Jabra, Blueno, Kumadori, and Fukorou clung to railings and any solid objects nearby, each stationed at different parts of the area. The overwhelming energy had left them stunned.
Blueno, who was closest to Rob Lucci, instinctively wanted to move toward him for reassurance.
"Lucci…"
But before he could take a step, Lucci shot him a sharp glare. That was enough, Blueno, froze, not daring to move an inch closer. Despite being two years older, Blueno clearly respected, or even feared, Lucci's authority.
"Tch. Lucci's being overly cautious. No one's paying attention to us right now. We're just kids, who would notice?" Blueno muttered, clearly irritated. The chaos around them had everyone focused on the clash shaking the island, not on a couple of children.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh and his group were rushing over. When he heard that it was the Whitebeard Pirates who had arrived, Rayleigh became serious. He still remembered the legendary three-day battle he'd once fought against them. And now, with Roger's wife on the island, he couldn't help but worry, what if Whitebeard caused trouble?
At that moment, Roger and Whitebeard were already engaged in a fierce but restrained clash of Haki. Their Conqueror's Haki crackled in the air like lightning, stirring winds and thunder, but it was still less intense than Roger's previous battle with Garp.
"Hey, Whitebeard, you came early! Didn't I say I'd call you after my wife gave birth?"
"Hmph! Roger, I just wanted to see how strong you still are. Besides, we heard rumors that several pirate crews were on their way here. I came to make sure you weren't ambushed."
"Oh? So you came to help me fend them off?"
Roger grinned. Though they were rivals, Roger trusted Whitebeard and knew he wasn't here to start a fight.
"You're thinking too much. I just don't want any third-rate pirates getting in my way when I go to Wano. I'm here to keep things quiet."
Their eyes glowed with fiery intensity, releasing violent shockwaves as their Haki collided.
"Arghahaha, guess I'm more famous than I thought. Feels pretty good."
Roger laughed, clearly enjoying the attention.
Whitebeard smirked in return. Every time he faced Roger, it thrilled him.
"RAGH!"
With matching roars, their Haki exploded. The resulting shockwave rolled across the island with a deafening boom.
Roger drove his supreme-grade sword, Ace, into the ground.
Whitebeard twirled his massive naginata, Murakumogiri, before slamming it down beside him.
"Captain Roger is amazing!"
Doringo cheered loudly, unable to hold back his excitement.
"As expected of our Captain! So cool!"
Taro added with fan-like admiration.
"The Pirate King!" Gabban shouted, gripping his axe as the others joined the chant:
"Roger! Roger! Roger!"
Meanwhile, Whitebeard's crew wasn't about to be outdone.
"Pops is MIGHTY!" Marco growled back at Roger's crew.
"Pops the strongest man! I'll always follow him!"
Diamond Jozu bellowed, nostrils flaring like an angry bull.
"Pops might is beyond compare, The true ruler of the sea!"
Rakuyo swung his meteor hammer around, yelling at full volume.
"POPS, POPS!"
Whitebeard's crew roared in unison, unwilling to lose in spirit.
At that moment, Rayleigh and Reid arrived on the scene.
Reid was stunned at the sight before him. His eyes locked onto the giant figure wielding a blade taller than himself.
"That's got to be Whitebeard… He's massive. The records said he was around six or seven meters, but he's even more imposing in person!"
Just then, a card floated into Reid's vision as the system activated.
[Edward Newgate: Known as Whitebeard. Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates. Devil Fruit: Tremor-Tremor Fruit (Paramecia). Master of all three Haki types. Weapon: Supreme-grade blade "Murakumogiri."]
"He's like a walking mountain. That sword... it's taller than he is! This is insane."
Reid was in awe. He'd only ever seen Whitebeard in anime or manga, but standing here, witnessing it firsthand, the sheer pressure was overwhelming.
He glanced at the others.
"That must be Marco, the guy who can turn into a phoenix. That one's Jozu, the one with diamond powers. And that one in casual clothes... is that Izo, Oden's loyal retainer?"
More cards floated into Reid's vision, and the system continued its introductions:
[Marco: The "Phoenix," commander of the 1st Division. Devil Fruit: Mythical Zoan – Phoenix. Abilities include regeneration and mastery of Armament & Observation Haki.]
[Jozu: The "Diamond," commander of the 3rd Division. Devil Fruit: Shining-Shining Fruit. Armament Haki user.]
[Thatch: Commander of the 4th Division. Dual swordsman and chef.]
[Vista: Commander of the 5th Division. Dual swordsman. Armament & Observation Haki.]
"Alright, enough. I want to hear what they're saying, system pause!" Reid muttered.
As if on cue, the system stopped. Reid focused on the conversation.
"Hahaha, Whitebeard! Come, let me introduce you to my wife. Jealous, aren't you? I also have a child underway!"
Roger stood proudly, hands on hips. In the world of pirates, mostly made up of lone men, it was rare to see someone with a family.
Roger's crew burst out laughing, clearly proud of their captain. Roger's boast clearly hit a nerve.
The Whitebeard Pirates' expressions turned sour. Roger had outplayed them in a very personal way.
Whitebeard, surprisingly, didn't retort with anger. Instead, he gave a rare nod of congratulations.
"Congrats, Roger. You've got two more people to protect now."
Reid watched intently.
Whitebeard really treasures his concept of family. That was the first word out of his mouth… 'family.'
"Hahaha! Come on, Whitebeard! Stay here for a few months and drink with us every day!"
"Hmph. Roger, we're not here to drink. More importantly… where is the one they call Reid?"
The mention of his name made Reid freeze.
"Eh?! Whitebeard… is looking for me?!"
He was shocked. He hadn't expected to be noticed, let alone singled out by Whitebeard.
Rayleigh turned and looked at him with amusement.
"Looks like you're becoming popular, Brother Reid."