The New World, above the Raftel Sea.
Here, a massive ship was swiftly sailing, named the Jambyurk.
"Come, come, the day's newspaper is here. Anyone who wants to read it, hurry over," Marco said with a smile, holding a stack of papers as he approached Whitebeard.
Vista, always wearing a faint smile, calmly remarked, "Marco, the sea is just the same old stories. What's so interesting about it?"
Rakuyo wiped his flintlock gun and chimed in, "The sea has been so peaceful lately. What kind of excitement could there possibly be?"
"Who knows?"
Marco sat on the deck, his eyelids drooping as if he hadn't slept, and said, "But this time, there's something interesting. The highest bounty in the four seas—a rookie pirate."
"Hmm? A first-time bounty of 100 million berries? That's unheard of."
At his words, the division commanders all froze, one by one pausing their tasks and turning their heads. Jozu, who rarely spoke, said flatly, "Marco, are you sure you didn't misread?"
"In the four seas? How could there be a criminal with a bounty over 100 million? I've never heard of such a thing."
Thatch nodded, maintaining his gentlemanly demeanor. "I've never heard of it either. After all, the four seas are too weak. Bounties there have never been that high."
Then, Teach leaned over, saw the bounty amount in the newspaper, and couldn't help but burst into laughter. "It really is 100 million berries! Wahahaha!"
Haruta shook his head, still skeptical. "Without even entering the Grand Line, his first bounty is 100 million berries? That's terrifying."
Blamenco crossed his arms and smiled, offering his opinion.
"The World Government takes bounties very seriously. They wouldn't just hand them out randomly."
"In other words, this young man named Chris poses a significant threat to the Marines."
Rakuyo shrugged and casually added, "That may be true, but the Three Great Powers are still the Three Great Powers."
"A rookie from the four seas getting a 100 million bounty right off the bat—how will other pirates react to that?"
Marco finished reading the contents, his sleepy eyes half-lidded as he said, "The North Sea's overlord was taken down, and against the East Sea's overlord, this guy didn't even need to lift a finger to end the fight."
"Even though the bounty has been issued, the Marines still don't know his abilities or whether he's eaten a Devil Fruit."
"Interesting. What a mysterious kid."
Namur, with his usual cold expression, said, "The bounties of his crew members are no joke either."
"Added together, they exceed 400 million berries."
"That's not a small sum, even in the New World."
Vista nodded in agreement. "The Logia Gas-Gas Fruit and the Paramecia Sound-Sound Fruit are both incredibly powerful Devil Fruits."
"If this guy enters the Grand Line, he's bound to stir up waves. There's no doubt about that."
"If they can make it to the New World, then the title of 'Supernova' might just be the beginning."
Jozu crossed his arms and said solemnly, "Another rising star. Let's see if he can grow."
Haruta chuckled and added, "Personally, I think these guys won't fall so easily. One day in the future, we'll definitely hear their names again."
At that moment, Whitebeard, seated on his throne, spoke in a deep voice:
"Marco, bring me the newspaper."
"Even Oyaji is interested? Gahahaha!"
Teach stood with his arms spread, laughing heartily as he handed over the newspaper.
Thatch smirked and said, "If he can catch Oyaji's attention, then even if Chris gets taken down, he won't have any regrets."
Rakuyo, still polishing his flintlock, muttered, "No kidding."
"So, Oyaji, what do you think of this young man, Chris?"
Marco handed the newspaper to Whitebeard, his eyelids as half-lidded and lazy as ever.
Whitebeard didn't answer immediately. He silently read the paper, his expression unreadable.
After a while, he set the newspaper aside and looked at his sons, laughing loudly:
"You've all underestimated him. Gahahaha!"
Hearing this, the commanders exchanged glances, puzzled by Whitebeard's words. Did he mean Chris wasn't strong and lacked potential?
"From the look on Oyaji's face, it seems the opposite is true."
Namur nodded solemnly.
Haruta frowned, confused. "Was I wrong? I really thought this young man was strong and full of potential."
Marco waved his hand dismissively. "What Oyaji probably means is that this young man is anything but ordinary."
"Come to think of it, it's been a long time since Oyaji has seen the spirit of a true warrior in a young man."
"This kid, Chris, carries the demeanor of a conqueror, just like Shanks."
Vista looked at Whitebeard and said with a gentlemanly smile, "Oyaji, are you saying this young man has no real potential and will fall quickly? Or..."
"That we've underestimated him, and his potential is far greater than we imagined?"
Whitebeard grinned, his expression one of anticipation.
"This kid... is someone even I can't ignore."
"What an interesting brat. Soon, there'll be another big name on the seas. Gahahaha!"
Boom.
The division commanders were stunned.
Who was Whitebeard? The strongest man in the world.
His words carried immeasurable weight.
The meaning was clear: Chris was truly extraordinary.
"See? I told you this young man was special."
Hearing Whitebeard's evaluation, Haruta grinned smugly.
Jozu, the stoic giant, showed a rare look of anticipation and said gravely, "Oyaji's judgment has never been wrong."
"This young man is definitely worth keeping an eye on."
Vista nodded, his usual smile in place.
"How long has it been since Oyaji last praised a rookie like this?"
"This Chris... I'll definitely be watching him closely from now on."
Marco slumped into his chair, looking as sleepy as ever.
"It's been at least ten years since Oyaji last acknowledged a newcomer. Chris is truly one of a kind."
"To earn Oyaji's approval like this... this kid's future is at least at the Admiral level."
Teach laughed loudly at the commanders. "Isn't this exciting? A new era needs fresh blood! Zehahaha!"
Rakuyo scratched his head and said with a wry smile, "I don't know why Oyaji is so certain, but if he says so, it must be true."
"Terrifying. A kid this young with such immense potential... How did he even come to be?"
Blamenco laughed. "No need to rush. We'll be waiting for them in the New World. It won't be long before they arrive."
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T/N:
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