A cook, vice-captain of the Rocks Pirates?

Only Marco and Renn, amidst the noisy banquet, would inadvertently glance at the child.

They could sense what a profound and calm heart lay hidden beneath that innocent mask.

After the banquet, the New Moby Dick set sail again, the huge white whale gliding into the deep night, heading deeper into the new world.

In the first few days, the atmosphere on the ship underwent a subtle change due to Teach's arrival.

Everyone seemed to be observing the new little guy, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and their voices were quieter than usual.

Teach also kept a very low profile. His daily work consisted of following behind Ryan, dealing with leftovers and miscellaneous items in the kitchen, cleaning the deck, and wiping the gun barrels. He did everything meticulously and never complained.

He would carefully remember everyone's name and preferences, cheer for Gatz from afar during his training sessions, and quietly stand by Newgate's side while he drank, like a most loyal backdrop.

This humble attitude gradually lowered the guard of most people on the ship.

They began to think that perhaps this was really just a pitiful orphan who longed for the warmth of a family and was a bit precocious.

However, this eerie calm did not last long.

On the fifth day of the voyage, when the New Moby Dick entered a strange sea area known as the Storm Labyrinth, an accident occurred.

This sea area is shrouded by dozens of moving, small storm cyclones all year round, with turbulent currents and an abnormal magnetic field, making it one of the most famous and dangerous places in the latter half of the Grand Line.

"Captain! Large number of ships spotted ahead! It's...it's the navy!"

Silver's voice from the lookout tower was grave.

Everyone perked up and rushed to the bow of the ship.

In the distance, through the gaps in the storm, countless black dots were seen coming from all directions, forming a huge, slowly closing encirclement.

That wasn't one fleet, it was five!

Five massive steel fortresses, on par with the flagship of the G-1 branch, were followed by more than a hundred large warships. Their dark cannon muzzles resembled a forest, exuding a cold and murderous aura.

On the deck of the five flagship ships at the head of the group, five figures stood.

"Gurarararar... This is quite a show of force, they really think highly of us."

Newgate slowly stood up; he recognized two of the figures.

The man in the white suit, wearing a justice cloak, and crunching on a senbei, was none other than his old rival, the naval hero, Monkey D. Garp.

The other was a man dressed in a black suit, with arms as thick as steel and a face that exuded a demonic aura—Admiral of the Marine Headquarters, Black Arm Zephyr!

The fact that these two legendary naval figures could be mobilized simultaneously, followed by more than twenty equally powerful vice admirals from headquarters, is astonishing.

The world government has clearly gone all out this time.

In the storm maze, the sky was as dark as if it had been splashed with thick ink.

The gale-force winds brought torrential rain, and huge waves rose and fell like mountains, crashing against the ship with a deafening roar.

However, the true terror of this land of natural disasters does not come from nature itself.

The five naval fleets, like a giant net tightening around them, trapped the New Moby Dick in the center from five directions.

The banners of justice fluttering atop those hundreds of warships shook violently in the gale, their chilling aura even overpowering the storm's roar.

"Gurarararar... Garp, Zephyr, it's really strange that you two would end up together."

Newgate stood at the bow of the ship, carrying his naginata. His mountain-like body stood firm against the wind and rain, and his wild laughter pierced through the rain and echoed across the sea.

"White beard!"

Garp's laughter was equally hearty. He stuffed the last senbei into his mouth, patted the crumbs off his hands, but his eyes were sharp as knives.

"You've really gone too far lately! The old men at the World Government are about to have a heart attack because of you! So they had no choice but to send their old friend here to have a chat with you about life!"

"Sharing a life story?"

Newgate grinned: "I'm afraid your fists aren't strong enough to make this clear."

"Huh, glib."

Chapter 146 The war begins

On the other flagship, Zephyr snorted coldly, his weathered face full of murderous intent.

Unlike Garp, who was unrestrained and carefree, he looked at each member of the Whitebeard Pirates with the same gaze he would give a group of trash that needed to be completely eliminated.

"Edward Newgate, and the monsters on your ship, your existence has seriously threatened the balance and justice of the world. Today, right here, the Navy will put an end to your crimes!"

As soon as Zephyr finished speaking, the more than twenty vice admirals behind him drew their weapons in unison, and powerful auras soared into the sky, converging into a terrifying torrent that could change the very color of heaven and earth.

"Hahaha! What a boastful tone!"

Oden excitedly drew his twin swords, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit: "Perfect! It's been a long time since I've stretched my muscles! Let me see just how strong a Marine Admiral really is!"

"Oden, don't be impulsive."

Ryan had somehow arrived on the deck, still wearing his clean chef's uniform, as if the devastating scene outside had nothing to do with him.

He calmly gazed at the five massive fleets in the distance, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"The other side has a large number of people and is powerful, and those two guys are not to be underestimated."

Renn's gaze swept over Karp and Zephyr, and then he noticed several figures standing behind them, who were slightly younger but also had an extraordinary aura.

That was on Garp's flagship, with three young men in major uniforms.

A tall, stern-faced man with a cigar in his mouth and eyes that seemed to burn everything to ashes with a burning, obsessive intensity.

