One Piece: Starting at the War of the Best

"You're Katie, right? Now, can you finally tell me what your goal is?"

It was only at this moment that Katie finally came face to face with Edward Newgate—known across the world as the strongest man alive.

Even in his heavily wounded state, Whitebeard exuded an overwhelming pressure—not Conqueror's Haki, just sheer presence. The aura of a king.

"My goal is simple—I just don't want you or Ace to die."

At this moment, Katie made no effort to conceal her intentions. Whether it was the ultimate mission objective or her feelings as a fan of the series, that had always been her aim.

"Oh? So you think I'm definitely going to die here?"

Though Katie's words bordered on offense, Whitebeard didn't mind.

"Isn't the wound on your chest proof enough?"

"...Then I thank you." This time, Whitebeard didn't deny it.

"No need. Saving you guys benefits me too. At the very least, when I enter the New World, one of the Four Emperors won't be my enemy."

Her calm voice spoke of bold intentions. Even though the surrounding people were all powerful, they couldn't help but be stunned. She actually planned to challenge the Four Emperors?

"You've got guts, I'll give you that," Whitebeard said, voicing what everyone was thinking. This young woman, not even twenty, dared to look toward the Four Emperors while this battle hadn't even ended.

But no one refuted her. Her achievements spoke for themselves. Maybe she wasn't strong enough yet—but in the future? Who could say.

"Dad, let's retreat. Ace is back—there's no need to keep fighting," said Marco from the side. Their objective had been accomplished. The Navy was still recovering from the devastation caused by Katie and Akainu's battle. This was the perfect moment to withdraw.

More importantly, Marco couldn't shake a strange feeling. He, too, had sensed Redfield's aura. How had such a powerhouse boarded their ship without him knowing? Thankfully, he wasn't an enemy, or the consequences would be unthinkable.

Even so, Marco remained wary. That mysterious man wasn't an enemy—but certainly not an ally either. Otherwise, why hadn't he acted sooner?

"You're right. It's time to leave. Pass the order—full retreat."

But just as the word "retreat" left his mouth, Whitebeard froze, unable to say the next word. Because standing before him was a face both familiar and detestable.

"Hahahahahaha! Pops, why are you in such a hurry to leave? I just got here! It's been so long—shouldn't we have a nice chat, my dearest old man?"

"Teach!! You dare show your face before me again?! Tired of living, are you?!"

The moment Teach appeared, Whitebeard's entire demeanor changed. A violent aura erupted from him, veins bulging. This wasn't anger—this was pure rage.

And not just him—the entire Whitebeard Pirates, tens of thousands strong, reacted the same way. If looks could kill, Teach would've died ten million times in an instant.

"Hahahahahaha! Pops, you think I'm still the same Teach from back then? Are you still the same Whitebeard? You're wrong. From this day forward—I am Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach!"

Teach's voice echoed across the battlefield through a den den mushi, spreading to the entire world.

The world froze. Just when everyone thought it was over, this self-proclaimed "Blackbeard" flipped the board in front of the whole world. It was a direct challenge to Whitebeard and his crew.

At the same time, the criminals who had followed him appeared behind him, now revealed to the world.

"What… what the hell is going on?! Why are there so many escaped convicts?! What happened to Impel Down?! Where the hell is Magellan?!"

Catarina Devon, Sanjuan Wolf, Avalo Pizarro, and Vasco Shot—each of them was a notorious criminal who should've been locked away forever. Yet here they were.

It made sense the public didn't know. Sengoku had ordered a total news blackout on Impel Down to avoid mass panic. No one outside had any idea what had actually occurred.

"Teach, you're still just as arrogant as ever. Do you really think a single Devil Fruit makes you invincible?"

"Zehahaha! That's because you don't know what kind of power this fruit holds!"

In response to Whitebeard's challenge, Teach let out a mad cackle. Wisps of dark mist curled around his hand—ominous and disturbing.

Then, Teach's gaze suddenly shifted toward Katie, his cocky grin fading slightly.

"You're Katie, right? How about it—interested in joining us? I think you and I are the same type of people," he said meaningfully.

Katie glanced at Shiryu of the Rain first, then turned her gaze to Teach, her voice calm but firm:

"Sorry. I don't like hanging around with traitors who lack righteousness or loyalty. It's filthy."

There was no hesitation in her rejection.

"She's right! Teach, you traitorous scum! After all the kindness Pops showed you!"

"Traitor!"

"Betrayer!"

In an instant, Katie earned the unanimous support of the entire Whitebeard crew. She had voiced the rage that had long been boiling inside them—and it felt great to let it out.

Seeing the darkness in Blackbeard's eyes grow deeper, Katie knew she had now become his target. But she didn't regret it at all. If one word could describe Blackbeard, it would be: scheming tyrant.

He was never a trustworthy partner. If he could betray once, he'd do it again. Working with him meant sleeping with one eye open—or you'd die without even knowing how.

More importantly, she had no reason to collaborate with him. With the system on her side, what couldn't she obtain? Being his subordinate?

Wishful thinking!

No—don't even dream about it!

Blackbeard stared at Katie's silhouette, clenching and unclenching his right hand repeatedly. When he first heard from Shiryu that this person could copy others' abilities—not limited to Devil Fruits—he had scoffed at the idea. Even his Yami Yami no Mi couldn't do that—how could someone else?

But once he learned everything that happened at Marineford, he stopped doubting. That's when he decided—this person must either be recruited... or eliminated.

And now? Recruitment was off the table.

Only one option remains: total annihilation.