahaha!"

Chapter 35: I’ll Take Blackbeard’s Life!

"Zehahaha!"

"Marco, I won!"

Blackbeard Teach let out a triumphant, guttural laugh, his feral grin stretching across his face as he loomed over Phoenix Marco and the remaining members of the Whitebeard Pirates. His eyes gleamed with malice, savoring the despair etched onto their faces.

Marco clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. Their defeat was undeniable. Teach alone had pushed them to the brink, crushing what little hope they had of avenging Whitebeard. How could they even dream of retribution when they couldn’t even protect what remained of their father’s legacy?

Forget revenge… we can’t even hold onto what’s left of Pops’ era…

The realization burned like acid in his throat.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Just as Teach prepared to deal the finishing blow, the roar of surging waves echoed from the distance. The sea itself seemed to come alive, an unnatural force stirring within its depths. Then, out of nowhere, a towering wave—at least ten meters high—rose against the horizon like an ancient sea god, its wrath aimed directly at the Blackbeard Pirates' fleet and the crew stationed along the shore.

"Damn it! What the hell is going on?!" one of Blackbeard’s crewmates shouted in panic.

"A rogue wave? No way! Even in the New World, something like this doesn’t happen without a reason!"

"This ain't natural! What’s causing it?!"

Chaos erupted on the Blackbeard Pirates' battleships as the monstrous wave surged forward. Panic-stricken pirates scrambled to maintain control of their vessels, but the sheer force of the incoming water sent the fleet into a frenzy.

Shiryu of the Rain—clicked his tongue in irritation. "Tch. A little water? I’ll cut it down."

With a flick of his wrist, he unsheathed his famed blade, Raiu, its edge glinting under the dim light. He swung it with precision, slicing through the wall of water with a single, powerful stroke.

Shing!

For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though the wave had been split in two. Shiryu smirked smugly, already turning to mock his crewmates.

"Hmph. You were afraid of this? How disappoint—"

Before he could finish his sentence, the severed wave reformed in an instant, surging forward with even greater intensity. The ocean roared in defiance, swallowing his arrogance whole.

"Shiryu, do something!"

The panic returned tenfold as the wave bore down upon them. Shiryu’s smug expression twisted into a grimace.

I can’t stop this!

"Damn it!" Teach growled, realizing the impending disaster. His crewmates’ terrified cries filled the air, but there was nothing he could do. His powers were formidable, but against the relentless fury of the sea, they were useless.

Boom!

The colossal wave crashed onto the fleet. Ships were overturned, masts snapped like twigs, and more than half of the Blackbeard Pirates' forces were swept into the depths. Those who weren't dragged under were flung through the air like ragdolls, landing with bone-crushing force against jagged rocks.

Teach himself was caught in the flood, his massive body hurled across the shoreline before slamming into a boulder with a sickening crack!. He groaned, pain shooting through his ribs.

At least I wasn’t on the ship… if I had been, I would’ve drowned for sure.

From the chat group, Golden Lion Shiki let out a boisterous laugh.

Golden Lion Shiki: "Now that’s an entrance! A tsunami worthy of a true master of the Float-Float Fruit!"

Pirate King Roger: "???"

Roger blinked at the message, confused.

Whitebeard: "Hah! The stronger Lucas is with the Float-Float Fruit, the more it proves how pathetic and incompetent you were as its former user."

Golden Lion Shiki: "...!!!"

Shiki choked on his laughter. Was that supposed to be an insult? Because it felt like one.

Pirate King Roger: "Gotta admit, the power of tsunamis is terrifying. Whitebeard, you could do this too, right?"

Whitebeard: "Of course! Back during the Marineford War, if it weren’t for Aokiji freezing my waves, I could’ve wiped out more than half the Marine in one move!"

Regret tinged his words. If only Aokiji hadn’t countered him back then… perhaps history would have played out differently.

In the Real World…

Lucas emerged from the swirling mist of seawater, his silhouette gradually becoming visible as he strode forward. All eyes turned to him.

"That’s… the Marine traitor, Lucas?!"

"Didn’t he just escape Marine Headquarters? What’s he doing here?!"

"And he has Whitebeard’s Tremor-Tremor Fruit… Is he here to take down Teach? Or does he want something else?"

Murmurs of speculation filled the air. Some watched in awe, others in fear. But Teach? He merely wiped the blood from his mouth and let out another grating laugh.

