*Chapter 134: Whitebeard Isn’t Afraid of Trouble*

The competition for the title of the world’s greatest swordsman in Dressrosa was broadcast far and wide in a very short time.

Hawkeye Mihawk quickly became a household name, known as the world’s greatest swordsman. Countless swordsmen set sail just to challenge him, hoping to knock him off his throne.

In their eyes, Mihawk’s title of the world’s greatest swordsman held some weight, but not too much—because they weren’t in the running. If they had been there, Mihawk wouldn’t have held that title. These swordsmen, who had been hiding in obscurity, believed they would have cut off any chance of Mihawk becoming number one.

Now, they were on their way to Dressrosa to find Mihawk and challenge the current number one! Once they defeated him, they would become the world’s greatest swordsmen, known across the seas, and they’d even get the 1.5 billion Berries bounty from Dressrosa.

Of course, they never cared about money. Money was the last thing on their minds. Some of them had hardly ever touched money. But the opportunity in Dressrosa was too good to pass up.

The buzz about the world’s greatest swordsman didn’t just spread across the seas. It became a hot topic even in the New World. After all, some of the participants were from three major pirate crews. These crews weren’t small-time—each captain had a bounty of over 3 billion Berries, making them people of significant interest to the World Government and the Marines.

Members of these three pirate crews went to Dressrosa and were defeated in front of everyone. This kind of spectacular gossip was savored by many.

The Big Mom Pirates were furious. Charlotte Linlin, Big Mom herself, glared at her child, Charlotte Smoothie, with bloodthirsty eyes. She had sent Smoothie to ask Raijin about the specific time and location of the fight, but Smoothie made a decision on her own. Normally, Linlin didn’t care much about their decisions, but Smoothie had stepped into the ring and lost to Mihawk, bringing shame to the Big Mom Pirates.

Big Mom thought, “This kid is useless. First Katakuri failed, and now Smoothie has messed things up. Is there no one in the Big Mom Pirates who can be of real use?”

“Mom, you can’t really blame Smoothie for this,” Perospero quickly interjected. “Smoothie was just trying to bring honor to our crew and to you. But who knew that the Shichibukai, whom the World Government and Marines value so much, would be this powerful? Clearly, we underestimated them. After all, the government and the Marines recruited the Shichibukai to counterbalance the big pirates. It’s no wonder these guys aren’t pushovers.”

The Big Mom Pirates had already lost one of their Four Sweet Commanders, leaving them with only three. If Smoothie were to fall as well, they would have even fewer heavy hitters. Despite Big Mom’s many children, only a few were truly strong. If Smoothie were removed, Big Mom herself might have to fight in every battle.

“I heard you were blocked by that girl who held back Katakuri?” Big Mom squinted at Smoothie, her thoughts unreadable. She had taken pride in her children, only to see them bested by Uchiha Izumi, a mere girl. As far as Big Mom knew, Izumi was only about ten years old, yet she had managed to stop Smoothie.

“Yes, it was that girl who killed Brûlée, Uchiha Izumi!” Smoothie’s face showed her frustration. She couldn’t find an excuse for her loss, especially since it had happened in front of everyone. The people of Dressrosa hadn’t even fought dirty, and even if they had, Smoothie would have had no grounds to complain. After all, pirates rarely fight fair.

“Perospero, I’m getting more and more interested in the Uchiha bloodline. Uchiha Raijin is the strongest, and his bloodline must be the purest. If he had children, they would be incredible warriors. Their unique eyes might even be able to read the contents of the red Poneglyph without needing Brûlée to grow up!” Big Mom laughed.

Once they captured Raijin, the Uchihas would be at her mercy. If she could breed someone with Raijin’s strength and the Uchiha’s abilities, it would be fascinating. She might even raise a warrior like that girl who defeated Smoothie and Katakuri at such a young age. Big Mom now saw the Uchiha bloodline as the final piece of the puzzle for her dominion over the seas.

“Perospero, it’s clear that these people are extraordinary. Once I have Uchiha Raijin, everything in Dressrosa will belong to us,” Perospero agreed. Though he had doubts—after all, only the Three-Eye Tribe was rumored to be able to read the Poneglyphs—he knew better than to argue with Big Mom, especially when she was in a good mood. It was best to go along with her, keeping her happy.

Big Mom’s laughter echoed through the hall. Smoothie felt uneasy but couldn’t say anything. In half a month, Big Mom would be fighting Raijin. They might even have to call this man ‘Dad’ if he showed up in Dressrosa with a strong force. After all, Big Mom wouldn’t discard him like her previous husbands; she might keep him around this time.

Smoothie believed Whole Cake Island would emerge victorious. The Big Mom Pirates felt confident of their win, as few could match Big Mom’s strength on the seas.

“Vista, don’t be so down. Even if you lost to that guy, we can always take the title back later. I’m already proud you competed for the title of the world’s greatest swordsman.”

A ship, resembling a giant whale, sailed across the sea, with a group of pirates gathered on board.

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The key figures heading to Dressrosa this time are Vista, Marco, and the others.

Before Vista even got back to the ship, word had already started to spread.

They had pretty much figured out that Vista had gone to compete for the title of the world’s greatest swordsman.

But shortly after he stepped up, he was defeated.

And Vista is one of the top commanders on the ship! This was likely a big blow to him.

So, when he returned, everyone comforted him right away.

“Cough, cough, Pops, I’m not that fragile!”

Vista shrugged with a smile. He didn’t need this much comforting.

He’s strong-willed; a loss is just a loss.

