Inside the Ryugu Palace banquet hall, silence pervaded the air.
Only the faint flicker of candlelight cast dancing shadows upon the massive stone pillars.
Mike and Whitebeard sat facing each other at opposite ends of the dining table, the atmosphere between them heavy with unspoken tension.
"Ace?" Whitebeard's voice was deep and steady, his gaze piercing as he stared directly at Mike.
'Why is this kid suddenly asking about Ace?'
After rushing back from the Grand Line, Ace had briefly met with him before setting out again to pursue Teach.
Whitebeard took a deep breath before slowly replying, "Ace set sail again after visiting me."
A cold glint flashed in Mike's eyes.
'It seems,' he murmured under his breath, 'the Summit War is inevitable.'
Ace had already returned to the sea, which meant he would continue his pursuit of Blackbeard.
After all, Teach had personally killed Thatch, the commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' Fourth Division, and stolen the Dark-Dark Fruit.
Whitebeard couldn't possibly allow a traitor who had murdered one of his own sons to roam freely.
But Teach would seize this opportunity to defeat Ace and, with the help of the World Government, secure Shichibukai position, advancing his own sinister plans.
Honestly, whether the Summit War happened or not wouldn't affect Mike much.
The handover of Fish-Man Island had been completed smoothly, and the war wouldn't reach the nations under his protection.
When it began, all he needed to do was follow behind Kizaru and take advantage of the chaos.
Mike turned his gaze to Whitebeard's face—weathered yet resolute.
He exhaled softly.
Whitebeard truly was a good father.
But was it worth scattering the entire Whitebeard Pirates just for one traitor?
The handover of Fish-Man Island had gone exceptionally smoothly, and his relationship with Whitebeard remained relatively amicable.
Though this was Whitebeard's family matter and he was merely an observer, it wouldn't hurt to offer a word of advice.
Thus, Mike's voice broke the silence, slow and deliberate.
"Whitebeard... My suggestion is... recall Ace."
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Whitebeard's eyes.
This wasn't the first time someone had warned him.
But for even Mike to be telling him this... this kid had the backing of forces even he couldn't ignore, and he himself was a monstrously powerful figure.
His furrowed brow betrayed the fierce internal struggle raging within him—a clash between overwhelming emotion and cold reason.
'Could it be... that sending Ace to pursue Teach... was truly a mistake?'
Suddenly, Thatch's face flashed through his mind.
A pang of sorrow surged in his heart.
"Mike..." his voice was hoarse. "Teach killed Thatch. He is no longer my son."
He paused, his gaze growing even more resolute.
"Teaching him the rules of survival on this sea is my responsibility. A traitor like him doesn't deserve to live. He must die."
"Alright," Mike said, a trace of understanding flickering in his eyes.
He said nothing more; he had done his part.
"Whitebeard, what do you want to talk with me?"
Whitebeard took a deep breath.
"Are you interested in the underwater treasures within the New World? Within the territory of the Whitebeard Pirates? The pirates of the New World are fiercer, and the wealth they carry is even greater. The treasures lost in their battles—sunk and never salvaged—are countless."
Mike listened quietly with a calm expression, but inwardly, he was carefully weighing every word.
Whitebeard continued, "The Whitebeard Pirates will assist you in clearing out the Sea Kings and escorting the salvage. But I want a share of the wealth."
Mike narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.
The New World—a forbidden zone where even the World Government held no sway.
According to his original plan, he hadn't intended to venture there so soon.
Though the Nautilus possessed absolute stealth, the dangers of the New World far surpassed those of any other sea.
But now, Whitebeard was offering his cooperation, planting a protective umbrella over the entire operation.
The underwater treasures accumulated over the years in the New World were of incalculable value.
To pass up this opportunity would be turning his back on money.
Mike took a quiet breath, a glint of resolve flashing in his eyes.
"Your terms is acceptable."
"Good, then it's settled." Whitebeard stood up slowly.
"Have someone contact Marco when the time comes. I'll brief him properly."
A faint smile curled at Mike's lips.
"Alright. Pleasure doing business with you."
"Pleasure doing business with you," Whitebeard returned the smile before turning and walking away.
This cooperation wouldn't just bring his sons considerable wealth—it also formally established a connection with Mike.
Even if one day he was no longer around, this relationship would ensure they lived better lives.
Whitebeard's figure loomed tall under the light, yet there was an unmistakable hint of loneliness and weariness about him.
Mike watched as he gradually disappeared, a wave of emotion rising in his own heart.
He adjusted his collar and stepped out the door.
As soon as he exited, Kuro and Smoker were already waiting for him.
Kuro stepped forward, pushing his glasses up.
"Captain, the gold inside the Nautilus has been properly distributed. The portion belonging to Alabasta has already been send."
"Good," Mike nodded.
"Captain, what about Dressrosa? Should we allocate some gold there as well?"
"Not for now," Mike shook his head. "I'll make a decision after I personally visit."
"Understood."
Meanwhile, Smoker stood to the side, puffing contentedly on his cigar.
Mike glanced at him and asked casually, "Where's Kuzan?"
"Hmph. Ever since you handed over control of the Nautilus to him, that guy's been itching to try it out," Smoker smirked.
"Right now, he and King Neptune are enthusiastically heading into the deep sea for their first salvage operation. He's practically bursting with enthusiasm."
"Why, aren't you going?" Mike raised an eyebrow.
Smoker shrugged.
"Nah. I know you too well. You're planning to go have some fun, aren't you? Don't even think about leaving me behind!"
"Hahahaha!"