The morning sun bathed the deck in golden light.
Griffin stirred awake as the sea breeze swept over him, his hangover slowly receding.
"Hey! Kid!"
Marco stood with his hands on his hips, angrily pointing at him. "Do you have no awareness of being a patient?! Drinking is one thing, but sleeping directly on the deck?!"
Griffin rubbed his eyes and glanced down at the coat covering him.
This was Teach's.
...
"Were you talking with Teach all night? That guy usually doesn't like speaking with strangers. How unusual."
Yawning, Griffin neatly folded the coat and smiled faintly. "Perhaps... we just really hit it off."
Marco glared at him, then stepped forward to examine Griffin's hand. Blue flames ignited at his fingertips.
Griffin watched the azure flames intently, feeling their rhythmic pulse seep into his body, suppressing his instincts and offering no resistance.
...
Marco was a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit User, even rarer than Logia Types - the Bird-Bird Fruit: Phoenix Form.
He could transform into the mythical creature 'Phoenix' and release healing 'Flames of Rebirth.' Legend said that at its highest level, even someone reduced to ashes could be revived!
Timeline-wise, this fruit was likely one of the Mythical Zoan fruits Whitebeard obtained during the God Valley battle.
According to the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, this fruit's power could completely rival the Azure Dragon Fruit!
...
"Hmm... you're recovering well. You should be fully healed in a few days."
Marco withdrew his hand and said calmly, "Stay obediently in the cabin these next few days. When we reach a town, we'll give you a small boat."
"Then you can go on your way. If we happen to meet again, remember to pay for the treatment and meals."
Marco's words surprised Griffin.
He had been contemplating escape methods, never expecting it wouldn't be necessary.
"Captain Marco... aren't you worried I might be an enemy of the Whitebeard Pirates?"
It wasn't just being an enemy - Griffin had killed Whitebeard's former companion, possibly lover, and that so-called 'Whitebeard Jr.'
...
Marco grinned widely. "So what if you're an enemy? We're just treating an injured person we found adrift at sea."
"If you attack us, we'll just beat you down! Hahahaha!!"
...
'What pirate! He's just some brat who drew an ugly flag and went to sea!'
'Come talk to me about rules when he actually becomes a pirate!'
Griffin inexplicably remembered what Smoker had said years ago when arresting him.
While other Marines wanted to send him to prison, Smoker had vehemently opposed them and arranged for Griffin to enter the Marine Training Camp.
...
Griffin could read goodwill and malice too clearly. Even Teach's gaze last night held no trace of malice.
His thoughts shifting, Griffin smiled. "I'd like to meet Mr. Whitebeard. Is that possible?"
Marco stared blankly, confused. "You want to see Pops? Everyone else at sea calls Pops the most vicious demon. Aren't you afraid?"
"Seeing is believing. Whether he's a demon or not, I'll know when I actually meet him."
...
"Is that so... Then just come to the deck for lunch."
...
——
The first time he saw this world's strongest man, there was no legendary entrance, no fanfare of fate.
Griffin saw him during the midday banquet.
Edward Newgate, who shook the seas under the name Whitebeard.
His over-six-meter-tall body resembled a moving mountain. Compared to most deformed half-giants, Whitebeard's physique was well-proportioned.
The muscles on his arms were coiled like pythons, displaying terrifying raw power. His robust shoulders looked capable of carrying the entire world.
Apart from his physical stature, Griffin couldn't sense any of the aura befitting the world's strongest from Whitebeard.
He sat in the center, leaning casually against a specially made giant chair, the Supreme Grade Sharp Blade: Murakumo Splitter placed carelessly to one side. He was surrounded by members of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Marco the Phoenix.
Jozu the Diamond.
Vista the Flower Sword.
Namur the Demon Sea Fish-Man...
Each was a great pirate renowned throughout the New World, yet at this moment they resembled children playing around their parent, holding wine jars as they crowded nearby, loudly competing to see who could drink faster.
Marco kept staring at Whitebeard, chattering incessantly about not drinking too much, limiting himself to two more barrels at most...
Whitebeard paid no mind, occasionally patting the shoulders of those nearby with his rough hands, or picking up wine barrels to clink with everyone.
When his own wine barrel ran empty, he'd even snatch Jozu's wine.