It wasn’t something he took too seriously.

He didn’t win the title of the world’s greatest swordsman—oh well.

As for becoming Mihawk’s stepping stone, that didn’t bother him at all.

The moment he stepped on stage, he had already prepared for this outcome. He had expected it.

If he had beaten Mihawk, then Mihawk would have been his stepping stone to becoming the world’s greatest swordsman.

“Gurararara, that’s good to hear! If you really want that title, you can go back to Dressrosa for another match,” Newgate (Whitebeard) laughed heartily, looking at Vista with satisfaction.

He knew what this Mihawk was capable of. They had sparred many times at sea.

The earth-shattering clashes during those matches were proof that Mihawk was no pushover.

Newgate wasn’t delusional enough to think that his son could take Mihawk down. Mihawk’s strength probably surpassed Vista’s years ago; Vista hadn’t made much progress lately, so how could he win?

He just worried that his son might lose touch with reality and start doubting himself.

“Let’s not, Pops. Even if I went back, I’d just embarrass you,” Vista said, scratching his head as he found a place to sit.

He wasn’t too interested in titles—it was just empty fame.

At most, it would’ve made Pops happy. Now that he didn’t win, it’s not like Pops would get involved.

Seriously!

He wasn’t shameless enough to come back and complain to Pops.

“Gurararara, what’s embarrassing about it? I’ve never cared about that kind of stuff.”

“By the way, Marco, didn’t you say the King of Dressrosa had a message for me?”

After showing concern for Vista, Whitebeard turned his gaze to Marco.

The Whitebeard Pirates had no real connection with Dressrosa.

It was only this time, with Vista entering the Dressrosa arena, that there was any interaction. What else could there be?

Uchiha Raijin, that guy...

“That’s right!”

Marco glanced at Jinbei in the crowd and sighed softly.

Jinbei was the reason for all this!

Fish-Man Island was Uchiha Raijin’s real target.

So Marco repeated what Uchiha Raijin had said to Whitebeard and Jinbei.

Honestly, the words were insulting, especially the part where Jinbei was supposed to kneel in Dressrosa and beg for forgiveness, even offering Fish-Man Island to Raijin for him to rule.

This wasn’t just insulting—it was treating Jinbei like he wasn’t even human.

It was like treating him as a dog, expected to come back and lick the hand that slapped him.

And the fact that this guy knew Fish-Man Island was under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates and still dared to say such things clearly showed that he had no respect for them.

It was like he was slapping Pops in the face over and over.

Did he really think that just because he could stand up to Charlotte Linlin, he could also take on Pops?

This guy must be dreaming!

...

The ship fell silent.

Everyone’s eyes turned to Whitebeard.

They were all smiling!

They were itching to charge into Dressrosa and show these arrogant fools just how powerful the Whitebeard Pirates are.

How dare they speak so arrogantly, completely disregarding the Whitebeard Pirates?

Even Jinbei, usually calm and honest, lost his composure, deep in thought.

He stepped forward, about to say something, but was interrupted by laughter.

“Gurararara…”

Whitebeard’s laughter echoed, his mustache trembling.

The next moment!

Zing!

Whitebeard drew his bisento from behind him.

Boom!

The weapon struck the deck hard.

The entire Moby Dick shook!

Below the ship, deep in the sea, the sea kings sensed the impending danger and fled, not daring to approach the Moby Dick.

“It seems that since I haven’t made a move in a while, these folks have forgotten my power.”

“A brat like him dares to speak so boldly in front of me!”

“If this kid has what it takes to take over Fish-Man Island, then let him try!”

“I’ll protect Fish-Man Island to the end, and since Jinbei calls me ‘Pops,’ I can’t let him do something like that.”

“Tell that Uchiha Raijin kid that if he’s got the guts, come and try! If he can beat me, then he can have it!”

Whitebeard laughed confidently, a sharp gleam in his eyes.

Did they really think he’d gotten weaker just because he hadn’t fought in a while?

For a powerhouse like him, a little brat was nothing to fear.

Just because this kid made a name for himself in a couple of months, he thinks he can ignore Pops?

Maybe he’s got some strength, but that’s no reason to provoke them.

The Whitebeard Pirates have never feared anyone—not even the Navy dares to cross them.

And Uchiha Raijin, this little nobody, dares to pick a fight?

Does he really think he’s something special?

“Ha ha ha ha, these guys must have a death wish, thinking they can take Fish-Man Island from the Whitebeard Pirates.”

“A newbie like that really thinks being a Warlord makes him untouchable.”

“Hmph, I’ve seen plenty of guys like that on the sea, most of whom ended up dead at Pops’ hands.”

“What a joke. Pops, let’s go to war with that Uchiha Raijin and take Dressrosa.”

“Jinbei, don’t worry—it’s just a bunch of small fry.”

Hearing Whitebeard speak, the ship was filled with laughter.

Since Pops decided to go to war with Uchiha Raijin, they wouldn’t back down.

Ninjas? Just a bunch of trash, nothing to worry about.

As long as Pops was with them, they feared nothing.

They’d even storm Mary Geoise if he ordered it.

“Marco, you can tell Uchiha Raijin that there’s no room for negotiation on this!”

“If he wants Fish-Man Island, then let him come!”

“The Whitebeard Pirates have never feared trouble.”

Whitebeard smiled at Marco.

They wanted him to bow his head?

Who did they think he was?

He’s Whitebeard!

There’s no way he’d bow to some brat.

And besides…

The strongest man in the world can’t lose face.

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