Chapter 5: Unexpected Companions on a Deserted Island

“Newgate, have a seat first.”

Karl carried a stool out from the room and glanced over at White Tiger.

“White Tiger, go hunt something for us.”

As soon as White Tiger heard Karl call its name, it shot Newgate a quick look, then sprinted off into the depths of the forest.

White Tiger had really enjoyed the grilled meat from yesterday. Having never tasted cooked food before, it could hardly wait to try it again.

That feast yesterday could’ve satisfied it for three or four days, but who ever complains about too much food?

“Whitebeard… are you talking about me?”

Newgate asked, a bit puzzled, as he sat down on the rather small stool.

At the moment, his head was covered in golden hair—he hardly looked like someone you’d call Whitebeard.

Karl chuckled and explained, “Haha, no, not at all! You just happen to look a lot like a friend of mine.”

Newgate nodded. Maybe it was a simple case of mistaken identity.

He also noticed the vitality radiating from Karl, which piqued his curiosity. After all, strong people always seem to resonate with each other.

In his eyes, someone like Karl didn’t seem like a native here, especially since the cabin looked newly built.

“Who exactly are you?”

Newgate couldn’t help but voice his confusion.

Karl simply smiled.

“The winds and waves of the sea brought me here.”

Newgate hadn’t expected Karl’s story to mirror his own.

“Haha, what a coincidence. Same thing happened to me.”

“Oh really? Now that is a funny coincidence! Hahaha.”

Karl was just as surprised—turns out even Newgate could get washed ashore.

“Are you from a rare race or something?”

On one hand, Karl’s life force felt abnormally strong; on the other, Newgate noticed his skin seemed to glow faintly with a golden hue.

“That’s right, I have titan blood in me.”

Karl had to make up an identity for himself.

“Titan?”

“Gurararara! That’s a new one. Never heard of that race before.”

Then Karl and Newgate slipped into conversation.

……

While the two were talking, White Tiger had already hunted down a massive Titan Python.

With obvious pride, it dragged its prize back, radiating a sense of triumph.

“Awoo!”

White Tiger let out a mighty roar, its jaws gripping a python more than twenty meters long as it bounded back.

A huge wound at the python’s vital spot showed just how easily White Tiger had taken it down.

“Gurarararara! Looks like we’re in for a real feast today.”

Newgate’s laughter echoed across the island. After chatting so long, he’d worked up quite an appetite.

Karl moved with practiced ease, quickly setting up the grill and getting ready to cut the python into four parts.

Newgate grabbed a four-meter-long broadsword and helped slice the python’s body open with ease.

“Such a shame, though—no good wine to go with this view and meal.”

Edward Newgate had always loved his drink.

He liked enjoying fine food with good liquor, but there was no alcohol anywhere on this barren island.

“Our meeting here is good enough for me,” Karl replied without a care.

He never thought much of the booze from the One Piece World, being from his own homeland. Compared to the spirits back home, the local stuff was nothing. Little did he know that this ‘nothing’ would trip him up later on.

“By the way, since you also washed up here, what do you plan to do next? Don’t tell me you’re stuck on this island?”

Karl asked curiously. After all, there were no ships, and this island looked deserted. Not likely anyone visited often.

Newgate gave an awkward smile. For a powerhouse like him to lose out to the waves—embarrassing, to say the least.

He thought for a moment, then said, “Don’t worry, my crew will find me soon enough. Travel’s no problem.”

“Good. That’s a relief.”

Karl suddenly remembered the existence of Vivre Cards in the One Piece World.

“By the way, what year is it?”

Karl frowned a bit. He really wanted to confirm the current timeline and whether the Rocks Pirates had been formed yet.

And also, which sea was he actually stranded on?

“It’s the 1480th year of the Sea Circle Calendar.”

1480… That meant Whitebeard Newgate had already joined the Rocks Pirates.

Karl quickly sifted through his memory, recalling that the God Valley Incident should happen in 1484.

Good. There was still time.

Since the Rocks Pirates were still around, he’d definitely have to take part in the God Valley Incident. After all, his main task was to disrupt the timeline of the One Piece World.

Besides, now that he’d crossed over to this point in time, why not seize the opportunity?

“By the way, are you a pirate?”

Karl already knew the answer, but he asked anyway to dispel any doubts.

Newgate nodded with a smile.

“I’m the Second Division Commander of the Rocks Pirates.”

Just as expected—Newgate had joined the Pirates at this point, during the peak of their power.

The Grand Line was in utter chaos, with all kinds of pirate crews popping up.

Karl wanted to set out to sea with Newgate himself. He hoped to become a division commander on the Rocks’ ship, but first he’d have to prove his strength and earn a spot on Beehive Island.

“What do you think about me?”

Karl asked, face serious.

“So, you want to sail with us?”

Newgate looked at Karl, a bit surprised, but quickly understood his intent from his eyes.

Karl didn’t waste another word and kicked out with lightning speed.

Newgate saw Karl’s right leg coming and raised his left arm to block it.

“Pa!”

Newgate felt the force behind Karl’s kick and slid back a step, an expression of mild astonishment flashing across his face.

He hadn’t expected this youngster to pack such power.

Karl took advantage of Newgate’s retreat, leaping into the air.

He twisted midair and dove down, smashing his right fist toward Newgate’s head.

Newgate stood up and raised his right fist to counter the blow.

But Karl’s strike was viciously fast. As Newgate raised his guard, Karl’s fist crashed hard into Newgate’s chest.

“Boom!”

The thunderous impact echoed across the island.

Newgate was sent flying by the punch, his body carving a long arc through the air and kicking up a storm of dust and sand.

Karl twisted in midair and landed squarely on the beach.

His eyes sparkled with confidence, showing just how in control he was over his own strength.

Newgate shook his head and got up, his chest tingling a bit, but his eyes blazed with excitement.

“Haha! Not bad! Now that’s some serious power.”

Newgate laughed heartily, clearly impressed. It was rare for him to meet a youngster whose strength he had to take seriously.

Karl laughed too. Both of them could sense each other’s strength and truly acknowledged one another now.

“Newgate, does that mean I can sail with you now?”

Karl suddenly asked, determination burning in his gaze.

Newgate hesitated for a second, then his expression grew serious.

“If you want to come with us, I need to see if your strength is up to scratch.”

Karl smiled confidently, “Then let’s find out.”

“Alright, if you’re that confident, let’s see what you’ve got!”

Newgate agreed with a laugh. He hadn’t gone all out before and was curious just how strong Karl really was.

With that, Karl and Newgate made their way to the shoreline, ready for a real match.

They squared off, facing each other. The air itself seemed to grow heavy with tension, both eager for this showdown.

In a flash, Karl’s fist was already on its way. Even before it landed, the wind howled in front of Newgate, sending shockwaves and gales sweeping all around.

In a split second, Newgate’s mind raced. He vaulted into the air, flinging his right hand.

A punch for a kick—both trading heavy blows with each other.

The ground beneath them shattered like a spiderweb. Stones flew everywhere, blasting craters one after another.

Karl honestly lacked much battle experience and wasn’t fully used to his own body. But the power of Titan Strength made up for it.

As long as he stood on solid ground, his stamina would endlessly recover.

…