One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 171: Whitebeard Pirates

Snap!

"No!"

Marco looked up in horror as the crossbeam above him began to fall.

"Marco!"

The Moby Dick was approaching, and everyone on board watched in terror.

"Marco!"

Whitebeard's pupils contracted as he swung his massive fist, unleashing a powerful shockwave.

The vibration force extinguished the flames instantly and disintegrated the burning ship. The collapsing crossbeam above Marco's head was blown away without harming him.

Whitebeard's strength and precision were unmatched.

Marco had closed his eyes in fear, bracing for impact, but he felt nothing. A gentle breeze brushed past his face instead.

"Dad!"

Marco opened his eyes to see Whitebeard standing on the Moby Dick, his arm still outstretched from the swing.

"Kulalala! Marco, get up here quickly! It's too dangerous in there!"

Whitebeard's voice was warm and reassuring.

Marco didn't hesitate. He picked up the unconscious boy and threw him toward the Moby Dick. Whitebeard caught the child easily with his large hands.

Marco then transformed into a flaming bird and flew to the safety of the ship.

"Marco, that was reckless!"

The crew scolded him as soon as he landed. The fear and tension they had felt moments ago were still evident in their voices.

"Dad, I'm sorry!"

Marco walked over to Whitebeard, his head lowered in shame, standing close to his father's massive legs, ready to accept any punishment.

Whitebeard placed the rescued boy gently on the deck. He raised his large hand and placed it gently on Marco's back.

"Good boy! No need to apologize. It's my fault for not putting out the flames earlier!"

Whitebeard's voice was kind and full of understanding.

"Dad!"

Marco looked up at Whitebeard, his eyes filling with tears.

"Dad, you're spoiling him too much!" one of the crew members complained, breaking the moment.

"Kulalalala! I trust my little Marco will grow up and learn from this. You all forgive him, don't you?"

Whitebeard's smile was infectious, and the crew couldn't help but laugh.

"Hahaha! Of course! We're family!"

"Kulalala! Yes, we're family!" Whitebeard declared.

"Dad! Everyone!"

Marco looked at his father and the crew, overwhelmed with emotion.

"Marco, are you about to cry?" someone teased, grinning at him.

"Hmph! No, I'm not!" Marco snapped, quickly wiping his eyes.

The ship erupted in laughter once again.

---

"Uh…"

A faint groan silenced the laughter.

Everyone turned to see the rescued boy stirring on the deck.

"Ship's doctor! Come check on the child!" Whitebeard called.

The ship's doctor rushed over with his medical kit. After a quick examination, he gave his report.

"Dad, he's fine. He inhaled too much smoke and is a bit suffocated, but he'll recover soon."

"Good!" Whitebeard nodded, relieved.

"Uh… where am I? Water… I need water," the boy croaked, his voice hoarse.

"Dad! He's awake!"

"Jozi, get him some water!" Whitebeard ordered.

Joz quickly grabbed his water bottle and handed it to the boy, who drank greedily, finishing it in moments.

"Burp!"

The boy let out a loud burp, looking sheepish.

"What's your name, kid?" Whitebeard asked gently, kneeling slightly to meet the boy's eyes.

The boy stared up at the towering figure, awestruck.

"M-my name is Vista," he stammered.

"Vista, huh? That's a fine name! What happened to you? Were you attacked?"

Vista's face crumpled as he recounted his story.

"Yes… pirates attacked us. My father fought to protect our ship, but he… he didn't make it. I was the only one who survived…"

Vista's voice broke, and tears streamed down his face.

The crew fell silent, their earlier cheer replaced by sorrow. Even Whitebeard's usually cheerful expression turned somber.

After a moment, Whitebeard spoke, his voice filled with warmth and resolve.

"Child, you've been through a lot. From now on, you're under my protection. No one will ever hurt you again."

Vista looked up at Whitebeard, his tear-streaked face filled with hope.

"Y-you'll protect me?"

"Of course. Join the Whitebeard Pirates. Be my son, and I'll protect you for the rest of your life."

Whitebeard stretched out his massive hand toward Vista.

The boy hesitated, then reached out with trembling fingers, placing his small hand in Whitebeard's.

Whitebeard gently pulled Vista to his feet.

"From today onward, you're my son," he declared with a warm smile.

"Dad…" Vista murmured, his voice uncertain but touched.

"Kulalalalalal! Prepare a feast, boys! Let's welcome Vista to the family!" Whitebeard's voice boomed across the ship.

"Welcome, Vista!"

"Let's party!"

The crew erupted in cheers, their spirits lifting once more.

As everyone celebrated, Marco approached Vista with a grin.

"Hey, kid! I just saved you. Don't forget to thank me!"

"Uh… thanks," Vista mumbled, still overwhelmed by everything that had happened.

"Haha! Stick with us, kid. You'll be just fine." Marco ruffled Vista's hair, and for the first time, Vista managed a small smile.

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