Pirate of Darkness (si)

After a long time, Teach recovered and looked at Mostima with a smile. "Haha, Mostima, it seems you are quite formidable. Let me introduce myself—Marshall D. Teach, currently a member of Whitebeard's second division."

"Really?" Mostima's eyes flashed with surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. "You should know me, but I'll introduce myself anyway—Kanis Mostima, a swordsman and currently the captain of the Shiratori Pirate Group."

The surrounding pirates were stunned into silence, their minds going blank. "A member of the Whitebeard Pirates?!" someone exclaimed. "Which Whitebeard? Could it be that Whitebeard?"

"Why would a member of the Whitebeard Pirates be here?" Hardman muttered, cold sweat dripping down his face, his hands trembling. "Even an ordinary member of the Whitebeard Pirates is terrifying?"

"This is terrifying! He's actually from the Whitebeard Pirates!" Harder, usually calm and collected, was visibly shaken.

This sea area was close to Whitebeard's territory. Whitebeard's reputation was enough to frighten children. Even those who had never seen him feared him due to the terrifying news reports—battles that destroyed islands, confrontations that razed entire territories.

"Why have the Whitebeard Pirates come here? Do they want us to become an affiliated pirate group?"

"Maybe they've taken a liking to our captain and want to recruit him as one of Whitebeard's sons? That wouldn't be so bad," some pirates speculated, their imaginations running wild.

A voice from behind interrupted their thoughts. "Let's go inside and talk, Teach. Today, you are a guest—the first pirate from another crew to visit our territory." The statement made Mostima frown slightly, briefly shattering his carefully cultivated image of a charismatic swordsman. Though he quickly regained his composure, Teach had already noticed.

Teach chuckled and followed Mostima inside.

"Everyone, return to your posts. I have matters to discuss with our guest," Mostima commanded. Though some were curious, they did not hesitate to obey, a testament to the respect and authority Mostima held over them.

As they walked into a spacious meeting room—perhaps more of an art gallery—Teach took in his surroundings. The room was large and well-lit, with light filtering through thirty-six arched openings arranged in three tiers. The centerpiece was a small conference table flanked by two sofas, seemingly prepared in advance.

In the four corners stood statues, each about three meters high: a gladiator in armor with a pointed helmet, symbolizing resilience; a scholar in a robe, holding a book, representing wisdom; a noble with golden eagle-like wings and a victorious smile, embodying triumph; and finally, a swordsman, representing an unwavering path with no regrets.

Teach also noticed scrolls, oil paintings, and ceramic pieces decorating the walls, though he didn't understand much about art.

Seating themselves, with Hardno and Hardman standing behind Mostima, the others remained outside, guarding against potential intrusions.

Teach remained silent as Mostima's expression grew uncharacteristically serious. "Teach," he began, "I went to sea with confidence, but I soon realized one thing—only monsters can fight monsters. That kind of strength... I have to admit, it's a level I'll never reach."

"Boss!" Hardno blurted out, clenching his fists in frustration. They had always believed Mostima could reach the pinnacle of power. To them, he seemed nearly perfect—his talent exceptional, his progress rapid. All he needed was time.

Mostima, however, understood his own limitations. His body was his weakness—his physique, strength, and durability had a ceiling, no matter how hard he trained. Reaching that monstrous level of endurance and power required both natural talent and relentless training. He knew he could never match those born with superior physiques.

But he would not give up. He had an unparalleled aptitude for swordsmanship, and he was confident he could become a great swordsman, a top power in the sea. The memory of a past battle still lingered vividly in his mind.

"So, I've been waiting. Waiting for a monster to appear. That's you, Teach. I've decided—I will follow you to the top." Mostima's eyes burned with determination, filled with both conviction and hope.

Teach listened intently. A powerful and intelligent subordinate—he had already taken notice of Mostima's potential. But he wasn't about to accept him on words alone.

"But I'm still a member of the Whitebeard Pirates," Teach reminded him. "Life there is quite good."

Mostima remained firm. "Teach, a man like you won't remain under another forever. I can feel the ambition in your heart. You haven't acted on it yet, but it's there."

Their eyes met, and Teach fell silent, knowing Mostima had spoken the truth.

A grin spread across Teach's face as realization dawned. Hardman and Hardno felt a sudden, overwhelming shift in his presence. It was as if he had transformed into a different person, an aura of terrifying confidence radiating from him.

"Thief hahahaha..." Teach's laughter filled the room, carrying an unmistakable sense of arrogance and power. In that moment, his stature seemed to grow, his presence becoming all the more imposing.

"Interesting, so interesting, Mostima." Teach chuckled, genuinely entertained. He hadn't expected someone to ask to join him so soon. He had always imagined a future where his strength and reputation would draw followers, but he hadn't expected it to begin now.

"You've chosen me. Are you sure you won't regret it?" Teach asked, standing from the sofa.

"I've made my decision, Captain," Mostima declared, bowing his head slightly—a sign of true conviction.

Hardman and Hardno exchanged glances, knowing there was no place for them to interfere. Mostima had never been wrong in his decisions before, and they trusted this time would be no different. At the same time, they were deeply shaken by Teach's transformation. It was as if two different people existed within him—the one he presented to the Whitebeard Pirates and the one who had just revealed his true ambitions.

"Haha, then I accept." Teach spread his arms wide, feeling a sense of exhilaration. Mostima was a valuable ally—young, talented, and already far ahead in swordsmanship.

Teach sat back down, ready to discuss strategy. "Do you know? This era's structure is already set. Roger, Golden Lion Shiki, and Whitebeard—Edward Newgate—are the three legends ruling the seas. The Roger Pirates, the Flying Pirates, and the Whitebeard Pirates dominate the world."

He continued, explaining the balance of power. "Roger's crew is small but elite. With fewer than thirty members, they can stand against any two of the other legendary crews. Roger and Rayleigh are the only pirate crew with two top-tier combatants."

Hardman asked, "Who's the other one in Roger's crew?"

"Rayleigh, the Dark King. Said to be nearly as strong as Roger himself," Teach replied.

He went on to explain the Flying Pirates' rapid expansion and Whitebeard's unmatched strength. "And then there's 'Lonely Red' Redfield. He walks the path of solitude, rivaling the legends alone. But without allies, he will eventually fall."

Teach's gaze sharpened. "If this pattern remains, no one can rise to challenge them."

"But don't worry." Teach smirked. "This structure won't last forever. The tides are shifting. And when they do, we'll be ready.