One Piece: SSS-Rank Haki at Age Seventeen

On the Thousand Sunny's wide grassy deck—

"Hahaha! Everyone, from today onward, this old man is officially a member of the Sunny!!"

Jinbe landed steadily on the soft lawn, straightening his broad back as his eyes swept across every crewmate on deck. His face radiated sincere joy and belonging as he respectfully cupped his hands together.

"From here on… I look forward to working with all of you!!"

"Jinbe! You finally joined the crew—!!"

Luffy leapt over excitedly and practically clung onto Jinbe's thick shoulder like a koala.

"Boss Jinbe!"

Usopp pumped his fist excitedly.

"A former Warlord of the Sea joining us… I don't know why, but suddenly I feel insanely safe!!"

"That's only natural."

Trafalgar Law rested the cursed blade Kikoku on his shoulder as he calmly analyzed the situation, though a faint approving smile appeared on his face.

"Jinbe joining us almost completely fills the crew's weakness in naval combat."

In his mind, Law rapidly evaluated the current Straw Hat crew.

Aside from Luffy—that monster who completely exceeded common sense—

They had Sanji for aerial mobility, Zoro and Yamato for overwhelming frontal combat on land, and now Jinbe dominating deep-sea and large-scale ocean warfare.

As for tactical control and special support, there was himself.

Not to mention Uta, whose terrifying Devil Fruit ability practically qualified as strategic-level power.

And in terms of utility positions, they possessed the world's top-class navigator Nami, genius shipwright Franky, miracle doctor Chopper, archaeologist Robin, sniper Usopp, and musician Brook…

The crew's lineup could only be described as luxurious and nearly perfect.

Perhaps…

Law thought silently.

The Straw Hat crew now truly possesses the qualifications and strength to replace the Red Hair Pirates as the new generation's "Iron Wall Pirate Crew."

"I heard about it too!"

Nami clasped her hands together excitedly, stars practically shining in her eyes.

"Jinbe's helmsmanship is top-tier! With you here, I'll feel a lot more at ease navigating dangerous seas from now on!"

"SUPER—!!"

Franky struck a dramatic pose while smashing his steel fists together excitedly.

"The helmsman capable of bringing this 'dream ship' to its true limits has finally appeared! I can't wait to see how fast the Thousand Sunny can go under your control!"

"Well then—"

Luffy jumped down from Jinbe's shoulder and raised both arms high, flashing the signature grin that always signaled the beginning of a celebration.

"Let's throw a banquet—!!! To celebrate Jinbe officially joining us!!"

"Luffy!"

Nami immediately placed her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes at him, though she couldn't hide the smile in them.

"I think you're just hungry again and wanted an excuse for another party!!"

"Hahaha! You caught me!"

Luffy showed absolutely no embarrassment. Instead, he laughed even harder as he turned toward the kitchen.

"Sanji—!! Prepare a banquet!! The biggest and most amazing one possible!!"

"Got it already, you idiot captain!!"

Sanji's voice echoed from the kitchen, followed immediately by the increasingly rhythmic symphony of pots and pans.

"Yohohoho~ A banquet to celebrate a new crewmate? My bones are trembling with excitement!! Although I have no bones to tremble! Yohohoho!"

Brook began playing his violin as cheerful notes danced across the deck.

"A banquet! A banquet!!"

Chopper and Usopp were already jumping around happily.

"Looks like everyone's completely immersed in the celebration already."

A gentle voice carrying a soft smile drifted over.

The wooden door on the second floor of the cabin slowly opened as Robin gracefully stepped onto the sunlit deck.

Standing beneath the warm glow, she looked as though she herself had been wrapped in soft radiance.

Her long black hair flowed smoothly over her shoulders, gently swaying in the salty sea breeze.

Sunlight danced across her hair, making her look like a black rose blooming quietly at dawn.

Today, she had changed out of her usual dress and instead wore a fitted dark green outfit that balanced elegance with practicality. A slender belt accentuated her graceful curves.

A delicate pair of rimless glasses rested upon her nose, further enhancing her intellectual beauty and refined scholarly aura.

Perhaps because of the glow of newfound happiness, her already flawless pale skin now carried an even softer, more radiant sheen like polished jade.

The faint trace of mature charm lingering around her eyes and smile gave her an even more breathtaking beauty than before.

For a brief moment, the lively noise on deck actually quieted.

Everyone's gaze unconsciously drifted toward her.

They had seen Robin elegant and composed.

Seen her calm and intelligent.

Seen her smiling gently.

But they had never seen her shine quite like this—

As though sunlight and happiness were illuminating her from the inside out.

Especially that warm smile on her lips, bright enough to dispel any darkness.

"Robin!"

Nami was the first to recover and quickly walked over with a sweet smile.

She affectionately hugged Robin's arm while lowering her voice so only the two of them could hear.

"Your body… is really okay, right? If you still feel uncomfortable anywhere, tell me immediately. I'll have Chopper examine you properly."

She paused briefly, a knowing look flashing in her eyes as someone with firsthand experience.

"And I specifically asked Sanji to make some nourishing soup for you. It's still warm in the kitchen, so don't forget to drink it later."

After all, she knew perfectly well just how terrifyingly inhuman Luffy's stamina and lack of restraint could be in certain areas.

She herself had already personally experienced that "indestructible rubber body."

And as expected, Robin clearly hadn't escaped unscathed either.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have stayed hidden in her room resting until now.

Feeling Nami's completely sincere concern and their unspoken understanding as women, warmth filled Robin's heart.

She gently patted the back of Nami's hand, her black eyes curving softly behind her glasses.

"Nami, thank you so much. You're always so thoughtful."

Then she tilted her head slightly closer and added teasingly in a quieter voice:

"If Nami were a man… you'd definitely become the perfect boyfriend that no girl could resist."

"Robin—!"

Nami's face instantly turned red as she lightly pushed her in embarrassment, though her eyes remained full of laughter.

The two beautiful women exchanged smiles beneath the sunlight, adding yet another warm and brilliant color to this ship filled with dreams and bonds.

And because of that silent understanding and care between them, the joyful banquet somehow became even warmer.

Meanwhile — The New World, Sphinx Island

The Moby Dick, once the symbol of the "World's Strongest Man," was long gone.

But beneath the leadership of its new captain, its will had reignited from the ashes.

The former Whitebeard Pirates' core commanders were now gathered inside a temporary meeting hall, the atmosphere heavy and solemn.

At the head seat sat the captain—

"Flame Emperor" Portgas D. Ace.

The once reckless fire-powered youth had now developed a maturity and steadiness far beyond his years. Upon his shoulders rested the heavy burden of Whitebeard's will and his comrades' hopes.

His flames still burned fiercely—

But now they were controlled.

Beside him stood his right-hand man and doctor, Marco the Phoenix, carrying his usual tired yet dependable expression.

Further below sat Diamond Jozu, Vista of the Flower Swords, and several surviving division commanders who had endured the brutal Summit War.

Since that world-shaking war ended, the Whitebeard Pirates' situation had become increasingly unstable.

The death of the "World's Strongest Man" not only meant the loss of their protector—it also led to internal fragmentation and countless enemies circling them like wolves.

More than half of their allied pirate crews had already left to establish themselves independently.

Countless powers across the New World had set their greedy eyes upon Whitebeard's massive territories and legacy.

Among them, the Blackbeard Pirates were the most aggressive, rapidly expanding while devouring Whitebeard's former territory piece by piece.

Now, throughout the New World, the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates led by "Flame Emperor" Ace and the Blackbeard Pirates led by Marshall D. Teach had already become recognized as the two greatest powers beneath the Four Emperors.

Even Big News Morgans had sensationally nicknamed Ace the "Fifth Emperor" and Teach the "Sixth Emperor" in the newspapers.

Though the World Government had never officially recognized those titles—

There was no denying that both forces now possessed enough strength to shake the balance of the New World.

"That damned Teach—!!!"

Jozu slammed his massive hand onto the heavy table with a loud boom, rage burning in his eyes.

"That ungrateful traitor not only got Pops killed, but now he's taking advantage of the chaos to seize our islands—and now he even sends us a challenge letter?! He's gone too far!!"

He abruptly stood up, his voice practically shaking the room.

"I say we gather all our forces right now and wipe those bastards out completely!!"

"Calm down, Jozu."

Ace finally spoke.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried unquestionable authority.

After experiencing loss, escape, inheritance, and rebuilding, he had long since cast aside his old recklessness.

"I've fought Teach before,"

Ace's eyes sharpened.

"He's cunning, ruthless, and far stronger than he appears."

"And more importantly… he never acts without absolute confidence."

His expression turned serious.

"There's definitely a trap behind this challenge letter. We need to think carefully before making any moves."

"Ace is right."

Marco took over while pulling out a thick intelligence file and spreading it across the table.

The pages were densely packed with alarming information.

"This is the latest intelligence I managed to gather through every remaining network we have."

"Regarding the Blackbeard Pirates… their core combat strength far exceeds our previous estimates."

Marco's voice lowered as his finger slid down the report.

"The number of confirmed Devil Fruit users among their core members… has already surpassed thirty."

The room instantly fell into stunned silence.

Even the battle-hardened commanders looked grim.

Until now, many of them had underestimated the Blackbeard Pirates, believing them to be nothing more than opportunistic cowards who rose through betrayal and sneak attacks.

But this report was like freezing seawater poured directly over their heads.

The enemy had already grown into a colossal monster capable of devouring them whole.

One after another, everyone's gaze turned toward Ace.

During this period, Ace had already earned everyone's trust through his growth, responsibility, and ever-increasing strength.

"A swordsman, huh…"

Vista's eyes burst with fighting spirit as his fingers brushed the hilts of his twin swords.

"That former Chief Warden, Shiryu of the Rain… leave him to me! As for Teach, Ace and Marco can handle—"

"No, Vista."

Ace slowly shook his head, interrupting him.

"You forgot something… Marco and I are both Devil Fruit users."

His gaze swept across the room before settling on Teach's name.

"And Teach's Dark-Dark Fruit possesses the terrifying ability to suppress—or even nullify—other Devil Fruit powers."

"In direct combat, that puts me, Marco, and every other Devil Fruit user here at a huge disadvantage."

He looked toward Vista apologetically but firmly.

"So this time… I need you and Marco to switch opponents."

"As a top-class swordsman who doesn't rely on a Devil Fruit, you're the best suited to fight Teach directly."

"Marco's Phoenix powers provide greater mobility and healing support, making him better suited for handling Shiryu and unexpected situations."

Vista paused briefly before nodding with a broad smile.

"I see now."

"As long as we can avenge Thatch and clean up Pops' traitorous son, it doesn't matter whose head I cut off."

"Let's do it."

"Good!"

Ace rose to his feet as blazing determination returned to his eyes.

"For victory!"

"For Pops' will!"

"And for our home—"

"Cheers!!"

"CHEERS—!!!"

The sound of clashing sake cups echoed throughout Sphinx Island alongside unwavering determination and vows of victory.

A new storm—

One between Whitebeard and Blackbeard—

Was about to erupt.

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