Bab 200: 199 Expanding the Crew
"Huh? Oyaji, are we going to start expanding the crew?"
Jozu asked with curiosity, as the old Whitebeard was usually indifferent to such matters.
Most of the members either joined voluntarily or were accepted as sons after coming to challenge Whitebeard.
In the past, Whitebeard rarely took the initiative to recruit members and expand his influence. Nevertheless, even so, the influence of Whitebeard at that time was truly formidable.
While the name of Pirate King Whitebeard is spreading all over the world now, there will definitely be many people who want to seek refuge under his name, but the forces that come to take refuge in this period will definitely be mixed.
"Yes, I've said it before. There's many pirates taking advantage of the opportunity when I'm gone and bully the crew? The pirates will pay the price sooner or later, and we will reclaim what we lost"
"But we are a big crew and most of all, we are a big family. I can't handle these things alone, and you can't rely on me forever"
"Even If we say that we will mind our own business and not provoke others in the future, but my strength and title have already become targets for others. Such as one of the Four Emperors, or even multiple Four Emperors will allied to deal with us."
"As time goes on, I will grow weaker, and I won't be able to look after all of you. It will depend on your abilities at that time"
Whitebeard's words made Jozu suddenly become more alert. He wondered why Whitebeard had recently disbanded the other Division Commanders and Fleet Captains but hadn't taken any action himself.
It turned out that Whitebeard had been considering it for a long time. Now, their situation was becoming more delicate.
Once they take action, they might provoke hostility from various forces.
That's why Whitebeard stood still, and then asked the other division commander and fleet captains to consolidate their own power.
Now, he tasked Jozu with recruiting troops and expanding their power to address potential challenges that may arise in the future.
"It turned out to be like this, Oyaji, is it really possible for the Four Emperors to unite against us?"
Although Jozu understood Whitebeard's foresight.
But Jozu still had some doubts about the fact that these arrogant Four Emperors would form an alliance with each other.
After all, the Four Emperors represent the emperors of the New World sea, the supreme ruler of their own forces.
The strong each have their own dignity. If they unite, doesn't it imply acknowledging their own failures and shortcomings?
But Whitebeard thinks that in the past, 'Marines Hero' Garp joined forces with Roger to destroy the Rocks Pirates, despite Roger being a pirate himself.
Moreover, Garp's actions indicated that he felt the need to collaborate with others to handle Rocks, proving that he alone wasn't enough to face Rocks.
Later, Garp declined the promotion to Admiral. Although this indicated his inferiority to Rocks, the Marine exploited this to spread the narrative that he single-handedly defeated Rocks.
This is far from being an honor for Garp; it's a deep source of shame.
Even now, Garp has been haunted by this incident. It holds true for Garp, and similarly for the Four Emperors.
Jozu found this puzzling, but Whitebeard smiled and responded: "Of course, when they encounter a level far beyond their own, they'll do whatever it takes."
The Four Emperors still have their own arrogance, but it's because they remain Four Emperors. However, when their identities as Four Emperors aren't at the top, it changes things.
When there's a "Pirate King" above them, their arrogance becomes insignificant.
Whitebeard, having experienced this in his past life, understood this deeply. Before his resurrection, the Four Emperors even allied with the Marines to deal with him.
Jozu nodded, "So, Oyaji, what should I do? Since news of your resurrection spread, some pirate groups have already expressed their desire to seek refuge under our name."
"But you've mostly turned them away already. How can I expand our power now? Who should I look for?"
Jozu didn't quite understand this. In the past, many pirates sought to be part of their crew, but Whitebeard turned them all away. Instead, he acknowledged Charles Vane, who had attempted to assassinate him, as his son.
This is a bit puzzling. If he wasn't familiar with and didn't respect Whitebeard, Jozu might think this person has a problem with their head.
"Jozu, as the third division commander of our pirate group, you're excellent, but you should also learn some strategies"
Whitebeard chuckled playfully, surprising Jozu, who quickly asked, "Oyaji, what do you mean? I don't quite understand."
"Guurarara, what I mean is, it's hard to tell if they're sincere, but most of them have their own goals"
"What our pirates need are truly loyal and honest partners, not those with some hidden motive"
"Valuable partners are usually discovered on their own, not by waiting for others to seek refuge. Most of those who come seeking refuge are often have a little value"
Whitebeard smiled and shared his thoughts. Although Jozu was a little at a loss, he still pretended to understand thoroughly.
"Oh, I see, Oyaji. I understand. But where can I find a valuable partner?"
Jozu inquired again, but Whitebeard didn't provide a direct answer.
"Of course, you need to discover this on your own, but I have a very important candidate who you needs to contact"
Whitebeard acted mysteriously, not directly revealing the name to Jozu but instructing him to go to Sky Island.
"After you go to Sky Island, follow the method to contact the person, and then pass the message to him, no matter what the result is, you can return."
"Of course, if you encounter any promising individuals along the way, feel free to bring them back"
After hearing Whitebeard's instructions, Jozu firmly memorized the method and message. He immediately set off with a team of crew members.
Seeing Jozu's departure, Edward Weevil on the side felt unhappy and started to make trouble.
"Oyaji, why are they all leaving one by one? I'm stuck here. I want to go out and play, i also wanna fight"
Complained Edward Weevil, who may look like a baby but has the expression of a troublemaker.
Whitebeard immediately smiled, raised his Naginata, and gave it a shake.
"Alright, I'll spar with you to see if you've made any progress during this time."
When Whitebeard said this, Edward Weevil flinched.
"No way, Oyaji! I won't fight you; you'll just bully me!"
During the battle between Whitebeard and Hawkeye, Edward Weevil also watched it closely.
Moreover, after being defeated last time and witnessing Whitebeard's current prowess, Edward Weevil had become more agreeable and compliant with Whitebeard.
"Guurarara, if you won't spar with me, then don't talk about wanting to fight anymore. Be patient during this time. Your opportunities for battles will come in the future"
Whitebeard laughed and remarked that he actually intended to intentionally dampen Edward Weevil's eagerness for combat, preserving it for potential significant battles in the future.
Then, when the time comes, when the tiger is out of the cage, he'll become a formidable force ready to make a killing.
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TO BE CONTINUE
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Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone