"You're right... Blackbeard hides it well," Whitebeard muttered, pausing before waving his hand and walking away. His towering frame swayed slightly, as if carrying the weight of a storm only he could sense.
Ayr didn't follow he simply watched the Yonko's back fade toward the pier.
Whitebeard had long known that many of his so-called sons were ambitious, each with dreams of glory. Pirates who wore their desires openly, like Ace, were easier to guide. But it was the quiet ones the patient ones like Blackbeard that disturbed him the most.
With a deep sigh, Whitebeard sat back down and took a heavy swig of beer. "I used to think I was good at reading people," he said bitterly. "Didn't expect someone I trusted would show his true nature so fast... and in front of you, no less."
Ayr nodded. "Blackbeard's original ambition wasn't small, but it wasn't this... sharp. Today, it changed."
Whitebeard let out a hollow laugh. "Gurarara! You really are sharp, Ayr."
His tone shifted as he added, "But when you were speaking earlier, I saw it the greed in his eyes. That hunger... that spark."
"That kind of person is dangerous," Ayr said calmly. "More dangerous than those who wear their ambition proudly."
"Yeah," Whitebeard muttered, looking into the mug. "Although greed can be a pirate's best tool... his kind of greed is different."
There was silence for a while. Outside, the wind stirred the sails and a seagull's cry echoed over the water.
"You know," Whitebeard continued, "after I die, I just hope my sons can stay together... not fall apart."
"You always talk like you're about to go," Ayr replied with a faint smile. "You never say things like that, Whitebeard."
Whitebeard looked at him with tired but clear eyes. "I feel it. My time's running out."
Ayr said gently, "If you change your mind, you know the Op-Op Fruit is still in my hands."
Whitebeard laughed it off. "Even if I don't want immortality, you could at least fix me up."
"I could. Come to me anytime."
Whitebeard stood slowly, looming like a mountain. "But I won't run from death. Not now."
Ayr smiled faintly. "Of course not."
Whitebeard turned toward the door. "Come on, let's go. Who knows when we'll meet again."
The two old legends stepped out into the sunlight. Behind them, Marco called out, "Sons! We're off!"
"Aye, Pops!" his crew answered from the ship, already preparing to sail.
The laughter of Whitebeard echoed from the docks boisterous and full of life but Ayr could hear the weight behind it.
From the corner of his eye, Ayr saw the younger pirates standing tall Ace with his fire and pride, Teach with his quiet smile and dark eyes. So much potential... so much danger.
"I don't know if your crew will hold together when the storm hits," Ayr said thoughtfully. "But I hope they find their way."
"I do too," Whitebeard said quietly. "But some things, maybe they can't be stopped."
The sea stretched out before them wide, endless, and full of uncertain futures. Whitebeard's gaze lingered there.
"Since Roger died, it's rare to see old friends like you. I miss that."
Ayr nodded. "I know. We've both lost a lot."
"You're still a good brother," Whitebeard said, his voice gruff with emotion.
"And you're still the strongest man in the world," Ayr replied.
Whitebeard smirked. "Not for long."
Ayr said nothing. There was nothing more to say.
The ship slowly pulled away from the dock. Whitebeard raised a hand high and shouted, "Sons, we sail!"
"YES, DADDY!"
The Whitebeard Pirates set sail with cheers behind them, but Ayr stood on the dock a moment longer, staring into the waves.
Some things were inevitable.
And the sea was already beginning to stir.