Four years had passed since Ali concocted the basic strengthening pills. Right now, Ali was walking towards Whitebeard's room because Whitebeard wanted to talk to him privately.
"KNOCK, KNOCK."
After knocking on Whitebeard's private room, Ali heard Whitebeard's rough voice. "ENTER."
Ali opened the door and entered Whitebeard's room.
Whitebeard smiled; his eyes softened when he saw Ali; he then said, "Come in, my son. Have a seat. I have something important to tell you."
Ali smiled, nodded his head, then took a seat next to Whitebeard's bed.
Whitebeard was lying on his bed. He stretched his arm, took two letters from his drawers, looked at Ali, sighed, and then he said to him, "Ali, I observed you over the years, and I can tell that you are ready to learn about your parents and how we found you."
Ali nodded and said to Whitebeard, "Father, you might not know, but I was born with a photographic memory. I know my parents put me in a basket when I was an infant, then I drifted in the sea before Marco found me."
Whitebeard's eyes widened in shock at first, then he burst out in laughter, "GURARARARA, my son blessed by the heavens."
When Ali heard this, he chuckled. Whitebeard then looked at Ali seriously and said to him, "We found two letters in the basket you were in." While I was carrying you in my arm, we discovered one letter, and we found the other inside your basket. One of those two letters is addressed to you, and the other is addressed to the person who will find you. Do you want to read the two letters, son?"
Ali shook his head and said, "Father, I only need the letter that is addressed to me; the other letter is yours after all. You and Marco are the ones who found me."
"GURARARARA, just as I thought, my son here, this is the letter that is addressed to you." Whitebeard said to Ali, then he gave one of the letters to Ali.
Ali opened the letter and began to read it.
"Dear Ali, My name is Read D Tareq. I am your father. If you are reading this letter, it signifies that both your mother and I have passed away."
"I and your mother are archaeologists. We studied archaeology at Orahara, an island in West Blue. We both were fascinated by our world history. After spending many years researching world history, we decided to delve into the mystery of the void century."
"We both know it was illegal to research the void century, but we were determined to uncover its mysteries; however, the world government discovered that we were researching the void century, and they started hunting us down."
"We hid ourselves on Sap Island, a remote island in the new world, and in that island you were born."
"I and your mother were very happy when you were born; your mother even cried in happiness."
"We even decided to give up our goal in uncovering the mysteries behind the void century to raise you because it will be dangerous bringing you with us in our journey."
"We considered entrusting you to our friends in Orahara for your upbringing, but ultimately, we decided against it due to the potential risk of a trip back to Orahara, which could endanger you. Therefore, our best option is to abandon our research."
"However, we received information recently that the world government discovered our whereabouts; I and your mother vowed to protect you no matter what, son."
"I have no regrets, son, about researching the void century." I pursued my passion. Even if you hate me for following my heart, I will always love you. This world is full of darkness, son. Live your life without regret."
"Your loving father, Read D. Tariq."
After reading the letter, Ali closed his eyes and started contemplating, "Live your life without any regret, huh? Father, you are really wise."
Whitebeard continued to gaze at Ali with curiosity as he lay on his bed.
After five minutes, Ali opened his eyes; his eyes shone brightly with determination, and he said to Whitebeard, "Father, I have decided I want to leave the ship and travel by myself."
Whitebeard widened his eyes in shock, then he narrowed his eyes in anger and yelled at Ali, "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"
Ali gazed directly at Whitebeard, his eyes brimming with determination, and he said, "Father, the reason I want to leave the ship is because I've figured out the goal that I want to pursue, so leaving Moby Dick is the only way for me to achieve that goal."
When Whitebeard heard this, he was intrigued and asked Ali, "Oh, and what is that goal of yours, son?"
Ali smiled back at Whitebeard and said to him, "To be precise, it is not a goal but an ambition. I want to change this world; according to my father, this world is full of darkness. I also heard a couple of years ago when Jozu was having discussions with Fossa about the legality of slavery in our world."
Whitebeard's eyes widened for a second. Whitebeard's change in expression went unnoticed by Ali, who continued, "Our world is so messed up, father." I want to change it. The only way to change it is to leave Moby Dick and take action. Without taking action, there will be no change."
After Ali explained his reasons for wanting to leave Moby Dick, Whitebeard erupted in laughter, exclaiming, "GURARARARARA!" That's my son, but you need to grow strong to have a chance to achieve your ambition."
Ali smiled and nodded, "I know that I need to be a stronger father; I also know that I need a plan, allies, experience, and many more, but for now I want to travel around the world to broaden my horizons."
Whitebeard smiled and thought for a couple of moments, then said to Ali, "Listen, Ali, let's make a deal: from tomorrow I will train you personally, but unless I am satisfied with your strength, I will not let you leave this ship. Do I make myself clear?"
Ali smiled and nodded his head. He then said to Whitebeard, "I understand, father; I promise I will never disappoint you."
Whitebeard smiled and nodded his head, then Ali stood up and left Whitebeard's room.
After Ali closed the door behind him, Whitebeard smiled widely and said to himself, "To think this kid will utter the exact same words as you, Gandi; it seems my son inherited your will, old friend. I have a feeling that he might succeed where you failed, but only time could tell if I am right. I will have to train little Ali hard; I don't want him to have the same fate as yours."
He then picked up the bottle of whiskey next to him and started drinking.