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Polo Gram had completely not expected that a legendary figure like Whitebeard Edward Newgate—who was renowned across the seas, possessed top-tier strength, and was an idol he had admired for a long time—would so solemnly express thanks to a "small fry" like him.
This unexpected respect and sincerity left him momentarily at a loss, a strong feeling of being overwhelmed with favor surging in his heart.
"I saw everything Marco did."
Whitebeard looked at the somewhat uneasy Gram, his tone steady and full of weight. In those eyes that had weathered countless storms, a rare gentleness and approval shone through.
"His feelings toward me are extremely sincere. In this pirate world filled with betrayal, profit, and ambition, such loyalty and bonds of affection are especially precious.
Also… Marco still wanted to avenge me, even though he failed, but I am well aware of that intent, and I will remember it in my heart."
Whitebeard's words were plain and unadorned, yet every one came straight from the heart.
From this alone, it was clear that although Edward Newgate was part of the chaotic group that was the Rocks Pirates, his core was completely different from ambitious types like the Golden Lion.
Deep in his heart, what he valued more was the "family"-like bonds and loyalty.
"Ah… this…"
Gram listened to Whitebeard's words, his eyes growing a bit hot. He nodded forcefully, unsure how to express the excitement in his heart.
Suddenly, Whitebeard seemed to recall something, a trace of complex emotion flashing across his broad face.
Whitebeard's voice lowered slightly, carrying a hint of apology as he said:
"Sorry, Gram… I don't know whether Marco survived or died after that future revenge battle.
If… if he met with misfortune because of my affairs, as his old man, I really feel I have let down you, his birth father."
Whitebeard recalled the tragic scene from the earlier light screen where Marco and the others were defeated by Blackbeard. Although Marco's exact fate wasn't directly shown, it was surely more misfortune than good.
Thinking that someone else's son might lose his life for following him, Whitebeard truly felt a heaviness in his heart at this moment.
"Please don't say that! Newgate!"
Gram was startled to hear Whitebeard actually apologizing for this and hurriedly waved his hands, his expression turning exceptionally serious and earnest.
"You have shown Marco immense kindness and favor. For him to be able to follow you in the future is his greatest honor!
From everything I saw on the light screen that he did for you, I can tell he has his own will, his own judgment, and his own resolve!
As his father, I think he did very well—truly excellent!"
Gram straightened his back, his voice resounding and powerful: "Facing the enemy who killed his father and brothers, he chose to stand up, even knowing he might not win, and fought with all his might!
That kind of courage and responsibility is already enough to make me, as his father, feel supreme pride!
So, please don't feel apologetic about this! That was the path Marco chose himself, something he believed was worth risking his life to protect!"
Looking at the genuine pride and understanding in Gram's eyes, Whitebeard was slightly stunned. Then, a relieved and appreciative smile slowly spread across his serious face.
He nodded firmly, saying nothing more.
This understanding and support from the father gave him even greater respect for Marco's future choices.
The captain of the Polo Pirates was also a sensible man who understood righteousness—a true man.
On this chaotic battlefield of God Valley, because of this small exchange, a faint ripple of warm humanity spread.
Unlike the occasional warmth and exchanges on the pirates' side, the atmosphere in the Marines and Celestial Dragons' camp was far more oppressive and miserable.
Quite some time had passed, and some Celestial Dragons, accustomed to a life of luxury, began to feel uncomfortable.
They clutched their stomachs, shouting that they were hungry; licking their dry lips, complaining that they were thirsty.
Even though they were in the ruins of a battlefield with corpses strewn everywhere, they still acted arrogantly, loudly ordering the ordinary Marine soldiers standing by nearby to find food and clean drinking water for them.
Most of these Marine soldiers were low-ranking. Facing the World Nobles—even though many had just witnessed their disgraceful commands…
Though their hearts were filled with humiliation and resistance, under the absolute authority and military deterrence of the Five Elders' Saint Saturn and the God's Knights present,
they dared to be angry but not to speak out. They could only lower their heads, endure the nausea, and cautiously rummage through the ruins and corpses for any remaining supplies, or try to search for water sources farther away.
Their hearts were filled with doubt toward "justice" and a sense of desolation.
Seeing the World Nobles like this, Zephyr furrowed his brows, but he had no solution. As a Marine, even he could not disobey the Celestial Dragons.
"Perhaps… Dragon was right. I hope he can change this world!"
Zephyr sighed. Seeing this scene, he somewhat understood why Dragon said the world was sick—terminally ill.
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