One Piece: Investing In Whitebeard At The Start.

"What are you doing over there?"

Aboard the King, Kalifa looked out toward the pillar of fire in the distance. Though it lasted only about a minute, it was enough to shake her.

Even from far away, Kalifa could clearly see it. Vane had headed in that direction earlier. The last time she saw something similar was during that confrontation with Aokiji. Though this time was different, it was just as intense. Moments after Vane left, towering pillars of fire erupted into the sky. Even from here, she could feel the terrifying heat radiating outward.

"The power of that man is unbelievable… If anyone's destined to dominate the New World, it's him."

She was stunned. Though the flames had faded, the sky remained red, as if the clouds themselves had caught fire. Kalifa didn't need to know how Vane obtained that terrifying power. All that mattered was that he had it—and she was following the right man.

When Vane returned more than ten minutes later, Kalifa was even more surprised to see him bringing back a woman. One she didn't recognize—beautiful, with a fierce, commanding aura that made it clear she wasn't ordinary. And strong, definitely strong.

"You two should get to know each other. From now on, you'll both be part of my crew," Vane said casually.

"Esdeath, Kalifa."

He introduced them, and Kalifa frowned slightly before reaching out her right hand.

"Kalifa. I arrived before you. I control thunder and lightning. Let's get acquainted."

Her tone was neutral, not overtly hostile, but not welcoming either. She didn't want to seem petty, especially with Vane watching. Still, she didn't like the idea of someone else suddenly taking space beside him.

"Thunder and lightning?" Esdeath raised a brow in curiosity.

Kalifa lifted her left hand, crackling with intense blue electricity. The sound of sparking energy filled the air. With a flick, she released a bolt of lightning toward a nearby wooden barrel on the deck. It exploded with a sharp bang, reduced to splinters.

"How about that? And what about you?" Kalifa's voice now held a trace of provocation.

"Me?" Esdeath asked calmly, then extended her right hand to shake Kalifa's. She waved her left hand toward the sea.

A massive ice sphere dropped from the sky and slammed into the ocean. The sea exploded outward, sending a surge of seawater high into the air. The entire ship rocked from the impact. Water rained down, soaking all three of them.

"I'm Esdeath. A general from an empire. I've fought hundreds of battles and never lost. Now, I serve Vane."

She smiled, calm and confident, unbothered by Kalifa's display.

"Oh? Which empire?" Kalifa asked, intrigued but unwilling to show weakness.

"One that I rule," Esdeath said simply.

She rules an empire? Kalifa was startled. A young woman, the ruler of a country? She didn't want to believe it… but Vane had already told her Esdeath was a general. In the end, status didn't matter in this world—only power did. And Esdeath clearly had it.

As a newly recruited admiral in Vane's command, her strength couldn't be ignored. If she ever faced Aokiji, she could very well win. The Ice Teigu she wielded was superior to his IceDevil Fruit in some ways.

While Aokiji could freeze the sea, it took time. Esdeath could do it almost instantly.

Beyond freezing, her Ice Teigu also granted her the ability to manipulate time and space and summon the Icy Lan General—a move that conjured an army of ice cavalry. Though soulless, these warriors had no fear or hesitation. They were unstoppable killing machines unless destroyed. A one-woman army.

Esdeath was terrifying—and beautiful.

In time, she would become Vane's most effective subordinate. Of course, Kalifa wasn't weak either. Though she often played more of a support role—like a caretaker, or perhaps even… a wife—her lightning powers held immense potential.

Two women. One with ice. The other with thunder. In the world of pirates, they were both as formidable as Logia users. Even with only three of them, their crew was already frightening.

Vane stood at the top, Esdeath was second, and Kalifa third.

"It seems you're quite powerful, Miss Esdeath," Kalifa admitted, feeling the weight of competition. Until now, it had only been her and Vane. Now another had arrived. One just as beautiful—and just as dangerous.

At that moment, Vane spoke again. "Kalifa, I'll be counting on you. We've got another guest at the table now."

"Of course, my lord."

Kalifa smiled, though it was forced. Inside, she felt a hint of dread, but she masked it well.

"Esdeath didn't bring any clothes, Kalifa—" Vane began.

"I've got plenty of new ones," she interrupted smoothly. "Looks like she and I have similar figures. She can wear mine."

"And sleeping arrangements… I forgot to prep another bed."

"No worries, my lord. I'll handle it."

Her voice was gentle, sweet, and reassuring. No trace of resentment showed. Vane was satisfied.

But as he turned and returned to the dining room, Kalifa's expression hardened.

"Miss Esdeath," she said firmly. "I don't care where you're from. On this ship, first come, first served. From now on, you can wash your own clothes, find your own room, and clean it yourself. I'm not your maid."

Esdeath only chuckled. Her smile was sharp and playful. "Funny woman."

The smile irritated Kalifa, but she kept her anger in check and turned to enter the dining room.

The days ahead would be long. And she had a feeling her place beside Vane was no longer secure. If she didn't step up now, she didn't know how far she might fall.

"It's time for breakfast, Ice Woman," she muttered as she walked away.

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I might need to change the update schedule, possibly switching to morning uploads instead of evenings.

I understand that some of you may be marinating chapters so it can pile up, but posting daily for 7 straight days and only receiving 20–70 Powerstones is honestly pretty discouraging.