Chapter 17: Chapter 17: You Guys Came Out of Comic Books?
The salty breeze swept through the Whitebeard Pirates' base as the crew went about their usual routines—repairing ships, sparring, or lounging in the shade. But today wasn't ordinary. Marco and Jozu were huddled in a corner, the golden edges of a comic book catching the sunlight.
Initially, the plan was simple: share the comics with the captains. A few laughs, maybe some inspiration, and call it a day. But Lucas had other ideas.
"Why just the captains?" Lucas's tone was as casual as suggesting a beach picnic. "Let's have everyone read them."
Marco froze mid-drink, nearly choking on his rum. "Wait… everyone? Like… the whole crew?"
Jozu was just as baffled, staring at Lucas as if he'd suggested throwing Whitebeard's beloved sake barrel into the ocean. "Lucas, are you serious?"
"Of course, I'm serious!" Lucas's voice carried an edge of enthusiasm. "In the fight against the Marines, it's not just the captains who matter—it's everyone. If even one more person gains a powerful ability, our chances improve. This isn't about holding back; it's about winning. We're a family, aren't we?"
The weight of those words settled heavily in the room. Marco exchanged a glance with Jozu; disbelief etched on his face. Selflessness was one thing, but this? This was unprecedented.
"You're really something else, Lucas," Marco muttered. Then, with a deep breath, he stood tall. "Alright. You've got my respect. I'll follow through with this, no questions asked."
Jozu, inspired by Marco's conviction, stepped forward as well. "If anyone dares oppose you on this, they'll have to deal with me first. Count on that."
Lucas chuckled, walking around the drawing table and placing a hand on their shoulders. "Come on. No need for all the formality."
But Marco and Jozu weren't done. Their admiration for Lucas wasn't just respect—it was awe.
"Alright, let's not waste time!" Lucas declared. "Marco, you're in charge of gathering everyone. Start with the captains, then roll it out to the entire crew."
Marco saluted dramatically, a playful grin on his face. "Captain Marco, awaiting orders!"
"Good. I want all the captains assembled and ready to read these comics. Let's unlock their potential first. Then we'll share with the rest of the crew."
Jozu nodded, already eager to see the plan in motion. The two left to rally the team, their spirits high.
A short while later, the captains of the Whitebeard Pirates gathered at the base camp. The air buzzed with curiosity.
"What's this about?" Water Buffalo Atmos, captain of the 13th Division, scratched his head. "Marco called us here in such a hurry. Did something happen?"
"Beats me," Blamenco, captain of the 6th Division, shrugged. "But if both Marco and Jozu are involved, it must be important."
"Where are they, anyway?" Izou, captain of the 16th Division, crossed his arms. "They're the ones who called this meeting."
"Relax," Vista of the Flower Swords, the 5th Division captain, chimed in. "They're not the type to waste our time. Let's wait and see."
As if on cue, a shimmering distortion appeared beside Vista. In an instant, Marco materialized.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting!" Marco greeted, a sheepish smile on his face.
"Whoa!" Vista jumped back, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword. "Where did you come from? Don't sneak up like that!"
Before anyone could respond, another distortion appeared on Vista's other side, and Jozu's massive frame stepped through.
"Okay, this is getting weird!" Vista exclaimed, holding his chest dramatically. "You two are going to give me a heart attack!"
The other captains exchanged bewildered looks. "Since when do you two have the power to pop in and out of nowhere?" Blamenco asked, eyeing them suspiciously. "This feels like some kind of space-related Devil Fruit ability."
Marco chuckled, clearly enjoying their confusion. "It's not what you think."
Jozu grinned and held up the comic book in his hand. "We just came out of this."
Silence.
The captains stared at the comic, then back at Jozu, their expressions a mix of disbelief and amusement. Atmos finally broke the silence.
"Are you messing with us? You… came out of a comic book?"
Marco and Jozu couldn't hold back their laughter. "It sounds crazy, but it's true," Marco said. "You'll understand once you read it."
The captains leaned in closer, examining the comic as if it might come alive at any moment.
"Alright," Vista said, sighing in defeat. "Let's hear it. What's this all about?"