Chapter 50: Blackbeard's Background.

This is the Freud Arena.

In mid-air, Laffitte released his grip and gently set Blackbeard and Van Augur down on the ground, folding his wide wings.

Before leaving the naval base, Van Augur reminded everyone to check the newspaper report about the "Fighting Champion."

Taking advantage of Laffitte's flying ability, they rushed nonstop toward the world-famous gladiatorial arena.

Passing through the main entrance, the fanatical cheers of countless spectators filled the air. The three of them looked toward the center of the venue from the stands.

"Applause for today's winner! The 'Champion' who has achieved 49 consecutive wins — Burgess!!!"

The loud voice of the announcer ignited the atmosphere, and the crowd's roar shook the arena, with many overcome by excitement.

"Burgess! Burgess! Burgess!"

On the battlefield with a radius of 100 meters, the huge man pressed his foot on a defeated opponent, roaring amid the deafening cheers like a tidal wave.

Jesus Burgess had mountain-like muscles, his shoulders and elbows covered with steel armor, radiating sheer power.

But when an uninvited guest suddenly jumped into the arena, the roar faded, and Blackbeard strode directly toward the fighting champion.

"Are you here to challenge me?"

Noticing the audience's attention shifted to the newcomer, Burgess turned to look at the imposing figure before him.

"I'm Blackbeard. I took a liking to your strength and invite you to join my pirate crew."

Before everyone's eyes, Blackbeard's commanding voice cut through the murmurs and reached Burgess's ears like a blade.

"Wahaha! Then show me your strength first!"

For "Champion" Burgess, strength was the only way to earn respect, and Blackbeard's words were a provocation.

Burgess bent his huge arm, winding up an elbow strike filled with incredible force toward Blackbeard. A sharp crack echoed as the armored elbow shattered instantly, sending shards flying, yet Burgess's arm remained unharmed.

Clouds seemed to twist and distort in Burgess's eyes, forming demonic faces that laughed wildly at him.

Feeling trapped in his own mind, Burgess shook his head violently, biting his tongue in frustration before snapping back to reality.

At that moment, he was on the ground, Blackbeard's hooked claw glinting coldly against his throat as Blackbeard straddled him with a sneer.

"And now?"

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After Burgess joined Blackbeard, the four of them began hunting pirates with bounties in the hundreds of millions, their journey leading to the ancient town of Mogu on Gaia Island.

As they searched the streets for targets, Blackbeard's sharp eyes spotted a sickly man on a thin horse.

Exchanging glances, the sick man carrying a basket of apples rode up to the fierce and intimidating group and extended an apple toward Blackbeard…

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As worn-out as Doc Q was, so too was the terminally ill Drum Kingdom.

Seeing that the kidnapped Chopper's neck was nearly broken and his life in danger, Dr. Kureha's heart sank into a long struggle.

Looking deeply at Iggy, she finally sighed and lowered her gaze to tell the tragic story she had personally witnessed twenty-seven years ago.

At that time, the kingdom was a true medical powerhouse. The old king ruled wisely and was deeply loved by his people.

To celebrate Prince Wapol's first birthday, the royal family invited the people of the Drum Kingdom to a grand banquet.

Thousands gathered atop the Drum Peak, in front of the large castle, praising the king and celebrating the peaceful and prosperous era.

At the climax of the banquet, the king ordered the ceremonial officer to bring out a delicate box.

The box was opened to cheers, revealing the royal family's unique heirloom — the devouring fruit.

The elders knew that the royal successor would eat this divine fruit publicly on their first birthday.

After the previous royal eater's death, the treasure was preserved until the birth of the prince.

Depending on the lifespan of each king, the fruit would be inherited from generation to generation.

The crowd felt lucky to witness this moment, but no one expected what would happen next.

Prince Wapol, forced by servants to bite the fruit, cried from the bitter taste and hunger.

The pampered queen comforted him, but when that failed, she slapped little Wapol impatiently.

After a brief silence, Prince Wapol's mouth turned terrifying, and he swallowed his own mother whole.

Witnessing the horror, everyone screamed and gasped as the prince continued devouring himself, causing chaos and riots.

Soldiers couldn't stop the panic, civilians fled like ghosts, many were trampled, and fear spread like wildfire.

Amid the chaos, a kind boy pulled his two sisters close to the crying Wapol.

Confident in protecting his siblings, the boy stepped forward to comfort the uncontrollable prince.

Unexpectedly, little Wapol opened his mouth again and swallowed the boy and his two sisters.

Perhaps because the prince was full or the food unpalatable, he spit the boy back out—but his two sisters never reappeared.

With tears, the boy searched desperately for his family before fleeing down the mountain.

No one imagined the king was cruel beneath his benevolent facade, a trait inherited by the royal bloodline.

To control the situation and hide the truth, the king ordered the boy's village razed to the ground.

Since then, the boy lived in hiding, completely erased from the memories of the people of the Drum Kingdom.

After finishing her story, Dr. Kureha stared at Iggy with complicated eyes. The room fell deathly silent.

"As you probably guessed, that boy's name was Marshall D. Teach — A pirate!"

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