With those thoughts in mind, Whitebeard, seated at the head of the gathering, finally spoke.
His deep voice rumbled through the room like distant thunder, causing everyone to instinctively hold their breath.
"Brats," Whitebeard said, his tone carrying unquestionable authority, "I haven’t forgotten any of it."
"Especially Oden... and Kaido."
"Those matters must be settled."
Every word landed with tremendous weight.
His gaze was cold and resolute, as though he had already seen through the outcome of future battles, life and death included.
"But not now."
His tone softened slightly, though the determination behind it remained unchanged.
"Kaido has spent years building his power in Wano Country. The Beasts Pirates have grown into a massive force under him."
"Even though we’ve become much stronger, we’re still at a disadvantage overall."
Whitebeard paused and swept his eyes across everyone present, as though searching for the resolve hidden within them.
Then he smiled.
The smile carried both frustration with the present and confidence in the future.
"But don’t be impatient."
"As long as we have funding—and as long as Ron is here—we can continue growing stronger at an incredible rate."
"When we make our move against Kaido, we’ll crush the Beasts Pirates completely."
"We’ll leave no chance for his remnants to rise again."
His words were like a warm current flowing through the room.
Everyone felt the trust and support behind them.
Their determination grew even stronger.
As long as they followed Pops, there was no obstacle they couldn’t overcome.
And now...
There was one more person they trusted completely.
Ron.
As long as Ron remained with the Whitebeard Pirates, victory felt inevitable.
Whitebeard slowly voiced his thoughts.
His deep gaze intentionally lingered on Ron.
Clearly, he wanted him to speak.
"Ron, the future growth of the crew depends on you."
"Why don’t you say a few words?"
Ace immediately jumped in.
"Yeah! Ron, say something!"
His eyes were filled with admiration.
Among everyone present, aside from Pops, Ron was the only person who had earned such wholehearted respect from him.
Marco clapped and laughed.
"Come on, Vice Captain Ron. Let’s hear it."
Jozu pounded his chest.
"Vice Captain, just give the order. Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it!"
His rugged appearance and straightforward confidence made his promise feel especially sincere.
Whitey Bay looked at Ron with gentle eyes overflowing with admiration.
Her expression practically said:
That’s my man. The strongest in the world.
The affection and pride in her gaze were impossible to miss.
"Since everyone insists, I’ll say a few words."
Unable to refuse, Ron stood up.
His gaze slowly swept across the room, ensuring everyone’s attention was on him.
Then he took a breath and spoke.
"What do we currently lack the most?"
"Money."
"And in this world... who has the most money?"
Before anyone could answer, Ron gave the answer himself.
"The Celestial Dragons."
The room instantly quieted.
A cold glint flashed through Ron’s eyes.
"The Celestial Dragons—the self-proclaimed gods of this world—control an enormous portion of its wealth."
"They indulge in endless luxury while showing absolutely no compassion toward ordinary people."
"Robbing them would be far faster and easier than fighting Kaido."
His tone was calm but firm.
"Especially the Heavenly Tribute."
"Every year, the member nations of the World Government are forced to hand over massive amounts of wealth to the Celestial Dragons."
"That money was squeezed from the common people in the first place."
"It was never theirs."
"Now it’s being used to support their extravagant lifestyles."
"If we seize those funds, we’ll not only strike a blow against them, but also solve our financial problems."
Ron paused and looked around the room.
For several seconds, silence dominated the hall.
The atmosphere felt tense.
Excited.
Like a storm waiting to erupt.
Every Division Commander stared at Ron in stunned disbelief.
This is really our Vice Captain?
He looks refined enough to be mistaken for a nobleman...
Yet the first thing he proposes is robbing the most powerful people in the world?
"Damn..."
One commander couldn’t help muttering.
"As expected of the Vice Captain. He goes straight after the Celestial Dragons."
"Hahahaha!"
Another burst into laughter.
"Celestial Dragons? More like Celestial Pigs!"
"Who cares if we kill a few?"
"If killing pigs comes with money attached, then we absolutely have to do it!"
"Not only are we doing it—we’re doing it big!"
"That’s right! I’ll immediately send people to gather information about the Heavenly Tribute routes!"
"The moment we get any news, I’ll report back!"
Ron nodded slightly.
Sharp guy.
Maybe I’ll reward him with a Devil Fruit someday.
Marco crossed his arms and chuckled.
"We probably won’t have to wait long."
"Those arrogant fools never bother hiding where they’re going."
"Every trip they take turns into a giant spectacle."
His tone dripped with sarcasm.
Clearly, he had little patience for the Celestial Dragons’ arrogance.
"Hmph."
Ace snorted.
"I’ve run into them once before."
"They were wearing those glass bubbles on their heads in broad daylight."
"Like they couldn’t stand breathing the same air as everyone else."
His voice was filled with contempt.
Jozu’s fists clenched tightly.
Veins bulged across his arms.
"They’re trash."
"My homeland was destroyed because of people like them."
"One day, I’m going to wipe every last one of them out."
Every word seemed forced through gritted teeth.
The hatred in his voice was unmistakable.
"Gurarararara!"
Whitebeard laughed loudly.
"Brats, you’ll get your chance."
"I believe that day isn’t very far away."
Ron nodded.
"That’s right."
"Besides that, I have another piece of good news."
The moment everyone heard the words good news, their eyes widened.
Excitement immediately spread throughout the room.
Whenever Ron announced good news, it was never ordinary.
More often than not, it turned out to be something earth-shattering.
Ace, Marco, Jozu, and the other Division Commanders all jumped to their feet.
Their eyes were practically glowing.
"Ron!"
"What is it this time?"
"What surprise do you have for us now?!"