Capítulo 42: Chapter 42: A world where Everyone can Eat!
Whitebeard's proposal for a research project was somewhat unexpected, yet entirely reasonable, likely rooted in his childhood experiences. Born in a destitute village on an island in the New World, Whitebeard had seen firsthand the harsh realities of life outside the protection of the World Government. His village was too poor to afford the Heavenly Gold, and as a result, it was not a member of the World Government. This exclusion meant no protection from the Marines, eventually turning the island into a lawless zone overrun by pirates and human traffickers. As the country fell into ruin, countless children became orphans, and Whitebeard was one of them.
This experience drove him to the sea at a young age, where he became a pirate. Even after rising to the rank of Emperor, Whitebeard continued to send money and resources back to his hometown anonymously, never forgetting his roots.
"A kind of food that can make people full," Whitebeard stated, his voice heavy with the weight of his past.
Edie found himself intrigued by the idea—a world where everyone could eat their fill. Slowly, he walked up to Whitebeard, considering the proposal.
"No?" Whitebeard asked, eager for confirmation. If this research could be realized, he would gladly sponsor Edie's institute.
"Whitebeard, sometimes hunger isn't just about a lack of food," Edie began, his tone gentle but firm. "There are issues of power, of distribution..."
Whitebeard nodded, understanding all too well. "But what I want now is just this. If you agree, I will find a way to sponsor your research funds every year."
"Can," Edie replied with a nod. "Since you insist, that's no problem. Increasing food production isn't an insurmountable challenge."
He considered the possibilities. Better grain varieties could be developed through hybridization and other methods. Though Edie wasn't an expert in agriculture, he was the foremost scientist in understanding bloodline factors, which existed in all living things in the world of pirates—even in crops like rice.
Moreover, this project would be a boon for Edie as well. Food was essential to everyone, and success in this endeavor would skyrocket his scientific reputation.
"So, let's talk about research funding," Edie said, shifting to the practicalities.
"I can provide 10 billion every year," Whitebeard answered without hesitation. "I hope to see your research succeed before I die."
Ten billion was the limit Whitebeard could offer. The Whitebeard Pirates rarely engaged in robbery; most of their income came from protection fees paid by the islands under Whitebeard's protection or from plundering other pirate groups.
"100 billion in 10 years?" Edie mused, impressed.
"No, not until I die!" Whitebeard clarified, his voice filled with resolve.
Edie couldn't help but admire Whitebeard's courage and decisiveness. Yet, a part of him wondered if he was pushing too hard. But then again, why not? If the money wasn't given to him, it would be spent elsewhere.
"Old Whitebeard, what are you talking about? If the research is successful, I won't keep asking for more money," Edie said with a friendly tone. "Let's do it like this: just like Kaido, raise 200 billion over 20 years, and I guarantee your dream will come true!"
Whitebeard was stunned for a moment before breaking into a smile. "You're really something. If we had met under different circumstances, we might have been good friends, sharing drinks together."
"We're good brothers now," Edie replied with a grin. "Anyone willing to sponsor my research funds is my good brother. Even Kaido is a good brother of mine—his daughter calls me uncle. But as for the matter between you two, I'm staying out of it. Chenlong, let's go."
Chenlong, Edie's companion, immediately transformed into a dragon, lowering his head for Edie to mount. As Edie rode away, he left Whitebeard with one last piece of advice: "Prepare this year's 10 billion funding as soon as possible. This is my contact information."
A folded piece of paper fell into Whitebeard's hands, with a string of numbers scrawled on it.
As Edie and the Earthly Branches departed, the two pirate crews watched in tense silence. The captains quickly gathered around Whitebeard.
"Dad, are you okay?" they asked, concern etched on their faces.
Whitebeard raised his hand, signaling for calm. His gaze turned toward Kaido, who was approaching with King and Queen in tow, a mocking expression on his face.
"Hey, hey, hey... Newgate, do you want to continue?" Kaido taunted. Like Whitebeard, Kaido was burdened with a massive 200 billion debt, and he couldn't help but suspect that even in death, Whitebeard might never repay it.
"What all-you-can-eat food? A boring dream," Kaido scoffed. "You're just like Roger and Kozuki Oden—idiots who call themselves pirates with a heart of gold!"
Whitebeard remained calm, his voice steady. "Kaido, the matter of you sinking Andre's pirate group ends here. Sooner or later, I'll settle the score with you regarding Kozuki Oden. For now, go back, kids!" He turned to leave, picking up his blade as he did.
But Kaido wasn't done. "You want to leave? Did I let you go?" he sneered. "I rested for an hour, but you fought Zishu intensely for an hour. How long can you last?"
