Chapter 88: Sigh, I Really Can’t Say No to You

"Is that so..."

Whitebeard’s deep voice carried a trace of hesitation and concern.

To be honest, until Ace’s Conqueror’s Haki reached a higher level, Whitebeard still wasn’t comfortable letting him carry out dangerous missions on his own.

After all,

the Beasts Pirates were Kaido’s stronghold.

Not only was it filled with danger, but it was also full of unknown variables.

The All-Stars and the Tobi Roppo all possessed formidable Haki.

At least for now, every one of them was stronger than Ace.

Just as Whitebeard was wavering, Ace turned a pleading look toward Ron.

The desperation in his eyes made it seem as though he was ready to grab Ron’s leg and beg for help.

Everyone present could sense his anxiety and eagerness.

Seeing this, Ron let out a helpless sigh.

"Sigh... I really can’t say no to you."

Then he stood up and interrupted Whitebeard’s thoughts.

"Pops, I actually think Ace should be allowed to go next time."

He continued,

"Training under real pressure is one of the fastest ways to improve Haki."

"If we keep protecting him too well, we might end up limiting his growth instead."

His words were blunt, but they were true.

No powerhouse ever became strong by hiding in safety.

As he spoke, Ron suddenly thought of Luffy.

In the original story, during the battle on Onigashima against Kaido, Luffy seemed to improve at an absurd pace.

After taking only a few brutal beatings, he had already reached an entirely new level.

As for advanced Haki techniques?

Luffy practically learned them after seeing them once.

It was enough to make anyone question reality.

"Mm..."

Whitebeard carefully considered Ron’s words.

"You’re right."

"A true powerhouse isn’t a flower raised in a greenhouse."

"They need storms and hardships to grow."

After a brief pause, he finally nodded.

"...Then next time, you’ll go with them."

"Thank you, Pops! Thank you, Ron !"

Ace was overjoyed.

At last, he would have a chance to venture out and prove himself.

The training he’d endured these past days hadn’t been easy, but now he would finally be able to test the results of his Haki training in real combat.

The matter of raiding Kaido had finally come to an end.

Whitebeard felt both exhausted and satisfied.

He stood up, took a deep breath, and burst into laughter.

"Gurararara!"

"Let’s throw a banquet and celebrate!"

"A banquet!"

Jozu shouted excitedly.

The crew immediately sprang into action.

Everyone knew this was a victory worth celebrating.

"The liquor on Sky Island is pretty good too!"

"Let’s buy some and drink until we drop!"

"Not too much."

A more rational voice interrupted.

"We still have to head back to Wano Country tomorrow and bring back the rest of the gold."

"Don’t forget the important stuff."

"Right, right!"

"We almost forgot."

Everyone nodded.

While they were thrilled about the victory, they wouldn’t truly feel at ease until every last piece of treasure had been brought back.

The next morning,

sunlight filtered through the mist and illuminated the docks.

The Division Commanders had gathered together.

The excitement on their faces was impossible to hide.

All the gold taken from Kaido had already been handed over to Vice Captain Ron.

But clearly,

the treasure wasn’t what interested them most.

At that moment, everyone’s attention was focused on a single person.

Ron.

"Vice Captain Ron."

One of the commanders spoke impatiently.

"We’ve already handed over all the gold."

"But what we really want is..."

Before he could finish, the others immediately joined in.

"That’s right! Build our division a dragon first!"

"We want one too!"

"Just imagining riding a dragon across the sea is awesome!"

"Hahaha! Anyone who didn’t know better would think we were riding Kaido himself!"

Laughter erupted all around.

Although the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful, the excitement in everyone’s hearts was obvious.

After all,

in the world of pirates, dragons had always been Kaido’s signature symbol.

But things were different now.

With Ron around, dragons were no longer exclusive to a Yonko.

They were practically becoming standard equipment.

"Alright, alright."

Ron laughed.

"As long as there’s enough funding, I’ll make as many dragons as you want."

Truthfully, he wished these commanders would show up every day carrying mountains of gold and asking him to create Devil Fruits.

That would be perfect.

Not only would it accelerate his mission progress, but it would also earn him generous rewards from the Super Black Technology System.

His current mission required him to replicate Devil Fruits one hundred times.

The task wasn’t easy.

But the reward was bound to be incredible.

The Division Commanders were delighted by Ron’s answer.

As they departed, none of them could stop smiling.

Ron waved them off.

"Be careful out there."

"And try to bring back even more gold."

Watching their figures disappear into the distance, Ron began planning his next experiments.

Less than ten minutes after the commanders left the laboratory,

another figure appeared at the entrance.

It was Izou.

"Izou?"

Ron looked surprised.

He hadn’t expected anyone to return so quickly.

"Vice Captain Ron, thank you!"

The moment Izou entered, he dropped to one knee.

Ron immediately stepped forward and pulled him back up with one hand.

"What are you doing?"

"Get up."

His expression became serious.

"We’re brothers."

"Don’t kneel so casually in the future."

Izou stood silently, listening.

Ron looked him straight in the eyes.

"A man’s knees don’t bend to heaven or earth."

"They kneel only to their parents."

At those words, Izou’s eyes reddened.

He could feel the sincerity behind Ron’s words.

More importantly, he felt the trust and respect Ron had given him.

Taking a deep breath, Izou nodded firmly.

"I understand, Ron ."

◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇

◇ 1 bonus Chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!

◇ 1 bonus Chapter for every 100 Power Stones.

◇ Read 70 Chapters ahead on P@treon → /Sagamaster789