Jozu wouldn't yield either, and the two would engage in a tug-of-war over the wine barrel.
...
There were no rigid pirate hierarchies, nor was it simply merry drinking among comrades.
If this was a pirate crew's banquet, it felt more like a family gathering.
Griffin sat in the corner.
He knew the Whitebeard Pirates were built on family bonds, mockingly called a "playing house" game by other great pirates.
Knowing about it and experiencing it firsthand were different matters.
...
In both his lives, Griffin had never been in such an environment. It felt unfamiliar, impossible to adapt to.
"Gurarara—rara—you there, boy!"
Snapping back to reality, Griffin met Whitebeard's gaze.
"Can't even drink with those minor injuries? Or is Thatch's cooking not to your taste!"
...
"Don't talk nonsense, Pops."
Thatch placed a plate of cherry pie before Griffin: "Teach told me you like my cherry pie. On this ship, no guest goes hungry!"
The Fourth Division Captain and chef of the Whitebeard Pirates, who had unintentionally obtained the Dark-Dark Fruit that Teach coveted, leading to his murder.
...
Griffin raised his wine jar, clinking it with Whitebeard's from across the distance.
The spicy liquor burned his throat. Wiping his mouth, Griffin commented: "The food is delicious, but the wine is terrible. Not as good as what Teach gave me."
"HAHAHAHAHA!! It's the cheapest wine, after all! We can't afford good liquor anymore!"
"Hehe, Teach, bring out that good wine you've been hiding. Willing to share with a friend but not with us?"
Teach smiled innocently: "No can do, I'm saving that to drink secretly tonight. I'll share if you join me on night watch."
"Never mind then, we can't stay awake like you!"
...
Griffin watched Teach.
Even someone like you can be influenced by this environment...
When you killed Thatch, was it a sudden impulse of evil thoughts, or a carefully calculated decision to completely sever your past?
Humans are such complex creatures...
This banquet continued until dusk. Unlike the Marines who followed regular meal schedules, pirates typically ate one meal a day that would last half a day.
...
As people gradually left the deck, only Whitebeard and Griffin remained in the end - clearly a result of Whitebeard's prior arrangements.
"Marco told me you wanted to see me. What are your impressions?"
"How do I compare to that guy who injured you?"
Whitebeard's voice was deep and muffled, carrying a certain turbid vibration.
...
...
How could Whitebeard, who had once sailed on the same ship as Shiki, fail to recognize his old acquaintance's swordsmanship?
Injuries caused by powerful fighters all carried distinct signatures, with similar examples being too numerous to count.
Griffin remained silent for a moment before smiling faintly.
"Pretty much as I heard - an old man who loves playing house games."
...
"Gura—ra—ra—ra—"
Whitebeard threw his head back and laughed heartily, the distant waves rippling in response to his laughter.
"What an incredibly fitting assessment!!"
Whitebeard propped his chin and smiled faintly: "Kid, the way you're looking at me is strange..."
"I'm right here in front of you, yet when you look at me, you don't see me."
"Ah... it's as if your gaze passes through me to see the future."
...
Griffin's pupils sharply contracted, taking a second to compose himself.
"Maybe that's really the case... Mr. Whitebeard, would you like to know your future?"
If Whitebeard truly wanted to know, Griffin wasn't sure whether he would tell him.
...
Whitebeard shook his head, just like when he refused Roger's offer to tell him about the final island.
"The future doesn't matter. I don't want to know."
Griffin slightly frowned: "What if it's an extremely tragic future for you?"
Griffin didn't see the slightest hesitation or doubt in this man's eyes.
...
"Then let it come."
Whitebeard picked up the wine jug beside him: "Kid, sometimes seeing too far ahead isn't a good thing, gura-ra-ra-ra..."
"You don't need to tell me what the future holds. I'll see it for myself."
...
Griffin took a sip of wine and chuckled lightly: "Good advice can't persuade those destined to die. You'll regret this, Whitebeard."
...
"What a sharp-tongued brat, no wonder you got beaten up like this."
"Heh, the guy who beat me isn't much better. I was just a bit short this time, but I'll definitely kill him next time we meet."
...
"Gura-ra-ra-ra... then I wish you victory in advance!"