Chapter 184: Whitebeard's Hometown
Watching Whitebeard, Charlotte felt a chill run down his spine.
This reminded him of a memory from the past.
"Be my son!"
Whitebeard gently pulled Vista up, making the boy feel even more ashamed. He lowered his head, unable to meet Whitebeard's eyes.
"The Whitebeard Pirates suffered heavy losses this time, but I will not blame you. I only blame myself for being an incompetent father. It was my failure to protect your brothers that led to such heavy casualties! But sooner or later, I will get revenge on the Navy!"
A fierce light flashed in Whitebeard's eyes as he spoke.
His anger was palpable, and even Charlotte, standing beside him, felt a little uneasy.
It was clear that the Navy would suffer in the New World. But for Charlotte, this was actually beneficial.
For the time being, he planned to keep a low profile, silently building his strength while Whitebeard and Golden Lion took the spotlight.
Charlotte Linlin had followed a similar approach.
After Roger's death, Charlotte Linlin kept to herself, giving birth to children and solidifying her rule. Within two years, she became one of the emperors of the sea, standing equal to Whitebeard.
Charlotte decided that he needed to follow this example. He would focus on building a legacy, creating a family that would carry the Rockefeller name across the world.
Meanwhile, Whitebeard and Vista were still debating who was to blame for the losses they suffered.
Charlotte silently walked back to his ship.
"Captain, what do we do now?"
Carter approached him, awaiting instructions.
"First, we attend the funeral Whitebeard is holding for his sons. Then, we return to Kami Island."
Charlotte looked at Carter and spoke firmly.
Whitebeard had personally invited him to the funeral, and it would be rude to refuse. He had given Charlotte face before, so now it was time to return the favor.
"Understood! I'll send a message to the others on Kami Island so they don't worry."
Carter nodded and went inside to relay the message.
Charlotte was pleased with his first squad captain.
The best subordinates are those who understand how to lighten the captain's burden.
Carter was already over thirty, and his potential was limited. He would likely remain at the level of a Vice Admiral at best, but that was fine.
Not everyone was like Zefa.
Zefa had been a late bloomer, only revealing his true talent in his thirties.
But most people had their limits, and Carter had likely reached his.
Charlotte also realized something—all of his officers were older than him.
The oldest among them was Wolfe, a man he had saved and recruited. Wolfe was already over forty and served out of gratitude, making him the eldest of Charlotte's subordinates.
Most of the others, like Paul and Isaac, were close to thirty.
Ironically, Charlotte was the youngest among them. But that was fine.
By the time his officers grew old, his children would have matured and taken their place.
Eventually, he would form a high-ranking command similar to the Navy's admirals or Kaido's calamities.
Barrett would undoubtedly be his strongest lieutenant—the Emperor's right hand.
Time passed quickly.
Charlotte followed Whitebeard's fleet for three days, the slow pace caused by the damage to Whitebeard's ship. The bow had been half-destroyed, and moving too fast could cause the vessel to fall apart.
Finally, an island appeared on the horizon.
Lush green fields stretched across the landscape, with small, quiet towns nestled within them.
Charlotte was momentarily stunned.
"Is there really such a paradise in the New World?"
But it didn't take long for him to understand.
This was Whitebeard's hometown.
Seeing the way Whitebeard's eyes softened, it was obvious that this island held great meaning for him.
Charlotte recalled something.
Whitebeard had spent his entire life protecting an island, using all the money he earned as a pirate to support it.
This was the place.
As the ship docked, voices erupted from the port.
"It's Newgate! Newgate is back!"
An elderly man looked up, squinting his cloudy eyes toward the approaching ship.
"This brat Newgate... I wonder what he brought us this time?"
The old man chuckled as he saw the tall figure standing at the bow.
But the mood changed when the people at the port saw the rows of white cloth covering lifeless bodies.
Silence fell over the town.
The townsfolk instinctively understood what had happened.
Whitebeard stood at the front of the ship, looking at the covered bodies of his fallen sons.
"Go. Send your brothers home."
His voice was deep and steady, filled with grief and authority.
"Go home..."
The crew members repeated his words in unison.
A wave of sorrow washed over the ship.
One by one, the crew lifted their fallen brothers, faces filled with sadness, and followed Whitebeard down to the island.
Charlotte and his men followed behind them in silence.
As they walked through the small streets, the townspeople lined up on either side, watching with solemn respect.
Their eyes were filled with both gratitude and sorrow.
Charlotte noticed a flower shop on the way and stopped for a moment.
He bought several bouquets.
Each of his crew members carried a bouquet of flowers, holding them tightly as they walked toward the burial site.
They arrived at a peaceful area surrounded by mountains and water, with birds singing overhead.
There, white tombstones stretched across the land.
Charlotte counted at least a hundred graves.
His heart tightened.
"These must be all of Whitebeard's fallen sons over the years..."
It was impossible for Whitebeard to protect every child he took in.
Sailing the seas meant constant danger. Death was inevitable.
One by one, large graves were dug.
Whitebeard himself placed each body into the earth with his own hands.
His eyes darkened with sorrow, but he remained silent.
The crew members fought back tears, some biting their lips to stop themselves from crying out loud.
Finally, Whitebeard placed the last body into the ground.
He stood still for a long moment, staring at the graves.
Then, in a low voice, he spoke two words.
"Bury them."
Those two words drained him.
Charlotte watched closely.
For the first time, Whitebeard lowered his head and let a single tear fall—a moment of private grief, unnoticed by the others.
The crew members grabbed shovels, burying their fallen brothers.
The sound of dirt hitting coffins filled the air.
Once the graves were fully covered, Whitebeard led everyone in paying their respects.
No words were spoken.
Only the whispers of the wind and the silent mourning of a father who had lost his sons.
To be continued…
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