Couple hours ago
Ace burst out of nowhere, shouting, "I will never accept you! I won't acknowledge that man!" before slamming a Fire Fist toward him.
It really terrified Mock at the time!
After ruling the East Blue for so many years, when had he ever faced such danger?
Fortunately, he was wearing the East Blue Overlord Armor, custom-made for him by Vegapunk.
Wearing it wasn't just comfortable in any season, it could adapt to any dangerous environment, protecting the wearer's life.
So, even facing Ace's Fire Fist, he remained completely unharmed.
He stood with arms crossed, facing the terrifying flames without a scratch. Even after the flames vanished, he hadn't moved a single step.
This scene instantly made everyone gasp.
"Is that Haki? He's actually unafraid of Ace's ability?!"
"Is this the power of the East Blue Overlord? Taking Ace's Fire Fist head-on without a scratch, no wonder Marine Headquarters is so on edge!"
"He really is that man's son!"
--**--**
Present
That last comment left Mock completely confused. He still couldn't figure it out as he asked into the Den Den Mushi, "Boss, whose son? Have they seen my late father?"
Dante stared silently at the Den Den Mushi.
It seemed Mock was still unaware of the rumors circulating the seas.
Then again, given his personality, even if these rumors were printed in the newspapers, he wouldn't know about them unless someone told him directly.
Dante raised an eyebrow. "And what happened next? Get to the point!"
"Oh, right, the point!" Mock realized his mistake. He scratched his head and grinned. "After that, Sparky didn't attack again. His crewmates stopped him, too, so he couldn't make another move."
Come to think of it, it was weird.
Those people were oddly enthusiastic!
He hadn't even met them before.
"Oh right, then Whitebeard showed up. Boss, he is really massive! He really lives up to his title, he terrified me! But..." His tone turned angry. "He actually used Haki to shake me!"
--**--**
Couple hours back
According to Mock, Whitebeard arrived shortly after.
He stood tall and commanding at the bow of the Moby Dick.
He was massive, even taller than Kuma!
However, when Whitebeard saw Mock, surprise crossed his face.
Without waiting for Mock to speak, he unleashed his Conqueror's Haki.
It was terrifying. Luckily, the East Blue Overlord Armor helped Mock withstand it.
Even though he was knocked dizzy, he didn't collapse.
He kept his standing posture, arms still crossed.
He stood perfectly straight.
Of course, it wasn't just the armor. Dante's special training had familiarized him with Conqueror's Haki. So, even though he passed out, the East Blue Overlord Armor woke him up quickly.
Hearing this, Dante nodded in approval of the armor created by Vegapunk.
According to Vegapunk's description at the time...
This armor not only enhanced the wearer's strength, speed, and defense, but it also featured a self-regulating system for environmental factors like temperature and gravity. Upon encountering harsh conditions, it would adjust automatically, allowing the wearer to adapt better.
It even activated automatically if a Devil Fruit user fell into the sea, guiding the wearer to the nearest detected island.
It was incredibly comprehensive and perfectly suited for Mock, significantly improving his chances of survival.
The production cost was astronomical, however.
Additionally, while it could boost strength, speed, and defense, against a true expert, a loss was still a loss, and it could easily be dismantled. Of course, according to Vegapunk, the armor could still be modified further, perhaps even incorporating Lineage Factor Theory to advance its capabilities even more.
He also mentioned that he had data on related research left behind by a friend back in the day. That friend of his had researched this field very deeply.
If necessary, he could look into it a bit, but the cost of the armor would skyrocket, requiring a massive amount of rare materials. It left Dante feeling rather regretful.
Fair enough. If it were that easy to build, Vinsmoke Judge would have surely equipped his clone army with them by now.
Still, Dante ultimately asked Vegapunk to look into it anyway. Better to have it than not, and it might come in handy later.
Meanwhile, back with Mock...
After Whitebeard unleashed his Haki, even the nearby crew members were instantly knocked out. This left a crew member with a head like pineapple looking rather helpless, he hurriedly asked Pops to reign it in. Consequently, Whitebeard awkwardly withdrew his Haki after a moment.
However, seeing that Mock remained standing tall and undeterred beneath the pressure, his stance exuding confidence...
A trace of nostalgia and approval flashed through Whitebeard's eyes. He said with deep emotion, "Just as expected of his son!"
But Mock just looked completely confused.
What did that mean?!
Could it be that Whitebeard knew his father too? Impossible!
His dad had stayed on an island the whole time until he starved to death! But before Mock could figure out what was going on, Whitebeard let out a distinctive laugh "Gurarara~" that only the strong possess, then invited Mock to become his son.
However, Mock refused.
Mock firmly declared that he would become the Pirate King, so how could he acknowledge someone else as his father?
Of course.
Having read the 'Grand Line Survival Guide', Mock had actually already prepared himself to bow and call him father right then and there.
According to the Boss, when meeting Whitebeard, you acknowledge him as your father. For Red Hair, you claim to know Luffy. As for the King of Beasts and Big Mom, one requires honestly going to work in the mines, and the other involves becoming a live-in son-in-law.
As long as you followed the instructions, it was fine. Even though it was indeed humiliating, there was no helping it, it was all for the sake of survival.
Living on was what mattered most.
But how could he, the illustrious East Blue Overlord, acknowledge someone else as his father so easily?
Just accept the first time they ask?
Did he have no dignity? At the very least, he should hold out a bit before agreeing!
