Chapter 137: Whitebeard Pirates
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Uchiha Kitaro had earned his title of "Heavenly Emperor" not through vanity but through sheer, undeniable power—power that could dominate both the skies and the earth. The title, coined and spread by Morgans through The World Economy News Paper, might have seemed excessive, but the world agreed it suited him perfectly.
Kitaro himself found the title a bit over-the-top. "Heavenly Emperor? Isn't that too much?" he remarked, only to be met with unanimous replies of, "Not at all! It fits you perfectly."
Meanwhile, on Amazon Lily, the atmosphere was jubilant. Everyone had witnessed Kitaro's battle at Marineford, their emotions rising and falling with each development, culminating in unrestrained cheers as the fight concluded.
For the Uchiha clan, it was a moment of revelation. They now realized their strongest warrior was not just powerful but godlike. This newfound admiration ignited a fervor within the clan, with members training harder than ever, dreaming of one day reaching even a fraction of Kitaro's strength.
The Empress of Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock, felt immense pride. Her man was the strongest in the world. That night, her passion was unmatched, her actions exuding the thrill of having "conquered" the most powerful man alive.
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Despite the limited number of video transponder snails broadcasting the battle live, news of Marineford's fall spread rapidly through the world via newspapers.
For many, this was cause for celebration—pirates and revolutionaries alike rejoiced, as did the citizens of Water 7, the only city under the protection of Uchiha Security Company. Water 7 was now regarded as the safest place in the world, where even the boldest pirates dared not stir trouble. The townspeople lauded Mayor Iceburg's foresight for signing a protection agreement with the Uchihas.
However, for World Government-affiliated nations, the news brought despair. Without Marineford's power, more pirates were sure to wreak havoc.
There was one silver lining for the Navy: Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Hero of the Marines Garp, and the three Admirals had survived. At the battle's climax, Bartholomew Kuma used his Paw-Paw Fruit ability to send them to safety in Mary Geoise. Though they failed to defeat Kitaro, their reputations remained intact. The three Admirals had since launched ruthless counterattacks against the most chaotic regions, temporarily restoring some order.
Still, the world knew the Admirals were no match for Kitaro. And yet, their power was undeniable—forces of nature among the strongest in the world.
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Back at Uchiha Security, the company's communication lines were overwhelmed with calls from nations and nobility seeking protection. Some even proposed long-term contracts.
Kitaro delegated all such matters to Uchiha Fugaku, the clan leader. Once the captain of the Konoha Police Force, Fugaku excelled at managing security, making him the ideal General Manager for Uchiha Security.
The company's rapid expansion led to an influx of new members from the Uchiha clan and Amazon Lily, all contributing to the clan's growing empire.
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Finally, the day of Whitebeard's burial arrived. Kitaro attended with Boa Hancock, Shisui, and Itachi.
"President!"
"President!"
Wherever Kitaro walked, pirates addressed him respectfully as their leader, resembling a mob boss flanked by fierce lieutenants. It was an apt comparison—his subordinates were indeed hardened pirates.
At the funeral site, notable guests had already arrived. Among them was Red-Haired Shanks, whom Kitaro was seeing in person for the first time.
Shanks was even more imposing than in illustrations: a towering figure of charisma and strength. He wore a white shirt under a black cloak, sandals, and his famed sword, Gryphon, hung at his side.
Beside him stood Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King.
Marco, representing Whitebeard's crew, expressed heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you for coming to bid our father farewell."
Rayleigh, somber, replied, "Whitebeard and I came from the same era. That era's survivors can now be counted on one hand. Losing another old friend… I had to be here."
Shanks added, "Even the Navy respected Whitebeard, despite being his enemy. He was a man worth honoring."
Then, turning to Kitaro, Shanks said, "You must be Uchiha Kitaro. A young hero, worthy of the respect Whitebeard had for you. Are you planning to become the Pirate King?"
"For now, I have no such plans. But the future? Who knows?" Kitaro answered candidly.
"If that's the case, then we may one day be enemies. I look forward to crossing swords with you. Rayleigh, take care of Luffy. For now, I'll take my leave."
With a final nod to Marco, Shanks departed, leaving behind a tense but respectful silence.
After the burial, Kitaro called for a meeting aboard a reserve battleship, gathering all captains of the Whitebeard Grand Fleet.
The toll of the Marineford battle was evident. Of the 43 allied pirate crews, one-third of the captains had perished. Many had been replaced by vice-captains or other senior members, but the losses were severe. Of the 50,000 fleet members, fewer than 20,000 remained.
Standing before them, Kitaro addressed the crowd directly:
"I know some of you despise me. Some of you hate me. Perhaps you see me as a despicable opportunist who took advantage of tragedy.
"But like it or not, I am now the leader of you, the leader of the Whitebeard Grand Fleet."
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