Chapter 69: Enel: Vice Captain, Please Give Me This Opportunity!

Ron narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering Big Mom’s true intentions and trying to find a clue amidst the confusion.

Based on the original course of events, Fish-Man Island would eventually fall under Big Mom’s protection two years after the Summit War of Marineford.

But Fish-Man Island lay ten thousand meters beneath the sea.

Its unique location made it a natural fortress, nearly impossible to conquer by force.

So why would Big Mom want it so badly?

The costs seemed to outweigh the benefits.

Ron frowned.

Various possibilities flashed through his mind, but none of them seemed convincing.

Then, as he glanced at Whitebeard, a thought suddenly struck him.

If there was one plausible explanation...

It could only be the Ancient Weapon Poseidon.

In other words—

Shirahoshi.

Although she had not yet fully awakened her power, her ability to command Sea Kings and unleash devastating destruction was already terrifying.

If Big Mom were to gain control over that power, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Moreover, Fish-Man Island also housed an important Poneglyph.

Those ancient stones recorded secrets about the true history of the world and possessed immeasurable value.

Most importantly, they were deeply connected to the mystery of the One Piece itself.

Thinking of this, Ron became increasingly convinced.

Big Mom’s target was likely one of those treasures.

Or perhaps both.

"Alright, brats!"

Whitebeard’s deep, authoritative voice echoed throughout the room.

The noisy hall instantly fell silent.

Every commander turned toward him.

"No matter what that crazy old hag is planning."

"No matter what schemes she has for Fish-Man Island."

Whitebeard’s gaze sharpened.

"Anyone who dares provoke the Whitebeard Pirates will pay the price!"

The declaration struck everyone’s hearts like a hammer.

This wasn’t merely a statement.

It was the will of the entire Whitebeard Pirates.

Any threat against them would be met with overwhelming retaliation.

As Whitebeard finished speaking, thunderous cheers erupted throughout the room.

"Pops! My laser cannon has been itching for action!"

"I’m going to freeze Big Mom into a giant popsicle!"

"Freeze her? Then what, are you planning to lick her afterward?"

"Damn, brother! That’s a little too heavy for my tastes. Let’s talk privately."

"Fish-Man Island is Whitebeard Pirates territory! Anyone who tries to take it has to pay the price!"

"That’s right!"

The crowd’s enthusiasm soared.

They had been stuck on Skypiea for so long that they were nearly bored to death.

The moment they heard there was a fight coming, everyone became excited.

Especially those who had recently gained Devil Fruit powers and had yet to test them in battle.

They enthusiastically supported the expedition.

Whitebeard raised a hand.

The room gradually quieted.

Then he looked toward Ron.

"Ron, lad."

"I’ll leave everything else to you."

"This old man only needs to handle the fighting."

Ron nodded.

Afterward, he began assigning personnel.

Several commanders were ordered to remain behind and guard Skypiea.

Although very few people ever reached the sky island, leaving it completely undefended wasn’t an option.

Necessary precautions still had to be taken.

After everyone else had left, one person remained standing where he was.

Enel.

He stared at Ron with a look of deep dissatisfaction.

The expression was so resentful that he looked like an abandoned spouse harboring endless grievances.

Ron raised an eyebrow.

"What is it, Enel?"

"Need something else?"

Enel immediately stepped forward.

"Vice Captain Ron, can I come along too?"

"I don’t want to stay here."

His tone carried a hint of pleading.

Then he quickly began promoting his own proposal.

"We’re heading to the Blue Sea, right?"

"We’ll need transportation."

"The Moby Dick can’t fly, and those shell-powered modifications aren’t enough."

Ron considered his words.

Enel wasn’t wrong.

Transportation was indeed an issue.

Still, Ron couldn’t help wondering whether Enel’s motives were entirely pure.

"And there are too many people."

"A normal ship can’t carry everyone."

Enel continued confidently.

"I propose we use my... uh..."

He coughed awkwardly.

"...my former ship, the Ark Maxim."

At that moment, Ron finally understood Enel’s true objective.

The guy simply wanted to get out and explore the world.

And unfortunately, his reasoning was completely sound.

Ron couldn’t find any flaws in the logic.

Still, he felt the need to humble Enel a little.

"Not a bad suggestion."

Ron nodded slowly.

"Honestly, I’d almost forgotten about the Ark Maxim."

"Let’s have Izou pilot it."

"He’s also a Rumble-Rumble Fruit user, so he should be perfectly capable."

The moment those words left his mouth, Enel panicked.

What?!

After all that buildup, somebody else was going to take his ship?

Enel nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Vice Captain!"

"I can do it!"

"I can pilot it!"

He became so anxious that his words nearly tangled together.

"The Ark Maxim is my creation!"

"No one understands that ship better than I do!"

To prove himself, he quickly continued:

"I guarantee I’ll exceed all expectations!"

"Please trust me, Vice Captain!"

Then, to everyone’s surprise, Enel actually grabbed Ron’s hand.

His voice was practically begging.

"Vice Captain, please!"

"You have to give me this chance!"

Ron looked at the anxious expression on Enel’s face.

The man was nearly on the verge of tears.

It was obvious how much the Ark Maxim meant to him.

After all, he had built it with his own hands.

Furthermore, as a Rumble-Rumble Fruit user, Enel truly possessed unique advantages when it came to powering and controlling the vessel.

Seeing Enel so desperate, Ron figured he had already made his point.

The lesson had landed.

Giving him the opportunity wasn’t unreasonable.

Ron patted him on the shoulder.

"Enel."

"Being a helmsman isn’t an easy job."

"It’s a position with major responsibilities."

Enel immediately puffed out his chest.

"Don’t worry, Vice Captain!"

"I’m excellent at piloting ships!"

"The Ark Maxim was built to reach the Endless Vearth!"

"The Blue Sea is nothing compared to that!"

His face was filled with confidence.

He understood the responsibility involved.

More importantly, he knew how valuable this opportunity was.

Ron nodded.

"Very well."

"Since you’re this determined, the position is yours."

"Make good use of this chance."

Enel’s eyes instantly lit up.

"Thank you, Vice Captain!"

"I guarantee I won’t fail the mission!"

Outwardly, he appeared calm and composed.

But inwardly, he wiped away a cold sweat.

His new position had almost slipped through his fingers.

Fortunately, everything had worked out.

And now...

He would finally leave Skypiea behind and witness the vast world below.

Just thinking about it filled him with excitement and anticipation.

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