The Disruptor: One Piece

The atmosphere was tense as the implications sank in. The betrayal, the manipulation, and the sheer scope of Blackbeard's ambition were difficult to stomach, even for a crew as seasoned as the Whitebeard Pirates and Red-Haired Pirates.

Marco finally spoke, his voice a mix of disbelief and anger. "So you're saying everything going on with the war, Ace, Pops and us was all part of Teach's grand plan? He played us like pieces on a board."

I nodded with a slight chuckle. "Yes and not just you he even had Sengoku beaten in his game. Teach is a master strategist, even if his methods are underhanded. He doesn't fight fair because he knows he doesn't have to. He uses people, situations, and even the chaos of war to achieve his goals. That's why I had to go beat him up myself and sent my wives to Marineford and Sabaody."

"How did you managed to capture Teach and what about his subordinates?" asked vista. "All killed."

"I planned to have a reunion with everyone but not like this. I planned to give something to Pop's" I said and Nayeon brought out a wooden box from somewhere.

"This is for you, wear it always from today onwards" I said handing it to Whitebeard. "What's this for?" he asked.

"It's a chain made of pure gold it won't give you immortality but it'll slowly heal your injuries and increase your lifespan. Pure gold has such function and even Celestial dragons rarely have much of it."

Whitebeard gave a hearty laugh, breaking the somber mood. "Gu-ra-ra-ra! You always were a stubborn brat. But you've grown. You did what you thought was best to protect your family, even if it meant staying away. I can respect that."

"Now for the final thing, Yumi, Nami can you do it now?" hearing me they just nodded. "Marco, cover Pop's with your flame and make sure his vitals are stable." he just nodded and did what I said.

Newgate didn't resist to being done and sat calmly in his place. Yumi and Nami spread their hot and cold fire domains respectively and covered Newgate's body.

"I'll be a bit painful don't move okay Pop's?" to which he just nodded back. The Phoenix fires from them both healed Newgate's injuries visibly at a quick pace.

Shanks leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes still studying me. "You've always been a step ahead, haven't you? Planning, scheming… what's next for you, King?"

I smiled, though the weight of my next words hung heavy in the air. "What's next? I'm gonna be a father, of course. You all will be uncle's and the're going to be grandpa's. I said with a smile pointing towards Rayleigh and Whitebeard.

"This world is changing, and the person Roger was waiting for will appear soon. When he does, I'll be ready to stand by their side or fight against them if necessary."

The room fell silent again, the enormity of my words sinking in. For now, though, the air was lighter. The past had been addressed, and the future was still unwritten.

"Now," I said with a grin, standing and raising my glass, "shall we stop brooding and get back to the feast? We're pirates, not monks!" A roar of laughter erupted around the table, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like old times again.

As the laughter echoed through the hall, the feast resumed in full swing. Plates piled high with meat and fruit circulated the room, while barrels of sake and rum were uncorked. The air was thick with camaraderie, but a subtle undercurrent of tension remained.

Whitebeard, now wearing the golden chain, and most of his wounds healed leaned back in his chair, watching the crew with a rare softness in his gaze. His once imposing figure, though slightly diminished by age, seemed reinvigorated. The faint golden glow around the chain seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat, a testament to its power.

Shanks raised his glass toward me. "King, you've changed the game in ways even I didn't see coming. But what happens when the dust settles? Will you keep walking this path, or will you choose something... quieter?"

I leaned back, my fingers tapping the table thoughtfully. "Quiet isn't in my nature, Shanks. You know that. I've seen too much, done too much. Even now, my decisions ripple across the world. Staying still isn't an option."

"Ripples?" Marco scoffed, swirling his drink. "More like tidal waves. You're not just a player on the board, you're flipping it over."

I smirked at his remark. "That's the thing, Marco. The board isn't mine to flip. It belongs to the one Roger spoke of, the one who'll truly change everything. My job is to ensure the pieces are in place when that time comes."

Whitebeard grunted, his deep voice cutting through the room. "Gu-ra-ra. Always thinking ten steps ahead, aren't you? But tell me, brat, what makes you so sure this person Roger spoke of will be worth all this trouble?"

I met his gaze, unflinching. "Because they have to be. This world needs more than just power it needs someone who can inspire change, someone who can make people believe in a better future. I've seen it before pop's... in you and in Roger."

The room fell silent again, the weight of my words pressing down like a storm cloud. Then, with a soft clink, Whitebeard set his drink down and rose to his feet.

"For all your scheming, you still have a heart, brat," he said, a rare smile curling his lips. "I'll keep this chain and this second chance you've given me. But if this chosen one of Roger's turns out to be unworthy..." His voice turned serious, his eyes down with a familiar gloom. "...then we'll show them the strength of those who built this world as it is now."

A wave of agreement swept through the room, voices rising in a roar of approval. "Something tells me the one we are waiting for is a promising fellow" I said glancing at Shanks as he grinned back, then turning to and raising his glass toward Whitebeard.

"And that," he said, raising his glass, "is why no one messes with the likes of us."

As the night wore on, stories of old adventures and near-misses were shared, the bonds of friendship and rivalry growing even stronger. I watched them all, my chest tightening with something I hadn't felt in years: belonging.

But as I gazed out the window at the endless ocean, I couldn't help but wonder if this fleeting peace was the calm before the storm. The future was still uncertain, and though I had plans, I knew better than anyone that fate was a fickle mistress.

For now, though, I let the moment linger. Laughter filled the room, the shadows of betrayal and war pushed aside, if only for one night.