One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

While the Straw Hats were still high above on Sky Island, an ominous storm was brewing 10,000 meters below on the Blue Sea.

In Water 7, inside what was once Blueno's Bar—now rechristened as Barry's Bar—a group of locals gathered, chattering away as they leaned over their drinks. The bar looked just like it had in the past, save for the subtle changes under new ownership. Some regulars hadn't yet gotten used to it.

"Hey, have you seen the latest newspaper?" someone asked, excitement flickering in their eyes.

"Is it about the Straw Hats?" another leaned in, intrigued.

"Yeah, apparently they're actual criminals aiming to destroy the world! Isn't it wild? But I remember they used to be called the 'Extremely Good Pirates.'"

"I'm more inclined to believe it's the government that's trying to revive the ancient weapons," chimed in another, raising an eyebrow.

"Why's that?" someone else pressed, surprised by the comment.

"Because I met the captain and deputy captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, that's why!"

"No way—you met them?" a wide-eyed patron exclaimed, edging closer.

The man gave a smug grin. "Yep, they were practically begging me for help."

The crowd erupted in impressed murmurs. "Whoa, that's amazing!"

But someone else quickly rolled their eyes, chuckling, "Oh, don't let him fool you. He just rented them a couple of bulls! Now he goes around bragging like they couldn't have done it without him."

-----

At Water 7, in Iceburg's office at the Galley-La Company, a scene of frustration unfolded.

Iceburg set down his work, sighing in exasperation. "Look, even though Galley-La has a ship supply contract with the World Government, I can't have a vice admiral hanging around here for days. It's not exactly helping our reputation."

If he could, Iceburg would gladly find someone to drag the man in front of him out. But this was Garp—the same Garp who'd once made even the Pirate King laugh and run for his life. Challenging him wouldn't end well.

Garp, meanwhile, looked entirely unbothered, casually picking his nose. "Hahaha, I'm just here to see if you need a hand with anything," he said, feigning innocence.

Iceburg could practically see the words etched on Garp's face: 'I'm lying, and you can't do a thing about it.'

Taking a deep breath, Iceburg struggled to keep calm, repeating for what felt like the hundredth time, "I've already told you. The Straw Hats were here to buy ship materials, nothing more. I don't know Luffy personally, and they're not hiding in Water 7."

Garp chuckled. "Hahahaha, don't get all worked up! I'm just resting here after all that patrolling."

Iceburg's forehead throbbed with irritation. Resting? You just claimed you were here to help, did you forget that already?! His glare could cut through steel, but Garp was too busy laughing heartily, unfazed by the rising tension.

Inwardly, however, Garp's thoughts were filled with concern. Luffy... that kid's stirring up trouble just like Ace did. Why did they both have to choose the life of a pirate?

After a moment, a heavy sigh escaped him. In a quiet voice, barely audible, he muttered, "When the time comes... Sabaody Archipelago..."

For the sake of his grandson, Garp was willing to set foot in the Sabaody Archipelago—a dreaded place he had once sworn to avoid, where the oppressive presence of Celestial Dragons loomed.

-----

Marineford, Fleet Admiral's Office—

While Garp wrestled with his concerns over Luffy, Sengoku was focused on a different matter entirely. He listened intently to the report coming through the Den Den Mushi, its voice carrying a heavy undertone.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, apologies, sir. The fleet couldn't complete the mission."

Sengoku's voice remained steady. "Understood. Withdraw and keep a close watch. Reinforcements will reach you soon."

"Understood, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"

As the call ended, Sengoku leaned back with a sigh. "Whitebeard and Red-Haired Shanks... finally crossing paths."

Indeed, when the Straw Hats first journeyed to Sky Island, Red-Haired Shanks had already decided to confront Whitebeard directly. But for countless reasons, delays and detours had kept them apart—until now. Now, as the Straw Hats explored Sky Island for the second time, the Red Force and the Moby Dick were set to meet at last.

-----

On the deck of the Moby Dick, Whitebeard, connected to an IV, let out a hearty, booming laugh. "Gu ra ra ra! That kid claims he's brought good wine, eh? Then bring him up here; let's have a taste!"

Footsteps echoed as someone approached the deck. Standing at the forefront was a man with striking yellow hair who raised a hand to address the rookies. "Alright, step back, all of you. This meeting's not for those with weak knees," he warned, his tone steady yet protective.

This was Marco the Phoenix, the Commander and ship doctor of Whitebeard's 1st Division, and a mythical Zoan Devil Fruit user. His Bird-Bird Fruit Model: Phoenix gave him the rare ability to regenerate from injuries, and with it, he had earned deep respect among his fellow pirates.

Some newer members, though, looked puzzled, uncertain why Marco insisted they distance themselves. But that uncertainty quickly shifted as an intense, suffocating pressure filled the air.

Bang, bang, bang—

In an instant, they felt a force grip their throats, sending them reeling. Before they could make sense of the sensation, they were already collapsing, eyes rolling back as they hit the deck.

A wave of Supreme King Haki had descended on the Moby Dick, shaking the very air. The intense energy pulsed across the ship, leaving no one unaffected.

Boom! Crack!

The force was so powerful that even the sturdy timbers of the Moby Dick began to creak and fracture under its impact, the deck quivering beneath Whitebeard's crew.

As the Whitebeard Pirates regained their senses, they finally caught a clear view of the figure approaching. Dressed in a long black coat over a simple white shirt and black trousers, the man's unmistakable red hair stood out as he made his way across the deck, dragging a large bottle of fine wine in one hand.

He stopped directly in front of Whitebeard, his presence commanding yet unassuming. This was none other than Red-Haired Shanks, one of the Four Emperors ruling over the New World. With a slight smile, Shanks looked up, his gaze meeting Whitebeard's formidable eyes. "It's been a while, Whitebeard."

Whitebeard leaned back in his chair, his imposing frame relaxed yet exuding undeniable authority. "Seeing your face, brat, makes this old wound of mine ache all over again," he said, referencing a scar left by a long-gone rival.

Shanks didn't flinch, and he showed no sign of being offended. Instead, he took a respectful step back, holding out the wine bottle. "I brought you a gift, some healing spirits. I'm not here to fight—I've come to talk."

"Gu ra ra ra! Talk, you say?" Whitebeard roared in laughter, though his eyes narrowed. "You come aboard, making my men faint left and right with your Haki, and then you say you're here to talk? So what's so important that a young punk like you finds his way here?"

Shanks's smile faded, his face turning serious. "The reason is simple. I need you to stop Ace."

At that, Whitebeard's expression shifted slightly.

"Stop Ace from going after that man, Blackbeard—Teach." Shanks's voice was calm but firm, a hint of urgency lacing his words.