Whitey Bay pursed her lips in frustration and nodded. "That's true. But the G-5 branch is now completely restructured under Vice Admiral Wright. My subordinates once clashed with them, and their strength isn't on the same level as before!"
Marco sighed and added, "Dad, ever since Vice Admiral Wright took over G-5, the number of new recruits joining our pirate crew has significantly declined."
"It's fine for now, but if this continues, our control over territories will gradually weaken. Kaido and Big Mom aren't the type to sit idly by."
"After all, their territories aren't as vast as ours. They don't need as many people to maintain control."
Whitey Bay thought for a moment before continuing, "And then there's Shanks, that little punk… Who would've thought that the apprentice from Roger's ship has become this powerful? He seems to be rising quickly these days!"
"Without enough manpower, it'll be tough to contend with all of them."
"Shanks, huh…" Whitebeard mused. "That kid reminds me of Roger… though he's far more calculating."
Ignoring Marco's exasperated look, Whitebeard took a large swig from his sake bottle and laughed. "Even if that brat ends up standing on par with us, I wouldn't be surprised!"
"But that Navy upstart… There's been no shortage of news about him in the papers. I'm getting more and more intrigued by him!"
"The so-called 'pinnacle of modern healing abilities'? Marco, what's your take on that?"
"…Dad, as frustrating as it is, I have to admit it's impressive."
Scratching his pineapple-like hair, Marco chuckled bitterly. "I'm confident in the regenerative flames of the Phoenix, but they work best on myself. When applied to others, the effects are far weaker. Otherwise, your injuries wouldn't have accumulated like this."
"Gurararara! Marco, from the sound of it, this Wright kid from the Navy is indeed a troublesome figure!"
"Dad, that Vice Admiral Light even went head-to-head with Kaido and destroyed an entire island!"
The Fifth Division Commander, Vista "Flower Blade," stroked his curved mustache and grinned. "How about I join Whitey Bay and the others to test him out? I've heard that Vice Admiral Wright's swordsmanship is exceptional!"
"Hawkeye's been off the radar for a while, keeping a low profile. The chance to spar with such a formidable swordsman Vice Admiral is too enticing to pass up!"
"Oh? You're interested, Vista?"
Whitebeard burst into laughter. "Then go ahead! My sons, do whatever you want. Don't hold back!"
"Yes, Dad!"
...
At the G-5 Branch Base – Vice Admiral Wright's Office.
"Report!"
A messenger burst into the room, panic evident in his expression.
"What's the matter?"
Wright furrowed his brow. Such flustered behavior was rare among his subordinates.
"Vice Admiral Wright! A patrol ship just sent word—they've spotted the Fifth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates heading toward this base!"
"Oh? So they've finally made their move!"
Golden light flashed in Wright's eyes as he issued orders. "Instruct the patrol ships to retreat and monitor from the farthest safe distance."
"They're approaching so openly—they must be after me. Avoid direct confrontation!"
"Yes, sir!"
The messenger, reassured by Wright's commanding presence, saluted before leaving to relay the orders.
"The Whitebeard Pirates' Fifth Division… Vista 'Flower Blade,' huh? That old man Whitebeard really thinks highly of me!"
Wright picked up his Den Den Mushi and connected with Smoker, who was leading patrols aboard the Lightbringer.
"Smoker, gather the troops. The Dawn is setting sail!"
"The Whitebeard Fifth Division is here to probe us—we need to give them an unforgettable welcome!"
"No problem!"
Smoker's excitement was evident. "We've been ready for this. A full combat formation can return to base in ten minutes!"
"With Admiral Issho holding the fort aboard the Lightbringer, it'll return safely."
"Good. See you soon."
Hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Wright adjusted the sword at his waist—Ashes—and strode out of the office.
"A few years from now, Vista might hold his own against Mihawk in a brief duel. This should be interesting!"
"Old man Whitebeard, let's see how your strongest swordsman compares to the world's best."
"Come to think of it, it's been a long time since I sparred with Mihawk... Well, with the Lightforged Beacon, I can head over for a match after this fight!"
...
Half an Hour Later – Onboard the Dawn.
Fully crewed, the Dawn set sail toward the patrol ship monitoring the Whitebeard Fifth Division.
Not long after departure, Wright received updated intel.
"Vice Admiral!"
The messenger's voice from the patrol ship was strained. "It's confirmed! In addition to Vista, there are two other captain-level figures on the Fifth Division's ship!"
"Oh? Which two?"
"'Thunder Lord' McGuy and 'Ice Witch' Whitey Bay!"
The messenger's voice grew even more uneasy. "They boarded Vista's ship while their own vessels departed later. We didn't notice at first…"
"No matter."
Wright smiled. "Maintain surveillance. Leave the rest to me!"
"Yes, sir!"
Reassured by Wright's overwhelming confidence, the messenger relaxed.
Turning to his crew, Wright addressed them:
Smoker, Hina, Ain, five junior officers, and 500 elite marines stood at attention.
"Compared to the New World's vast powers, our numbers are insignificant. But our mission is vital—cutting off fresh blood for the great pirates to secure the Navy's future!"
Wright's voice rang out, unwavering. "Today, we face the Whitebeard Pirates—the absolute rulers of the New World seas! Even if it's just their Fifth Division, this is our greatest challenge yet!"
"Your task is to fight bravely! I'll ensure you all return safely!"
"Our strategy is simple: use the Dawn as our fortress. Focus on defense and counterattacks!"
"Hina, control the battlefield! Ain, eliminate key threats!"
"Smoker, you handle Whitey Bay. As for McGuy and Vista, leave them to me!"
"Is everyone ready?"
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
...
Aboard Vista's Ship.
"Vista, the patrol ships have stopped moving," Whitey Bay reported after lowering her telescope.
"Oh? That means the G-5 base has sent a warship to confront us directly."
Stroking his mustache, Vista grinned. "They must be confident. Probably want to avoid damage to their base."
"There's no nearby islands. Looks like they're planning to settle this at sea."
McGuy adjusted the hilt of his blade. "Vice Admiral Wright can fly. We must engage quickly to prevent ranged attacks."
"I'll handle him myself!"
Vista laughed. "Whitey Bay, stay aboard and guard the ship. If it's destroyed, we're stranded!"
"Tch. Just like Dad's chauvinism."
Whitey Bay rolled her eyes. "This isn't the Moby Dick. There's no rule saying women can't board to fight!"
"Hahaha! A gentleman shouldn't let a lady do the heavy lifting. After all, I'm Whitebeard's son!"
"And that settles it!"
"Men…"
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