"Zehahaha! Lucas! I was just thinking of looking for you! How about it? Want to join my crew?"

Gasps erupted from the onlookers.

Is he serious?! After getting wrecked by Lucas’ attack, he’s still trying to recruit him?!

Lucas smirked, crossing his arms as he regarded Teach with obvious disdain.

"You want me as your crewmate? Heh. Didn’t think an ugly bastard like you could have such beautiful dreams."

Teach's laughter only grew louder. "Zehahaha! Rejected, huh? Big failure! That’s embarrassing!"

Despite his injuries, he took the rejection in stride, almost reminiscent of Shanks’ carefree nature.

Pirate King Roger: "Y’know, if I didn’t already know what kind of man he was, I’d actually like his attitude."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Tsk, tsk. You gotta admit, the guy embodies the old pirate spirit that’s been lost in today’s era."

Whitebeard: "Don’t give me that nonsense! This bastard has no honor! Lucas, kill him!"

Ding!

A notification rang out in the chat.

Whitebeard has sent an exclusive red envelope: [Observation Haki – Advanced] to Lucas!

Whitebeard has sent an exclusive red envelope: [Armament Haki – Advanced] to Lucas!

Whitebeard has sent an exclusive red envelope: [Conqueror’s Haki – Advanced] to Lucas!

Whitebeard has sent an exclusive red envelope: [Swordsmanship – Great] to Lucas!

The sheer volume of gifts left everyone speechless. Whether it was his fury at seeing Teach or the need to prove something to Roger and Shiki, Whitebeard had gone all in.

Lucas stared at the notifications in disbelief before letting out a low whistle. "Damn, Boss. That’s some serious generosity."

Then, his expression darkened, and he turned his gaze toward Teach, cracking his knuckles with a sinister smirk.

"Alright then… I’ll take Blackbeard’s life!"

Chapter 36: He is More Shameful Than Blackbeard

Lucas accepted the red envelope from Whitebeard, feeling the surge of power course through his veins. He turned toward the remaining members of the Whitebeard Pirates and addressed them with a commanding tone.

"Do you still have the strength to fight? If so, keep the rest of the Blackbeard Pirates busy for me. If not, retreat now and don’t become a liability."

Phoenix Marco sneered, a confident smirk on his face. "Don’t worry! If there’s one thing we can still do, it’s keeping those bastards occupied."

Despite the questions swirling in his mind, Marco knew this wasn’t the time for hesitation. There would be time for answers later—right now, action was all that mattered. Without wasting another second, he signaled his crewmate to take action.

Blackbeard scowled, irritation flashing across his face. "No way? Even if you decline my offer, is there really a need to fight? Zehahaha! Can’t we just live in peace?"

Lucas’ response was cold and unwavering. He raised his palm, fingers curling into a fist, as a shimmering white halo appeared around it. A smirk played on his lips.

"No. An old man named Whitebeard said he misses you dearly. I figured I’d do him a favor and send you to meet him."

With those words, Lucas’ fist shot forward. The air around them cracked apart as raw seismic power tore through the atmosphere.

Blackbeard’s expression twisted into a grimace as he threw a punch of his own. The power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit exploded from his fist, meeting Lucas’ attack head-on. The moment their blows collided, the earth beneath them shattered violently.

"Don’t underestimate me!  I’m a Pirate Emperor now!"

Blackbeard roared, his aura surging as darkness pooled at his feet, creeping outward like an all-consuming void. The inky mass surged toward Lucas, seeking to swallow him whole.

Lucas, however, simply floated into the air, completely unaffected by the darkness below.

"Absorb!"

Blackbeard gritted his teeth, pouring more energy into the Dark-Dark Fruit’s ability. The pull of gravity intensified, attempting to drag Lucas back down.

Lucas only chuckled. "Sun or darkness? Let’s see which is stronger."

Orange flames erupted from his body, colliding with the encroaching darkness. The inferno surged forward, burning away the black mist as if it were nothing but smoke.

Blackbeard’s eyes widened in shock. "Zehahaha! I never expected you to have a third Devil Fruit ability. Isn’t this Captain Ace’s Flame-Flame Fruit?"

His lips curled into a grin, his arrogance undeterred. "What a pity that I never got to make Captain Ace my partner. But don’t worry—after I kill you, I’ll find a new user for the Flame-Flame Fruit. That way, it’ll be like Ace and I were partners all along."

