"Kid, how about joining the Whitebeard Pirates?"
Marco extended the invitation directly to Pryce. The moment he said it, every spectator on the deck was left utterly stunned! The First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco, actually personally inviting someone to join their crew? This was beyond astonishing!
But for Pryce, it wasn't entirely unexpected. After all, Pryce had a clear understanding of Whitebeard Newgate condition. Even Marco abilities couldn't fully heal the injuries, which meant that it might really be up to Pryce Senzu Beans to make a difference!
Additionally, with the Otherworldly Production System, Pryce required numerous materials, many of which would be difficult to acquire on his own in such an unfamiliar world. And let's not forget—this was a world where strength was king. At present, Pryce was just an ordinary person except for his ability to produce unique items, he had no means of protecting himself against powerful foes. The Whitebeard Pirates, however, were renowned as the most formidable pirate crew among the Yonko factions, not to mention Whitebeard Newgate vast territories. It would likely be much easier to find the materials needed for the system under their protection!
"I'll join, but there are conditions," Pryce replied earnestly to Marco.
"Of course, that's no problem. But this isn't the place to discuss such matters."
"Come with me. If it doesn't work out, I'll bring you back."
"You can trust me, it's Marco you're dealing with after all," Marco said seriously after a moment's thought.
Everyone on the deck was once again shocked this was the first time they'd seen someone demand conditions to join the Whitebeard Pirates—and even more surprising was that Marco agreed! Pryce, however, knew Marco's character well. Apart from the traitor Blackbeard Teach, most members of the Whitebeard Pirates were genuinely good people.
Seeing Pryce agree, Marco summoned a pair of wings flaring with blue flames from his back and, grabbing Pryce, leapt into the sky, flying off into the distance. Those left on the deck could only stare dumbfounded at the two departing figures, marveling at the mysterious power of Pryce abilities and his incredible luck.
.......
The New World, Northern Seas.
By now, Marco had been flying with Pryce for quite a while. Finally, Pryce spotted a dark dot in the distance. As they got closer, the dot grew rapidly larger. It was none other than the flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Moby Dick. Marco, accustomed to the maneuver, landed smoothly on the deck with Pryce in tow.
Immediately, curious crew members approached, eyeing the two of them inquisitively.
"Commander Marco, who's this?"
Taking what Marco handed over, one of the crew members asked curiously.
"This guy is about to become a new member of our pirate crew," Marco said matter-of-factly, waving off their questions. With that, he led Pryce toward the ship's inner quarters.
The moment they stepped inside, Pryce immediately noticed the towering figure seated on a massive chair. His iconic, upward-curving white beard, his entire body emanating an aura of raw strength, and yet his heavily bandaged figure, the infusion tubes entwining his body—this man needed no introduction. He was Edward Newgate, Whitebeard himself, the man known as the strongest in the world. For a moment, Pryce couldn't help but feel a jolt of awe facing the legendary Whitebeard.
Whitebeard, for his part, sat with his head tilted back, guzzling from a massive jug of liquor. Marco frowned the moment he stepped in. Striding forward quickly, Marco snatched away the jug of liquor from Whitebeard hand.
"Old man, what did I say to you?" Marco exclaimed in frustration. "I just step away for a moment, and here you are, drinking again!"
"You know your condition doesn't allow you to drink like this!"
Whitebeard merely laughed heartily, patting Marco on the shoulder. "Stubborn brat! How could a little injury stop a man from enjoying his drink?" Whitebeard said boldly, causing Marco to roll his eyes.
"Alright then, what's with the kid?" Whitebeard asked, now turning his gaze to Pryce with curiosity.
"You don't usually bring people back so easily."
"This is exactly what I needed to speak with you about," Marco replied. "This guy medicinal item is something special."
"In fact, it's potentially even more effective than my own Phoenix Flames!"
The room fell silent as everyone present was visibly shocked by Marco statement. After all, every single one of them had surely benefited from Marco Phoenix Flames for various injuries before. For Marco to say this newcomer ability surpassed his... it was no small claim.
Marco beckoned Pryce over, motioning for him to come closer.
"Kid, what's your name?" Whitebeard asked, observing the calm demeanor Pryce maintained despite standing in his formidable presence. Such composure in Whitebeard presence was rare after all.
"My name is Pryce, and I come from a family of esteemed medical practitioners," Pryce stated, fabricating a plausible background. His true origins were better left unspoken.
"Oh? And what sort of medicine could impress my ship doctor so much?" Whitebeard asked directly, cutting to the point.
Pryce, aware of Whitebeard forthright nature, opened his cloth pouch without hesitation, revealing the Senzu Beans inside, which strongly resembled ordinary green peas. Whitebeard leaned over to examine the contents of the pouch.
"These are... peas?" Whitebeard scratched his head, puzzled.
"Ha, that's exactly what I thought at first, old man!" Marco exclaimed, cutting Pryce off before he could explain. "But the key is, you've got to eat them to see their effects!"
Intrigued, Whitebeard picked up one of the Senzu Beans and carefully examined it in his hand. Then, without further ado, he swallowed it whole. Everyone in the room gasped at Whitebeard boldness.
"Aren't you even worried it might be poisonous?" Marco said helplessly, a wry smile on his face.
"Haha, Marco, I trust your judgment!" Whitebeard replied with a grin.
The moment he spoke, his pupils suddenly widened. Jozu, Vista, and other notable figures immediately rushed to Whitebeard side.
"Kid, if anything happens to the old man, you won't live to see another sunrise," Jozu snarled at Pryce with a menacing glare.
Yet, Pryce and Marco remained unperturbed, as though they had expected this outcome. Just then, green light began emanating from Whitebeard body. His scars—the lasting marks from his countless battles—started to heal at an incredible speed, visible to the naked eye.
"What in the world is happening?" Jozu exclaimed in astonishment.
"As you can see, this is the miraculous power of my Senzu Beans," Pryce declared confidently.