"Tom, what is your dream?" Roy suddenly asked.
"I want to build a train that can run on the sea, just like a train on land, one that ignores the ocean's waves and flows smoothly, connecting all the islands around the world! Hahaha!" Tom said, spreading his arms and laughing.
"That's an amazing dream! You'll definitely succeed!" Blamenco, who had been learning from Tom, chimed in.
"Hahaha, isn't it grand? What about your dreams?" Tom asked suddenly.
"Our dreams..." Roy looked over at Whitebeard, who was still fighting, and then at Marco and the others.
"Being together as a family, that's our dream," Roy said, putting his arms around Blamenco and Marco.
"And to make Pops the Pirate King!"
The kids cheered excitedly, scrambling aboard the Moby Dick and getting to work.
Five years of sailing had taught them discipline—each had their role, and they moved with practiced efficiency.
"Mr. Tom, how do we launch the ship?"
The ship was still in the dock; they had to get to the waterway below to be launched into the sea. But there was no towing equipment in sight. How could such a massive ship get down?
"Already taken care of! Just wait for my signal. The Aqua Laguna's first wave has passed—the next one will carry you out!" Tom grinned.
"Got it. Marco, go tell Newgate we're ready!" Roy ordered.
"Leave it to me!" Marco took to the skies, but almost immediately, he circled back, shouting. "Big Bro! Marines incoming!"
"Don't let them get close! Mr. Tom, hide. Don't expose yourself quickly!"
After Roy said that, he drew his sword and jumped off the ship with Jozu and Vista. Sure enough, the Marines had discovered their ship and realized they were about to set sail, so they moved in to intercept. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝘯𝘦𝘵
"Don't let the Whitebeard Pirates escape!" the Rear Admiral barked.
"Stop them! Protect the ship!" Roy charged forward, fired a shot with his pistol, then rushed in with his sword drawn.
Even though his strength was average, it didn't mean he lacked the courage to fight. In moments , sheer will and courage often decides the outcome.
The two sides clashed. Roy faced a skilled marine elite, the battle was fierce and evenly matched.
The soldier was surprised, he didn't expect someone like Roy among the Whitebeard Pirates.
"What are you staring at?!"
Seizing a split-second opening, Roy drew a pistol from his waist and fired point-blank into the Marine's chest.
Losing the support of one hand, the marine's sword broke through Roy's defense, slashing across Roy's chest.
The marine hadn't expected Roy to fight this way, both were injured and staggered back.
Roy, clutching his bleeding chest, the Marine collapsing with a bullet wound.
Roy forced himself up, blood pouring from his wound, staining his clothes red. But he still lunged at another marine and continued fighting.
Another massive wave crashed onto the island, the ground shook violently. This was the final wave, just like Tom said.
"Marco! Go get Newgate NOW!" Roy shouted.
Marco transformed into a phoenix, soaring toward the distant battlefield where golden flashes and tremors marked Whitebeard's duel with Sengoku.
"You're not going anywhere!" A Marine officer intercepted, slashing at Marco.
Roy blocked the strike. The strength difference was clear; Roy was sent flying.
Marco shot past, leaving Roy sprawled on the ground.
"BIG BRO!" Jozu roared, plowing through Marines to reach Roy. Seeing the blood, his eyes burned with fury.
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Jozu barreled into the officer, his steel-gauntleted fist smashing the man into the ground.
Not long after Marco left, the ground trembled violently again, followed by the heavy footsteps of Whitebeard rushing back with his naginata in hand.
Seeing Roy on the ground, Whitebeard panicked. His grip on Murakumogiri tightened, the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit focused at the blade, forming a transparent white shockwave.
With one swing, all the marines were blasted away by the shockwave. Whitebeard defeated them all in a single strike.
"Roy! Hang on! Marco—!"
"I'm not dead yet.... Why are you panicking? Cough, cough!!" Roy was picked up by Jozu.
"Let's go, the tsunami is over, and our ship is ready. Get on board!"
Whitebeard looked around. Seeing Roy's state made him want to slaughter every last marine — how dare they hurt his family?
"Enough, let's go," Roy grabbed Whitebeard's arm.
"…Fine. SET SAIL!" Whitebeard shouted, raising his naginata.
Everyone boarded the ship. Tom pulled the lever, detonating the wooden supports, and the ship tilted downward. Everyone held on tightly as the vessel angled to nearly 70 degrees. It looked like it was about to crash until it bounced up and was lifted by seawater.
The current quickly launched them down toward the open sea.
A year ago, they had crossed Reverse Mountain from the West Blue to reach the Grand Line — this kind of drop was nothing to them.
Everyone cheered excitedly.
Sengoku chased after them, but could only watch the Whitebeard Pirates sail off into the distance. His body reverted to normal.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, we-"
"This isn't your fault. Who would've thought they hid their ship here?"
"Should we pursue them? Their next stop must be Fish-Man Island. They'll need to coat their ship at Sabaody Archipelago."
"No. Let them go. The route to Fish-Man Island is dangerous."
With the Aqua Laguna's power fading, the Moby Dick sailed quickly across the sea. Tom had added two propulsion wheels, allowing them to move even without wind.
"Big bro, let me heal you," Marco said, using the Phoenix Flames to close Roy's wounds. By now, Marco had mastered his powers, he could even regenerate limbs.
Roy recovered quickly and was back to being lively.
"You shouldn't fight anymore, you're not suited for it," Whitebeard said.
"I'm a member of the Whitebeard Pirates," Roy replied calmly.
Whitebeard fell silent, head bowed in thought.
"Cheer up. You're the captain, and we have a new companion. Let's welcome our new companion!" Roy patted Whitebeard's massive leg.
Whitebeard's expression softened. He straightened, raising his naginata.
The crew turned, eyes shining.
"Welcome our new crewmate—the Moby Dick! LET'S CELEBRATE!"
"WELCOME, MOBY DICK!!"