Lucas’ expression darkened. His eyes gleamed with disdain.

"You’re disgusting."

His voice carried pure contempt.

"Pirate Emperor? If you’re considered an Emperor, then you must be the weakest, most disgraceful one in history."

The weight of his words seemed to press down on everyone present.

"Marineford. You cried like a coward when Whitebeard nearly crushed you. Impel Down. You were instantly defeated by Magellan. You spent decades groveling, stealing, and running like a rat in the shadows. For years, you weren’t even a captain—just another lackey. You’ve spent your whole life licking someone else’s boots. So tell me, Blackbeard, can you be any more shameful?"

The chat group fell silent.

Pirate King Roger: "Wait, is all of this true?"

Golden Lion Shiki: "Roger, you idiot! You think he’s lying? If he was making things up, Teach would be the first to deny it!"

Fire Fist Ace: "Dad, is it true that Teach called you ‘Father’ after you beat him at Marineford?!"

Whitebeard: "Gurarara! It’s true. I nearly crushed him back then. If my body had held out just a little longer, he wouldn’t be standing here today."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Damn, Whitebeard. What do you mean by that?"

Lucas: "He was down to his last drop of blood, barely able to stand."

Pirate King Roger: "Wait, hold on. Whitebeard was dying and still nearly killed Teach? That’s just embarrassing."

Whitebeard: "Gurarara! It’s not that Teach is weak—it’s that I am too strong."

Then, an unexpected topic surfaced in the chat.

Golden Lion Shiki: "Now that I think about it, have any of the other Four Emperors done anything as embarrassing as Teach?"

Lucas: "Yes! For example, our rising star, Red-Haired Shanks. You know he lost an arm, right? And it was his dominant arm—the one he used to wield his sword."

Whitebeard: "I asked him about that once. He said he bet his arm on the new era. He even gave his straw hat to Straw Hat Luffy, but I never found out exactly how he lost it."

Lucas: "A sea beast bit it off. That sea beast was so powerful that when Luffy set out to sea, he defeated it with a single punch."

Pirate King Roger: "..."

Golden Lion Shiki: "..."

Fire Fist Ace: "..."

Whitebeard: "..."

The chat group went dead silent.

For a moment, no one knew what to say.

Then, Whitebeard let out a deep, rumbling laugh.

"Gurarara! Well, well… turns out Shanks is even more shameful than Blackbeard."

Chapter 37: Your Ambition Ends Here!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The battlefield trembled as Lucas clashed with Blackbeard Teach, his mind simultaneously communicating with the spirit while maintaining a relentless assault. The white halo of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit encased his fists, and with Whitebeard’s well-honed combat instincts guiding him, Lucas battered Teach with overwhelming force.

Flames roared, darkness twisted, and shockwaves shattered the atmosphere. The entire island quaked beneath their duel. Even the ground itself seemed to resist the battle, as mud lions formed from the earth roared skyward, adding to the chaos.

Lucas, fighting at full power, dominated Teach with each strike.

"Sword!" Lucas extended his hand, and in response, a massive chunk of earth condensed in front of him, hardening instantly into an indestructible form. As it refined further, it took the shape of a naginata, an exact replica of Whitebeard’s famed weapon—though slightly smaller to suit Lucas’ build.

There was no helping it. Whitebeard stood at an imposing 6.66 meters; his weapon of choice was naturally crafted for his immense stature. Lucas, though powerful, wasn’t accustomed to wielding something so massive. But with top-tier Armament Haki reinforcing it, his naginata was strong enough to contend with even the Supreme Grade Blades.

"Teach! Does this weapon look familiar? Gurarara! My dear son, let Daddy take good care of you!"

Lucas deliberately mimicked Whitebeard’s voice and mannerisms, his tone filled with mockery. As he swung, the blade shimmered with the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, infused with pure Armament Haki, and slashed down toward Teach.

Whitebeard’s swordsmanship was unlike any other. There was no finesse—only sheer, overwhelming force.

Each strike carried the weight of a natural disaster. It was simple. Devastating. Unstoppable.

"Bastard!" Teach bellowed in fury, his face contorted in rage. The fact that Lucas dared to imitate Whitebeard while ridiculing him was intolerable.

Summoning the full power of the Dark-Dark Fruit, Teach conjured a swirling void of darkness, trying to consume Lucas' attacks while simultaneously countering with his own shockwave-infused punch.

