At this time, he was simply known as Marshall D. Teach. There was no such title as the notorious "Blackbeard" yet.
He looked like just a bold man with his chest exposed, thick curls of hair sprouting from it, and a white shirt casually draped over his shoulders. A black turban was wrapped around his head, his face lightly shadowed by stubble, and a bottle of strong rum rested in his hand.
"You've heard of me, little brother?"
Teach was a little surprised that Iggy knew his name—after all, he was just an ordinary member of the crew.
But the boy in front of him seemed to know everyone in the Whitebeard Pirates, casually bringing up their names and stories as if they were common knowledge.
"I've been traveling the seas for six years. The stories I've heard the most are those about the Whitebeard Pirates."
Iggy spoke calmly with the crew around him. After all, Whitebeard was currently the most powerful Emperor of the sea. Naturally, all eyes were on his crew.
With their sixteen division commanders and a roster of powerful fighters, it was clear they were overflowing with strength and talent.
None of them had a reason to suspect the real reason Iggy knew so much about this world.
"I started paying attention ever since Ace joined your crew."
As he spoke, Iggy's gaze shifted to Ace, who stood nearby. The trust and understanding exchanged in that glance could only exist between brothers.
"Haha! So you already knew I was here!" Ace said, laughing.
In his heart, Ace still saw Iggy as the same hot-blooded kid who'd do anything for his brother. Hearing Iggy's words, he couldn't help but think Iggy might have been silently protecting him all along. His chest warmed with the thought.
Noticing Iggy staring at Teach thoughtfully, Ace stepped forward, eager to introduce him like a prized treasure.
"Teach is a veteran fighter from the Second Division. He's been with the crew for 23 years!"
As he spoke, Ace couldn't help but recall his own early days with the Whitebeard Pirates.
Because he was the son of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, he'd been discriminated against since childhood. At times, he felt he shouldn't have been born at all.
But after setting out to sea and meeting the people on this ship, he finally felt like he belonged. They treated him like family.
Since then, he found a reason to live—to help Oyaji become Pirate King, and to protect his family.
"Honestly, with his seniority, Teach should have been the Second Division Commander. But he gave the position to me and has supported me without question. He's the senior I respect the most."
Ace smiled as he looked at Teach again, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes.
He also couldn't help but admire Iggy's insight—able to recognize strong, reliable people with just a glance.
But Iggy's mind was far more complicated than Ace's.
He knew exactly why Teach had kept such a low profile all these years.
It wasn't humility.
It was to hide his true strength. He had been quietly lurking under Whitebeard's banner, avoiding any spotlight—biding his time to take what he truly desired.
And what he wanted was exactly what Iggy had come to take for himself:
The Devil Fruit said to contain the most sinister power in history—the most unique of all Logia: the Yami Yami no Mi, the Dark-Dark Fruit.
Iggy turned to look at the bold, harmless-looking man with a smile, and decided to test him.
"Brother Teach, I heard you're the one who injured 'Red-Haired' Shanks during the battle between Whitebeard's and Roger's crews twenty-one years ago!"
Iggy's tone was full of admiration and curiosity, as if he were praising a legend. As expected, his words struck like a bomb.
The lively crowd suddenly fell silent. All eyes turned to Teach—even the captains showed stunned expressions.
But Teach held up well under the pressure. His sunny grin didn't fade.
"Zehahahaha! Where'd you hear that rumor? No way I hurt the Red-Haired!"
For years, Teach had crafted a persona of mediocrity. He wasn't about to let one question ruin that image.
Within the crew, most believed Teach to be simple but hardworking—a reliable, humble uncle figure. Not strong, maybe, but well-liked and trustworthy.
"But I heard the three scars on the Red-Haired's face were from you. You remember the flag of the Red-Haired Pirates, don't you?"
Iggy pressed forward with a calm smile. His words were slow, deliberate.
He intended to expose the future demon's cracks.
The veterans in the crew had heard similar rumors over the years. Many likely believed them deep down, even if they never said so aloud.
Teach's smile faltered for a split second—but only for a moment. He quickly returned to his usual relaxed expression.
"Man, you're really well-informed, little brother. Shanks was just a trainee back then. I got lucky—that's all."
Even now, Teach deflected the topic with casual charm and perfect control.
Iggy couldn't help but be impressed by his composure.
He's deep, this guy. More than even I expected. I'm not his match just yet…
"Brother Teach, Ace has your help, and I really appreciate that more than you know."
Sensing that pressing further would get him nowhere, Iggy changed the subject, circling back to his earlier praise.
The crew around them relaxed as the topic shifted. The conversation about Teach's past seemed to fade into the background.
Iggy looked over at Ace again.
"Ace, I'll help out with the ship for now."
"Alright!"
Even though Iggy hadn't officially joined the crew, the chance to sail alongside his brother was enough for Ace.
After getting his approval, Iggy stepped away from the crowd and returned to the cabin to rest.
As he walked off, Teach watched his retreating figure thoughtfully.
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