Chapter 39: A Beating Is the Most Effective

Facing the questioning gazes of the Whitebeard Pirates, Lucas remained calm as he explained, "You can think of me as someone with a special ability that allows me to communicate with the dead."

He let his words sink in before continuing, "Whitebeard learned from me what's been happening in the world, including how Blackbeard was hunting you down. He asked me to save you. These powers I use belong to Whitebeard—consider them his final reward to me."

Marco's eyes welled up with emotion. "In that case... doesn't that mean we can talk to Dad through you?"

Lucas' expression darkened as he immediately shut down the idea. "What are you thinking? Let me be clear—I have zero interest in acting as a message board between you and Whitebeard, relaying your trivial concerns. Don't even try."

Marco's excitement cooled instantly, and he scratched his head awkwardly. "Yeah... I guess that was asking for too much. Still... does Dad have anything he wants to tell us?"

Inside the chat group, Whitebeard laughed heartily. "These foolish brats! They still want to chat with me? Lucas, tell them this—I want them to grow stronger and survive in this sea. That's all."

Lucas nodded. "Understood."

He relayed Whitebeard's words to Marco and the others. Hearing them, they looked momentarily embarrassed but then puffed out their chests with newfound determination.

"We will train harder and grow stronger," Marco vowed. "We won't disgrace the name of Whitebeard!"

Lucas arched an eyebrow. "Wait, are you telling me you still plan to sail under the Whitebeard Pirates' name?"

Marco and the others nodded resolutely. "Dad may be gone, but the Whitebeard Pirates aren't disappearing. We will carry on his legacy."

In the chat group, Whitebeard let out an exasperated sigh. "These idiots! Clinging to the name of a dead man... Lucas, take them in!"

Lucas smirked. "Are you sure? I don't really have a habit of collecting sons."

Whitebeard scoffed. "I'm not telling you to adopt them! I'm saying they should be under your command. The Whitebeard Pirates' name is too much of a burden for them. They need your protection."

Lucas thought for a moment. "Alright, I'll ask them how they feel about it."

He turned to Marco and the others. "Your old man thinks the Whitebeard name is too heavy for you guys to carry alone. He wants you to join me."

The Whitebeard Pirates exchanged uncertain glances.

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "What? You think I'm lying?"

Marco hesitated. "It's not that… We just don't understand why Dad would want us to abandon the name."

Lucas sighed. "Because he's a remnant of the old era. And in this new era, there's no place for ghosts."

The atmosphere grew heavy as Marco and the others stiffened.

Then, Lucas burst into laughter. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. The real reason is simple—Whitebeard's name is too big. It puts a target on your backs. He doesn't want you to die clinging to his legacy. He wants you to survive. That's why he asked me to take you in."

Lucas grinned mischievously. "Of course, survival isn't the only thing. If I take you in, I'm going to train you properly."

He cracked his knuckles. "And that means turning you into proper force that the sea will acknowledge."

Marco and the others gulped.

Lucas continued, "I'll make you a deal. You keep the Whitebeard flag, but officially, you're part of my fleet. Just like the allied pirate crews under Whitebeard before, you'll sail with my protection."

The idea intrigued Marco and his comrades, but hesitation still lingered.

"To put Dad's flag under another's command..."

Before Lucas could respond, Whitebeard's voice thundered through the chat group. "Lucas, beat some sense into them! They need to face reality!"

Lucas sighed and flexed his fingers. "Your father thinks you need some encouragement."

A dangerous smirk spread across his face as he summoned his Armament Haki, his fist glowing ominously. "Looks like I have orders to educate you."

Marco and the others paled. They instinctively braced themselves.

Lucas tilted his head. "What? You're hesitating? If you want to fight back, go ahead. No need to hold back."

Marco was stunned. "You're serious?"

Lucas nodded. "Of course. It'd be boring if you didn't resist. But don't worry—you won't be able to hurt me."

Marco twitched at Lucas' blatant arrogance. "You really know how to push buttons."

Fueled by a mix of frustration and reluctant respect, the Whitebeard Pirates charged at Lucas.

…

Moments later, they lay sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.

Lucas shook his head. "The gap is too big. You guys aren't strong enough to take on the Four Emperors yet."

Marco, struggling to sit up, muttered, "Damn… I hate to admit it, but he's right."

Lucas smirked. "See? A good beating always works."

He dusted off his hands and issued his first command. "Alright. First order of business—reclaim the territory stolen by the Blackbeard Pirates. Everything else can wait."

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