Chapter 41: The Words of the Strongest Man

The battlefield was silent.

The island trembled in the aftermath of our duel, the ground split, the very air still thick with the echoes of our clash.

I stood across from Edward Newgate—Whitebeard, my breath steady despite the exhaustion creeping into my body.

We had fought as equals.

Something few in history could ever claim.

The Whitebeard Pirates, still gathered at the edge of the battlefield, looked on in shock, their expressions ranging from awe to disbelief.

The man known as the Strongest in the World slowly lowered his massive bisento, resting it against the cracked earth. He looked at me, his sharp gaze filled with something beyond amusement—curiosity.

Then, with a deep rumbling laugh, he broke the silence.

"Gurararara… I've fought many warriors in my time, brat. But you—" he smirked, wiping a speck of blood from his chin, "—you've got fire in you."

The tension in the air shifted. The battle was over.

Now, it was time to talk.

The Conversation Begins

Whitebeard walked toward me, his sheer presence still as overwhelming as before.

"You're strong," he admitted. "Stronger than most. But power alone doesn't win wars."

I met his gaze, unwavering. "That's why I'm here. To ask for your help."

The air grew heavy once again.

Whitebeard's expression darkened slightly, his piercing eyes studying me.

"Help, huh?" He crossed his arms, muscles flexing beneath his coat. "You think you can walk in here, fight me to a standstill, and I'll just send my crew into a war?"

I tightened my fist. "I don't expect you to do anything for free. But this isn't just my fight—it's one my father died for."

At the mention of Oden, the Whitebeard Pirates shifted uncomfortably.

Whitebeard's jaw clenched slightly. "Oden…" he muttered.

I took a step forward. "He was your friend, wasn't he?"

Whitebeard was silent for a moment before exhaling deeply. "He was more than that. He was my brother."

A heavy pause settled between us.

I took this moment to speak.

"I'm not asking for you to throw away your crew's lives," I said, my voice firm. "But Kaido still sits on the throne of Wano, ruling with cruelty. My father's dream—Wano's freedom—is still unfulfilled."

Whitebeard let out a slow breath, his expression unreadable.

"Brat…" he said at last, "I respected Oden. He was the kind of man who carved his own path—just like you're trying to do now."

He stared directly into my eyes.

"But tell me—is this your fight? Or are you just carrying your father's ghost?"

The question hit me like a blade.

For a moment, I said nothing.

Then, I looked Whitebeard straight in the eye and answered.

"This is my fight. Wano is my home. My people are suffering. I will defeat Kaido myself if I have to—but I won't ignore a chance to gain allies."

Whitebeard listened carefully.

Then—he smirked.

"Gurararara… You're stubborn. Just like Oden."

Copying the Power of the Strongest Man

As Whitebeard let out another laugh, he extended his hand toward me.

"You got guts, brat. Come—let's drink."

I stepped forward and grasped his massive hand in a firm shake.

At that moment—

Ding!

A blue panel flashed before my eyes.

Copy System Update: Scanning Target – Whitebeard

✅ Available Skills to Copy:

1️⃣ Supreme Strength – Whitebeard's monstrous raw power, capable of shattering landscapes and overwhelming nearly any opponent in physical combat.

2️⃣ Supreme Conqueror's Haki Mastery – A level of Conqueror's Haki so refined that it crushes enemies with sheer presence and dominates even elite warriors.

3️⃣ Tremor-Tremor Fruit (Gura Gura no Mi) (LOGIA DUPLICATION POSSIBLE) – Grants the ability to create earthquakes, shatter the air, and generate unparalleled destruction.

I could only choose one.

This was one of the most difficult decisions I had ever faced.

Whitebeard's raw strength would give me unmatched physical power, making my attacks more devastating.

His Supreme Conqueror's Haki could push mine to an even greater level, potentially surpassing Shanks.

And his Tremor-Tremor Fruit… the power to shake the very world itself.

Which one should I choose?

Whitebeard's Answer

As the system waited for my choice, Whitebeard sat down on a large rock, grabbing a massive sake bottle and taking a long drink.

"You know," he said, looking at me, "if Oden was here, he wouldn't be asking for my help."

I remained silent, listening.

"He would've sailed into battle alone, sword in hand, laughing at the odds."

Whitebeard chuckled. "You're different from him, brat. You think before you act."

He rested the sake bottle beside him, staring out toward the ocean.

"I won't stop you from fighting Kaido. And if my boys want to help you, that's their choice."

He turned back to me, his grin widening.

"But don't expect me to lead your war for you."

My Decision

I nodded, accepting his words.

Whitebeard was a free man—he owed no one anything. But even his words meant something.

And now… it was time to choose.

I stared at the panel in front of me, my mind racing.

Then—I selected my choice.

Ding!

Skill Copied!

✅ [Supreme Conqueror's Haki Mastery] – Whitebeard's legendary dominance in Conqueror's Haki, refined to an unmatched level, capable of shaking even the strongest warriors with sheer presence.

A rush of knowledge and power flooded my mind.

I felt it immediately.

My Conqueror's Haki had been on the level of Shanks before, but now—now, it surpassed even that.

Whitebeard had carried the will of an entire era.

And now, I did too.

I clenched my fist, feeling the sheer weight of my new power.

I turned back to Whitebeard, who watched me with knowing eyes.

"Thank you," I said, bowing my head slightly.

He simply laughed. "Gurarara… Don't thank me yet, brat. Your real battle is just beginning."

I smirked beneath my mask.

"I know."

The Next Step

I had gained power.

I had tested my strength against the Strongest Man in the World.

I had secured Whitebeard's neutral support—not as a leader, but as a legend who had acknowledged my path.

Now, it was time to take the next step.