Chapter 342: The Roger Pirates in Crisis
The Five Elders' plans had been completely disrupted due to Charlotte's unexpected appearance.
For now, they put the issue of Ohara on hold, focusing all their attention on Charlotte to ensure he didn't stir up more trouble.
Meanwhile, the World Government had shifted its full attention to the New World—particularly the Roger Pirates.
Following the will of Lord Imu, the Five Elders ordered CP0 to keep a close eye on the Roger Pirates, while the Navy was dispatched into the New World to pursue them. Simultaneously, they began sowing discord to incite infighting among the great pirates.
Flying Pirate Fleet – Golden Lion Shiki
Recently, Shiki was on the verge of losing it.
"What?! More of our men were killed by the Roger Pirates?!"
His face twisted in fury as he turned to his trembling subordinates.
"Y-Yes, Admiral!"
the man stammered.
"DAMN YOU, ROGER!!!"
Shiki howled toward the heavens, slashing his blades wildly, releasing devastating waves of sword energy.
The surrounding air cracked and trembled—then restored itself as if nothing had happened.
The nearby pirates turned pale. None of them dared utter a word when their captain was in such a wrathful mood.
"Find the Roger Pirates! I want his head!!!"
Shiki's roar echoed through the skies, and his subordinates scattered like frightened birds.
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Whitebeard Pirates' Territory
"Old man! Please let me join the Whitebeard Pirates!"
A young man with striking pink hair knelt before Edward Newgate—Whitebeard himself.
Sitting upon his throne-like seat, Whitebeard stared down at the young man.
"Kid… I see hatred in your eyes. Leave. I won't take in someone consumed by vengeance—that would be a betrayal to the sons I already have."
His rejection was absolute.
"Please, Father Whitebeard! Your kindness and honor are known across the New World! I beg you!"
The youth kept his head low, his forehead pressed against the deck, voice choked with sorrow.
Whitebeard didn't reply. He simply watched the boy remain kneeling.
"Marco, throw him out."
"Yes, Pops."
Marco transformed and flew over, grabbing the young man by the shoulders and tossing him back onto the ship they came from.
"Father Whitebeard!!"
The young man cried out, twisting and reaching toward the great pirate as he was flung away.
Whitebeard didn't even glance back.
But the youth didn't give up. He trailed behind the Whitebeard Pirates wherever they sailed, kneeling at every opportunity.
"Tch… Still not giving up?"
Oden strolled over, holding a skewer of oden, glancing at the persistent young man.
In that boy, he saw a younger version of himself, before he joined the Whitebeard Pirates.
Whitebeard cast a sidelong glance at Oden, then surveyed his sons. He noticed that many of them had begun to accept this stubborn youth.
Sighing, he finally stepped forward.
"What's your name, kid?"
The youth raised his head immediately, hope flickering in his eyes.
"Father! My name is Squard!"
Whitebeard looked into Squard's eyes.
"Then rise. From now on, bear the mark of the Whitebeard Pirates."
He smiled warmly.
Though he had resisted at first, now that he had made the decision, Squard was family.
"Thank you, Father!"
Squard was elated.
"So, who's your enemy?"
Whitebeard asked, noting the deep, hidden hatred in the boy's eyes.
"F-Father, I…"
Squard hesitated.
"Speak. On this sea, there is no one I fear to face. Gurararara!"
Whitebeard's booming laugh shattered the clouds above.
"I… I'll deal with my enemy myself. I won't drag the Whitebeard Pirates into my vengeance."
Squard looked up with unwavering resolve.
Whitebeard nodded in approval.
"Gurarara! Good! My sons have guts! But at least tell me who this enemy is."
Encouraged by the support of the crew, Squard finally made up his mind.
"It's the Roger Pirates! They killed all my comrades!"
The words silenced everyone.
Whitebeard's easygoing smile vanished. His crew grew tense.
They had guessed the boy harbored a grudge—but none expected it to be against Gol D. Roger, the man known as Whitebeard's equal… a man with a bounty even higher than his own.
Squard bit his lip, defiant.
"Don't worry, Father. I won't drag the crew into this. I'll take my revenge myself."
He bowed again.
Whitebeard looked down at him, conflicted.
"Stand up. Your grudge is now mine to bear. As long as I live, no one will harm my sons!"
He gripped his bisento, clenching his jaw.
"Thank you, Father!"
Squard bowed again, tears streaming from his eyes.
---
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the Grand Line…
"Roger, something's off about the New World lately. Everyone seems to be gunning for us."
Rayleigh looked over the edge of the ship as another pirate crew sank beneath the waves.
"Aye. It's like someone's deliberately turning us against other crews."
Roger squinted at the sinking vessel's torn flag—it bore the mark of Big Mom.
The deck had been loaded with sweets and delicacies.
"Someone's pulling the strings."
He stared at the calm sea.
Too calm. Like the calm before a storm.
"Captain Roger! Your bounty increased again!"
Buggy came sprinting over, waving a fresh bounty poster.
It read:
Gol D. Roger – 4,370,000,000 Berries
Dead or Alive.
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To be continued.
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