Skill Tree Chronicles: One Piece

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Currently at CHAPTER 90 on Patreon.

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Five chapters every two days on Patreon.

One chapter everyday on webnovel.

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" What? Fine, fine!"

Whitebeard ended the Den Den Mushi call with visible excitement and stood up abruptly.

"You didn't let me down! You're truly worthy of being my right-hand man!"

—Above the sea—

The Moby Dick slowly docked at Bian Shao Island, one of the temporary bases of the Whitebeard Pirates.

A few crew members already stationed on the island spotted their flagship approaching, and their faces lit up.

"The Moby Dick! It's Dad!"

"Go! Report to the commander!"

One of the guards bolted into a large tent situated at the center of the reconstruction site.

"Gurararara! What a triumphant return!"

The arrival of the flagship caused a stir across the camp. Whitebeard's men poured out with bright smiles and renewed morale.

Their Deputy Commander—Shen Yuan, the God of Death—

Had defeated the Emperor of the Beasts, Kaido,

And taken control of half of his territories!

Their pride surged like the ocean tide!

—

Bian Shao Island was isolated but resource-rich. Dense forests, metal veins, and clean freshwater made it a perfect staging ground. Reconstruction and fortification were underway.

"Daddy's back!"

Even with their excitement, no one halted their tasks. Hammers clanged, saws buzzed, and sweat poured.

"You're all doing well, my sons!"

Whitebeard gave a few hearty compliments before his gaze landed on a disturbing sight—

The battered corpses of the Flying Six strung outside the tent like trophies.

"Uh…"

Whitebeard blinked in surprise.

So ruthless?

"Come in, old man."

A calm voice rang from inside. Whitebeard paused briefly, then burst into laughter.

"Gurararara!"

The commanders followed him in.

The tent had transformed. The once bare ground was now covered with rare minerals, while one corner overflowed with confiscated Devil Fruits—all likely looted from Kaido's fallen forces.

"Brat, you made quite a haul."

Whitebeard leaned forward and sat in the chair, jamming Kusunokiri—his signature naginata—into the ground with a mighty thud.

"Hey! That's the floor! That's the new floor!" Shen Yuan groaned.

"Gurarara! Kid, I heard you took down Kaido! My blood's boiling with excitement!"

But Shen Yuan's expression darkened at the mention of Kaido, as if recalling something unpleasant.

Whitebeard's smile faded slightly.

"What's with that face?"

"It's nothing."

Still, Whitebeard pressed on, thoughtfully.

"Do you know a man named…"

"Kozuki Oden?"

Whitebeard stopped, startled.

"How do you know that name?"

"Not only do I know, I know he was the foolish, idealistic Daimyo of Kuri."

That stunned everyone.

Shen Yuan's evaluation of Oden was shockingly low.

"What did you just say?"

Whitebeard's tone shifted, his smile vanishing. The air grew heavy.

"I know Wano's story. But frankly, I don't see Kozuki Oden as a hero."

Veins bulged on Whitebeard's temple.

"Why… do you say that?"

The second time Whitebeard asked the question, the atmosphere in the tent froze solid.

The captains tensed. Pressure rolled off their captain like a tidal wave.

"Kozuki Oden?

A self-deluded martyr who abandoned his homeland.

His so-called 'samurai' failed, his children scattered.

Compared to the Kozuki clan, I have more respect for Kaido's direct subordinates."

Despite the growing pressure, Shen Yuan's voice remained calm and sharp.

"All for some vague prophecy, he left Wano at its most fragile.

Did he ever think that without his leadership, the country would fall deeper into chaos?

And it did. Most people suffered or died for his so-called dream."

He stomped his foot—

The newly laid floor cracked beneath his heel.

"But forget Oden for now. Let's talk about you—

Whitebeard.

Edward Newgate.

The Strongest Man in the World.

Is that all you've got? After everything we've been through, you want to fight me over this?"

Each word struck like a cannonball.

"Sure, I beat Kaido. But does killing Kaido fix Wano?

Can you guarantee another Orochi won't rise? Another tyrant?"

As his Tuntian Blade began to pulse faintly—almost responding to its master—

Shen Yuan's voice hardened.

"Oden clung to his romantic ideas, blind to their real-world cost.

Is that the kind of will worth inheriting?

If all it takes to change the world is fancy speeches, the Revolutionary Army wouldn't need weapons!"

At those words, several commanders flinched in realization.

Shen Yuan's logic, however brutal, cut deep.

Values must match reality—not prophecy.

But Izo, lurking in the corner, trembled with clenched fists, torn between loyalty and fury.

He didn't dare challenge Shen Yuan—not because of fear alone,

But because of the man's weight—strength, reputation, and results.

"Dad…"

Marco spoke up softly, sensing things could erupt any second.

But Whitebeard raised a hand.

"I get your point…

But Oden was my brother."

"Stop."

Shen Yuan interrupted coldly.

"Your brother's dead. If you want to honor him—atone for his failure."

The room turned dead silent.

Whitebeard lowered his head.

"And how do you propose I do that?"

Shen Yuan's reply was ice-cold:

"Die."

Brutal.

Unforgiving.

No sympathy in his voice.

Whitebeard fell silent.

Those words stung.

Yes, Oden's dream died with him. But Whitebeard… was still alive.

"Whitebeard… judging someone isn't about what you see—it's about this."

Shen Yuan tapped his temple.

Judgment must be clear-headed.

Without another word, Shen Yuan turned and walked out with his inner circle.

Outside the tent, he exhaled deeply.

"How are the Kozuki retainers doing?"

A bolt of lightning crackled silently. A figure emerged from the shadows.

"Master, I've gathered some intel."

"Speak."

"In Wano, the oiran known as Komurasaki… is most likely Hiyori Kozuki—Oden's daughter."

Shen Yuan nodded slowly.

"And the boy?"

"No signs yet."

"Understood. What about the Nine Red Scabbards?"

The ninja named Joan handed over a report. Shen Yuan unfurled it and grinned slightly.

"Ashura Doji?"

Familiar faces. Familiar names.

"Have you heard of the Nine Red Scabbards?" he asked Enel and the others.

They shook their heads.

"They were Oden's loyal retainers.

Powerful men carrying his will—

But they'll go down in history as deluded fools."

Enel's eyes sparkled. A challenge worth his power.

"Still, this matter needs careful thought."

He passed the intel to Khalifa.

Then he looked back.

"How about it, Whitebeard? Still want to fight?"

Inside the tent, Whitebeard was no longer furious.

His face was calm, thoughtful.

"Brat… not today. My mood's a wreck. Drink with me."

"Hmph."

Shen Yuan gave a cold snort, whispered a few instructions to his crew, and re-entered the tent.

The others quietly vanished into the night.

"You still can't let go, can you?"

Shen Yuan's voice returned to its usual cool tone.

"Fine. I won't interfere further. I'll pretend I never saw it."

Whitebeard let out a massive laugh.

"Gurararara! Then let's drink!"

The heavy atmosphere shattered.

Laughter, cheer, and firelight returned to the tent.

"Let's have a party!"

JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS.

Currently at CHAPTER 90 on Patreon.

Two members on my patreon get a free book each month. A lucky draw,it can be you.

Five chapters every two days on Patreon.

One chapter everyday on webnovel.

patreon.com/FrancisMW

"I look forward to welcoming you as member"

ENJOY THE BENEFITS.