Far Away…

Marco and the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates fought fiercely against the Blackbeard Pirates. But even amidst the battle, their attention couldn’t help but drift toward Lucas.

There was too much about him that felt familiar.

The power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. The devastating flames of the Flame-Flame Fruit. And now—the unmistakable, brute-force swordsmanship of Whitebeard himself.

"Teach…"

The Blackbeard Pirates, watching their captain struggle, felt an uncharacteristic sense of dread creeping into their bones.

"Captain!" Burgess and the other core members of Teach’s crew panicked. Desperately, they fought to break free from their opponents and rush to Teach’s side.

"If Teach dies… we’re finished!"

Some of them, like the infamous Avalo Pizarro Impel Down, had no real loyalty to Teach. They had followed him because they believed in his potential, his ambition. But if he fell here, there was no reason for them to stay. They’d abandon ship without hesitation.

Lucas, observing the scene, sneered. "Teach, it seems your crew isn’t all that loyal."

Teach gritted his teeth, unwilling to acknowledge the truth. "Hmph! The Whitebeard Pirates are barely holding their own against my men!"

"Zehahaha! Once my crew finishes them off, can you handle all of us?"

His words were brimming with forced confidence, but deep down, uncertainty gnawed at him.

Lucas smirked. "Is that so? Well then… let’s change the balance."

Crackle!

A sudden explosion of Conqueror’s Haki burst from Lucas, forming an invisible pressure that blanketed the battlefield. The force was suffocating—an overwhelming weight pressing down on everything around him.

Teach's expression shifted. He roared, unleashing his own Conqueror’s Haki in defiance. The two invisible forces clashed, and the air crackled with purple lightning.

Seconds later, Teach let out a pained grunt, his willpower faltering under the sheer might of Lucas’ dominance. His Haki shattered, and he staggered back, visibly shaken.

Conqueror’s Territory!

A powerful, mental pressure wrapped around the space, striking Teach directly. It was as if countless needles pierced into his mind and body, causing unbearable agony. His movements became sluggish, his control over his own body weakening.

Meanwhile, Lucas' naginata shifted. The form twisted, reshaping into a western-style longsword, its blade coated in a swirling mixture of purple-black Armament Haki and the chaotic energy of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.

"Whitebeard isn’t the only one who to reunite with you, Blackbeard…" Lucas grinned. "The Pirate King himself, Roger would love to see you too."

With a flicker of movement, Lucas disappeared from Teach’s sight.

Then, shhkk!

A stabbing pain erupted in Teach’s chest. He gasped, a wretched scream tearing from his throat.

Lucas' blade had pierced his heart.

The darkness around Teach wavered, flickering unsteadily. He stumbled back, clutching his chest, eyes filled with shock and horror.

"I KILL YOU! I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!"

Teach's roar was filled with desperation. His white-glowing fist—powered by the Tremor-Tremor Fruit—swung wildly at Lucas in a last-ditch effort.

But it was already over.

Lucas easily sidestepped the attack and drove his sword into Teach’s second heart.

The white energy dissipated instantly. The madness in Teach’s eyes faded, replaced with something far worse—confusion. Disbelief.

Chapter 38: The Salted Fish Who Lost His Dream

While Lucas clashed with Blackbeard, heated discussions erupted in the Chat Group for The Dead.

Whitebeard: "You’ve inherited my physical skills, swordsmanship, and the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. My fighting style suits you best. I suggest you seek out my sword—One of the 12 Supreme Grade Blade."

Pirate King Roger: "Come on! That thing isn’t made for a normal person. Only someone built like you could wield it properly—Murakumogiri."

Golden Lion Shiki: "If you want a famous blade, Lets go to Impel Down. My twin swords Oto and Kogarashi should still be with my body. Maybe you can claim them."

Lucas: "Forget it! I don’t need a famous blade right now. With top-tier Armament Haki, even an ordinary blade can rival a legendary one."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Hahahaha! Lucas, you’re starting to sound a lot like Whitebeard! What’s next? Are you planning to replace him and play family with the Whitebeard Pirates?"

Pirate King Roger: "That might be tough—Lucas is way too young to make Marco and the others call him Dad."

Whitebeard: "You two…..!"

Lucas: "Enough nonsense. I was just messing with Blackbeard. Focus up—I’m about to finish him off!"

