One Piece: The Strongest Female Pirate Crews

Kuke and Whitebeard faced each other, their gazes locked.

"What will it take for you to release my son, Marco? State your terms," Whitebeard said directly.

If it weren't for Marco, Whitebeard wouldn't have taken such a hardline stance.

Kuke turned slightly and glanced at Belo Betty.

"Room."

Using his ability, the imprisoned Marco, who had been submerged in seawater in the ship's hold for half a year, appeared instantly.

Belo Betty canceled her ability, and Marco's body began to recover. Blue healing flames ignited, rapidly healing his injuries as he transformed into a phoenix and flew toward Whitebeard.

Whitebeard narrowed his eyes, surprised as he looked at Kuke.

This outcome exceeded his expectations. Whitebeard had been prepared to pay a great price to secure Marco's release or even to fight bitterly for a slim chance to rescue him.

"Why?" Whitebeard asked. He didn't believe Kuke had done this out of fear.

"You wanted him, so I gave him to you. Now we can discuss the terms," Kuke replied.

His words sent waves of shock through Whitebeard's heart.

Negotiations typically involved presenting terms first, not giving up leverage before bargaining.

"Gurarara! What a bold man," Whitebeard laughed.

He understood now. Kuke's actions stemmed from confidence—absolute confidence. Even after releasing Marco, he didn't fear Whitebeard reneging or failing to meet his demands during negotiations.

"Just like the captain," Whitebeard muttered, seeing traces of Rocks in Kuke's demeanor. Both shared this decisive approach.

Whitebeard's gaze shifted to Charlotte Linlin standing beside Kuke.

Linlin, is this why you joined him?

Charlotte Linlin noticed Whitebeard's look and frowned.

"What are you staring at, Whitebeard? Keep looking, and I'll have the captain take you down!" she growled, baring her teeth. She assumed Whitebeard was mocking her capture.

Whitebeard remained silent and withdrew his gaze.

Linlin proudly raised her head. "Mama…" She let out a laugh, unable to conceal her excitement and satisfaction.

Marco's return had exceeded Whitebeard's expectations, and it had shocked all the pirates of the Whitebeard crew.

Their view of Kuke shifted as hidden respect resurfaced. On the seas, respect for strength was eternal.

No one was more bewildered than Marco. Imprisoned for over six months, he had suffered no physical torture. He was given meals every few days to maintain basic survival.

Yet, these months had been mentally agonizing. Day and night, he was consumed by guilt and fear that his actions had brought disaster upon his father and comrades. His self-recrimination had been unrelenting.

Marco had even resolved to die if it would prevent further trouble for his family. Yet, here he was, suddenly free and back with his father. The abruptness left him in a daze.

"This…?" Marco looked at Kuke, unable to comprehend the situation. His gaze held neither hatred nor resentment—he knew this was his own doing.

If not for his greed in pursuing the Op-Op Fruit, even under the guise of sheltering remnants of the Sun and Moon Pirates, his initial intent had been selfish.

"Father, this is my fault. I'm willing to compensate the Sun and Moon Pirates. Please, don't let my mistakes cause harm to them," Marco pleaded earnestly.

Having been cut off from outside news for over six months, Marco's understanding of the seas was stuck in the past. He didn't know about Sengoku's death or Kaido's defeat. He was only puzzled as to why Big Mom was with Kuke.

Perhaps Kuke allied with Big Mom to ensure his safety when facing Father? Marco guessed.

Whitebeard glanced at Marco, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. Do you still naively think I'm the one refusing to let Kuke go?

In truth, the current situation was entirely dictated by Kuke.

"Father, what's wrong?" Marco asked, bewildered by Whitebeard's expression.

Whitebeard dismissed him with a wave.

"Kuke, what do you want from me? The title of the strongest man? If you want it, take it."

Whitebeard's eyes remained wary as he spoke. As long as his sons were unharmed, he was willing to give anything.

"The strongest man? If I want that title, I'll claim it myself," Kuke replied. He had no need for Whitebeard to relinquish the title willingly.

His current strength was equivalent to a peak Whitebeard and Roger combined, with the added advantage of his enhanced physique. He surpassed them both.

"Honestly, there's nothing you have that interests me," Kuke said, glancing over Whitebeard's sons and the 40 or so captains behind him. Aside from Ice Witch Whitey Bay, there weren't many notable female fighters.

Not much wool to harvest, Kuke thought. This lack of prospects made Kuke's interest in Whitebeard minimal.

Whitebeard couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. He had been underestimated.

His sons shared similar expressions. On the one hand, they were relieved not to suffer the same fate as the Beasts Pirates or Big Mom Pirates. On the other, they felt humiliated by the dismissal.

"What I want, you can't give right now," Kuke said.

The only things of value in the Whitebeard Pirates were the Devil Fruits: the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, Phoenix Mythical Zoan, and the Shiny-Shiny Fruit. These were exceptional abilities, alongside the still-unfound Dark-Dark Fruit. But these were either unavailable or out of reach.

Whitebeard was perplexed. He doesn't want anything? Did he come just to meet me and return Marco? Does my reputation carry that much weight?

"One hour. If you can last an hour without losing, I'll ask for nothing," Kuke stated his condition.

Achievements mattered to Kuke. The more shocking his actions, the more he earned. Holding back was not an option.

Whitebeard glared, his tiger-like eyes narrowing. An hour? Did Kuke think so little of him?

Kaido had lasted over four hours. Charlotte Linlin had endured nearly two. Did Kuke see Whitebeard as the weakest of them all? His bounty and reputation surpassed theirs, so why this disdain?

"Do you mean everyone attacking me together?" Whitebeard asked, glancing at the powerful Sun and Moon Pirates—Big Mom, Gion, Stussy, Shakky, Yamato… A formidable lineup.

Whitebeard's face grew serious. If all these people attacked at once, he might genuinely lose within an hour.

Marco and the others frowned. The idea of so many against their father felt dishonorable.

"You're not part of the equation," Kuke clarified.

"Not an ambush?" Whitebeard was stunned. He pointed at Kuke and then at himself. "Just the two of us?"

"Of course," Kuke replied. "And don't expect your sons to interfere."

"Captain, go ahead. If anyone dares interfere, I'll smash their heads in," Yamato declared, hefting her kanabo. Her powerful Conqueror's Haki pressed down on Marco and the others, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Marco and Jozu looked at Yamato in shock. She was a monster—anyone could feel the immense pressure emanating from her.

Yet Yamato was just one among Kuke's crew, with several others stronger than her standing behind him.

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DONT FORGET POWER STONE 

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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up 40+ chapters at patreon.com/Emik01.

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