Whitebeard looked puzzled, "Why do we have to wait a year?"
He muttered to himself, Combined with what Rolan said earlier about me not dying, could something happen to me within this year?
Seeing Whitebeard's expression, Rolan realized he had been misunderstood. He sighed and decided to reveal the events of the original story in a careful manner. Raising his head, he said, "I had a very long dream. Do you want to hear it?"
"A dream?" Whitebeard asked, unsure why Rolan suddenly spoke in such a way.
Rolan's lips curved into a faint smile. "So far, every dream I've had has come true."
Whitebeard raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Such a magical thing exists?"
He didn't doubt the claim completely. He recalled an island in the New World where people's dreams accurately foretold the future. Could Rolan have originated from such a place?
"In my dream, Ace challenges you shortly after setting sail. He is defeated by you, joins your crew, and becomes the Second Division Commander," Rolan explained.
Whitebeard showed little surprise. That event had already happened.
Rolan continued, "Next, one of your commanders will find a Devil Fruit—the strongest Logia-type, the Dark-Dark Fruit. Teach joined your crew for this fruit. When this commander discovers it, Teach will seize the opportunity to claim it and, at the same time, kill the commander."
Whitebeard's expression tightened, though he said nothing.
Rolan pressed on, "Ace, acting as the commander, will pursue Teach, but will be defeated by him, who will have eaten the Dark-Dark Fruit, and Ace will be sent to Marineford. Teach will then be nominated as a Shichibukai."
Whitebeard finally exclaimed, "Nani?! Could such a thing happen?"
Rolan waved his hand calmly. "Listen to me first."
Whitebeard nodded, though his expression darkened.
"After Sengoku discovers that Ace is Roger's son, under the World Government's orders, Ace will be publicly executed at Marineford. You will go there to rescue him, which triggers the Marineford War with the Marines and the Seven Warlords of the Sea," Rolan said, watching Whitebeard carefully.
The giant's face betrayed no unusual reaction.
"The result is predictable: you will lose. You will die, and Ace will not be successfully rescued. He will also die at Marineford!"
"Impossible! I won't let Ace die!" Whitebeard's voice trembled with fury and disbelief.
This reaction was expected. Rolan continued without pause.
"Teach, also called Blackbeard, will appear at Marineford, seize your Tremor-Tremor Fruit, and escape. The Whitebeard remnants, now leaderless, will be defeated one by one. Teach's power will grow rapidly, and he will become one of the new Four Emperors."
Rolan concluded solemnly, "This is the dream I had."
Whitebeard could hardly believe it. The tale sounded impossible. Rolan sighed. "I'm only telling you what I saw in the dream. Whether it becomes reality, I don't know. Consider it a story I'm sharing with you."
Whitebeard replied, "Alright, I promise, but don't make me do anything that harms my sons or is treacherous."
"Of course. I trust you especially want to do what I'm doing," Rolan said.
Whitebeard's curiosity peaked. "What kind of thing is it? Do you need my help? Can't you manage it alone?"
"Are you going to…?" Whitebeard asked, gesturing to the blue sky above.
Rolan chuckled softly. "I can't tell you yet."
The more Rolan spoke, the more Whitebeard realized his guess was likely. "Gurarararara. If that is truly the case, you must think carefully. It's not something you or I can handle lightly."
"Hahahaha, you'll know when the time comes. But the premise is that you must survive," Rolan added.
Whitebeard raised an eyebrow. "Who am I? I am Whitebeard."
Seeing Rolan and Whitebeard converse so naturally, everyone else was delighted. In this world, having an ally like Rolan was rare, especially since he was the infamous God Slayer! Ace was equally happy; one figure was his master, the other his Pops. He had worried the two might clash, but those fears proved unnecessary.
Crocodile lingered aside, looking gloomy and still disturbed by recent events. Enel approached with a glass of wine. "Aylararara, what's wrong, Sand God? This isn't like you." His tone carried sarcasm.
Crocodile bristled but didn't snap as he normally would. He noted how childish Enel had become. Enel tilted his head and whispered, "You can't beat Whitebeard. How about I help?"
Crocodile's eyes narrowed. "Whitebeard's head is mine!"
"Yehahahaha, then just wait and see! I'll get Whitebeard's head before you. I am the God of Thunder!" Enel boasted with pride.
After three rounds of drinks, Rolan rose to take his leave. Kuro also felt relieved; he hated such chaotic, noisy gatherings.
Crocodile said to Whitebeard, "Keep your head safe for me. I'll come and take it!"
The Whitebeard crew erupted in exclamations: "This Crocodile is bold! How dare he speak to Whitebeard like that!" "He doesn't know his place!" "Damn it!" "Bastard!"
Whitebeard, however, only smiled. "Gurarararara, then I'll wait."
As Rolan prepared to depart, he cast a long, piercing glance at Teach, who stood behind Ace. The look carried lethal intent. Teach's heart tightened. When did I offend this Rolan? Or did he discover my true intentions?
He shook his head, No! Impossible! He couldn't have discovered my plan!
Then his eyes hardened, ruthless. As long as I get the Dark-Dark Fruit, Whitebeard, God Slayer, it doesn't matter—they'll all be my stepping stones!
"What's wrong, Teach?" Thatch asked, noticing his unusual behavior.
"Zehahahaha, nothing, Commander Thatch," Teach replied, hiding his concern.
Meanwhile, far away…
"Hello, Nami? What's wrong?"
"Rolan, Kaido has come to Sky Nation!"