Ever since that battle years ago, he hadn't seen anyone with Supreme King power who could match the old man, not in a very, very long time, or even ever!
Looking around.
On the deck, apart from the captains of the various divisions, only a very few of those strong veteran crew members could remain completely sober.
"Gurararara! Such an incredible presence, it's something even I didn't expect, Shano, you brat!"
Whitebeard laughed more heartily, striding forward, each step causing the deck to tremble slightly.
This legendary man from the old era, known as the world's strongest, had excitement flashing in his eyes as if he'd finally found a worthy opponent.
"You're not bad either, Whitebeard."
Shano also took a few steps forward, his long black hair gently swaying in the aftermath of the Supreme King.
He looked this legendary pirate straight in the eyes, grinning and with the same eager battle spirit in his eyes.
Their gazes met in the air, as if sparks were flying.
"Hey hey, something seems off with this atmosphere, Marco!"
Jozu's expression changed; he turned his head nervously and said, "It's one thing to clash briefly with Supreme King, but I feel like the old man and this guy actually want to duel!"
"No need to think, it's exactly that."
Marco chuckled wryly, took a few steps forward, took a deep breath, cupped his hands around his mouth like a megaphone, and shouted:
"Hey! Old man! Stay calm, he's a guest, not an enemy, besides, you just changed your bandages yesterday, your body might not withstand it!"
"That's right!"
Vista had just gotten off the speedboat and witnessed this scene. He hurriedly rushed to the two, spreading his arms:
"Take it easy, old man! Even if you're fine, the White Whale and the newcomers on board can't handle it!"
"Eh?" Marco was stunned, turned to look at this guy, and asked blankly, "Who are you?"
"I'm Vista, you idiot!" Vista was furious, "Just because I lost my beard, you can't recognize me? Be careful, or I'll pluck your pineapple head!"
That damned woman, even her death doesn't ease my anger!
So it's Vista?!
Marco suspiciously scrutinized his face from left to right; even when they first met over thirty years ago, he didn't look this young!
"Gurararara! You have a point."
Whitebeard looked at the two, grinned uncontrollably, retracted his aura first, sat back down, and laughed heartily:
"Don't worry, I know my limits; it's just been so long since I encountered a worthy opponent that I couldn't help but get excited."
As the aura of the two emperors dissipated, the frozen air on the deck finally began to flow again.
"Shano, brat, come! Let's drink!"
Whitebeard tossed a large wine jug over, and somehow produced an oversized wine glass, raising it heartily:
"Drink to your heart's content! This is wine we've treasured for nearly twenty years! If it weren't for the favor you did for us, I wouldn't have brought out these hidden treasures!"
"Oh? Then I'll graciously accept."
Shano took the jug and smiled slightly.
He calmly approached Whitebeard, sat down in the middle of the deck, uncapped the jug, clinked glasses heavily with Whitebeard, and drank furiously together.
"What a great drink!"
"Hahaha, I wouldn't lie!"
The two Sea Emperors drank heartily together, slowly easing back to a normal atmosphere. Marco and Jozu exchanged a relieved glance.
Meanwhile.
Those pirates who had been knocked unconscious were slowly starting to wake, looking around in bewilderment.
"What happened just now?"
"I think I saw the sky crack open, was it an illusion..."
"Me too, is this the power of the Sea Emperors? It's terrifying...sob sob..."
After some whispered conversations, the newcomers huddled together, trembling.
And the seasoned old crew members, feeling their racing hearts, also showed expressions of lingering fear.
This level of clash, it was as if they were back on the day of the legendary battle with Roger!
"Hey, Teach, are you okay?"
Saki noticed something, crouched down, and patted Teach's shoulder. The latter was barely managing to support himself, leaning against the railing, pallid and bloodless.
"Ze... zehahaha..."
Teach looked at him, struggling to smile: "I'm fine, Captain Saki, that guy, what a frightening presence, thought I was going to die..."
"You've been a sailor for a long time. You shouldn't be so easily overwhelmed."
Saki said curiously, suddenly slapping his forehead, a look of realization on his face, "Oh, I get it now..."
Damn, did I overplay my hand?
A hint of shadow crossed Teach's eyes, but he was quickly pulled into a laughing embrace by Saki, who said:
"You've been acting strange since last night, not eating at all. You must be starving, which is why you're so weak. What are you doing, making everyone worry? The kitchen's preparing the feast, but for now, I'll get you something to tide you over!"
"Heh heh, did you notice? Sorry for the trouble, Captain."
Teach immediately forced a simple smile, scratching the back of his head. His smile only faded after Saki headed to the kitchen.
Actually, he wasn't hungry.
Just like how he was never sleepy, even without rest.
He didn't need to sleep; it was an innate talent he couldn't quite figure out, but he knew exactly why he didn't feel hunger...
It was because of that fruit!
Teach's gaze involuntarily floated toward the center of the deck.
The handsome black-haired youth was drinking and laughing with the old man, exhibiting an arrogance that made Teach clench his fists within his sleeves.
"It's all your fault..."
Afraid of being noticed, he glanced over and then turned his head away, grinding his teeth.
If it weren't for that guy...
If it weren't for him taking out that Fly-Fly Fruit, how could I have ended up like this?!
He had lost all interest in normal food and, instead, had developed a peculiar craving for others' leftovers.
Especially spoiled, rotten food in hot weather, which had somehow become his favorite, making his mouth water at a mere glance!
For this, he had sneaked into the kitchen many times under the cover of night, clutching a pail of slop and pouring it into his mouth.
Unable to stop once he started, even licking the scraps clean off the edges.
At these times, he felt immense satisfaction, yet also an overwhelming shame and anger.
However.
This wasn't the scariest part...
Every time he passed the latrine or needed to go himself, the peculiar, pungent smell would make him rub his hands together and feel an uncontrollable urge.
The degree of longing...
If his willpower wasn't strong enough, he might have already given in!
"Zehahaha..."
Teach suddenly laughed neurotically, glancing again at Shano's back before quickly looking away, a flash of cold hatred in his eyes.
Just you wait...
Just wait, Shano.
Whether by intent or by accident, whether you knew what that fruit was or not, it doesn't matter.
Even if I can't get the Dark-Dark Fruit, if the day comes when I truly stand atop the sea as a strong person.
Then I'll make sure you experience this extreme humiliation!
"Hey, you there."
Shano, chatting with Whitebeard, suddenly squinted, turned his head, and looked straight at Teach through the noisy crowd.
"..."
Teach froze, quickly putting on a simple smile, looked around, and pointed at himself, "Eh? Are you calling me, sir?"
"Of course, it's you."
Shano laughed wryly, "I remember you; you and Marco met me last time at Fishman Island, right? You also ate a really terrible fruit. That's partly on me, so how about a drink as an apology?"
He casually tossed the bottle in his hand over.
Teach hurriedly caught it, subconsciously giving it a shake—it was about half full.
No one noticed the nearly transparent liquid silently dispersing in the wine, completing its final blend during the toss and catch.
The ripples disappeared, leaving calm.
————
PS: The editor asked me to write a side story for the monthly votes, which he'll publish on the 1st. On the 1st, everyone's monthly votes reset, so you won't be without votes.
Anyway, the side story is titled "Dragon Ball Comrades: Damn Pirates," it's nearly 4,000 characters long, and it's free. Just cast a monthly vote, no subscription required for reading.
I'm asking for your monthly votes, everyone!