Chapter 42: Convincing the Whitebeard Pirates & Checking My Panel

The air was still charged with the remnants of our clash, but the battle was over.

Whitebeard sat on a massive rock, his bisento resting beside him, a satisfied smirk on his face. The Strongest Man in the World had acknowledged my strength.

But my mission wasn't over yet.

I had come here not just for a fight, but to convince Whitebeard's crew to support me against Kaido.

I turned toward the gathered Whitebeard Pirates, all of whom had been silent spectators of my battle with their captain.

Some still looked shocked, others were intrigued, and a few had grins of approval.

I took a deep breath and spoke.

A Plea for Wano

"I know that many of you respected my father, Kozuki Oden."

At the mention of Oden's name, I saw a shift in their expressions—nostalgia, sorrow, and admiration.

"My father gave everything for Wano. He fought Kaido alone, hoping to save our land, our people, and our future. He died standing against an unstoppable force."

I clenched my fists.

"But Wano still suffers under Kaido's rule. Seven years have passed, and Kaido still sits on the throne, crushing my people under his heel. I do not come here asking for revenge—I come here asking for justice."

Several members of the crew lowered their heads slightly, while others exchanged glances.

I locked eyes with Marco, who had been watching me carefully.

"The Whitebeard Pirates are not just a crew," I continued. "You are a family. A force that protects what is right. Isn't that what my father once stood for, too?"

Silence followed.

Then, Marco sighed, stepping forward.

"You're askin' us to go to war, y'know?" he said. "Fighting Kaido isn't just any fight. He's got numbers, strong fighters, and Wano's been isolated for years. Even if we wanted to help, there's a lot to consider."

I nodded. "I understand that. That's why I came here not as a prince, but as a warrior."

I looked around at the pirates watching me.

"If any of you think I'm unworthy of leading Wano into battle, say it now."

A few of the younger crewmates fidgeted, but no one spoke up.

Then, Jozu crossed his arms. "I ain't gonna lie, brat. You impressed us today. But Kaido ain't some small-time pirate. Even with Whitebeard's help, are you really ready to face him?"

I exhaled slowly. "That's why I'm not asking for your captain to fight for me. I will fight this battle myself. But if any of you believe in my cause—I welcome you as my allies."

A murmur passed through the crew.

Whitebeard let out a deep laugh.

"Gurararara… You've got balls, brat."

Then, his expression became serious.

"The fight against Kaido isn't just about strength. It's about resolve." He leaned forward slightly. "You've got the will for it. I can see that."

I didn't speak—I simply met his gaze with firm determination.

He nodded. "I ain't leadin' this war for ya, but if some of my men want to help ya, I won't stop 'em."

I could hear whispers among the crew, some considering the offer.

Then, Whitebeard turned to Marco.

"Well, what do ya think, Marco?"

Marco rubbed the back of his head, sighing. "Ahh… Damn, you always put me in these positions, Oyaji."

He looked at me with a smirk. "Alright, kid. I like ya. I'll help."

A wave of surprise ran through the crew.

I nodded in appreciation. Marco the Phoenix—the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates—was on my side.

Jozu crossed his arms. "Tch. Well, if Marco's in, I guess I'll come too."

A few other commanders nodded in agreement, and soon enough, I had several strong allies ready to fight alongside me.

I had succeeded.

Checking My System Panel

Later that night, after speaking more with the crew and discussing potential strategies, I sat alone on the deck of my ship, staring at the stars.

I opened my Copy System panel, eager to see how much I had grown.

A blue screen flashed in front of me.

System Panel

🔹 Name: Momonosuke

🔹 Age: 15

🔹 Physique: Peak Human (Kaido-Level Durability & Recovery)

⚔ Swordsmanship

✅ Supreme Swordsmanship Mastery (Equal to Mihawk & Greatest Samurai in History)

✅ Black Blade Mastery (Permanently blackened blade – Stronger than Enma)

🔥 Haki

✅ Supreme Conqueror's Haki Mastery (Copied from Whitebeard & Shanks – Yonko-Level Dominance)

✅ *Advanced Armament Haki (Internal Destruction) – Can bypass durability and destroy enemies from within.

✅ Supreme Mantra Mastery (Observation Haki Beyond Future Sight) (Copied from Skypiea Elder – Detects emotions, reads lies, and foresees attacks.)

🌀 Devil Fruits

✅ Forest-Forest Fruit (Mori Mori no Mi) [Copied] (Can restore forests, reshape land, and accelerate growth.)

✅ Time-Time Fruit (Toki-Toki no Mi) [Copied] (Allows the user to travel into the future but not return to the past.)

I felt a rush of pride as I stared at my progress.

Seven years ago, I was weak. Helpless. A boy who needed protection.

Now—I stood among legends.

But this was not the end.

This was only the beginning.

The War Ahead

As I closed the system panel, I tightened my grip around my sword.

I had allies. I had power.

Kaido's downfall was no longer a dream—it was now a certainty.

I will return to Wano.

I will free my people.

And I will slay the dragon who sits upon my father's throne.

The battle for Wano was about to begin.