Chapter 14: Ace’s Request, Whitebeard Receives the Senzu Bean

"What's up?" Krillin asked, tilting his head as he looked at Ace with curiosity.

Although Ace wasn't the official employer, his connection to Whitebeard—the one who made the request—was obvious. If Ace needed something, Krillin felt it was only right to at least consider it.

Ace hesitated briefly, then clenched his fists and spoke up. "I wanted to ask… do you still have that kind of magic bean? The one that saved my life?"

Krillin nodded slightly, realizing what Ace was referring to.

"Can you… give one to my father?" Ace asked, a bit awkwardly. "Don't worry—I'm not asking you to do it for free. Whatever you want in return, whatever price, I'll pay it. I'll do whatever you ask… even if it costs me everything!"

Luffy had already told Ace how he was miraculously healed—from near death to full health—thanks to a single bean given to him by Krillin. That bean had been nothing short of a miracle.

Now, seeing Whitebeard suffering from grave injuries sustained while protecting him, Ace couldn't stand by and do nothing.

If Krillin still had more of those beans, and if it could heal Whitebeard the same way it healed him, then Ace had to ask. Even if it meant begging.

He knew it was a big request. He didn't know how rare those beans were or how much it might cost. But for his father… for the man who had raised and protected him like a son…

He had to try.

Even if it made him look foolish.

---

Before Krillin could respond, Whitebeard chuckled and waved a massive hand.

"Ace… don't trouble this gentleman for that," Whitebeard said, his deep voice calm but firm. "This wound is nothing. I'll live."

Though he had been curious about the miraculous bean that had saved Ace, Whitebeard had never intended to ask for one himself.

To him, that kind of divine object was likely incredibly rare. Perhaps Krillin only had one or two. If it had been used to save Ace, then that was already more than enough.

His injuries, though severe, weren't fatal. With time and proper treatment, he could recover.

More importantly, he understood how this world worked. Nothing came without a price.

Krillin had already done far more than anyone could have expected—he had saved Ace's life and even agreed to fight Akainu, tipping the scale of the entire war. Whitebeard could only imagine how expensive such a favor would be.

If he asked for one more miracle on top of that… the cost might be more than even the Whitebeard Pirates could repay.

He was, after all, one of the Four Emperors. He had wealth, territories, and countless treasures.

But he couldn't buy a miracle.

Ace, however, was still young and didn't understand the weight of such exchanges. Whitebeard, having ruled the seas for decades, knew better.

So he prepared to stop the conversation right there.

---

But Krillin just smiled.

"Oh, it's no big deal," he said casually.

Then, without hesitation, he reached into his pouch and pulled out another Senzu Bean.

Everyone around them froze.

Whitebeard stared in disbelief. Ace's eyes widened. Even Luffy's jaw dropped.

That bean—an object they thought was impossibly rare and precious—had just been handed over like candy.

Whitebeard had expected negotiations. Perhaps a trade of great treasure. Maybe even a life debt.

But Krillin had simply handed it over as if it were nothing at all.

---

In the Dragon Ball world, Senzu Beans weren't considered especially valuable by themselves. They were rare because the plant that produced them grew high on Korin Tower, and the supply was limited. Normally, they were used only in emergencies, during the most intense battles.

But things were different now.

Thanks to the newly opened Group Mall, Senzu Beans were available to buy. Not only were they in stock, but they were surprisingly cheap for group members.

In the past, these beans were hoarded in jars by Korin and rationed out sparingly—especially since Yajirobe lived at the tower and tended to eat them like snacks.

But now, with the mall open, there was no longer a shortage. The beans could be purchased in bulk, like any other healing item.

So for Krillin, pulling out another bean was no big deal.

And that left everyone around him speechless.

---

Whitebeard looked at the small green bean in his massive hand. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

This was the item that had saved Ace from death.

A single one had healed all his wounds and restored his strength instantly.

And now, he was holding one too.

He glanced at Krillin, realizing that to this mysterious man, something so godlike… was practically trivial.

Could it be that his pouch was full of these beans?

That thought sent a shiver down the spines of the surrounding pirates.

Was this the power of another world?

---

Krillin, meanwhile, was quite pleased.

"Good thing I brought extras," he thought. If he'd only brought one Senzu Bean, this would've been incredibly awkward. But since he had a few more, giving one to Whitebeard felt like a worthwhile gesture.

After all, if he could secure a five-star rating from Whitebeard, the reward might be worth far more than the bean itself.

---

On the Navy side, things were different.

Sengoku, who had been monitoring everything from above, saw Whitebeard receive the bean.

His expression changed instantly.

"No! Kizaru! Aokiji! Akainu!" he shouted in alarm. "Stop Whitebeard! Don't let him eat that bean!"

His worst fear had just become a reality.

If Whitebeard recovered from his injuries… if he returned to full power…

Then the Navy's sacrifices up until now would be meaningless.

Worse, a fully restored Whitebeard would pose an even greater threat than before.

Sengoku's voice rang out like a command from the heavens, and the Admirals understood immediately.

Akainu's eyes narrowed. Kizaru raised an eyebrow. Aokiji, usually indifferent, actually sighed.

The situation had escalated.

---

Aokiji and Kizaru had been holding back for most of the battle, not truly putting their all into the fight against the Whitebeard Pirates. But now, with the Marshal's direct order, they had to act—at least make it look like they were.

Kizaru sighed. "So troublesome…"

Aokiji cracked his knuckles lazily. "I guess it's time to move…"

As for Akainu, he was visibly agitated.

He had already been locked in a bitter clash with the pirates. Now, he had to worry about a fully healed Whitebeard entering the fray?

Things were getting out of control.

---

Back near Whitebeard, Ace turned to Krillin with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you… really. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

Krillin waved it off. "Just make sure your father eats the bean quickly. I have a feeling the Navy won't let him take it peacefully."

Whitebeard let out a deep laugh, full of strength and pride. "You're quite the character, Mr. Krillin. I owe you one."

Then, without hesitation, he popped the bean into his mouth.

---

A moment later, his injuries vanished.

His wounds sealed up. His body straightened. His aura surged.

The mighty Whitebeard—once hunched over and bleeding—stood tall again.

The earth shook from his presence.

His Haki exploded outward like a tidal wave, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. Marines stumbled. Pirates cheered.

The legend had returned.

Fully healed. Fully enraged.

---

Sengoku paled.

"This… this is bad!"

Now, not only did they have to worry about Krillin and his unknown power—but Whitebeard was back.

And this time, he wasn't holding anything back.

The Navy's strategy was crumbling, and Sengoku knew it.

If they didn't stop Krillin and Whitebeard soon, the war might be lost.

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