"That is… the Fifth Emperor… Vane!"
As Vane continued to approach, Bakkin finally saw clearly who was standing on the head of the massive Sea King. Her heart sank.
The strongest of the Pirate Emperors had appeared before her.
Impossible. How could this be?
Bakkin had spent years wandering around the first half of the Grand Line with her so-called son, Weevil, never daring to step into the New World. She feared the monsters who ruled there. More than anything, she dreaded running into Whitebeard himself. Though she had once used his name to intimidate others, she knew full well that if Whitebeard discovered her schemes, his fury would be the end of her.
And Whitebeard was not the only threat. The New World teemed with monsters, many not weaker than the Yonko themselves. That was why she planned to keep Weevil training before daring to set foot there.
But now—one of the Pirate Emperors had appeared in the first half of the Grand Line. It was unheard of. Vane was here, at the very doorstep of Paradise.
Bakkin's face twisted as her mind raced. She was terrified, but refused to let it show.
Weevil was powerful—his monstrous physique made him capable of surviving injuries that would kill most men. Even gutted, his body would heal swiftly, more like Kaido's endurance than Whitebeard's might. But against an Emperor? Even Bakkin knew he wasn't ready. Not yet.
And this was Vane. Rumors claimed he was the strongest of them all. Whitebeard's body had weakened with age, his strength declining. It was very possible that Vane truly stood at the top.
"Mom, who is that?" Weevil gripped his bloodstained blade, his voice dull and childlike. Newest update provided by NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Bakkin's body trembled despite herself. "Weevil, listen carefully. We've met a terrifying enemy. Be ready to fight. If he comes for us, attack with everything you have. No hesitation."
Her sharp tone made Weevil blink, but he obeyed.
Vane leapt down from the Sea King, landing effortlessly on the warship's blood-soaked deck. Corpses littered the ground, the smell of iron thick in the sea breeze. He hovered slightly above the surface, standing as though the air itself held him.
"It seems the battle here was intense," he said calmly. His eyes swept over the lifeless marines scattered around. "Such is the world. The Navy knows death is inevitable."
Then his gaze fixed on Bakkin and Weevil. He clenched his fist.
Bakkin's eyes widened. She recognized his intent instantly.
"Your Excellency," she blurted, forcing arrogance into her trembling voice, "I am Whitebeard's woman! And this man beside me is the fruit of my love with him. If you dare attack us, even you won't escape Whitebeard's wrath. He protects his family. You know his temper!"
Her threat rang hollow, but she clung to it desperately. Whitebeard's reputation was enough to make most pirates hesitate—even other Emperors.
But Vane was unmoved. He vanished in an instant, the air whipping as a violent gust marked his disappearance.
"Weevil! Don't underestimate him!" Bakkin shrieked.
Vane reappeared right in front of them, his fist driving toward Weevil.
"Don't look down on me!" Weevil roared in his sluggish, broken tone. His sword slashed upward with surprising speed. Despite his simple-mindedness, his instincts in battle were sharp, almost frighteningly so.
Their clash shook the ship. Vane's Haki-infused fist slammed into Weevil's massive blade, the shockwave rattling the entire warship.
Bakkin, small and frail, was hurled back like a ragdoll. She smashed into the wooden wall of the ship, half her body embedded in the planks.
Weevil staggered three steps back, the deck groaning under his weight.
Vane's fist lowered, heavy with intent. He had no plans of holding back.