"Huh? Did I just imagine that? That kid... when did he get here? And he actually took one of Pops' attacks head-on without a scratch?"
"Who is this guy? He's incredible!"
"That lightning strike looked terrifying, and after taking Pops' blow, he drew all that lightning into himself like it was nothing. Plus, he only looks like a teenager... is he even human?"
The deck of the Moby Dick was alive with astonished murmurs and shocked exclamations.
Even Whitebeard himself, for the briefest moment, showed a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
Marco, however, just smiled and gave a casual introduction. "That kid right there—he's the one I was telling you all about. His name's Takumi."
"But I thought you said he'd show up later in the evening?" Marco asked, turning to Takumi.
Takumi cast a quick glance at Enel, who still looked bewildered. "If I hadn't come when I did, he'd be a goner."
Enel blinked, frowning. "You underestimate me…"
"Takumi's assessment is accurate," Marco said with a wave of his hand. "Pops wasn't holding back with that strike. Even in your elemental form, he could've seriously injured you. So, you should probably thank your captain for saving you."
Enel's expression soured as he turned to Marco. "Is this old sick man really that powerful?"
Takumi, his face neutral, replied, "He's the strongest among the Four Emperors."
"F-Four Emperors?" Enel stammered, suddenly recalling the words of Garp, who had once mentioned that any one of the Four Emperors could easily crush him. His forehead began to bead with sweat.
What kind of reckless nonsense had he just pulled?
"Hmph!" Whitebeard grunted, his deep voice rumbling like thunder. "You think you can just walk away after trying to hurt my family?"
"Apologize," Takumi said calmly.
The command wasn't directed at Whitebeard but at Enel.
Enel's eyes widened as he realized what was expected. Taking a deep breath, his face contorted in discomfort as he muttered, "I... I'm sorry."
The moment the words left Enel's mouth, Takumi's mind was flooded with the system's long-delayed notification.
[Ding! Engaging in a clash with Whitebeard has increased your Sign-In progress by 20%. Current total progress: 30%. Reward: Conqueror's Haki level increased by 1. Current Conqueror's Haki Level: Lv. 5]
A surge of power erupted from within Takumi, and he inwardly groaned. Great, just what I needed...
When a Haki level increases, there's always a brief, involuntary burst of Conqueror's Haki.
And though it only lasts a moment, it's enough to knock out anyone nearby who isn't strong enough to withstand it.
In an instant, the deck of the Moby Dick was littered with unconscious bodies—all except for Whitebeard, Marco, Enel, and Takumi himself.
Because Whitebeard had given most of the crew a day off, more than half of the ship's crew, including the other division commanders, were already ashore in Water 7.
"Uh…" Marco wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "Takumi, that was a bit much, don't you think?"
Enel, still reeling from the impact of Takumi's Haki, was stunned in more ways than one. It dawned on him that, despite how distant and detached Takumi might seem, the captain was fiercely protective of those he considered his own.
Takumi had come early, all for him.
He'd ordered him to apologize but then leveled the playing field by knocking everyone else out with a show of dominance.
If that wasn't loyalty, what was it?
Enel was overwhelmed with emotion, but as usual, Takumi maintained his cold, aloof demeanor.
Well, the damage is done. Might as well deal with it. Takumi thought, accepting the situation with his usual stoic resolve.
"Heh, you've got guts, kid," Whitebeard growled as he yanked the IV tubes from his arm and stood, towering over the deck. Gripping his mighty weapon, Murakumogiri, in one hand, he swung the massive blade at Takumi without a second thought.
Takumi's expression hardened. Without hesitation, he drew Lake Toya and met Whitebeard's attack head-on.
The moment their blades clashed, a shockwave of immense power exploded from the point of impact.
A loud crack echoed across the ship as the Moby Dick's entire railing shattered. The force of their clash splintered the deck and sent spider-web cracks crawling across the ship's masts and walls. Only the deck itself remained intact, and that was purely due to Whitebeard's control.
Takumi's brow furrowed as he stared up at the towering figure of Whitebeard.
No wonder they called him the strongest. Not only did Whitebeard unleash such incredible power, but he could also control the aftermath with precision.
Takumi wasn't yet at that level.
Soon, the force of Whitebeard's strike began to drive Takumi's feet into the deck. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead—an extremely rare sight.
Meanwhile, Whitebeard stood there, perfectly at ease.
"What's wrong? Feeling the pressure already?" Whitebeard taunted, his grin widening. "My crew isn't something you can just trifle with."
Enel's body began to crackle with electricity as he prepared to intervene.
Marco, noticing this, moved to stop him.
But Takumi spoke first. "Stay back."
Enel froze in place, his mouth opening to protest before closing again. He stood his ground, though it was clear he wasn't happy about it.
"Hmph, at least you've got some backbone," Whitebeard sneered. But his grip on Murakumogiri tightened as he poured even more power into the clash.
A devastating wave of sword energy surged through their blades, cutting through Takumi's defenses and slamming into his body.
Despite using his healing technique in advance, it only mitigated some of the damage. Takumi held on for a solid ten seconds before the pressure became too much. Blood welled up in his throat, and he spat it out onto the deck.
It was the first time he had been injured since arriving in the world of pirates.
"Takumi!" Enel shouted, panic flooding his voice.
Marco's eyes widened. "Pops, that's enough! He's just a kid."
Whitebeard, seeing Takumi cough up blood, lowered his weapon. His expression shifted to one of grudging respect. "Gurararara! Impressive. Looks like Marco wasn't wrong about you. To take that strike and stay standing as long as you did… Your strength is something to be reckoned with, even on the Grand Line. But if you want to survive in the New World, you've got some growing to do."
Takumi sheathed Lake Toya and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.
Enel rushed to his side. "You okay?"
Takumi shook his head and wordlessly pulled his feet free from the deck's wooden planks.
In a pure swordsmanship contest, losing to Whitebeard was nothing to be ashamed of. He accepted it.
"Takumi," Whitebeard grinned, his voice booming. "Be my son."
Takumi: "…"
"I refuse," he answered flatly.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard roared with laughter. "Marco told me you were a strange one. I hear you want to be a traveler?"
Takumi gave a curt nod.
Whitebeard's grin widened. "My crew isn't like any other pirate crew out there. To me, my crew members are family—my most precious treasure. I'll protect each and every one of you with everything I've got. Takumi, you're still young, with a lot of room to grow. There are plenty of people out there who are stronger than you, especially in the New World. But if you become my son, as long as I'm around, no one will dare lay a hand on you. And you'd have complete freedom—you wouldn't even have to sail with me if you didn't want to."
"That won't be necessary." Takumi's response was as cold as ever. "I don't need a father, and I certainly don't need anyone's protection. I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass."