Whitebeard immediately understood the meaning behind Rolan's words. His expression hardened, and his tone grew slightly sharp. "What do you mean by that? Are you suspecting my son?"
Rolan tore off a large piece of roasted meat and replied calmly, "I was just sighing. I didn't say Teach isn't a good person." He took a bite and continued, "I only think that those with great strength must also have weaknesses. If someone is always kind-hearted, it's often for a reason."
And who was Whitebeard? A man who valued the lives of his sons and family above his own. Naturally, he could not tolerate anyone suspecting his son, even if that person was someone as formidable as Rolan. When he heard Rolan mention Teach might have ulterior motives, suspicion flared in his eyes. Could Rolan and Teach have some old grudge? Or, seeing Teach aboard his ship, was Rolan scheming to sow discord between father and son?
"Regardless of intentions, as long as he is on my ship, he is my son, and no one will slander him!" Whitebeard declared firmly.
Rolan only sighed inwardly. Whitebeard's deep attachment to his family was exactly what later allowed Teach to kill Thatch, and what led to Squard stabbing him during the Marineford War. Such loyalty earned true familial love, but also made him vulnerable to betrayal. Even if Rolan revealed what the original story held, neither Whitebeard nor anyone aboard would believe him. This also highlighted Blackbeard Teach's cunning to Rolan.
Rolan then sensed Teach's strength again. He had already realized it before, but this time it startled him. Teach's power was formidable. Even without the Dark-Dark Fruit, his strength rivaled Marco's. Across the entire Whitebeard ship, only Whitebeard, Ace, and Marco surpassed him. Without his Electromagnetic Devil Fruit and top-tier Observation Haki, Rolan might not have fully comprehended Teach's true might. It made sense, considering Blackbeard had already wounded Red-Haired Shanks in the past.
Rolan, seeing Whitebeard's attitude, decided not to probe further. In the natural course of events, Thatch would still die for discovering the Dark-Dark Fruit, and Ace would face defeat when pursuing Teach, ultimately being captured by the Marines, triggering the Marineford War. With Rolan present, however, Ace would survive, serving as both his disciple and a crucial ally against the World Government.
Rolan withdrew his gaze and murmured, "I just said that because I've seen many people who hide ulterior motives behind exaggerated enthusiasm."
Whitebeard laughed, a deep and proud sound. "Gurarararara, my sons are all lovable. The situation you described won't happen here." Rolan realized his warning had not sunk in. Some matters, when spoken too much, only backfire.
Whitebeard leaned close to Rolan and asked, "Hey, Rolan, do you still have that sake? How about giving me one or two bottles?"
Rolan suppressed a smile. He had expected a secret to be shared, not a request for alcohol. Before he could answer, Whitebeard added, "Don't let Marco find out."
Rolan pursed his lips subtly. This old man truly was a drunkard. "It's not about Marco finding out. I don't have much of this sake myself. You should know this is tribute sake, offered to the Celestial Dragons, extremely precious."
Whitebeard understood perfectly. He gestured to the leopard-print beauties beside him. "These personal nurses of mine aren't married yet. I can introduce one or two to you, but whether it works out depends on your own ability."
Rolan surveyed the women. Each was graceful, pure, and striking, like lotus blossoms emerging from water. He wondered, silently: Is this old man a lecher, preying on young women? But the women blushed at Rolan's gaze, and it seemed they wouldn't refuse his words. Perhaps Whitebeard had heard rumors of Rolan's supposed fondness for beautiful women.
Rolan shook his head helplessly. "Of course not. That's just a rumor. Don't expect me to exchange my sake for women."
Whitebeard, momentarily stunned, asked, "Then why do some photos show you in unusual relationships with women on your ship?"
Rolan coughed awkwardly. "Never mind that. This is tribute sake, extremely rare and precious." He swirled the glass gently. "In the entire world, only a few sakes taste better than this."
Whitebeard lowered his head. "Stop playing guessing games. Tell me what you want. If I can do it, I will."
Rolan studied the giant before him, incredulous. He hadn't expected such a drunkard's blunt honesty. He stroked his chin, deep in thought. Whitebeard, sensing no threat, showed no concern.
Finally, Rolan looked up. "If you're still alive a year from now, I want you to do something for me."
Whitebeard, amused, smiled broadly. Giants like him could live up to 300 years. "Tell me, what is it?"
Rolan didn't reveal it. "Let's wait until a year from now."
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