Chapter 310: The Reborn Whitebeard

The Whitebeard Pirates, renowned as the strongest of the Four Emperors in the New World, commanded an astonishing force numbering in the tens of thousands. Among the Four Emperors, Whitebeard's territory was the largest, sheltering hundreds of thousands—if not millions—under his flag.

Those under Whitebeard's protection had their fates inextricably linked with him. The mere thought of anything happening to Whitebeard was a nightmare they dared not entertain.

To ensure Whitebeard's health and prolong his reign as long as possible, they employed every available means and the highest medical expertise. Whitebeard himself understood this, never rejecting treatment—though the restriction on drinking often earned a few grumbles.

But now, everything had changed.

"I must admit, Admiral Wright's creation is truly miraculous. The Navy previously concealed part of its function—its healing capabilities may seem trivial compared to life-saving, but..."

Marco sighed and shook his head. "Though the healing effect seems minor, it operates almost by 'rule,' restoring any form of injury directly and forcibly. It's the only method that works on Pops' body—the Navy's secrecy was clearly to prevent this very outcome."

"If one isn't enough, use more! With the batch of Lightforged Crystals we obtained, Pops' body has already recovered seventy to eighty percent!"

"The most troublesome injuries are gone. With careful recuperation, it's not impossible for Pops to return to his prime using our existing medical methods!"

"Oooohhh—!"

The division commanders erupted in cheers at Marco's resolute declaration.

"Pops! Pops! Pops...!"

"Gurararara..."

Whitebeard clenched his fists, feeling a lightness and surging strength he hadn't experienced in years. He laughed heartily.

"My sons! It's time to celebrate! Start the feast!"

"How long has it been since I've had a good drink? Tonight, I'll drink everything I've been missing!"

"I am Whitebeard! Gurararara!"

"Oooohhh—Feast!"

The entire Moby Dick went wild.

Whitebeard's condition had been kept a tightly guarded secret, and his recovery was no exception. Aside from the tacit understanding among high-ranking Marines, the rest of the world had no idea that the legend who ruled an era had quietly fallen—and now quietly risen again.

Marco and the others chose to conceal the existence of the Lightforged Crystals. Though they had discovered and seized them on their own, they owed the Navy a great debt. Maintaining the mutual understanding was enough—the new Navy base would serve as repayment. The rest would depend on their strength.

...

"The Whitebeard Pirates are becoming more active."

Rosinante spoke with Smoker over the den den mushi.

"It seems Whitebeard's body has largely recovered. That many Lightforged Crystals... even a monster like Whitebeard should be healed at the core."

"With Marco around, the rest is just a matter of time... This could be a huge headache."

"Nothing to worry about, Rosinante."

Smoker remained unfazed. "Even before, Whitebeard rarely took action personally. He mainly maintained the status quo of his territory."

"Even if he's recovered, decades of habits don't change overnight. Those old geezers are all stubborn!"

Rosinante found Smoker's bluntness a little crass but couldn't deny the logic.

"Whether Whitebeard is injured or not, a branch base alone could never stop him if he chose to act. But those matters are for Wright to handle. Our job is to intercept the restless subordinates under his command."

"No problem. The establishment of G-10 needs a trial by fire—this is the perfect opportunity."

Smoker snorted. "I only worry they won't come. Wright's upgraded Lightforged Crystals mean they'll never get a chance like that again."

"Let them come! I can't wait!"

...

In the New World, both the Navy and the pirates had grown stronger, sparking a new wave of conflict.

After six months of tension, a certain long-silent island received a special visitor.

Punk Hazard, once lush and vibrant, had been reduced to a dead zone after the widely reported "experimental accident" that unleashed toxic gas across the island.

Thanks to Admiral Wright's timely rescue, the scientists, staff, and prisoners trapped in the research facility had been evacuated safely, though the gas remained unresolved.

Now, Punk Hazard had gradually faded from the World Government and Navy's attention—providing the perfect cover for a skulking figure approaching the intact research lab.

"Shurorororo... The genius has returned!"

The culprit behind the gas leak, the Gas-Gas Fruit user and former Marine science division scientist, Caesar Clown, floated before the lab's doors, arms wide in triumph.

"They dared issue a bounty for me? Outrageous! My research is the greatest!"

Caesar gazed in rapture at the poisonous miasma still lingering outside, then began hurling insults at Vegapunk.

"That idiot Vegapunk! This proves my weapons are the most efficient! What use is science without cruelty?"

"Shurorororo... No matter. This lab is mine now!"

"Once BIG MOM's funds arrive... Shurorororo... Gigantification experiments will be child's play for a genius like me!"

"With 'Joker' supplying children for experiments, I'll easily surpass Vegapunk!"

Transforming into gas, Caesar slipped through the cracks of the lab door, heading straight for the control center.

This lab, on the edge of the gas explosion, had survived relatively intact—packed with precious research data Vegapunk's team hadn't managed to take. To a scientist like Caesar, it was a treasure trove.

"Shurorororo... Perfectly preserved... but no one here?"

After circling the lab without spotting a single person, Caesar's face twisted in frustration.

"Damn it! The rescue was led by that Wright..."

"If it's him, saving everyone isn't surprising... but even the prisoners?"

"No matter... With 'Joker' backing me, I'll never lack for slaves or test subjects!"

Caesar's mood brightened at the thought of the massive funding BIG MOM had promised for his gigantification research—his ticket to the pinnacle of science.

"I'll have ten beauties to play with!"

"No, no... A hundred beauties for a genius like me!"

"Shurorororo... Shurororororo..."

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