The Chat Group for The Dead watched in awe as Lucas unleashed his full power, driving his blade into Blackbeard’s chest twice in rapid succession.

Golden Lion Shiki: "Incredible! Lucas, use your Observation Haki—listen closely! Blackbeard has three hearts!"

Pirate King Roger: "I get it now. Every time a heart is destroyed, he loses a Devil Fruit ability. That explains how he became a dual-fruit user. It also makes sense why his pirate flag has three skulls facing different directions."

Whitebeard: "Does that mean Blackbeard might have a third Devil Fruit?"

Lucas: "Probably not."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Why not?"

Lucas: "If he had another ability, he wouldn’t be this desperate right now."

At that moment, Blackbeard lay sprawled on the ground, his once-mighty ambition reduced to nothing. His lifeless eyes stared at the sky as if grasping for a dream that had slipped through his fingers.

"Teach lost!"

The Whitebeard Pirates erupted in cheers, their morale skyrocketing.

"Retreat!"

The Blackbeard Pirates crumbled under the weight of their leader’s defeat. With their fighting spirit shattered, they scattered in all directions.

The more pragmatic among them, like the infamous Avalo Pizarro, wasted no time turning their backs and fleeing. There was no loyalty—only self-preservation.

Lucas smirked. "Teach, your so-called allies have abandoned you."

Blackbeard remained silent for a long moment before bursting into hysterical laughter. "Zehahaha! Fortune and wealth belong to fate! Life and death are decided by the heavens! I lost—so take everything from me!"

His voice grew hoarse, but then, with a faint smile, he muttered, "My dream ends here... but people’s dreams will never die."

Shhkk!

Lucas didn’t hesitate.

Without a change in expression, he delivered the final blow, snuffing out the life of the man who had once brought chaos to the seas.

Inside the chat group, the spirit were momentarily silent, absorbing Blackbeard’s final words.

Pirate King Roger: "What a shame. If it weren’t for the fact that Blackbeard’s actions disgusted me—and that he killed Ace—I might’ve actually liked him."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Agreed! Based solely on his last words, he had a spirit worth acknowledging."

Whitebeard: "Much as I loathed him, I can’t deny it—he was a force. To rise by stepping over my corpse, he had to be someone formidable."

Lucas: "Whitebeard, how do you feel watching Blackbeard die? He was once your son."

Whitebeard: "I have no such son."

Lucas chuckled. "Understood. Now, the Blackbeard Pirates are in full retreat, and your sons are gathering. Any advice on how I should handle them?"

Whitebeard hesitated. "...Handle it yourself. But one thing—train them for me. Without my protection, they need to grow up."

Outside World

The moment Blackbeard’s life was extinguished, the remaining members of his crew wasted no time escaping. They had no intention of fighting to the death for a lost cause.

The Whitebeard Pirates, watching their longtime enemy fall, didn’t stop them. Their focus was elsewhere.

Marco and the others gathered around Blackbeard’s lifeless body, gazing down at the man who had once been their brother.

He had trained alongside them for decades.

He had laughed with them.

And yet, he had betrayed them.

First, he had killed Thatch—his own close friend—to steal the Dark-Dark Fruit.

Then, he had indirectly caused Ace’s death.

And finally, he had been the catalyst behind Whitebeard’s demise.

They had prepared themselves to die in battle against him, believing that their strength would never be enough to defeat him.

Yet the newcomer named Lucas had emerged from nowhere, effortlessly taking down the very man they had feared they could never surpass.

But as they turned their gaze to Lucas, their thoughts shifted.

It wasn’t just his strength that astounded them.

It was his abilities.

The raw power of Whitebeard’s Tremor-Tremor Fruit.

The raging flames of Ace’s Flame-Flame Fruit.

The precise swordsmanship and battle techniques reminiscent of Whitebeard himself.

Marco hesitated before speaking. "Lucas… what are you? And why did you choose to help us?"

Chapter 39: A Beating Is the Most Effective

Facing the questioning gazes of the Whitebeard Pirates, Lucas remained calm as he explained, "You can think of me as someone with a special ability that allows me to communicate with the dead."

He let his words sink in before continuing, "Whitebeard learned from me what’s been happening in the world, including how Blackbeard was hunting you down. He asked me to save you. These powers I use belong to Whitebeard—consider them his final reward to me."

Marco’s eyes welled up with emotion. "In that case... doesn’t that mean we can talk to Dad through you?"