However, after he refused, aside from the Whitebeard crew getting angry and shouting that "Only Pops has the right to become the Pirate King!", Whitebeard didn't seem angry in the slightest.
He even laughed out loud.
He merely added another strange remark, "As expected of his son, just as stubborn! Insisting on his own dream no matter what he faces!"
--**--**
Present
"So, does my starving dad really know Whitebeard?" Mock asked Dante on the Den Den Mushi, looking confused. "But if that's the case, how did my dad starve to death? Boss, what's going on here?"
"That's not the point!" After hearing Mock's story, Dante replied irritably. "So, since your problem is resolved, why are you calling me?"
"Eh, I just wanted to ask if I should acknowledge him as my father now? Would that be a major incident?"
"Suit yourself! Just make sure you stay safe!" Dante said helplessly. "Also, hide the Devil Fruit well. Don't let it be discovered. And watch out for Teach, he is bad news. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up now."
"Whoa, wait a sec, Boss, one more thing!" Seeing that Dante was really about to hang up, Mock hurriedly stopped him, then said with a grin. "Did Apple Head's invention, the AquaBliss Foot Spa, sell yet? I've got a huge order here."
Dante stared at the snail in disbelief.
"Whitebeard seems pretty interested in my AquaBliss Foot Spa. And after his kids saw it, they were really curious too. Once they heard it's good for your health, they even came to me secretly, planning to pool their money and buy one for their Pops."
Good grief. He was sent on an adventure, and he was out there doing sales?
Hearing Mock's words, Dante paused for a moment, then quickly said, "Nice work. I'll ship it to you later. Just make sure you keep an eye on it and don't let the order get away. Tell them there's also a Fatherly Love - Family Joy edition, specifically developed to express gratitude for a father's selfless devotion. If they order now, a professional master engraver will personally carve their Pops name onto it. The price is a bit steeper, though."
"Consider it done!" Hearing there was a comMs.ion involved, Mock beamed. But a moment later, his expression shifted as he noticed something. He lowered his voice, "Boss, someone's coming for me. I think Whitebeard is calling! Gotta go!"
*Clack~*
He immediately hung up. Dante shook his head helplessly and stored the Den Den Mushi away.
He turned his head to look at Zephyr, who had been watching him silently the entire time he was on the call. Dante hesitated, but before he could speak...
Zephyr spoke up. "So, Mock is one of yours?"
"Yes."
"So..." A stiff smile appeared on Zephyr's face as he shook his head. "I thought I had just gotten lucky. I didn't expect that everything had been calculated all along."
"Zephyr-Sensei..."
"It's fine. I'm just feeling a bit sentimental." Zephyr waved it off, then glared at Dante. "It seems you've not only played the World Government and Marine HQ for fools, but you've deceived the entire ocean as well!"
Dante chuckled.
"Enough. Speaking of which, I actually owe Mock my thanks. If it weren't for him, the World Government probably wouldn't have let me off the hook so easily." Zephyr shook his head melancholically, then looked at Dante, frowning. "From your call just now, it sounds like he ran into Whitebeard suddenly. Is he in danger?"
"He should be fine." Dante rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. "Whitebeard was on pretty good terms with the Pirate King. He wouldn't make a move against a Mock out of nowhere."
At worst, he'll just gain another father figure.
--**--**
Meanwhile. On the other side.
Mock, having hung up the phone, was led by members of the Whitebeard Pirates to a relatively quiet corner of the Moby Dick. Whitebeard was already waiting for him there.
Though he didn't know why, the Whitebeard Pirates had thrown a banquet in his honor. Most of the crew was plastered by now, so apart from Whitebeard, the only other person in this corner was the guy with the blonde mohawk.
But... why was he called here suddenly? Did they want him to acknowledge another father? Just as Mock looked confused...
"Marco, go outside and keep watch. Make sure the other children don't come near here," Whitebeard said, turning to Marco. "I need to have a word with this kid."
"Yes, Pops!" Marco responded and turned to walk out.
In an instant, only Mock and Whitebeard remained in the corner. Whitebeard turned back to look at Mock and sighed. "Don't blame Ace. He just saw you and didn't figure things out right away."
Then, as if remembering something amusing, a smile appeared on his face. He chuckled and remarked, "Back when your father said he was going back to have children, I never expected... that guy was quite the player!"
Portgas D. Ace!
Hargon D. Mock!
One could tell just by hearing that these two brothers didn't share the same mother.
Speaking, Whitebeard lowered his head to look at Mock again and sighed once more. "I assume you've guessed it by now."
'Guessed? Guessed what?' Mock looked at Whitebeard, completely bewildered.
Ace? Sparky? He did plan to fleece that pyromaniac properly later on. Make him pay for trying to set him on fire for no reason!
But before Mock could say anything, Whitebeard, having clearly seen the confusion in his eyes, couldn't help but curse Roger mentally.
What a mess. As a father, actually letting his children try to kill each other? He was truly unfit!
But alas...
"You shouldn't blame Ace. If you want to blame someone, blame your irresponsible father!" Whitebeard could only let out a deep sigh, his eyes filled with emotion. He looked down at Mock and said, "After all, Ace is... he is... your brother, just by a different mother!"
Mock stared blankly. 'What the hell?'
===============
Dear Readers and Fans,
For those eager to dive into next chapters earlier before others, I invite you to join us on Patreon. By becoming our Patron, you not only gain access to exclusive advanced chapters but also help us continue this endeavour and expand it further.
https://www.pat reon.com/8Ashes8
(no space)
You can read upto 7 Chapters in advance.