Chapter 37: Finding Whitebeard
The wind carried my ship forward, pushing me closer to my destination. Sphinx Island.
For days, I had sailed across the sea, chasing the legend of a man who could help change Wano's fate. Edward Newgate—Whitebeard.
The Strongest Man in the World.
His name alone sent fear through his enemies. His strength rivaled Gol D. Roger, and he commanded an entire fleet of powerful pirates. If anyone had the power to challenge Kaido, it was him.
But would he help me?
That was the real question.
The Journey to Sphinx Island
As the days passed, I navigated my way through the New World's unpredictable waters, avoiding whirlpools, violent storms, and even Marine patrols.
I had gathered intelligence on Whitebeard's movements, but tracking down a Yonko was no easy task. He was a man who ruled the seas, constantly moving from island to island.
However, I wasn't searching for Whitebeard's fleet.
I was heading toward his homeland—Sphinx Island.
A place hidden from the outside world, where Whitebeard had grown up.
If he wasn't there, then at least someone from his crew might be.
Arriving at Sphinx Island
After days of sailing, I finally saw it.
A quiet island surrounded by towering cliffs. Unlike most territories ruled by Yonko, there were no grand fortresses, no massive pirate banners.
Sphinx Island wasn't a battlefield—it was a home.
As my ship approached, I noticed a few small fishing boats scattered near the shore. There were no ports, just a few wooden docks leading to the island's simple village.
I lowered my anchor and stepped onto the island.
Meeting the Villagers
The people here were not pirates. They were ordinary villagers—simple folk who lived peacefully, unaware of the chaos that ruled the rest of the world.
They stared at me with curiosity but did not react in fear.
A few children ran through the streets, playing without worry.
This was a place untouched by war.
I walked further into the village, observing the small stone houses and wooden huts. Fishermen carried their daily catch, and farmers tended to their land.
I stopped in front of an elderly woman, who was carrying a basket of fruits.
"Excuse me," I said, keeping my voice respectful.
She looked up at me, her old eyes scanning my face. "You're not from here," she said simply.
"No," I admitted. "I'm looking for someone. Edward Newgate."
The woman's expression did not change, but I noticed a few nearby villagers turning their heads at the mention of the name.
"He's not here," she said after a moment.
I expected that.
"Do you know where I can find him?" I asked.
She hesitated before answering. "No one here keeps track of his movements. But… if he's not on the move, he's with his family."
I narrowed my eyes. His family?
A Lead – Whitebeard's Crew
Before I could ask further, a deep voice called out from behind me.
"If you're looking for Oyaji, you're better off searching for the Whitebeard Pirates."
I turned around to see a broad-shouldered man with scars across his arms. He wasn't dressed like a pirate, but I could tell by his stance that he was a warrior.
"Who are you?" I asked.
He smirked. "I should be asking you that, stranger."
I observed him for a moment before responding. "My name is Momo—" I stopped myself. I didn't want to reveal too much. "I'm a traveler looking for Whitebeard."
The man raised an eyebrow. "A traveler, huh? That's rare in these parts."
He leaned against a wooden post. "I was a crew member on Whitebeard's ship once. Left that life behind."
This was a valuable lead.
"Where can I find them?" I asked.
The man crossed his arms. "The old man doesn't just let anyone walk up to him. If you want to meet Whitebeard, you'll have to find the right people."
I already knew that. "Where are they now?"
The man let out a deep sigh. "Last I heard, the Whitebeard Pirates were docked near an island close to the Red Line."
That wasn't far from here.
"If you go looking for them, be careful," the man warned. "Not just anyone is welcome on their ship."
I nodded, understanding the risk.
I had what I needed.