New World, Marine G-5 base.
"Hahahaha, well done, kid. It seems your training hasn't lagged behind!" Garp rubbed his itchy iron fist, as if he wanted Atlas to experience his "fist of love."
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Garp, for the compliment. I still have a long way to go," Atlas said with a smile, pretending not to notice Garp's enthusiasm.
"Alright, alright, Garp, take a seat and stop causing a ruckus!" Vice Admiral Tsuru, standing nearby, noticed that Garp was about to stir up trouble again and promptly intervened. Among everyone present, she was the only one capable of reining in Garp.
"Hahaha, I just wanted to offer some advice on Atlas's training," Garp replied. After hearing Tsuru's words, he found a place to sit down and scratched his head in embarrassment.
"Alright, if you're itching for a fight, you can save it for later for Whitebeard!" Vice Admiral Tsuru finally disclosed the reason for gathering everyone today.
Surveying the surroundings, this modest office accommodates nearly half of the Marine's New World force. Garp, Sakazuki, Tsuru, and Atlas. Tokikake, and Gion are expected to arrive shortly.
"Whitebeard..." Atlas felt a bit hyped. Not because he admired the guy, but because that man was the one he aimed to take down in the future. Whitebeard is currently at his prime, even though he'll age a bit over the next decade or so. Still, he's the strongest man in the world.
"Okay, let's prepare ourselves now and aim for the Whitebeard Pirates!"
Sakazuki has always been a no-nonsense guy, and he's naturally at the forefront when it comes to wiping out pirates.
...
The massive Moby-Dick is peacefully anchored on the sea, and behind it are ships of all sizes, belonging to the pirate crews sailing under Whitebeard.
Whitebeard is standing tall on the whale bow of the Moby-Dick, wielding One of the 12 Supreme Sharp Sword- Murakumogiri. He's got a white captain's cloak flowing behind him, and his long blond hair hanging down casually.(T/N: Remember the timeline)
"Hey! Garp, feeling like getting a taste of my fist today?"
"Hahaha! Whitebeard, I can't contain this fist any longer!"
Of course, Garp wasn't one to back down. He and Whitebeard had been old rivals for a long time. Back in the day, even though Garp was often on the chase after Roger worldwide, he still had his fair share of run-ins with Whitebeard.
"Hey! Whitebeard!"
Right at that moment, Atlas on the warship stepped up and yelled over to Whitebeard.
"Um?"
Atlas's shout instantly grabbed everyone's attention on the Moby Dick, and all eyes turned to him with a mix of surprise and anger. To them, Whitebeard is like a father figure, and this little Marine had the audacity to yell at their father. How dare he!
"I'm Canos Atlas! Remember this name because it's the one that's gonna snatch you from the strongest throne in the future! Stay alive and don't kick the bucket too soon!"
Ignoring the hostile vibes from the pirates, Atlas made it clear that he's up for a future showdown with Whitebeard.
"Hahaha! Atlas, you're a real piece of work! Good job!"
Garp burst into laughter upon hearing this, not holding back his inner sense of pride in the slightest.
"Gurarara~ You're an interesting kid. Want my head? Well, it depends on whether you've got the chops!"
When Whitebeard heard Atlas's cocky declaration, he didn't get angry at all. Instead, he laughed it off. Clearly, he didn't take Atlas seriously, because... well, he was Whitebeard!
Out of the blue, an incredibly intense force surged from Whitebeard, transforming the entire world into a monochromatic image. Black and red lightning crackled in the air, creating a constant visual spectacle. The powerful mental shockwave hit everyone like a blunt force to the back of the head. Weaker or less mentally resilient Marines dropped to the ground like toppled dominoes.
Yet, Garp and the rest appeared entirely impervious to Whitebeard's Conqueror's Haki. Atlas, on the other hand, sensed that Whitebeard had singled him out, feeling an ominous pressure far surpassing even Kaido's Conqueror's Haki bearing down on him.
'Even the Conqueror's Haki demands my surrender!'
'I am the man eager to take on Whitebeard!'
The notion of yielding flashed through Atlas's mind, but he resisted. This was a test of courage. He understood that if he succumbed here, the opportunity to challenge Whitebeard would be forever lost!
Click!
Suddenly, Atlas felt something shatter within his mind, and a powerful surge of energy erupted from his body!
Awaken, Conqueror's Haki belonging to Atlas!
In a flash, the scenario shifted as a potent Haki emanated from Atlas, enveloping everyone present without discrimination. Some of the pirates still in the midst of their struggles, along with the observing Marine and Whitebeard, were suddenly overcome with diziness. The effect cascaded down like a falling domino.
In just a few seconds, Whitebeard's advancing Conqueror's Haki, originally directed at Atlas, found itself locked in a stalemate. However, it soon retreated back into Whitebeard's own being.
"Hahaha! You've truly caught me off guard!"
Garp and the others' pupils contracted, followed by bursts of laughter. Conqueror's Haki of this caliber is indeed quite uncommon!
"Gurararara~ Impressive lad, there's someone like you in the Marines; how about becoming my son!"
Whitebeard, too, displayed a hint of surprise before attempting to recruit Atlas. It wasn't out of fear but a genuine admiration for him.
"Hey! Whitebeard, don't think we're non-existent!"
Garp expressed some dissatisfaction upon witnessing Whitebeard openly recruiting Atlas in front of one of their Marines.
Kaishin(Seaquake)
Whitebeard stood tall and raised his right hand. A luminous white sphere materialized in his palm, crashing into the air. The entire space ruptured like a shattered mirror, with countless visible cracks. The sea surface abruptly surged to a height of hundreds of meters, nearly engulfing the Marine's warship in an instant.
"Gulp~"
Not knowing who it was, he swallowed with a tinge of fear. Tension rapidly gripped the warship. Even Marines, who had never engaged in battle with Whitebeard, couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated. They nervously gulped and muttered absentmindedly to themselves, "Is this the power of the world's strongest man?"
Senkyō(Wash Mirror)
Vice Admiral Tsuru remained composed, extending one hand forward to activate her Devil Fruit ability. The once towering waves instantly subsided, akin to a tamed hunting dog. The roaring sea surface transformed into a serene mirror, challenging any attempts to stir up waves once more.
"Survived! Oh..."
"The colossal waves, reaching a height of 100 meters, suddenly quelled in an instant! It felt like a dream!"
"As expected of the Great Staff Officer of our headquarters, Vice Admiral Tsuru!"
Groups of Marines cheered joyously in the aftermath, simultaneously finding reassurance in the formidable combat power on their side.
"Gurarara... you're still as mighty as ever, Tsuru!"
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You are amazing, my dear readers! We have reached the Power Stone goal three times this week. As promised, here is another bonus chapter for reaching 90 Power Stones. I appreciate your love and support so much.
Also, I want to remind you about Patron, the platform where you can support me and get exclusive rewards. Members are charged on the day they join, and then again the same day in the next month.
Read 20 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari