บท 124: Chapter 124 - strongest no more
The intoxicating blend of laughter and music drew Ryu and Yoruichi toward the heart of the celebration. Ryu took a moment to examine the older man, curious as to how strong the World's Strongest actually is.
Beside him, Yoruichi studied the pirate leader with an equally curious gaze. She could feel the undercurrent of respect in the clamorous crowd, an unspoken reverence that was reserved for their captain.
"Well, he's certainly impressive," Yoruichi murmured, her eyes scanning the crowd of rowdy pirates. The different species, the range of ages, it was clear that Whitebeard's influence spread far and wide.
"Yeah," Ryu agreed, his gaze not leaving the elderly pirate. He was silent for a moment, mulling over their approach. "Let's not interrupt their celebration. We aren't in a rush, we can wait a bit."
The two moved to a less crowded corner of the celebration, taking the time to observe and blend into the crowd. Ryu felt a grin spread across his face as he watched a couple of burly pirates arm-wrestling, their fierce expressions contrasting with the laughter around them.
Yoruichi, on the other hand, was intrigued by the wide array of exotic dishes on offer. She picked up a skewer of brightly colored seafood, the smell wafting up to her was a tantalizing blend of spices and fresh ocean produce. Taking a cautious bite, her eyes widened in pleasant surprise. The flavors were unlike anything she had experienced before, a taste that could only be described as the essence of the sea itself.
Meanwhile, Whitebeard was regaling his crew with tales of past adventures. His booming voice echoed around the party, drawing everyone in. Every word was soaked in nostalgia, painting vivid pictures of thrilling battles, lost treasures, and unforgettable rivalries.
Eventually, the narrative began to wind down, and Ryu figured it was time to approach the man. With a smile of anticipation, he nudged Yoruichi and made his way toward Whitebeard. As they approached, the music and laughter receded, replaced by a sense of tension. Whitebeard turned his attention towards them.
Whitebeard's yellow eyes, as bright and fierce as the midday sun, studied Ryu and Yoruichi as they came closer. He tilted his head, a curiosity glinting in his gaze. "You two certainly don't look like my crew."
Yoruichi grinned, stepping forward with her hands on her hips. "Now, what gave us away? The fact we aren't guzzling barrels of ale, or that we didn't join in the fun chorus of 'Row, Row, Your Boat'?"
There was a smattering of laughter from the pirates close by. Whitebeard chuckled heartily, his gaze never leaving the newcomers. "Ha! Well, you sure have the spirit of my crew, at least."
Ryu, standing a step behind Yoruichi, added, "Maybe we aren't pirates, but we know how to appreciate a good party."
More laughter followed, the tension in the air gradually dissipating as the two strangers effortlessly held their own. Whitebeard's mirth-filled eyes appraised them, the lines at the corners deepening with his widening smile. "That's what I like to hear! What brings you two here, then?"
Ryu met his gaze directly, his own eyes glinting with a playful glint. "Oh, this was a chance meeting. We're on vacation, so we're sailing between islands," he said, a half-smile playing on his lips. "However, I did have a chance meeting with a certain fire-wielding pirate on the hunt for a traitor. Figured that you'd be worried,"
The laughter and chatter quieted instantly at his words. Whitebeard's jovial demeanor cooled, replaced by a cautious curiosity. "You've met Ace?" he asked, voice steady but tinged with a perceptible concern.
"Met him, had a talk, shared a meal, convinced him to get some help on his suicidal journey, and sent him on his way," Ryu replied casually, shrugging. "Nice kid, bit of a hothead though."
"You managed to convince that brat to get help? Who did he go with?" Whitebeard's voice echoed through the area, resonating with disbelief. His gargantuan figure leaned forward in his chair, the creak of the old wood protesting under his weight. His wide-set eyes, usually filled with a jovial light, now bore an intense seriousness, as he studied Ryu.
"Well, Ace has some family in high places, right?" Ryu responded, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "Let's just say that his grandpa agreed to help after beating the everliving crap out of that matchstick. Though he couldn't go personally, he made Sengoku send quite the group of Vice-Admirals after Blackbeard."
Whitebeard's eyebrows shot up as his massive frame rumbled with a low, thunderous chuckle that sent tremors through the floor. "The Marines, huh? Well, I suppose that's one way to make sure he doesn't get himself killed. However, what if they capture Ace? This is too big a chance for them to waste."
"Well, If that happens, then we'll take responsibility. It was my idea, so I'll take care of the cleanup," Ryu's tone was carefree, but his honest gaze, locked on Whitebeard, told another story.
