Chapter 16: Whitebeard’s Recovery, Krillin’s Refusal!

What Ace didn't realize was that Krillin had been looking at him strangely for a specific reason—his voice.

Krillin had suddenly noticed something odd: Ace's voice was eerily similar to Piccolo's.

No—exactly the same.

It wasn't something Krillin had picked up on before. Maybe it was because Ace usually spoke calmly, but just now, when Ace raised his voice in excitement, the similarity hit him like a bolt from the blue.

"Wait a second... Piccolo?" Krillin murmured in disbelief.

It wasn't just him. Across the dimensions, those watching the live broadcast within the Cosmic Thug Group had noticed it too.

Son Goku: "@Piccolo, hey Pic, this guy's voice… it's just like yours!"

Tien Shinhan: "No kidding. It's a perfect match! I didn't expect someone from another universe to sound exactly like Piccolo."

Piccolo: "Heh… well, this is another world. It's not all that surprising that someone might sound like me."

Piccolo: "On Namek, there are lots of people who not only look like me but also sound like me. It's not such a big deal."

Son Goku: "@Krillin, Krillin! Who is this guy?"

Krillin: "He was the target of my last mission—his name's Ace. And it's not just him. Even my former employer—the one who issued the rescue mission—had a voice that sounds exactly like mine!"

Krillin: "When I first heard him talk, I was stunned. I didn't think this world had a voice twin for Piccolo and me!"

Beerus: "Interesting… I wonder if there's someone in that world who sounds like me?"

Krillin smiled when he saw Beerus' comment.

In the pirate world, there was indeed someone with a voice almost identical to Beerus.

It was Doflamingo's younger brother—Corazon.

But he wasn't present at the summit war.

However, Marco—currently fighting on the battlefield—had a voice strikingly close to Whis's. The difference was subtle, maybe unnoticeable unless someone listened carefully.

---

Whitebeard's Miracle Recovery

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the three Admirals had failed to block Krillin. And because of that, Whitebeard successfully ate the Senzu Bean.

In the next instant, something unbelievable happened.

All of Whitebeard's injuries vanished. Fresh, clean skin replaced his battered and bruised body. Even the years of accumulated damage from countless battles—the so-called "dark wounds"—were completely healed!

Whitebeard had been fighting on the seas for decades, sustaining both visible and invisible injuries. Though the visible wounds could be treated, the dark wounds had always lingered deep within, gradually weakening his strength and body.

But now, those internal injuries were gone.

Not only did his body feel completely healed, but even his long-standing illness seemed to have receded!

And it wasn't an illusion.

The healing of those dark wounds had boosted Whitebeard's immune system drastically. While the Senzu Beans didn't cure diseases directly, they revitalized the body in such a way that the disease no longer had a grip on him.

In effect, Whitebeard wasn't just healed.

He was better than before.

---

Whitebeard opened and closed his fists, marveling at the energy surging through his veins.

"I... I feel reborn."

Then he looked at Krillin, eyes filled with deep gratitude.

"Mr. Krillin, thank you."

"That magical bean didn't just heal my wounds. It cured the hidden injuries I've carried for years. I feel... incredible."

For a man who had been tormented by illness for so long, it felt like liberation. He now believed he could overcome even the sickness that had haunted him.

---

The Crew Rejoices

"Dad has recovered!"

Members of the Whitebeard Pirates cried out joyfully as they watched their captain rise with renewed strength.

"Look at him—his skin has color again, his posture is strong. All those dark wounds that troubled him for years… gone!"

"That domineering old man is really back!"

Although Whitebeard still wasn't at his prime, he was undeniably in far better shape than before. The boost to his vitality was something none of them had dared to hope for.

The joy that swept through the pirate crew was electric.

In stark contrast, the navy officers looked pale and grim.

Whitebeard had completely recovered. In fact, he might even be stronger than before. Add to that the mysterious and incredibly powerful Krillin standing beside him?

It spelled disaster for the Navy.

---

Krillin's Mission Continues

Krillin clapped his hands and turned toward the enemy.

"Alright. Now that Whitebeard's recovered, it's time to get back to work."

His eyes locked onto Akainu, still on the battlefield.

He hadn't forgotten his mission.

While his overall assignment involved helping end the war, his current goal was very clear: defeat Akainu.

It was a key objective for him to receive a five-star mission rating. He couldn't let this opportunity slip.

Whitebeard stepped forward.

"Mr. Krillin, I'll leave Akainu to you. I'll hold back anyone who dares interfere."

Even though Whitebeard felt strong enough to take on Akainu himself, he didn't rescind his earlier promise. He had already entrusted the task to Krillin.

As one of the Four Emperors, Whitebeard was a man of his word. Backing out now would tarnish his honor.

---

But Krillin shook his head.

"No need."

His tone was firm, polite—but absolute.

"This task is mine to complete. If you interfere, I might not receive full credit, and then I won't get a five-star review."

Whitebeard blinked, momentarily confused.

He'd never heard a warrior turn down help because of something like a rating.

Krillin continued seriously, "Helping is appreciated, but I need to finish this by myself. It's the only way I can ensure the mission is marked complete."

Jack, who had been silently observing everything, laughed as he scrolled through the comments flooding into the Cosmic Thug Group.

---

Cosmic Chat Room Buzz

Vegeta: "Tch. Typical Kakarot types. Always chasing after some ranking or title."

Bulma: "That's not a bad thing, Vegeta. At least he's doing something about it."

Beerus: "Hmm. So the bean even healed years of internal damage? I'm starting to think I should get my hands on some."

Whis: "You already eat plenty, Lord Beerus. You'll become lazy."

Frieza: "Kukuku... This Krillin fellow. He's more interesting than I remember."

Jack: "He's grown quite a bit, hasn't he?"

Jack smiled again as he replied. He knew exactly what was happening—and what Krillin had become capable of.

In the past, Krillin had always been overshadowed. But now? In this world, he was the center of attention.

And if he managed to defeat Akainu alone?

It would elevate his reputation across the universes.

---

Back on the battlefield, Krillin floated calmly into the air, facing the fire-breathing Admiral.

Akainu narrowed his eyes, lava bubbling in his fists.

"You really think you can beat me alone?" he growled.

Krillin didn't respond. He simply raised one hand, charging energy around his body.

His aura flared gold, radiant and sharp. The air rippled.

This was no longer the Krillin from the early Dragon Ball days.

This was a warrior who had crossed dimensions, battled gods, and survived unimaginable trials.

And now, Akainu would learn that the hard way.

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