Whitebeard, though seriously injured, remained resolute. His chest bore multiple stab wounds, blood still seeping from them.
"Kaido! You bastard! You're unethical!" one of the captains shouted, furious that Kaido was taking advantage of Whitebeard's weakened state.
"Dad, leave it to us! We'll come in behind and escort everyone to retreat!" another captain insisted, seething with anger.
Kaido laughed darkly. "Oh, oh, oh... are you angry? This is how pirates survive, idiot!"
With a mighty roar, Kaido transformed into his massive dragon form, flames flickering in his maw as he prepared to unleash them on the Moby Dick.
Whitebeard's fists clenched as he asked, "What do you want?"
Kaido paused, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "Give me five islands under your control!" he demanded. "I'm so short of money! With a massive 20 billion per year to pay... I need more islands!"
And with that, The war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Beasts Pirates was at its end.
At the top of the Red Line, in the holy land of Mariejois, stood the Pangaea Castle, the seat of power for the World Government. In a serene garden within the castle, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, one of the Five Elders, tended to the flowers with a calm demeanor that belied his authority. He wore a black suit, his white curly hair and fluffy beard contrasting with the flat hat that rested atop his head. A scar marked the left side of his face, a silent testament to a past filled with untold battles.
As he watered the flowers, Saturn spoke without turning to face the man standing behind him. "When you went to the New World to redeem people, you encountered some trouble?"
Sengoku, the Marine Admiral, replied in a deep voice. "I encountered the scientist Edie, accompanied by two of the Earthly Branches, Chenlong and Shenhou. My warship was sunk."
"Shenhou? Not Zishu?" Saturn inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Shenhou," Sengoku confirmed. "Zishu and Shenhou are not the same person."
"And their strength?" Saturn continued, still focused on the flowers.
"Very strong," Sengoku admitted. "But fighting alone, they are no match for me. The twelve Earthly Branches are indeed as formidable as expected. Each member wears a ghost face mask, and Shenhou... Shenhou also has black wings, indicating he is Lunarian."
At this, Saint Saturn paused, a frown creasing his brow. "Why are there so many Lunarians? This accursed Race deserves to die! Where is their base camp?"
Sengoku, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly updated him. "Recent information suggests that Edie led an attack on Beehive Island, killed the big pirate Ochoku, and currently controls the island. If all twelve members possess Shenhou's level of strength, it will be very difficult for us. Facing even two Earthly Branches at the same time would be challenging, even for me."
Saint Saturn stopped watering the flowers and struck the ground with his cane, his anger barely contained. "Be aware of who you are and where you stand, Sengoku!"
Sengoku held his ground, stating the reality with a measured tone. "This is the situation. Zephyr has retired, and I am the only Admiral at present."
The World Government had long pursued a strategy of extermination against the Lunarian clan, yet Sengoku felt compelled to remind Saturn that an immediate attack on Beehive Island was beyond the Marines' current capabilities.
Saint Saturn snorted coldly, frustration evident in his voice. "That Earthly Branch member, Chenlong—his ability, is it genuine?"
"Yes," Sengoku confirmed. "There is no doubt that it's the same as Kaido's—the Blue Dragon Fruit of the Mythical Zoan species."
Hearing this, Saint Saturn pressed his hand to his forehead, a headache brewing. This Devil Fruit had been one of the prized spoils from the Valley of the Gods all those years ago. Such a powerful fruit was not meant to exist in the mortal world. Damn the Rocks Pirates!
"Is it a copy? That someone could replicate the Blue Dragon Fruit..." Saturn's voice carried a mix of anger and reluctant admiration. As the "God of Scientific Defense," he was a scientist himself.
After a moment of contemplation, Saint Saturn shook his head, dismissing the thought. "Forget it, regardless of which scientist is behind this. Speed up the formation of the Shichibukai."
"Yes," Sengoku acknowledged, completing his report and leaving without further delay.
As soon as Sengoku departed, Saint Saturn took out his phone and quickly dialed a number. The call was answered after a brief pause.
"Hey, who is this?" a voice on the other end asked.
"It's me," Saturn replied tersely.
"...Five Elders," the voice recognized him immediately.
"Kaido has been captured by the Marines multiple times. I have his blood factor in my possession. You must find a way to clone a Blue Dragon Fruit from it as soon as possible!" Saturn ordered, his tone brooking no argument.
"Clone a Devil Fruit? A Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit? Ah, the Earthly Branch in the news... a dragon," the voice mused.
"That's an order, Vegapunk!" Saturn snapped, leaving no room for hesitation.
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