A cook, vice-captain of the Rocks Pirates?

"Give me the order!"

Steel Bones' voice was resolute and decisive.

"Raise the Whitebeard Pirates' threat level to the highest level! Their bounty will remain unchanged for now, but their internal danger rating will be the same as the Roger Pirates!"

"Furthermore, immediately dispatch additional fleets from the G-1 and G-5 branches to lay a tight net along the New World shipping route! We cannot allow these monsters to continue growing stronger!"

The winds of the world have become even more turbulent because of this battle.

The Whitebeard Pirates and the Roger Pirates, these two giant ships that brought together the most powerful monsters of their time, were officially regarded by the World Government as the greatest threat capable of overturning the world.

Everyone knows that the landscape of this ocean is about to undergo a dramatic reshuffle.

Meanwhile, the Whitebeard Pirates, at the center of the storm, showed absolutely no awareness of being the world's enemy.

A grand celebration banquet is being held on the deck of the New Moby Dick.

Raine used the giant ice floe that Shiki had smashed half to death to create a unique all-ice feast.

A crystal-clear ice sculpture dining table, rum chilled on floating ice, and roasted meat and seafood cooked by Rein using ingredients from the wreckage of the fallen Flying Pirates' warships, all bursting with the flavor of spoils of war.

"cheers!"

Newgate raised his huge glass, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Cheers to our victory, cheers to our families!"

"Oooo!"

Amidst deafening cheers, everyone ate meat and drank wine heartily, creating a lively yet warm atmosphere.

This banquet was not only a celebration of victory, but also a declaration to the vast ocean—a new era belonging to the Whitebeard Pirates had arrived with unstoppable momentum…

Time flies, time flies.

After Shiki the Golden Lion's defeat and escape, the Whitebeard Pirates' reputation grew even stronger in the New World.

Like a giant white whale, they cruise freely in this most dangerous sea, challenging the strong, exploring secret realms, and settling scores with gusto.

Two years have passed in the blink of an eye.

In the past two years, everyone on board has been growing at an astonishing pace.

Newgate's domineering aura became increasingly unfathomable. He no longer made a move easily, but simply sitting on his throne, his imposing presence, as solid as a mountain, was enough to deter any ill-intentioned person.

The kingly aura emanating from him has begun to truly take shape, the beginnings of a ruler dominating the world.

Through countless sparring sessions with the monsters on the ship and the miraculous cooking provided by Rein, Kozuki Oden's swordsmanship and Haki improved by more than one level.

Although his innocent and carefree personality remained unchanged, every slash he wielded carried a touch of the domineering nature of a maritime hero.

Gatz has grown even bigger; he can now eat a Sea King in one meal, and his pure strength has reached an unbelievable level.

Dorum complained more than once that the sound of Gatz practicing walking on the deck was almost as loud as a meteorite impact.

Marco has firmly established himself as the ship's doctor. His phoenix flames can not only heal wounds, but under Rein's guidance, he has even developed unique uses for purifying toxins in ingredients and enhancing the flavor of dishes.

This opened up a whole new realm for his understanding of Devil Fruit abilities.

And Ryan is sixteen years old.

He had grown considerably taller; at around 1.8 meters, he was considered tiny in this world, but his demeanor was extremely composed.

The boy has grown into a handsome young man.

But everyone on the ship could sense the terrifying energy hidden within Raine's somewhat thin body.

No one dares to underestimate them.

Of course, Raine still prepared three meals a day for the monsters on the ship without fail. In his spare time, he would take out his little notebook and update the thick, encyclopedia-like food guide, or research some strange and unusual new dishes.

His culinary skills have long transcended the level of technique and entered a realm that is almost akin to the Tao.

In the past two years, they have weathered countless storms and encountered numerous powerful enemies, but the Whitebeard Pirates have always sailed against the wind and waves, unstoppable.

They encountered Roger's pirate crew several times unexpectedly, and their relationship evolved from initial hostility and wariness to a strange one of both enmity and friendship.

The unique way the two pirate crews communicate has become: they meet, fight first, and then sit down for a feast when they're tired.

On this day, the New Moby Dick sailed into a relatively calm sea and arrived at an island called Sunset Island.

This island is known for its magnificent sunsets and abundant resources, and serves as a small transit point in the latter half of the Grand Line.

"Men, let's dive ashore for supplies!"

Newgate's voice boomed like a bell: "Tonight's wine and meat will all come from this island!"

"Oh oh oh!"

The crew cheered and, carrying empty barrels and huge sacks, excitedly rushed off the ship and headed towards the island's town.

Raine didn't join the crowd. He carried his food box and walked alone to the other side of the town, where the island's largest free market was located. He hoped to find some local spices or ingredients.

The market was bustling with activity; the cries of fishmongers, the hammering of blacksmiths, and the noise from taverns mingled together, creating a vibrant atmosphere of life.

Ryan strolled leisurely among the stalls, his calm demeanor seemingly out of place yet strangely blending in with the bustling atmosphere around him.

Just as he passed a stall selling all sorts of strange marine animal specimens, a suppressed argument came from a dimly lit alley next to him.

"Kid! Hand over the stuff! I had my eye on it first!"

