Bonds of Thirty Years

Considering the pub's image, Ron slowly approached, embracing Yoruichi, continuously stroking her fur.

Perhaps it had become a habit to pet cats, and under his skilled hands, Yoruichi's agitated mood gradually calmed.

As for the man sitting at the bar, he was a newly arrived guest. Dressed in a white knitted sweater, he was tall and slender. Black-rimmed glasses on his nose concealed a hint of sharpness, making him appear less "aggressive." With his short brown hair and gentle smile, he exuded an air of elegance and restraint.

Of course... Ron was also afraid that this man would suddenly use hairspray, then look at everyone present with a disdainful expression and declare:
"From now on, I shall stand atop the world!"

Ron temporarily ignored him and called out to the others:
"Everyone, have a seat."
Quetzalcoatl also smiled, pointing to the liquor-filled bar:
"Drinks have been prepared for you all."

Seeing this, Rayleigh and the Holy Lord and his son immediately bowed deeply: "Thank you for your trouble!"
"Next time, we'll come on our own!"
With that, the three quickly walked to the bar and sat down.

Witnessing this strange scene, Whitebeard couldn't help but be stunned. Why were they so respectful to this woman? Had Rayleigh's brain been damaged? Were those two monsters the same? Just a moment ago, they had clearly beaten him and Sengoku so badly that the three of them couldn't even lift their heads!

Though bewildered, Whitebeard's gaze still fell upon Ace, who lay on the ground. On the way back, Ace had fallen unconscious again and was currently being treated by Marco. As for his own injuries, Whitebeard acted as if he didn't see them at all.

Soon, Ace regained consciousness, and the pallor on his face gradually gave way to a healthy flush. He didn't rush to examine his own injuries but said with a hint of urgency:
"Marco... Quickly treat Pops."
"His injuries are heavier than mine."
"Alright!" Marco nodded, and blue flames erupted, enveloping Whitebeard.

But that could only treat superficial wounds; it couldn't cure the root cause.
Seeing this, the Holy Lord couldn't help but show an envious expression:
"If this foolish son of mine had even half his filial piety, I could smile in the Nine Springs."
"Alas..."
"I can only think it in my heart."
Though he spoke thus, the Holy Lord secretly stroked the bottle of 'softening spray,' feeling much more at ease.
"This thing truly smells fragrant!"

"My apologies, I didn't know you wanted to save Ace initially."
"After all..."
When the treatment concluded, Whitebeard slowly exhaled, saying a word with a hint of guilt before trailing off. The phrase "You damn well look terrifying" was truly a bit hard to utter.

The Holy Lord took a sip of wine, forced out a tear, and said pitifully:
"You people, you don't ask any questions, you just rush in and strike mercilessly!"
"I just feel a little wronged..."
That tone, that expression, that gesture of wiping away tears... If one didn't look at his face, they would absolutely believe the Holy Lord was a wronged young girl.

Everyone who saw it couldn't help but twitch an eyelid. The scene was truly 'beautiful.'
But the Little Demon Dragon, who had been sprayed with the softening medicine, directly hugged his old father, wailing:
"Father, rest assured."
"With me here from now on, such a thing will absolutely never happen again!"
The Holy Lord lay on his son's shoulder, the corners of his mouth uncontrollably curving upwards.

At this moment, Ron placed the bottle of Quetzalcoatl's wine, which he had taken out earlier, in front of Whitebeard:
"Alright, if the misunderstanding has been resolved, then let's drink."
"I heard you like strong liquor."
"This wine is called Burning Blade Wine; Blackbeard once drank it."
Upon hearing this name, Whitebeard was clearly stunned for a moment, a hint of heaviness flashing in his eyes. Having adopted so many sons, Blackbeard was the only one he had truly misjudged.

"Gura la la..."
"That year, he knelt before me, wanting to join this family."
"Though I hesitated a little, I eventually agreed."
"Because I saw determination in his eyes, but I didn't see ambition in his heart."
Whitebeard frowned, grabbed the bottle of wine in front of him, and took a large gulp.

Gulp, gulp...
As a mouthful of wine went down his throat, the rich aroma instantly exploded in his mouth. The pure, mellow taste made Whitebeard linger on it. But in the next second, the liquid he had just drunk seemed to transform into tiny blades. From his throat to his stomach, a burning sensation, as if someone was dancing with small knives in his gullet, in his stomach!

Unlike Blackbeard, Whitebeard not only didn't feel uncomfortable but instead let out a groan of pleasure:
"Gura la la..."
"Good wine!"
"This is absolutely the strongest wine I've ever tasted!"
As he spoke, he poured another strong drink into his mouth. Marco quickly stepped forward, snatching the bottle:
"Pops, your body can't handle drinking like this right now!"
Ace, still lying on the ground, said in an almost pleading tone:
"Pops... Please cherish your body."
"The Whitebeard Pirates cannot do without you!"
Whitebeard glanced sideways, wanting to scold them but held back. Yes... His body was far from what it used to be. Coupled with this severe injury, he probably wouldn't live for many more years.

Witnessing this filial scene between father and son, at this moment, an old father cast an envious gaze.
Whitebeard was silent for a moment, then looked towards Rem and Ram, who were busy working:
"Originally, I wanted these two girls to join the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Now it seems, there's no need for that."
With that, he asked curiously: "So, where is the man who assaulted Blackbeard and his crew?"
"Has he joined another force?"
"I want to adopt him as my son!"

When he arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago, Whitebeard had thought of saving Ace and, incidentally, adopting three more sons. That would have been perfect beyond perfection! However, upon seeing the Holy Lord and his son always respectful towards Ron, and then seeing Rem and Ram as Ron's pub staff, that idea vanished completely. He could only place his hopes on that other man.

Can this bad habit of adopting sons everywhere be changed... Ron frowned:
"Then you can ask the Holy Lord."
"See if he's interested in calling you 'Pops'."
Rayleigh, ever one to stir up trouble, added fuel to the fire with a mischievous smile: "Go on, adopt a son quickly."
"Let's see how many lives you have to fulfill that."
Whitebeard immediately sat still.

The Holy Lord, unusually, wasn't angry; instead, he laughed and recounted what had happened. After listening, Whitebeard, Marco, and Ace were all caught between tears and laughter. Becoming an ordinary person kicked by Burgess, having just been beaten by his son, then ambushed by Akainu, and finally surrounded. The Holy Lord was truly a miserable man... Only, Whitebeard's plan to adopt a son was put on hold.

After a moment of cheerful laughter, Whitebeard asked indifferently: "How is Blackbeard now?"
"Did he escape, or has he been captured by the Marines?"
Rayleigh took a sip of wine, inhaled deeply, and slowly said:
"I killed him."
"His corpse should still be in that park."
"If you want to retrieve the body, hurry, otherwise the Marines will surely inspect it and blow the matter up."
Whitebeard frowned slightly: "It's been many years since we last fought, hasn't it?"
"If not..."
Before he could finish, Rayleigh struck first. He stood up, wrapped an arm around Whitebeard's waist, and dashed straight out of the pub.

Marco asked with a bewildered expression:
"They were fine just a moment ago, why are they fighting all of a sudden?"
Ron calmly said: "Perhaps they want to resolve their grievances."
"Although Blackbeard broke the rules, he did call Whitebeard 'Pops' for many years. Even if it's just raising a dog, after being together for so many years, there should be some affection."