Dave sighed, his mind racing with thoughts. Something about Sphinx Island or something had him on edge. Not the island itself—it was peaceful, serene even. But he could feel the eyes of the world watching. Whether it was Cipher Pol, the Marines, or even the Yonko, he knew they were under constant surveillance.
"Still brooding, Captain?" Shakky's voice cut through his thoughts, smooth and teasing.
Dave smirked without turning. "Just thinking about what's next."
Before Shakky could reply, Enel's voice broke through the calm. "We've got company!" he called out, his tone half-amused, half-serious.
Dave turned sharply, his gaze narrowing as he followed Enel's pointed finger. In the distance, a massive silhouette loomed on the horizon. It didn't take long for them to recognize the distinctive shape of the Moby Dick, its whale-like figure cutting through the waves with an imposing presence.
"Well, that's one way to make an entrance," Rayleigh remarked, stepping up beside Dave.
Dave's smirk widened. "Whitebeard himself, huh? I was wondering when he'd show up."
Kaito, wide-eyed, looked to Rayleigh for confirmation. "Whitebeard? The Whitebeard?"
Rayleigh nodded, patting the boy's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, kid. You're about to witness something few people ever get to see."
As the Moby Dick drew closer, the Hell Prince Pirates stood their ground, watching the legendary ship anchor just offshore. A gangplank was lowered, and the first to step onto the island was Marco, his fiery phoenix tattoo visible under the sunlight. Behind him, the towering figure of Whitebeard followed, his presence overwhelming despite the medical tubes attached to his body.
Dave stepped forward, meeting Marco's gaze with a calm but firm demeanor. "Welcome to Sphinx Island, Whitebeard Pirates," he said, his voice carrying a note of authority.
Whitebeard let out a hearty laugh, the ground seeming to rumble with the sheer force of his voice. "So, you're the one making waves in my sea," he boomed, his sharp eyes locking onto Dave. "Tell me, boy, what's your goal in the New World?"
"I wanted to meet you and fight you," Dave replied bluntly, cutting straight to the point.
Silence fell across the island. Everyone—whether on Dave's side or Whitebeard's—stared in stunned disbelief. Whitebeard's sons exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Whitebeard grinned, his expression both amused and approving. "Bold words. Let's see if you've got the strength to back them up."
The tension on the island grew as the two captains sized each other up. Their crews stood frozen, watching intently, the air heavy with anticipation.
"Alright then," Whitebeard said, raising his massive bisento with ease. "Let's see what the Hell Prince is made of."
Dave's smirk widened, and he drew his blade, its edge gleaming in the sunlight. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"But before we start, take this," Dave said suddenly, tossing a small vial toward Whitebeard.
Whitebeard caught it effortlessly and inspected it with a curious look. "What's this?" he asked, holding the vial up to the light.
"Ask Rayleigh," Dave replied, pointing at the younger version of Rayleigh standing with his crew.
Whitebeard's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Rayleigh. "Old coot, how did you get so young?" he asked, genuine surprise in his voice.
Rayleigh shrugged casually. "It's because of the stuff you're holding in your hand," he said, smirking.
Marco stepped forward, his expression serious. "Dad, you shouldn't take it," he warned.
Dave chuckled, his gaze shifting to Marco. "Marco, with the Phoenix Devil Fruit, you don't even know just how powerful your abilities truly are, do you?"
Marco frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked cautiously.
Dave grinned. "Your Phoenix Fruit has two extraordinary powers. The first is called Phoenix Tears—it can heal any wound, even mortal injuries, or restore severed limbs. I mean any wound."
Marco's eyes widened in shock, and murmurs spread through the Whitebeard Pirates.
"But," Dave continued, "even that pales in comparison to its second power—Phoenix Golden Blood. It's a miraculous substance that can make anyone younger. The thing I gave to Rayleigh and your dad just now? It's a weaker version of it."
Everyone's eyes turned to Marco, their astonishment growing.
"This... is the power of your fruit?" Vista asked, awestruck, as the others also stared at Marco in amazement.
Whitebeard's sharp gaze locked onto Dave. "What do you want, Hell Prince? You wouldn't hand something over for free."
Dave shrugged casually. "I told you—I just want a fight," he said with a smirk.
Whitebeard chuckled. "And then?"
Dave laughed softly before his tone turned serious. "Soon, I'm going to take down the World Government. And when I do, the world will need a new Navy—one that doesn't trade justice like a business. No more taking money in exchange for protection. Instead, they'll serve and protect everyone equally."
Whitebeard raised a brow, intrigued.
"And that's where you come in," Dave said, nodding toward Whitebeard. "I've seen the islands under your protection. The people are happy. Even the pirates who sail under your flag don't harm innocent people. They might take some food now and then, but even that is given willingly by the people. You enforce order in chaos—a rarity in this world."
Whitebeard leaned back, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "So, you want me to pave the way for your dream of a fair world?"
Dave shook his head. "No. I just want to make sure the current system burns, and from the ashes, something better rises. Whether you're part of it or not, that's your choice."
Whitebeard's booming laughter erupted once more. "You're an interesting one, boy. But if you're coming after the World Government, you'll be painting a target on your back. You sure you can handle that?"
Dave's grin grew wider, his eyes burning with determination. "I have already and last time, I never even used 50% of my powers" Dave said as after the last fight with Admirals he knew he had just overestimated the people of this world, he is many times stronger even without armaments' Haki.
Still, he wants to fight Whitebeard as he wants to get a taste of the Tremor tremor fruit.
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