Chapter 48

The powerful laughter of the Emperor, Whitebeard, echoed throughout the surrounding battlefields.

Several captains of the Whitebeard Pirates, who were guarding the Moby Dick, suddenly felt a pang of anxiety.

As always, when Dad laughed like this, he was ready to fight.

But the strength shown by Shiro, just now is not weak.

If the old man ends up in a war with him, it would be extremely troublesome for an Admiral to launch a sneak attack.

But… Shiro's request was outrageous. He actually asked for half of the Whitebeard Pirates' territory.

The territory of the Whitebeard Pirates was seized by the father with them!

To dare to negotiate with the Emperor of the New World, it takes real guts.

And knowing their father's character, such excessive demands would never be accepted.

Just when several of the captains of the Whitebeard Pirates were speculating secretly, the world's strongest man, Whitebeard, had obviously made his decision.

Waving Murakumogiri, Whitebeard looked at Shiro with bright eyes and said slowly:

"Little brat, Shiro, I know your future plans. You are an enemy of the World Government and the Navy Headquarter. You are very courageous. Perhaps, in the future, there will be a tyrant who can overthrow the World Government."

"However, the Whitebeard Pirates have their own principles. Half of our territory in the New World can be given to you, but you must do your utmost to help me in this war, and please assist in rescuing Ace!"

"I will also give you the islands connecting the New World and the first half of the Grand Line. If you are capable enough, that legendary weapon will also be yours!"

Whitebeard's reply shocked the surrounding Whitebeard Pirates members, and some even felt a little uneasy. But the decision made by their father was not something they could interfere with.

Those captains who knew the inside story looked a bit somber.

After all, this legendary pirate, who once dominated the seas, was no longer the world's strongest man.

Old age and injuries had always been tormenting this legendary figure standing at the pinnacle of the pirate world.

All the crew of the Whitebeard Pirates knew it.

"Deal!"

"Don't worry. Since I agreed to cooperate, I won't delay. As for Fire Fist Ace, I'll do my best."

Shiro nodded.

He had actually anticipated Whitebeard's final reaction. After all, this legendary pirate's love for his "sons" was a sincere and touching existence in the pirate world.

So, since he had agreed, Shiro would naturally give it his all.

Moreover, it was actually a good thing for Shiro to allow the Whitebeard Pirates to retain a certain level of strength.

Especially the Whitebeard Pirates, who had Edward Newgate, Whitebeard himself.

Even if half of the territory was lost, as long as Whitebeard remained, the Whitebeard Pirates were still a force to be reckoned with in the New World.

In the future, they could also share the burden of the Navy Headquarters and the World Government for Shiro.

Certainly, whether they would become enemies or not was unknown.

But that's not something Shiro needed to think about now. His top priority was to build a powerful force!

After the War of the Best, the World Government and the Navy Headquarters would be at odds with him forever.

Though he was very strong now, by himself, even with the Empress and all of Amazon Lily, they were far from being a match for the World Government and the Navy.

"Gu la la la, let's go, little brat Shiro, but don't let the Navy kill you; don't blame me for not acknowledging the deal then!"

The Emperor Whitebeard laughed again.

Although the cooperation with Shiro seemed to place the Whitebeard Pirates at a disadvantage, that wasn't necessarily the case.

In short, having a top-level combat force to help was a massive advantage for the Whitebeard Pirates. The probability of rescuing Ace would also be greatly increased!

And Shiro. What a top powerhouse!

Whitebeard was somewhat surprised, too. It was rare for someone as young as Shiro to possess such strength. Even his 'son' Fire Fist Ace was far inferior to Shiro!

[Ding, congratulations to the host for completing the task and gaining the trust of the pirate Whitebeard. Reward: Intermediate Observation Haki, credited!]

At this point, the system beeped.

The task for Shiro had been completed, and confirmed by the system.

Shiro now had a new understanding of the character of the pirate Whitebeard.

As a man who had never backed down and finally stood at the top of the pirate world, Whitebeard was undoubtedly worthy of trust and admiration.

After gaining knowledge of Conqueror's Haki, Shiro could clearly feel his change.

If he wanted to, he could completely suppress ordinary masters in an instant, such as the Haki of powerhouses of the rank of Vice Admiral!

No matter how domineering they were, they'd be completely ineffective!

Even against some top powerhouses, his Observation Haki had miraculous effects!

"Little brat Shiro..."

At this time, Whitebeard suddenly noticed the change in Shiro.

It seemed… stronger!?

This kid was really a monster!

"Whitebeard, wait a minute..."

Before Shiro was about to leave the Moby Dick, he planned to remind Whitebeard.

After all, with Whitebeard's current physical state, if he were stabbed by the pirate Squard, it would only worsen things.

When he had been observing Akainu before, he happened to see the latter approaching Squard.

And this time, Squard was already waiting below the Moby Dick.

He was likely waiting for Shiro to leave. Shiro's previous actions had demonstrated unparalleled speed. Squard was probably afraid of failing.

"What's on your mind, little brat Shiro?" Whitebeard asked in confusion when he saw Shiro's expression of hesitation.

"Forget it. Even if I say it, you wouldn't listen."

Shiro shook his head with a wry smile. He had almost forgotten about Whitebeard's character. For those 'sons,' he had unconditional trust.

So, Shiro would handle it himself!

Swah—

Before Shiro's words fell, he turned into a thunderbolt and disappeared instantly.

And Whitebeard, not knowing why, looked around to see where Shiro had gone. Was he going to attack to save Ace?

But only a moment passed.

That was the extent of Whitebeard turning his head.

With a flash of lightning, Shiro reappeared in front of him with a familiar figure in his hand.

"Squard?"

Whitebeard's eyes narrowed, and then he looked at Shiro suspiciously.

"Squard, this guy colluded with Admiral Akainu, betrayed you, and was ready to stab you in the back."

"Whitebeard, if you can't bear to take action, I can help you take care of him first!"

Shiro threw Squard onto the ground and asked immediately.

He originally intended to kill Squard directly, but since he had just formed an alliance, it was better to ask Whitebeard first.

However, if Whitebeard disagreed, Shiro would disable Squard anyway.

So, before Whitebeard could react, Shiro drew his sword and prepared to act.

But at that moment, Shiro suddenly turned around again, and the sword slashed forward!

Immediately after, a golden light burst forth.

"Yo~ Scary kid, I can't let you continue to cause trouble~"

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