"Is that so? You've got a big mouth, but can you back up those words?" Whitebeard said, his voice thick with challenge, as his expression turned serious.
"I wouldn't have talked if I couldn't back it up," Ryu said with a confident tone that didn't suit his lazy posture.
"Normally, I'd believe your bravado. But since we're talking about Ace's life here, that won't cut it," Whitebeard's voice lowered, any remaining playfulness completely drained, replaced by an undercurrent of threatening severity. His gaze bore into Ryu, as heavy and powerful as the sun.
"Ah, you want to test me out? But if we go at each other we'll cause damage to the island. That's a problem, isn't it?" Ryu retorted, nonchalantly reaching out and snagging a piece of fruit from a nearby platter. He punctuated his words with an exaggerated bite, the loud crunch filling the silent area.
"Do you think that you'll be able to push me back? A brat like you? There's a fine line between bravado and stupidity, take that to mind," Whitebeard's rumbling question vibrated through the air, his massive hand encircling the handle of his Naginata, knuckles going white from the force of his grip. He was now a mountainous titan ready for battle, transforming the room into a palpable arena of tension as Ryu felt a mysterious force trying to push him down.
The weapon bore an aura of terrifying potency that reflected its size, every inch a fitting testament to the power it held. It possessed an elongated, massive pole characterized by alternating bands of fiery red and vibrant yellow that spiraled upwards in a hypnotic pattern, culminating in a spherical pommel. The blade, both large and wickedly curved, fastened itself to the pole through a brass bolster, which was meticulously engraved with the winding form of a sea serpent, its scales brought to life in a mesmerizing display of artistry.
Ryu paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on the monstrous weapon, examining its craftsmanship. With a casual flick of his wrist, he lobbed the half-eaten fruit towards a basket at the corner of the room. It landed with a satisfying 'plonk,' punctuating the tension that had coiled in the air. His lips then tugged into a grin that was equal parts roguish and self-assured.
"Do I think I can push you back? I can do more than that, Whitebeard. Especially when you've got such an inferior weapon," Ryu said, a confident light in his eyes. His hand lazily summoned one of his swords, his fingers curling around it with relaxed ease.
In a swift motion and without warning, Whitebeard's gargantuan form surged forward, his massive hand gripping the handle of his Naginata with an iron grip. Unfazed, Ryu replied with a fluid swing of his sword, the blade glinting with a cold, deadly edge.
Their clash was a blur, a whirlwind of speed and precision. Whitebeard swung his Naginata in a powerful arc, aiming to cleave through Ryu's defenses, only to meet the latter's sword mid-strike.
But what happened next, no one could have foreseen. Well, except Yoruichi. Ryu's sword effortlessly sliced through the sturdy blade of Whitebeard's Naginata, severing it cleanly. There were no deformities or any sign of resistance, the blade was cut as if it were butter.
In the blink of an eye, Ryu's sword came to rest against Whitebeard's weathered neck. A small bead of crimson blood welled up, before streaming down his skin. The atmosphere grew still, as no one could believe the current events.
"I told you I could back up my words," Ryu smirked as he sheathed his sword and jumped back beside Yoruichi.
Whitebeard's expression morphed from surprise to a slow, rumbling chuckle that reverberated through the air. His eyes were a mix of amusement and respect.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard's voice rumbled, his tone carrying a gruff liking. "I originally wanted to show you how big the world can get. Who'd have believed I'd have my lesson turned on me."
"Guess I'm the World's Strongest, huh?" Ryu said as he closed the jaw of a pirate with a pineapple-looking head.
"You've more than earned the title. However, was it necessary to destroy my weapon? If you were skilled enough to cut through it like butter, surly you were able to maneuver around it," Whitebeard said with some disappointment in his voice.
"Well, technically, yes. But you made a very good impression on me, so as a blacksmith, I couldn't see you holding something so inferior. If you'd stay for a few days, I'll make you a weapon worthy to be wielded by an emperor," Ryu offered. After examining Whitebeard with Rikai and seeing his memories, Ryu wanted to forge the man a new weapon as a sign of respect. That, and taking care of his... Other problem.
However, he'd to that in a more discrete approach. If he offered Whitebeard too much, he'd hurt his pride. It was better to do it this way.
"Gurarara! So I was defeated by a blacksmith? This day keeps getting more interesting! Sure, I'll wait for you to make me a new weapon. If your craftsman skills are like your fighting, I'll have the best weapon in the world!" Whitebeard replied enthusiastically.
"Then wait here, I'll be back when I finish," Ryu said with excitement dripping from his voice as he teleported away. It's been a long time since he made a weapon, and he never tried to forge one underwater. This would be interesting.
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