Chapter 57: The Whitebeard Pirates Divide – The Prisoner Exchange

Words : 1064 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

"You're talking as if I'm going to die," Whitebeard grumbled. "You're the one constantly giving instructions for after you're gone. You're not even dead yet, and already preparing. Who knows what you're thinking?" Roy said helplessly. "Fine, I'll stop talking. Just listen to him—he's full of schemes." "Don't worry, Pops, we'll follow Big Bro's lead." "Pops doesn't think he can make plans, does he?" "Hahaha, all Pops knows is how to charge into battle!" "Big Bro has plans to deal with the Marines. What does Pops have? He probably just wants an all-out brawl with them." "Yeah, just ignore Pops' plans!" As Whitebeard spoke, Marco and the others started talking loudly, their laughter echoing in the air. "You brats! Get the hell out of here, all of you!" Whitebeard's face turned red with frustration, nearly drawing his naginata before finally driving them away. Only Roy remained sitting in front of him, unmoving and watching silently. "Hmph!" Whitebeard let out a snort and sat heavily on his grand throne. "You're in such a bad mood. Do you want me to call back those pretty nurses for you?" Roy teased. "You're the same as them, just another bastard. They're little bastards, and you're the big one," Whitebeard muttered. "By that logic, you're the old bastard," Roy shot back with a laugh. "All pirates are bastards anyway. Since I'm your old man, being called the old bastard is fine by me," Whitebeard said as he reached for his side, where his sake jug used to be. But ever since Roy returned, it had mysteriously vanished. "You're quite carefree. But just to be clear, I'm not your son," Roy stated. "I raised you guys with my own hands. You included," Whitebeard replied with a grin. "You're overthinking it. I've never called you that. Still, you've seen what this family would become without you—it would fall apart," Roy said. "You really don't want to take over?" "I can only protect so much. Some won't recognize me no matter what. Even with you still alive, I have a plan to discuss with you," Roy said seriously. "Go on," Whitebeard sighed, knowing Roy's plans were never simple. "It's time to split the Whitebeard Pirates," Roy said grimly. "..." Three days passed quickly. On Egghead Island, four ships of the Whitebeard Pirates docked at the shore. "Captain, Marines' warships spotted!" a lookout shouted. "Get ready," Whitebeard ordered. Everyone was prepared for battle. As the first NMarine warship appeared, more followed in overwhelming numbers. Over a hundred warships in total. "Marco, go tell them to send one warship to exchange prisoners," Whitebeard said. "Yes, sir." Marco spread his wings and flew toward the Marine. The Marine, too, saw the four Moby Dick ships and grew tense. Marco's appearance drew all their attention. "That's..." "The Whitebeard Pirates are here." "That's Marco the Phoenix, Commander of the First Division." All the Marine soldiers focused on him. Marco was well known, especially in the New World. "So that's the Phoenix Marco. Rumored to rise from the ashes, unkillable," said Tashigi as she looked up. "Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit. But has abilities like a Logia," commented Smoker. "A Zoan Devil Fruit with Logia-like traits?" Tashigi asked in surprise. "Yes, his abilities function much like a Logia user's," Smoker confirmed. Marco hovered above the lead Marine ship, flames still flickering around his hands, floating mid-air. "You can't go any further. Send one warship for the exchange," Marco said. "How can we be sure our people are safe?" Kizaru stepped forward. "Simple. You can bring people to the island. All your forces are there. We didn't touch them. Is Ace here? I want to see him," Marco replied. "Bring him out," Kizaru ordered behind him. Soon after, a Marine soldier brought out Ace in chains. "Ace!" Marco called. "Marco!" Ace was surprised to see him again. "You'll be home soon," Marco assured him, then turned to Kizaru. "You can send people to check. They're all on Egghead." "No problem." Kizaru dispatched a ship to head to Egghead with him aboard. Marco kept his eyes on Ace. On Egghead Island, Kizaru landed ashore. He saw the docks filled with captured Marine soldiers and seven Vegapunks, and he sighed in relief. "Doctor, I'm glad you're safe," Kizaru said. "I'm fine. They didn't harm me," replied Vegapunk, hands behind his back, completely unbound. The Marine soldiers, however, were tied up, and their weapons confiscated. "Vice Admiral Doll, are they all here?" Kizaru asked. "All accounted for, except for those who died in combat," she confirmed. "Why is Vice Admiral Vergo bound?" Kizaru asked, confused. "Reporting to Admiral Kizaru. Vergo is a pirate spy—Doflamingo's man planted within the Marines!" Vice Admiral Doll said angrily. "Oh? A spy? How do you know?" Kizaru asked in surprise. Vice Admiral Doll looked behind Kizaru, mouth agape. Kizaru turned and saw Roy standing behind him. "There you are again with that ghost-like speed. Must be some advanced form of Observation Haki, I assume?. I didn't sense you at all." Kizaru said warily. "That's because your Haki is weak," Roy replied. "I see... Well, now that everything's confirmed, we can exchange the prisoners," Kizaru said. "No problem. They're all here. Give us Ace, and we'll leave," Roy said. "Alright," Kizaru nodded. He called the fleet with a Den Den Mushi, while Roy did the same with Marco. "Marco, you can take him," Roy said through the Den Den Mushi. "Got it." "You can release the prisoners. They're all fine," Kizaru said. "Yes, sir," Doberman replied. Marco landed on the warship. All the Marine soldiers stared at him. "Unlock the cuffs," Marco said. Grudgingly, Doberman took out the key and released Ace. Ace rubbed his wrists and slowly walked forward. Marco grabbed him, transformed into the Phoenix, and soared into the sky. "Marco... I'm sorry," Ace muttered. "No need for that. And don't think this is over. The real trial begins now," Marco said. "What?" "The Marine fleet is about to launch its attack." ... If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead. [email protected]/DaoistJinzu

Chapter 57: The Whitebeard Pirates Divide – The Prisoner Exchange

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