“N-No Armament Haki?
Pops, don’t joke around.
You can’t seriously be telling me that Brother Ren Mori’s skin is tougher than a sword, can you?” After hearing Whitebeard’s words, Blenheim, Commander of the 9th Division, froze for a moment before joking.
“Exactly, Pops.
If that wasn’t Armament Haki, then that’s way too ridiculous.
How could human skin possibly be tougher than a blade?
If what Pops said is true, wouldn’t that mean Brother Ren Mori is basically impervious to weapons?” “N-No way…
How could someone like that exist in this world?
Someone born with a body of steel?” As soon as those words were spoken, someone standing on Whitebeard’s other side immediately objected.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be a natural body of steel.
Maybe he spent all these years developing some kind of extraordinary close-combat technique.” One of the crew members rubbed his chin and nodded.
“That actually makes sense.
Who would’ve thought someone as low-key as Ren Mori had been hiding something like this?
No wonder Pops immediately agreed when he said he wanted to become a Division Commander.” Listening to his sons discussing the matter, Whitebeard narrowed his eyes and burst into laughter.
“Gurararara…!” “You brats are wrong.” “The world is vast.
There are all kinds of strange people in it.” “If you’re talking about someone with a body of steel, isn’t Linlin a perfect example?” The moment Whitebeard said that, everyone’s expressions became serious.
“Linlin?
Pops, the Linlin you’re talking about…
is Charlotte Linlin?” “What kind of stupid question is that?
Of course the Linlin Pops means is Charlotte Linlin.” “I remember Pops mentioning her many years ago.
That woman really was born with an unbelievably tough body, and she possessed monstrous strength from birth too.” “That’s right.” Whitebeard nodded.
Although he was not particularly willing to bring up his memories from his days aboard Rocks’ ship, he felt that his sons should know about people with unusual physiques like this.
“Even now, I still remember just how tough Linlin’s body was back then, as well as that monstrous strength of hers.” “That also happened during a spar.” “Of course, the kind of spar we had back then was nothing like the one you brats just had.” “If you lost, the price could be your life.” “Linlin relied purely on her incredibly tough body and monstrous strength to intimidate quite a few members of Rocks’ crew so badly that they didn’t dare act recklessly against her.” “And because of that spar, Rocks took notice of her.” “In the end, Linlin didn’t disappoint him.
It wasn’t long before she became one of his trusted core members.” Whenever Whitebeard mentioned Rocks, the expression on his face became nothing but serious.
“Then…
Pops, according to what you’re saying, could Brother Ren Mori be the same as that old woman?
Born with both a body of steel and monstrous strength?” Vista, Commander of the 5th Division, asked.
“There’s no mistake.” Whitebeard explained, “I observed him carefully during his fight with Marco just now.
His condition is extremely similar to Linlin’s.” Everyone inhaled sharply.
“Who would’ve thought our Whitebeard Pirates had someone this unusual aboard too?” “Even without learning Haki yet, his body alone can already produce effects comparable to it.” “If he learns Haki on top of that…” “Tsk, tsk.” “His Haki combined with that body of steel…
his future is limitless.” Rakuyo, Commander of the 7th Division, said with a sharp intake of breath.
“If we’re talking about unusual people, that bastard Teach counts too—” The moment one crew member said that, a Division Commander immediately barked, “Shut up.” “Sorry, Pops!” Whitebeard merely smiled and did not take it to heart.
Instead, he turned his gaze toward Ren Mori.
…
“Sigh…
As expected of the 1st Division Commander.
I lost.” Ren Mori looked at Marco and gave a faint smile.
Marco, however, looked somewhat guilty.
In his opinion, he had not won this spar fairly.
“No.
I should be the one who lost.
I used my Devil Fruit ability.” Marco spoke calmly.
“What are you talking about?
The rules never said Devil Fruit abilities weren’t allowed.” Ren Mori’s eyes were filled with determination.
“Besides, I’m not discouraged.” “Next time we spar, I’ll definitely win.” Hearing Ren Mori say that, Marco let out a soft sigh.
He knew that continuing to argue over who had really won would only annoy Ren Mori, so he simply nodded.
“I’ll be waiting.” With that, Marco tossed aside what remained of the sword in his hand—the broken hilt.
Then he walked over to Ren Mori, wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and grinned.
“I really didn’t expect a body like yours to possess such monstrous strength.” “You seriously gave me a scare.” “Marco, that’s not all.” A Division Commander nearby laughed as he reminded him, “According to Pops, Ren Mori also has a special physique.” “A naturally born body of steel.” The moment Marco heard that, he immediately gave Ren Mori’s abdomen a few light punches before teasing him, “Now that’s just unfair.” “You really make people jealous, being born with something like this.” Then Marco raised his voice.
“Come on, brothers!” “Let’s properly celebrate the birth of the Whitebeard Pirates’ 17th Division!” The moment Marco finished speaking, everyone aboard the ship rushed over.
They grabbed Ren Mori and tossed him into the air.
Then caught him.
Tossed him up again.
Caught him again.
Watching that warm, lively scene, a happy smile appeared on Whitebeard’s face.
This…
This was his dream.
…
Time passed quickly.
By now, nearly everyone on the deck had drunk themselves into a stupor.
Others had simply exhausted themselves from all the celebrating and were sprawled among the drunkards, snoring loudly on the deck.
At this moment, in a scene somewhat similar to that morning— Ren Mori sat cross-legged in front of Whitebeard.
“Are you sure about this, Ren Mori?” Whitebeard asked.
“Yeah.
I’ve thought it through.” Ren Mori replied calmly.
“Only by going out and gaining experience for myself can I grow properly.” “If I keep staying under your protection, my growth will be far too slow.” ⚡ Support the Story & Unlock More Chapters!