Especially after they learned of Roy's fame and deeds, the mermaid beauties all gathered around him one by one, eyes sparkling.
Burgess watched from the side, feeling extremely jealous.
Hagens and Kuma went off separately to learn about Fish-Man Island's authentic cuisine and distinctive medical practices.
Gin, Laffitte, Daz, Chalcis, and the others had also rarely gotten the chance to relax in this paradise for men.
As for Yasopp, well… he had a wife and child.
Tiger took Arlong, Jinbe, and the others to Fish-Man District to visit his former underlings.
While all the members of the Thunder God Pirates were resting on Fish-Man Island, in the New World, with the Whitebeard Pirates—
"Gurarararara! Young people these days are getting more arrogant one after another. I hope he can take a few punches from me."
Whitebeard laughed heartily. "In a while, a brat who talks big but has real skill will come challenge us. My sons, don't embarrass yourselves when the time comes!"
"Don't worry, Pops! We'll show him what we're made of!"
"We'll smash them flat!"
"That's right!"
Everyone aboard the Whitebeard Pirates was eager to try, all wanting to teach those newcomers who did not know how vast the world truly was a lesson.
As for defeat? Sorry, but they were the Whitebeard Pirates.
At the same time, Marine Headquarters had already received the news.
"They've only been at sea for a few months, and they've already reached Fish-Man Island?"
Sengoku looked at the message that had been sent over, his brows tightly furrowed.
That was right. Roy and the others had completed the first half of the Grand Line in less than a few months.
And that was even with all kinds of bounty hunters harassing them along the way, plus the fact that they had kept stopping and going to enjoy the scenery.
One had to know that, in the original timeline, Luffy and his crew went through so many adventures, even changed ships midway, and still reached the Sabaody Archipelago in less than a year.
Roy and his group were naturally much faster than Luffy.
"Once they enter the New World, everything will be outside our control."
Sengoku pondered as he tapped the table.
Then, he picked up the Transponder Snail.
"The Seven Warlords of the Sea plan can be formally implemented ahead of schedule. First, make contact with that man named Dracule Mihawk, the one nicknamed Hawk-Eye. I've heard that his swordsmanship has already reached the highest realm, and he faintly has the bearing of becoming the world's greatest swordsman."
As Sengoku spoke, a sharp glint flashed through his eyes.
In the original timeline, in the year 1509, when Law left Doflamingo, Doflamingo was twenty-nine years old and was still being pursued by Tsuru.
But now, because of Roy's appearance, the Marines and the World Government had lost far too much combat power, forcing the Seven Warlords plan to move ahead by four years.
"Don't mention joining the Seven Warlords to him yet. Find some way to tell Hawk-Eye that there is a world-class great swordsman aboard the Thunder God Pirates. Let him go test the waters first. If he truly has powerful strength and survives, then we can bring up the matter of the Seven Warlords afterward!"
Sengoku was known as the Resourceful General.
He had grasped the mindset of swordsmen very well. Although his method was not exactly honorable, it was always able to achieve the goal most effectively.
As for whether the Thunder God Pirates actually had a world-class great swordsman aboard, did that matter?
If they did not have one, then the Marines could simply create one for them. Was that a problem for the Marines?
Mm. That Dice-Dice Fruit user and that Mantis Fruit fellow both used blades. They could be spun into something useful.
Beside him, Garp, who had already returned to Marine Headquarters, munched on rice crackers while curling his lip at Sengoku's methods.
Although they were old friends, he still preferred a direct, head-on clash with real weapons.
"Hey, Garp, what's with that look? You should know that the World Government is currently discussing holding a Levely, and the main topic will be dealing with Dragon!"
"Bwahahaha! As expected of my son!"
"Garp!"
…
Joyful times were always short-lived. After reluctantly parting with the beauties of Fish-Man Island, everyone once again set out on their journey.
"Comrades!"
Standing high on the Thunder God, Roy swept his gaze over everyone and shouted:
"I believe all of you already know! That's right. I want to place Fish-Man Island under our territory. For that reason, I have issued a challenge to the Whitebeard Pirates. So all of you, get your spirits up! What we are about to face is the strongest man in the world!"
"Yeah!"
"Are we finally going to have a big fight? Challenging the strongest? I like it! Captain, my body is practically about to rust! I want to go first!"
Yasopp, Gin, Daz, and the others looked at Roy with fanatical gazes.
This was the captain they followed. This was his courage. He was about to face the strongest man in the world!
As for the fish-men led by Tiger, they all thought Roy was asking Whitebeard for Fish-Man Island because of them. For a time, the gratitude in their hearts was beyond words.
"Captain, can we defeat the Whitebeard Pirates?" Laffitte asked Roy in a very rational tone.
"I can handle them entirely on my own. Even if I were to flatten every last person in their pirate crew, it would put no pressure on me at all."
"Understood, Captain!"
Laffitte stepped back with a grin.
"Everyone, I want to use this battle to establish the Thunder God Pirates' true position. Over these past few years, although the Thunder God Pirates have repelled all kinds of enemies, and even killed the World Government's agent organizations and a Vice Admiral with Admiral-level combat power, the revealed information was forcefully suppressed by the World Government.
"Even if our latest news shook the world, in the eyes of many pirates, our status and strength are still only at the level of being able to match a Vice Admiral.
"As for things like the former guards and army forces, they are all things of the past. There are even many people who do not know what those guard forces were. Because of that, they are all waiting for us to enter the New World so they can laugh at us!
"So we must keep pressing forward. By challenging the strongest man in the world, we will prove our true status and influence."
When Roy reached this point, he paused. After sweeping his gaze over all the members, he continued:
"Everyone, Whitebeard's pirate crew is filled with powerful fighters. I hope none of you will be careless. Against the Whitebeard Pirates, setting aside the battle against Whitebeard himself, my requirement for you is this: victory or defeat does not matter. But you must show your true strength. Can you do that?"
"We can!"
Everyone answered in unison.
"Good. Set sail! Target: the New World!"
"Yes, Captain!"
(End of Chapter)
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