CHAPTER 16

Hearing Ayr's words, Edward Newgate, better known as Whitebeard, shook his head slightly. Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he tossed the fine sake bottle he had been holding toward Ayr before crossing his massive arms over his chest.

"Why did you join the Rocks Pirates, Ayr?"

"Huh???"

Catching the bottle with ease, Ayr took a moment to register the unexpected question.

It was already strange that so many people had approached him on his first day aboard.

First, it had been Golden Lion Shiki and Charlotte Linlin, both attempting to recruit him into their factions.

Then, Rocks himself had seen his potential and extended a personal offer.

And now?

Whitebeard had shown up at his doorstep, delivering cryptic words of warning.

"What the hell are these guys trying to do?" Ayr sighed inwardly, shaking his head.

His reason for joining the Rocks Pirates was simple—to become stronger and seek out a Devil Fruit.

However, rather than answering Whitebeard's question, Ayr countered with one of his own.

"Before I answer that, Captain Edward, why are you standing outside my room?"

Whitebeard shrugged. "It's nothing serious. I just thought I should warn you about something."

Ayr raised an eyebrow, curious yet unfazed.

"Oh? Are you here to warn me?"

Whitebeard's expression darkened slightly.

"Rocks is dangerous. You should keep your distance from him. Don't get caught up in the things he promises you. Once you become a threat to his ambitions, he'll discard you like nothing."

His deep voice carried a rare weight of sincerity, the kind only a man who had seen the true darkness of the world could possess.

Whitebeard took a step forward, his massive hand coming down on Ayr's shoulder.

"You're still young, Ayr. You don't yet understand how cruel the sea is… nor how treacherous the people on it can be."

Ayr didn't flinch.

He simply stared back at Whitebeard, as if seeing through the emotions behind his words.

There was a reason Whitebeard had come to say this.

Earlier that day, Ayr had rejected Golden Lion and Charlotte Linlin's offers.

Rather than aligning with any crew faction, he had chosen to walk alone.

And this act had struck a chord with Whitebeard.

Because once, long ago… he had done the same.

Whitebeard's Past—A Man Searching for Family

When Edward Newgate first joined the Rocks Pirates, it wasn't for power, wealth, or ambition.

He had joined because he sought companionship—a family.

But the moment he stepped onto this ship, that dream shattered.

The Rocks Pirates were nothing more than a nest of vipers, filled with infighting, treachery, and endless bloodshed.

Not just Rocks himself, but the entire crew—from commanders to low-ranking members—were ruthless, driven by their own selfish desires.

It was a lawless, chaotic world, where allies turned into enemies overnight, and the only rule was strength.

Seeing Ayr reject alliances and walk his own path, Whitebeard felt a strange sense of kinship.

That was why he had chosen to warn him.

Of course, whether Ayr would listen or not was up to him.

Ayr's Response—The Observer of Fate

Ayr looked at Whitebeard for a long moment before chuckling softly.

So even Whitebeard could say something like this?

This man, who would one day become known as the strongest in the world, was already showing his nature—a man who cared deeply for others, even in a crew of monsters.

Whitebeard was a good man.

And in this chaotic world, having an ally like him wasn't a bad thing.

However…

Ayr already knew exactly what kind of person Rocks was.

From the perspective of an observer—he had seen everything too clearly.

Whitebeard's warning was well-intended, but ultimately unnecessary.

Whitebeard studied Ayr for a moment before sighing.

"Well, it's your choice in the end, Ayr."

He turned, his broad back casting a massive shadow in the dim light.

"I don't know what kind of person you are yet. But… seeing you today reminded me of something from the past."

Though Whitebeard had been surrounded by nothing but bloodthirsty pirates, his search for a real family had never wavered.

And maybe…

If possible, he wouldn't mind having a drinking companion aboard this wretched ship.

As Whitebeard walked away, Ayr sighed, rolling his shoulders.

"Edward Newgate… Whitebeard, huh?"

Muttering the legendary name to himself, he uncorked the bottle of fine sake, took a swig, and then collapsed onto his bed.

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The Next Morning—A New Mystery Unfolds

Sunlight filtered through the window, casting warm golden rays across the room.

Ayr stirred, stretching before rising from his bed.

With a casual stride, he made his way to the washbasin, splashing cold water onto his face.

A few minutes later, he stepped out of his quarters, feeling the fresh sea breeze against his skin.

However, the moment he stepped onto the main deck, he noticed something unusual.

A large group of crew members had gathered, engaged in heated discussion.

Laughter, murmurs, and excited whispers filled the air.

Curious, Ayr made his way toward the crowd.

"What's going on?" he muttered to himself as he approached.

Something interesting was happening.

And Ayr had a feeling…

It was something worth paying attention to.

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