They knew this day would come.
Whitebeard had advised Marco, but when it actually arrived, the sense of loss was inevitable.
It was just like when those kids chose to leave and establish their own pirate crews.
...
But this one... might fly even farther.
——
The air resumed its natural flow, yet everyone's nerves remained tense, especially the ordinary crew members.
The Marine's new hero...
They had heard of his exploits, but that felt distant to them.
To put it bluntly, a mere Marine rookie wasn't worth the attention of the world's strongest pirate crew—their opponents were the Marine Fleet Admiral and Admirals!
...
But the Flame Wolf was different...
During the over two years since Griffin joined, his formidable strength had been evident to all. Those who invaded the Whitebeard Pirates' territory were basically no match for him.
In a short time, he overpowered all rivals and became the third most powerful figure in the Whitebeard Pirates!
Many felt that if Marco's seniority wasn't so deeply rooted and his role as ship's doctor wasn't so crucial, Griffin might have surpassed him...
Right!
Just like Oden once did!
Some of the older Whitebeard Pirates often mentioned Griffin alongside that man.
Both possessed immense power, both served as Second Division Commander.
History repeated itself so similarly.
Was this Second Division Commander also going to leave...
...
No... what was more terrifying...
This man who was about to leave, this man powerful enough to suppress Red Hair, had actually been a Marine spy all along!
He had never truly joined the Whitebeard Pirates!
...
Crack—
Marco clenched his fist tightly, knuckles popping loudly: "What is this..."
"If you're a spy, at least have some awareness as a spy!!"
"You could've just slipped away on some unnoticed night! What do you mean by doing this now!!"
...
"To say a proper goodbye, just like when we first met."
Griffin smiled faintly, the sea breeze tousling his hair.
"Thanks for taking care of me, Marco."
"And everyone... I've been very happy during this time. It's been a wonderful experience."
...
"If you were happy, then why leave?"
Vista sighed: "So what if you were once a Marine? The old man wouldn't care."
"As long as you want to stay, the Marines wouldn't dare punish you!"
...
"Yeah! Is it that old bastard Sengoku threatening you?"
"Don't be afraid! If they have your family, we'll help you rescue them!"
Jozu patted his chest firmly: "We'll help you! Beria or Griffin, it doesn't matter—the name isn't important!"
"Stay with us!!"
...
"Stay... Captain."
The members of Griffin's division spoke up.
"Stay with us..."
"What's so great about the Marines! Being a pirate means more freedom!"
"Captain! The Marines don't appreciate you! That mere Commodore rank... Just say the word, and we'll support you as First Division Commander!"
"Yeah! Overthrow Marco, support Beria!!"
"Idiot! It's Griffin!"
"Same difference, they sound similar anyway!"
...
As more crew members joined in, the atmosphere began to shift.
The heavy mood dissipated considerably, returning to how things used to be.
...
"Enough said, brats…"
Whitebeard brought the farce to an end.
He gazed deeply at Griffin, a faint curve forming at the corner of his mouth: "There's no use trying to stop a man who has made his resolution."
"Get lost, kid!"
...
...
Griffin reached into his chest and pulled out a small square box, tossing it toward Whitebeard.
Snap—
Whitebeard raised his hand and caught it. Without even opening it, he could tell from the texture in his palm that it contained a pill.
"My tuition fee for this period, consider it a parting gift."
"You'll know when the time comes to use it."
...
"True Relief Pill—Removes aging effects, including illnesses, injuries, and other negative conditions for two hours."
During the two years Griffin was missing, Kari couldn't just disappear as well.
He traveled from place to place, committing one act after another, accumulating two lottery draws for Griffin.
Only two draws in over two years—not because Kari was slacking, but because the Celestial Dragons had grown increasingly cowardly, rarely venturing down to the lower world, making the hunt far more difficult.
...
One of the draws yielded the True Relief Pill.
For Griffin, this was probably the most useless item.
Because the other thing he drew…
Was the complete collection of Ninja World Illusions!
Griffin's talent for illusions wasn't high, perhaps because he was too much of a realist.
Aside from a few illusions that relied purely on stats, the only advanced illusion he had mastered—and the one he absolutely had to learn—was Izanagi!
Once he obtained the revival token from Vegapunk, the True Relief Pill would become even less meaningful.
He had always intended to give it to Whitebeard.
What's the point of defeating the world's strongest when he's plagued by illness? I want to defeat you fair and square!
...
...
Whitebeard's large hand gently closed around the box, tucking it into his inner pocket.
"Go…"
...
"Mm."
Griffin glanced around, speaking calmly: "Farewell, everyone."
He turned and strode away. As he passed by Teach, Griffin paused for a moment.
...
"Be… Griffin… Captain, do you have any last instructions?"
A crimson glow flickered in Griffin's eyes, three pure black comma-shaped jewels swirling within.
A cold voice echoed in Blackbeard's mind:
—
"No matter what you plan to do, you cannot kill Thatch."
"Otherwise… no matter where you flee, I will hunt you down and kill you!"
Terrifying Eye Power instantly froze his body and soul, leaving him unable to even react with an expression.
Only one thought remained in his mind…
What terrifying eyes!!
Is this his true power?!
...
...
As Griffin's figure vanished between the sea and sky, no longer visible, Whitebeard lifted his gourd of liquor.
Safe travels, brat…
Bang—
Marco punched the mast, a glistening tear falling from the corner of his eye: "Bastard… he didn't even look back! What a bastard!!"
"Don't you have a heart?!!"
...
"Gurararara…"
"It's precisely because he has a heart that you're feeling sad, isn't it?"
Liquor trickled down Whitebeard's chin: "Marco… there's no need to grieve. Men on these seas will always meet again."
Marco looked up and noticed the liquor spilled on Whitebeard's chest.
Pops, who usually wouldn't waste a single drop…
You're… clearly just as heartbroken!
—
—
—
Mid-flight, Griffin took out a Den Den Mushi—a standard communication model.
Buru buru buru…
Click—
The Den Den Mushi connected, and a cold woman's voice came from the other end: "Well... if it isn't the great figure from the New World, Flame Wolf of the Whitebeard Pirates. To what do I owe the honor of you contacting a Marine~"
"G8 Branch. Take my ship there, Doll."
Griffin completely ignored Doll's sarcastic tone and gave the order naturally.
...
"Watch your tone! You should address me as Rear Admiral Doll!"
...
"Can you do it or not? If not, I'll find someone else."
...
"Ah!! I get it! You infuriating bastard! I swear I'll beat you up in person!!"
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "LegendaryTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!