A tall, slender man, looking somewhat lazy, had his eye mask pulled up to his forehead and was leaning against the railing, as if he could fall asleep at any moment. But his occasionally opened eyes flashed with a chilling coldness.

There was another one, the tallest, wearing a bright yellow striped suit, with a cynical and enigmatic smile on his face. He seemed nonchalant, but the dangerous aura hidden beneath his laziness was undeniable.

Sakaschi, Kuzan, Borsalino.

The three future admirals: Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru.

A barely perceptible smile curved at the corners of Ryan's lips.

"Interesting, they even brought them all. It seems this is not just an encirclement and suppression operation, but also a live teaching session."

He could sense that although these three young people were still very inexperienced, they all possessed an extremely powerful force within them, like three volcanoes about to erupt, with boundless potential.

"Hey! You three brats over there!"

Garp seemed to notice Rein's gaze, turned around, and roared at Akainu and the other two behind him.

"Open your eyes wide, all of you! Today I'm going to show you what world-class combat is like! This is a hundred times more exciting than the play-acting you do in training camp! If you survive, you'll truly graduate!"

Sakazuki merely snorted coldly upon hearing this, his fighting spirit growing even more intense.

Kuzan's expression was solemn, his eyes fixed on Renn.

"This time, I will definitely drag you into Impel Down!"

Borsalino pushed up his sunglasses and said in his distinctive, drawn-out tone, "Oh~ how terrifying~ the Whitebeard Pirates, they're really something~"

Although the three reacted differently, the pride and belligerence of genius in their eyes were exactly the same.

"It seems that today will be a good banquet."

Newgate's voice came, and he slowly stood up. His domineering aura made the surrounding downpour pause.

"Children, did you all hear that?"

Newgate's gaze swept over each crew member, his voice booming like a bell, filled with an undeniable air of dominance.

"The Navy gave us a great gift: a grand welcome party hosted by two admirals and more than twenty vice admirals."

"Wouldn't it be too disrespectful of them if we just slunk away like this?"

"Ready to fight!"

Newgate's voice boomed like thunder.

The war is about to break out!

The battle horn is not sounded by cannon fire, but ignited by the clash of two wills.

"Iron Fist - Meteorite!"

Garp roared, the muscles in his arms bulging instantly as he attacked Newgate!

"Well done!"

Newgate was equally fired up. A pure white halo instantly gathered on his right fist, and the surrounding air began to twist and crack violently because of this power.

"seaquake!"

He threw a punch without dodging or avoiding it!

The great battle has begun in an instant!

"Men! Dinner's ready!"

Ryan's voice was clearly heard by every crew member through the ship's public address system.

This extremely untimely remark, however, acted like the most effective command, instantly igniting everyone's passion.

"Oh! Dinner's ready!"

Gatz was the first to jump off the ship, carrying the anchor. His massive body landed on the cold sea and seemed to walk on the waves like a rampaging beast, charging toward the nearest naval warship.

"Hahaha! Finally, I can stretch my muscles!"

Oden followed closely behind, drawing his twin swords. The sharp sword energy sliced ​​through the rain, and his eyes were filled with exhilarating fighting spirit.

"Humph, a bunch of rabble!"

Zephyr snorted coldly and leaped off the flagship. His iron arms, covered in jet-black Armament Haki, resembled two indestructible cannons as he charged towards Oden and Gatsu, who were at the forefront.

"Kids, let me teach you what real fighting is!"

Zephyr's fighting style is fierce and domineering, with wide and sweeping movements; every punch and kick contains terrifying power capable of shattering steel.

Even when Oden and Gatsu teamed up, they were still forced to retreat steadily by him.

"Damn it! This guy's domineering aura is so strong!"

Gatz's anchor collided with Zefa's iron arm, sending up a shower of sparks that made his hands go numb.

"Hahaha! This is more fun!"

Although Oden was also shaken and his blood was churning, the smile on his face became even more excited.

Meanwhile, the three young majors finally found their match.

"Lava Dog!"

Sakazuki let out a low growl, and his right arm transformed into molten lava, forming a ferocious hound's head, which lunged at Joz, who was locked in combat with a lieutenant general.

"Ice River!"

Kuzan pressed his hands against the sea surface, and a chilling aura spread, attempting to freeze Joz's movements.

"Yata mirror!"

Borsalino took a more direct approach, shooting a beam of light from between his fingers. After refracting several times on the sea surface, he instantly appeared beside Jozu, delivering a light-speed kick straight for his vitals.

The three future generals unexpectedly chose to join forces and attack the ship's most heavily fortified target.

"A body of diamonds!"

Joz roared, his entire body covered in dazzling diamond light, and he withstood all the attacks from the three of them.

boom!

Lava, ice, and beams of light exploded on his body at the same time, unleashing astonishing energy fluctuations, but Joz only swayed slightly and remained unharmed.

Chapter 147 The Elixir of Spirits

"Is that all you have?"

Joz grinned, his expression full of disdain.

Sakazuki's face instantly turned incredibly ugly, and Kuzan's brows furrowed as well. Only Borsalino remained nonchalant, muttering, "Oh~ what a tough body~ I can't even scratch it~"

This battle reached its climax right from the start.

Each core member of the Whitebeard Pirates faced one or more top-tier Marine fighters.