Chapter 144

"Whitebeard, save the flattery."

"I think you already know why I came here."

Kairos Flint waved his hand as he spoke.

Why had he come?

It all started back on Fish-Man Island, when Whitebeard, during their very first conversation over the Den Den Mushi, had said:

"Be my son."

He said it just like that—on the first call.

How could Kairos not be angry?

Of course, it wasn't just about when he said it.

The real issue was what he said.

Telling another grown man to become your son?

That's not a sign of affection. That's an insult—plain and simple.

Even if Whitebeard had meant it as praise for his talents, it didn't change the fact that it was condescending.

No matter how much you admire someone, you don't say something like that.

It's an affront to their pride.

Whitebeard turned his head, then sighed as he finally understood why Kairos had shown up.

So that's what this is about.

Truth be told, Whitebeard did admire Kairos Flint's potential.

The young man was exceptional—strong, bold, and unpredictable.

It was a shame.

If only Kairos had been born as one of his own sons, Whitebeard wouldn't have to worry so much about the future.

He was getting old now, and despite having many "sons," none of them had what it took to become his true successor.

If he were to die without naming one, the Whitebeard Pirates would be vulnerable—ripe for attack by the other Four Emperors.

Kaido and Big Mom wouldn't hesitate.

Even if they had once been allies, they wouldn't spare a second to show mercy.

The only thing keeping their enemies at bay now was Whitebeard's sheer presence.

So when someone like Kairos Flint appears, it's only natural for Whitebeard to think about legacy.

To feel the urge to bring him into the fold.

After all, he did have a habit of collecting sons.

"What are you planning to say to me, Whitebeard?"

Kairos stood firm and stared the old man down.

Yes, he'd come for that reason.

But also—because he was bored.

Drifting at sea for days on end... sure, playing cards with Nami, Vivi, Uta, and the others was fun, but life couldn't just be about games and drinks.

He was the Bounty King, after all.

Though he already felt close to invincible, his original goal upon arriving in this world had been clear:

Become stronger. Become untouchable.

Now that goal was within reach.

And his second purpose?

To enjoy this world—to treat it like the ultimate game.

So yes, coming to Whitebeard was part amusement, part purpose.

But either way, he had come expecting an answer.

His dignity wasn't something anyone—even Whitebeard—could insult without consequences.

Whitebeard stayed silent for a moment.

Then...

"Gu la la la!!!"

He suddenly burst out laughing.

And what he said next made Kairos's expression turn ice-cold—and caused all of Whitebeard's sons nearby to freeze in shock.

"In that case, Kairos… just become my son."

The moment those words were spoken, the air shifted.

It was as if a bomb had gone off—not physically, but emotionally.

And Whitebeard wasn't done yet.

"...And once I die, everything I have will be yours."

Silence.

The promise shook the crew to the core.

Whitebeard was offering to give everything—his legacy, his empire, his name—to a man who wasn't even part of the crew.

To a stranger.

If he had said that to some up-and-coming rookie, they might've agreed on the spot, dropped to their knees, and cried out:

"Father!"

But Whitebeard had picked the wrong man.

Kairos Flint wasn't some naïve child, easily flattered and easier to manipulate.

He wasn't a pawn in someone else's story.

He was a fully grown powerhouse—a man who didn't take disrespect lightly.

And now, Whitebeard's words?

They weren't just presumptuous.

They were fighting words.

A thunderous explosion of Conqueror's Haki erupted from Kairos in the next instant.

BOOM!!!

It roared into the sky like a living storm, whipping the clouds above into a swirling frenzy.

On the deck of the Moby Dick, the effect was immediate.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Crew members collapsed one after another like dominoes, unconscious before they hit the ground.

Within seconds, nearly everyone had fallen.

Marco watched in horror.

He had known—he had known—the moment his father said those words that they were in trouble.

And now?

Now it was too late.

Whitebeard had truly messed up.

Kairos's voice rang out, like thunder splitting the sky:

"Whitebeard… are you tired of living?"