Among the dozen or so treasure chests, most were filled with gold, jewels, and other valuables.
Thatch roughly estimated their total worth to be over 2 billion Berries.
However, one of the treasure chests did not contain treasure, but a sword.
The sword had a snow white scabbard adorned with golden lightning at both ends, a light gold hilt, and a broad guard.
Newgate picked it up, examined it carefully for a moment, and slowly began to introduce it, “The scabbard is decorated with golden lightning, its total length is about 300 centimeters, the blade length is around 250 centimeters, and the blade itself carries a lightning like hamon.
This is a Meito, a blade of the highest grade, comparable to the Saijo O Wazamono.
A sword worthy of the New World.”
He then tossed the sword to Thatch, who was looking on with eager anticipation.
“You brat, your twin blades are already second nature to you, but a man of the seas should not be limited.
Try it.”
Taking the thrown sword, Thatch joyfully caressed the blade.
Unlike the familiar weight and balance of his usual twin blades, this sword felt heavier, steadier, like a veteran warrior that had seen countless battles.
Its sharpness was restrained, yet it carried a dangerous presence, as if it could erupt at any moment.
Thatch hung the sword at his waist, then took out one of his usual blades and murmured, “Old partner, you have worked hard all these years.
Take a rest for now.”
He smiled faintly, then re-sheathed it.
As for whether to completely abandon his twin blade style, Thatch thought about it and decided against it.
A swordsman’s path was not something to be changed on a whim.
Still, having such a blade at his side was undeniably a great advantage.
“Gurararara, my sons, bring all the treasure back to the ship!” Newgate waved his hand, and Marco and Jozu excitedly began moving the treasure chests.
Soon, the four of them each carried several treasure chests out of the cave and walked toward where the ship was anchored.
After walking through the forest for a while, they saw the Moby Dick resting quietly on the shore in the distance.
By the ship, a young man was sitting cross legged on the beach, seemingly waiting for them.
Seeing the four return, the young man stood up immediately and ran toward them.
Only when he was close did he speak,
“Thatch of the Whitebeard Pirates, I have finally found you!”
Thatch looked at the young man in front of him, a grin forming on his face.
“Oh?
And what do you want with me, kid?”
This young man was none other than Vista, a dual wielding swordsman who would one day become the Fifth Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Upon hearing this, the young Vista drew the two swords from his waist and, with a resolute expression, said to Thatch,
“Please accept my challenge.
I want to test my sword against yours!”
Hearing Vista’s words, Thatch burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha, you have guts, kid, but you are still far from ready,” he said, continuing casually to carry the treasure chest toward the ship.
Newgate, on the other hand, glanced at Vista with interest but said nothing.
He simply continued walking, followed by Marco and Jozu.
It was clear to him that Thatch was amused.
Seeing Thatch about to leave, Vista became anxious and quickly stepped forward to block his path.
“I have always admired you!”
Hearing this, Thatch stopped.
He placed the treasure chest on the ground, sat on it, and asked with a grin, “Oh?
Then tell me, why do you admire me?”
“Do you remember the Twin Blade Pirates?” Vista asked instead of answering directly.
Thatch frowned slightly, thinking for a moment before shaking his head.
“Does not ring a bell.”
“It is normal that you do not remember.
Five years ago, at a port in the Grand Line, you defeated their entire crew,” Vista explained.
This time, Thatch recalled it.
A small time pirate crew that had made the mistake of provoking the Whitebeard Pirates.
“Ah, those guys.
So what about them?” Thatch said casually.
“They destroyed my village in the North Blue.
I was the only survivor.
Later, I heard that you defeated them, so I set out to sea to find you.
I wanted to thank you, and also to see how strong the man I admire truly is.”
Upon hearing this, Thatch was slightly surprised.
For a child to travel from North Blue into the Grand Line and reach the New World, that alone spoke volumes about his determination and talent.
After a brief pause, Thatch said, “I see.
Then I will accept your challenge, but I have one condition.”
“What condition?” Vista asked immediately.
“If you lose, you join our crew,” Thatch said bluntly.
Vista froze for a moment, then his eyes lit up.
“Join the Whitebeard Pirates?”
Thatch nodded.
“Once you step onto this ship, you are family.
No masters, no servants.
Everyone is Oyaji’s son.”
Hearing this, Vista nodded repeatedly without hesitation.
“Alright!
I accept!”
“Then come,” Thatch said, drawing the newly acquired blade with one hand.
Vista took a deep breath, gripping his twin swords tightly.
In the next instant, he rushed forward, his blades moving in rapid succession, forming a dense web of slashes.
His movements were already refined beyond his years, showing remarkable control and precision.
It had to be said that Vista possessed extraordinary talent.
To reach such a level at such a young age, his future was undoubtedly bright.
But against Thatch, it was still not enough.
With a simple movement, Thatch shifted his wrist and struck with the back of the blade.
There was no visible technique, yet the strike slipped through the gaps in Vista’s offense and landed cleanly on his head.
Tap.
Vista froze.
He understood instantly.
He had lost.
Yet instead of frustration, his face lit up with excitement.
“So this is the level of a New World swordsman!”
“Hahahaha, kid, I am far from the top,” Thatch said, laughing as he rested the blade on his shoulder.
He then pointed toward the ship.
“Do you see that man?”
Vista turned his head and saw Newgate standing on the deck, arms crossed, his massive presence like a mountain overlooking the sea.
“That is Whitebeard, Edward Newgate.
The man we call Oyaji.”
Thatch grinned.
“If you want to see the true peak of this sea, start by standing beneath him.”