Hera looked at Buggy, who seemed somewhat reluctant to leave, and gave a playful smile: "Alright, you can follow whatever dreams or search for treasures you want, but if I find out you're targeting the Marine or civilians..."
"Your life will be stripped away by me just like your devil fruit. If you don't want me coming to your door, you'd better think carefully about what you'll do from now on."
After learning news about her childhood playmate, Hera didn't want to linger. After saying goodbye to Shanks and her teacher Beckman, she left the Red Hair Pirates.
Beckman lit a cigar, thought for a moment, and asked Shanks: "Do you think Whitebeard is actually dead or not?"
Shanks shook his head and put his arm around Beckman's shoulder: "That was the man Ace viewed as his biological father. After I arrived, I discovered many unconscious pirates on Whitebeard's ship, all of whom were at the squad leader level."
"The only one capable of doing something like that in the middle of such chaos would be her."
Beckman nodded: "It seems there will be another chance to meet. I wonder what her justice really is, but the forces she can mobilize are certainly not few."
Shanks laughed: "Alright, we have our own adventure to continue. Boys! Since you're not sleeping, let's have a banquet!"
The deck of the Red Hair Pirates immediately became lively. Various types of alcohol and roasted meat were brought out to celebrate saving Ace and the growth of the little sister they had watched grow up.
On the other side, aboard the Whitebeard Pirates' ship, Marco was worrying about the future of the Whitebeard Pirates when Rayleigh approached him.
Marco became alert upon seeing his Pops' old rival Rayleigh board the ship. Rayleigh said with a smile: "What's wrong? Back at Marineford, I thought we were on the same side."
Then, Rayleigh looked at Luffy next to Ace and said: "Alright, your brother has been rescued. Come with me; you still have a lot to learn."
Ace found a small boat from the ship and lowered it into the sea, leaving enough food for Rayleigh and Luffy.
Rayleigh looked at Ace, who was grieving over Whitebeard's death, sighed, and then said: "Whitebeard died in contentment. Everyone who sets out to sea has this resolve."
Ace clenched his fists tightly—so hard that blood even seeped from his knuckles due to the excessive force.
Rayleigh said: "Do you feel unwilling? Then get stronger. Only by becoming strong enough can you do the things you want to do, rather than being like you are now."
Then, Rayleigh took Luffy onto the small boat and said to Ace: "This is the last time I will help you, Son of Roger. I hope you do not fail Whitebeard's expectations."
After saying this, Rayleigh left.
Luffy waved goodbye to Ace: "Brother Ace, I'll get stronger too! Don't get beaten by me next time we meet!"
Ace forced a slight smile and bid Luffy farewell: "Don't get slack now. Next time we meet, don't let it be my turn to save you!"
Then, Ace looked at Marco, seeking help from the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates: "Marco, what... what should we do next?"
Marco looked at the young man before him. Although he had experienced so much, the current Ace was only just over twenty years old, yet he bore the expectations of many.
Marco regained his spirit and suggested to Ace: "Ace, your strength still has immense room for growth. Pops' departure will make other pirates look down on us."
"And what we must do is tell those pirates who dare to attack our territory that even if Pops is gone, we are not to be trifled with."
"We will use the heads of those pirates who dare to challenge us to re-establish our prestige. During this time, we will use those pirates as nourishment to make you even stronger."
Ace nodded. His desire to become stronger was like a raging fire burning fiercely in his heart; he couldn't wait to vent the emotions inside him.
The other members of the Whitebeard Pirates also looked at him—their Pops' chosen successor, their brother, Ace.
There was no defiance or lack of recognition in their eyes. Ace's performance on Whitebeard's ship had already made them accept this brother; there were only flames in their eyes.
Those were flames of a desire to grow stronger. Pops staying behind to cover their retreat for their sake had reignited their desire for strength. At this moment, the Whitebeard Pirates seemed even more dangerous.
A short distance away, Hera and a tall figure beside her were watching the group on the pirate ship from afar. A characteristic laugh came from the tall man's mouth:
"Guhahahahaha, it seems I protected them too well. The kids look much more energetic now."
Hera tried hard to look up, wanting to see the expression of the person beside her, but she could only see a dark shadow. Feeling offended, she stomped her feet in frustration.
The shadow beneath her feet formed a platform, bringing her level with the man beside her.
Hera's voice sounded in the man's ear: "Aren't you going to see them?"
The man beside her had blonde hair flowing in the wind, and his bold voice rang out: "Why see them? To tell them that not only have I lost my devil fruit, but I also can't use Haki?"
"Children must eventually leave their parents' embrace to venture out. Besides, they've just ignited their fighting spirit; wouldn't it be inappropriate to go see them now?"
If Garp and Sengoku were present, they would be able to see that the tall man standing beside Hera was none other than a young Whitebeard.
Hera nodded: "Fine, as long as you think that way. Right now, your body relies entirely on the power of the Rewind-Rewind Fruit to maintain its young form; you absolutely must not use Haki."
"But don't be anxious. I have a feeling that once I find the Time-Time Fruit, I'll be able to permanently rewind a person's age."
Whitebeard's large hand reached up, wanting to pat the head of the child beside him: "Don't worry. Being able to see my children again is enough for me. If we don't meet, we don't meet."
Hera dodged Whitebeard's head-patting attack and complained: "Honestly, why does everyone want to pat my head? Is it really that attractive?"
Whitebeard laughed: "Guhahahahaha, after all, you're still a child, Hera. Even if you're already very strong, you're still an underage brat."
Hera sighed: "Sigh, time waits for no one. However, things should be a bit calmer next. Since you're not going back, stay in my shadow for now. I'll find a hidden place for you."
The youthful Whitebeard nodded and did not resist, allowing Hera to use the 'Seventh Bullet' to freeze him.
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