Lucas' expression darkened as he immediately shut down the idea. "What are you thinking? Let me be clear—I have zero interest in acting as a message board between you and Whitebeard, relaying your trivial concerns. Don’t even try."

Marco's excitement cooled instantly, and he scratched his head awkwardly. "Yeah... I guess that was asking for too much. Still... does Dad have anything he wants to tell us?"

Inside the chat group, Whitebeard laughed heartily. "These foolish brats! They still want to chat with me? Lucas, tell them this—I want them to grow stronger and survive in this sea. That’s all."

Lucas nodded. "Understood."

He relayed Whitebeard’s words to Marco and the others. Hearing them, they looked momentarily embarrassed but then puffed out their chests with newfound determination.

"We will train harder and grow stronger," Marco vowed. "We won’t disgrace the name of Whitebeard!"

Lucas arched an eyebrow. "Wait, are you telling me you still plan to sail under the Whitebeard Pirates' name?"

Marco and the others nodded resolutely. "Dad may be gone, but the Whitebeard Pirates aren’t disappearing. We will carry on his legacy."

In the chat group, Whitebeard let out an exasperated sigh. "These idiots! Clinging to the name of a dead man... Lucas, take them in!"

Lucas smirked. "Are you sure? I don’t really have a habit of collecting sons."

Whitebeard scoffed. "I’m not telling you to adopt them! I’m saying they should be under your command. The Whitebeard Pirates' name is too much of a burden for them. They need your protection."

Lucas thought for a moment. "Alright, I’ll ask them how they feel about it."

He turned to Marco and the others. "Your old man thinks the Whitebeard name is too heavy for you guys to carry alone. He wants you to join me."

The Whitebeard Pirates exchanged uncertain glances.

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "What? You think I’m lying?"

Marco hesitated. "It’s not that… We just don’t understand why Dad would want us to abandon the name."

Lucas sighed. "Because he’s a remnant of the old era. And in this new era, there’s no place for ghosts."

The atmosphere grew heavy as Marco and the others stiffened.

Then, Lucas burst into laughter. "Relax, I’m just messing with you. The real reason is simple—Whitebeard’s name is too big. It puts a target on your backs. He doesn’t want you to die clinging to his legacy. He wants you to survive. That’s why he asked me to take you in."

Lucas grinned mischievously. "Of course, survival isn’t the only thing. If I take you in, I’m going to train you properly."

He cracked his knuckles. "And that means turning you into proper force that the sea will acknowledge."

Marco and the others gulped.

Lucas continued, "I’ll make you a deal. You keep the Whitebeard flag, but officially, you’re part of my fleet. Just like the allied pirate crews under Whitebeard before, you’ll sail with my protection."

The idea intrigued Marco and his comrades, but hesitation still lingered.

"To put Dad’s flag under another’s command..."

Before Lucas could respond, Whitebeard’s voice thundered through the chat group. "Lucas, beat some sense into them! They need to face reality!"

Lucas sighed and flexed his fingers. "Your father thinks you need some encouragement."

A dangerous smirk spread across his face as he summoned his Armament Haki, his fist glowing ominously. "Looks like I have orders to educate you."

Marco and the others paled. They instinctively braced themselves.

Lucas tilted his head. "What? You’re hesitating? If you want to fight back, go ahead. No need to hold back."

Marco was stunned. "You’re serious?"

Lucas nodded. "Of course. It’d be boring if you didn’t resist. But don’t worry—you won’t be able to hurt me."

Marco twitched at Lucas’ blatant arrogance. "You really know how to push buttons."

Fueled by a mix of frustration and reluctant respect, the Whitebeard Pirates charged at Lucas.

…

Moments later, they lay sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.

Lucas shook his head. "The gap is too big. You guys aren’t strong enough to take on the Four Emperors yet."

Marco, struggling to sit up, muttered, "Damn… I hate to admit it, but he’s right."

Lucas smirked. "See? A good beating always works."

He dusted off his hands and issued his first command. "Alright. First order of business—reclaim the territory stolen by the Blackbeard Pirates. Everything else can wait."

Chapter 40: Is Fishman Island So Important?

Marine Headquarters

Fleet Admiral Sengoku studied the latest intelligence from the New World, his forehead creased into the shape of a "川," deep in thought. The situation unfolding was not what he had anticipated.