A sleazy pirate voice rang out, filled with greed and threat.

"Hahaha... If you want it, come and take it if you can!"

Another voice responded, a childish voice, yet filled with an ambitious laugh that seemed completely out of place for someone so young.

Renn paused in his steps.

That laughter...

Chapter 143 Marshall D. Teach

Renn frowned slightly and looked into the alley following the sound.

Three menacing-looking pirates were cornering a child who looked only six or seven years old against the wall.

The child was dressed in rags, covered in dust, and had several scratches on his face, looking utterly wretched.

Beneath a head of messy black curly hair was an unremarkable face, with a mouth missing a few front teeth that was grinning in an exaggerated, provocative smile.

In his hand, he was tightly clutching an old, tattered book with a cover depicting various strange fruits.

The moment he saw the child, a barely perceptible, sharp glint appeared in Raine's usually calm eyes.

Marshall D. Teach.

The future Blackbeard.

How did he get here? And... he's so small!

A storm raged within Raine, but his face remained impassive.

He knew better than anyone else what terrifying ambition and darkness lurked within this seemingly harmless little brat.

In the alley, conflict was imminent.

The leader of the pirates lost his patience. He grinned maliciously and drew a curved sword: "You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to drink the penalty cup! You little bastard, die!"

He swung his blade down, aiming directly at Teach's head.

However, just as the blade was about to fall, a ruthless glint suddenly flashed in Teach's eyes, which always carried a hint of a murky smile, a ruthlessness completely out of character for his age.

Instead of dodging, he took a step forward and, with his small body, crashed into the pirate's arms at an extremely tricky angle.

At the same time, he used the tattered book in his hand as a weapon, smashing it hard against the other person's groin.

This set of moves is insidious, vicious, and completely devoid of martial ethics, yet it is extremely practical.

The pirate screamed in agony, his scimitar slipped from his hand, and he collapsed to the ground, clutching his groin in pain.

The other two pirates were furious when they saw this and were about to step forward when they suddenly felt someone gently pat their shoulder.

They turned around and saw a handsome and serene face.

"He's still a kid."

"Raine said calmly."

"Who the hell are you? Trying to meddle... huh!"

Before the pirate could finish speaking, he felt an irresistible force coming from his shoulder, and he was sent flying uncontrollably, crashing into the wall and losing consciousness.

Rein withdrew his hand, not even looking at the guy, and his gaze fell on little Teach, who was still in an attacking stance with a look of astonishment on his face.

The two looked at each other.

Raine's eyes were as calm as an abyss, as if they could see through everything.

Teach's eyes were filled with wariness, probing, and a deeply hidden...greed.

Just then, a series of earth-shaking footsteps came from the alley entrance.

"Head Chef! So you were here! Come and see what I found! A whole roasted suckling pig, smelling amazing!"

It was Gatz, who came running over excitedly carrying a huge roasted pig that was still dripping with oil, followed by Newgate, Oden, Marco, and others.

When they saw the scene in the alley, they were all stunned.

"Hmm? Who is this kid?"

Newgate's gaze fell on Teach.

The next second, a rare and complex expression, a mixture of confusion and surprise, appeared on Newgate's usually dignified face.

This feeling……

So familiar.

It was as if he had seen him somewhere before; that hidden arrogance and ambition, fearless of everything, was just like a man he thought had long been buried in history.

Rocks.

Not only him, but Oden, Marco, Jozu and others also felt a strange, inexplicable sense of unease when they looked at the ragged child.

He was so weak, yet he was like a bottomless whirlpool, unfathomable and unpredictable.

"Thief, hahahaha..."

Teach looked at the group of men in front of him, whose aura was terrifying and monstrous, but instead of being afraid, he let out his signature laugh again.

He threw away the tattered book in his hand, walked straight up to Newgate, the seemingly strongest man, and bowed deeply.

"Greetings, gentlemen! My name is Marshall D. Teach!"

He raised his head, his small eyes gleaming with undisguised desire and ambition.

"I see your ship, it's a really nice ship!"

"Excuse me, do you need any crew members on board?"

Teach's words made the air in the alley freeze instantly.

Gatz forgot to chew the roasted pork in his mouth. He stared with his big, round eyes at the little guy who wasn't even as tall as his calf, feeling like his brain wasn't quite up to the task.

This kid... isn't he a bit too bold?

Oden clapped his hands and laughed: "Hahaha! Interesting! This little guy is really interesting! He has more guts than I did back then!"

Marco and Joz exchanged a glance, both seeing seriousness in each other's eyes.

They could sense an inexplicable sinister aura emanating from this boy named Teach; his ambition and cunning, completely out of character for his age, instinctively made them uneasy.

Newgate stared silently at Teach, his expression more complex than ever before.

That familiar feeling, originating from Lox, pierced his heart like a small thorn.

He felt a sense of nostalgia, but also an instinctive sense of vigilance.

As a former member of the Rocks Pirates, he knew better than anyone where that extreme ambition would ultimately lead.

Ryan stood aside, calmly observing everything.

His heart was filled with doubt and curiosity.

When exactly did that guy Rocks leave behind his bloodline?