One Piece: My code name is Green Bull

Under the immense pressure of Whitebeard's presence, Jon pressed his lips together. Agreeing was out of the question.

What he needed to consider was how to refuse Whitebeard's invitation—in a way that would make Whitebeard give up on the idea without angering him into taking action.

Jon didn't hesitate for long. Soon, his expression became firm, and he answered decisively:

"I'm sorry, but I refuse."

The moment Jon refused Whitebeard's invitation, everyone around him was visibly shocked.

Craig and the other merchants were terrified, but none of them dared to speak up.

Meanwhile, the pirates behind Whitebeard looked furious.

They were Whitebeard's loyal followers—his "sons." To them, Whitebeard was not just their captain but their most respected figure.

Now, their "father" had personally invited a complete stranger to join the crew, yet this person had the audacity to refuse? Unacceptable!

"Kid, do you even realize what you're saying?! Rejecting Pops' invitation—are you looking for death?!"

Some of the pirates remained calm, but others were not as composed.

A teenage boy with a pineapple-shaped hairstyle suddenly stepped forward, furiously shouting at Jon.

Jon remained unfazed. He kept his eyes fixed on Whitebeard and asked,

"You asked me for my choice. What—do I not even have the right to refuse? If that's the case, why bother asking at all?"

Whitebeard observed Jon's calm and composed demeanor, then suddenly shouted:

"Marco, stand down."

Jon's eyes flickered slightly—so this pineapple-headed kid was Marco.

In the future, Marco would become the 1st division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, but right now, he was just a sixteen-year-old apprentice pirate.

However, his outstanding talent had already earned Whitebeard's favor.

Marco was clearly unhappy, but he wouldn't go against Whitebeard's command. Though he stepped back, he continued glaring at Jon with hostility and defiance.

Whitebeard's expression turned serious as he asked:

"Why refuse my invitation?"

Being rejected wasn't something he was used to.

In his mind, Jon had no reason to refuse, and yet he still did—making Whitebeard feel as if he were being looked down upon.

Jon answered calmly:

"Because I don't like pirates. And I especially don't want to become one."

"My homeland was destroyed by pirates. My family and friends were all killed by pirates. Do you really think someone like me would ever want to join a pirate crew?"

Whitebeard was momentarily stunned.

He hadn't expected Jon to have such a past.

If that was truly the case, then Jon's reason for refusal was valid.

But Whitebeard wasn't ready to give up just yet.

"We're not like those pirates you encountered. We don't pillage, we don't slaughter needlessly. My crew is a family."

"You're alone right now. Wouldn't it be better to be part of a family?"

Jon's voice was steady as he replied:

"Maybe you see yourselves as different, but to me, all pirates are the same."

"I've already had my revenge. From now on, I just want to live a normal life. So please, stop trying to persuade me—I will never join your crew."

Whitebeard's face darkened, and his tone became heavier.

"Aren't you afraid I'll get angry?"

Jon laughed lightly.

"Afraid? Of course, I'm afraid. You're Whitebeard—one of the most feared pirates on the seas. If you wanted to kill me, I wouldn't even have a chance to fight back."

Whitebeard's eyes narrowed.

"If you know that, then why do you still refuse? Are you gambling that I won't kill you?"

Jon remained calm.

"No one can truly see into another's heart. All I can do is act in a way that lets me live without regrets. And becoming a pirate? That will never happen."

Whitebeard clenched his fists for a moment, then released them.

If Jon had been an enemy, he wouldn't have hesitated to take action.

But this was his own territory, and Jon hadn't done anything to offend him.

Killing someone just for rejecting him?

That wasn't Whitebeard's way.

Yet, the more Jon stood his ground, the more Whitebeard saw something extraordinary in him—and the more he wanted Jon to join his ranks.

His pirate crew was strong, but they still lacked manpower.

Whitebeard had always been on the lookout for young, talented individuals, taking them in as his "sons" and training them into formidable warriors.

"You not wanting to join us… I doubt it's that simple."

At that moment, Kozuki Oden suddenly stepped forward, his eyes filled with curiosity.

Jon raised an eyebrow at Oden.

This guy dressed differently from the others—his clothes resembled a kimono.

Even more strangely, Whitebeard didn't stop him from speaking.

"I don't understand what you mean."

Jon remained vigilant, though his expression stayed neutral.

Oden chuckled.

"Do you know how we found you?"

"Because I heard your voice."

"Your voice is different from everyone else's. It's… hmm, how should I describe it? It's special. Even more unique than Whitey-chan's."

Jon's heart skipped a beat.

From Oden's words, he instantly realized who he was dealing with.

"Kozuki Oden."

There was no doubt.

At this point in time, only one person in the Whitebeard Pirates would address Whitebeard like that—and talk about hearing voices in such a way.

Kozuki Oden—a legendary figure from Wano, and someone whose name appeared many times throughout the One Piece story.

Jon knew about Oden, because the anime and manga had emphasized his uniqueness multiple times.

Like Roger, Oden possessed the "Voice of All Things"—an ability that played a crucial role in the Pirate King's rise to power.

But what did Oden mean by Jon's voice being different?

What exactly was he hearing?

"Hmm… I've thought about it. Your voice feels… natural. Yes, that's it."

Hearing Oden's explanation, Jon's tense heart finally relaxed.

He had been worried that Oden had discovered something deeper.

But if it was just the aura of his Devil Fruit ability, then that was less concerning.

Jon had always been wary of Oden's ability.

Roger had relied heavily on it to become the Pirate King, and Oden possessed the same talent.

Jon didn't know the full extent of Oden's strength, but he was extremely cautious around him.

"Natural energy, huh? That's probably because I ate a Devil Fruit. That's what you're sensing."

Jon knew that if he didn't say something, Whitebeard and his men wouldn't let him go easily.

At the same time, he couldn't risk exposing his true ability, which left him in a difficult position.

Oden stared deeply at Jon, sensing his guarded nature.

He chuckled and turned to Whitebeard.

"Let it go, Whitey-chan. If he doesn't want to be your son, why force him?"

Whitebeard snorted unhappily.

"Fine. But kid, listen up."

"Don't let me hear your name out on the sea. Otherwise, my fists won't go easy on you."

Jon smiled lightly.

"I just want to live a quiet life. Unless I have no choice, you'll never hear my name again."

Not that it mattered—"Josie" was just an alias anyway.

Though still somewhat dissatisfied, Whitebeard didn't press further.

He turned and led his crew away.

Only Oden gave Jon one last lingering glance before following.

As for Marco—before leaving, he glared at Jon and made a throat-slitting gesture.

Jon just smirked.

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