Vice Admiral Tsuru, the silver-haired strategist of the Marine, approached and observed Sengoku’s troubled expression. "What’s bothering you this time?" she asked calmly.

Sengoku sighed heavily. "Just as we feared, the Blackbeard Pirates made their move against the Whitebeard Pirates."

Tsuru nodded knowingly. "That was inevitable. Those two groups could never coexist peacefully. The Blackbeard Pirates won, didn’t they? The Whitebeard remnants must have suffered heavy losses."

But Sengoku shook his head. "No. That’s the problem. The Blackbeard Pirates didn’t win. The ones who emerged victorious were the Whitebeard Pirates."

Tsuru’s normally calm demeanor cracked as she frowned in surprise. "How? How could a half-crippled Whitebeard Pirates defeat Blackbeard?"

Sengoku ran a hand through his hair. "Because of us. We inadvertently created a powerful ally for the Whitebeard Pirates. He killed Blackbeard and turned the tide."

"Us?" Tsuru was momentarily puzzled before realization dawned. There weren’t many individuals capable of killing Blackbeard. "Lucas."

Sengoku nodded grimly. "Yes, it was him. According to intelligence from the New World, Lucas suddenly appeared during Blackbeard’s attack and killed him outright. The Blackbeard Pirates collapsed soon after."

Tsuru’s frown deepened. "He has Whitebeard’s Tremor-Tremor Fruit ability. Maybe there’s some deeper connection between them."

Sengoku shook his head. "It’s not just the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. He also possesses Ace’s Flame-Flame Fruit."

Tsuru’s eyes widened before she let out a bitter chuckle. "This is bigger than we thought. First, we had Blackbeard, a dual-fruit user. Now, we have Lucas, a triple-fruit user. What’s his current status?"

Sengoku exhaled. "The Whitebeard Pirates have officially joined him. They’re now actively recruiting in the New World, reclaiming all former Whitebeard territories."

Tsuru leaned forward. "How are the other Emperors reacting? What about the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates?"

"So far, no major movement," Sengoku admitted. "They haven’t responded to Lucas’ rise."

Tsuru’s sharp mind was already calculating possibilities. "Can we manipulate them into conflict?"

Sengoku shook his head again. "It won’t be easy. The Four Emperors have avoided major clashes for the last ten years because they know we and the World Government are watching. Despite their ruthlessness, both Charlotte Linlin and Kaido aren’t fools."

Tsuru sighed. "Then we have no immediate options. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether Blackbeard or Lucas takes Whitebeard’s place. As long as we maintain the balance of power between the Marine, the Four Emperors, and the Seven Warlords, we can preserve stability."

Right now, the Marine’s greatest priority was stability.

Without stability, they wouldn’t have the breathing room to resolve their internal conflicts—particularly the looming battle to determine the next Admiral.

The dispute between the Marine and the World Government remained unresolved. The Marine favored Aokiji, while the World Government pushed for Akainu. Neither side was willing to compromise.

Ultimately, the two had agreed to settle it the only way they knew how—a battle of strength.

Beneath the Red Line – En Route to Fishman Island

Lucas sat in a coated ship, descending into the depths of the sea, en route to Fishman Island.

As Marco briefed him on the island’s situation, Lucas remained engaged in a conversation within the Chat Group for The Dead.

Whitebeard: "Really? So the Big Mom Pirates have raised their flag over Fishman Island?"

Fisher Tiger: "We had no choice. Without the Whitebeard Pirates’ protection, keeping your flag up would have only put Fishman Island in more danger."

Whitebeard: "I’m not blaming anyone. On the contrary, I’m grateful to Jinbei for everything he’s done to protect the island."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Shihahaha! If Fishman Island is under Big Mom’s protection now, that means taking it back would mean a direct conflict with her. Lucas, are you really ready to go against that crazy woman? She’s not the type to negotiate."

Lucas: "Does it even matter? With my current strength, do you think I have anything to fear from Charlotte Linlin? Besides… Fishman Island is far more important than you realize. Even if it means opposing the World Government itself, I will take control of it."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Wait, what? Is Fishman Island really that important?"

Lucas: "Of course!"

Fisher Tiger: "Lucas… Can you explain why Fishman Island matters so much?"

Fisher Tiger couldn’t hide his concern.

He had assumed Lucas was only coming to Fishman Island because of him, but from the way Lucas spoke, it was clear he had long-term plans for Fishman Island