Hearing the pirates' questions, Whitebeard looked at Ryuya.

"Zero, how did you do that? Why did my power disappear?"

Everyone stared at Ryuya in disbelief.

Stealing someone's power was unheard of.

This ability was terrifying.

Could this be how Ryuya had obtained so many abilities?

Kaido, on the Noah, felt a chill.

This meant Ryuya could potentially steal his power too.

The thought sent shivers down his spine.

Ryuya's maximized Observation Haki, combined with his ability to communicate with all things, instantly revealed Kaido's thoughts.

Ryuya stated, "Don't worry. I won't do that to you."

Everyone was astonished, especially Kaido, who realized he had no secrets from Ryuya.

"So, that's your ability?"

Ryuya shrugged, choosing to maintain an air of mystery.

"Damn you! Return Old Man's power!"

"Give it back!"

"Return Old Man's power!"

Ryuya smirked. "You're ridiculous! You considered Whitebeard's power a burden, yet now that I've removed it, you want it back? You're just seeking protection."

Silence fell, but Whitebeard laughed.

"Kurararara! Zero, you're quite the talker! My sons and daughters aren't yours to command! Even without my power, I'm still Whitebeard!"

Whitebeard raised his greatsword, imbuing it with dark Conqueror's Haki, showcasing his unwavering resolve.

Ryuya, having obtained Whitebeard's power, still respected him.

"I never take what isn't mine. As compensation, I'll heal your injuries. Without the Gura Gura no Mi's drain, you'll live for decades more."

Whitebeard's sons were astonished.

"Really? Is that true?!"

Ryuya smirked, producing a pitch-black pill from his system inventory.

He levitated it with his talisman, as it was incredibly foul-smelling.

Most people instinctively covered their noses.

"This pill contains immense medicinal power, perfect for you. It'll replenish your nutrients, restore your vitality, and heal your internal injuries.

See if you dare to take it."

Whitebeard laughed. "I know my body. Many renowned doctors couldn't cure me. This tiny pill won't work.

I'm not just affected by the Gura Gura no Mi; I have a disease that even Gol D. Roger couldn't cure."

Everyone was shocked. Whitebeard hadn't revealed this.

Roger hadn't been cured; it was a terminal illness.

Ryuya remained unfazed.

"It's a terminal illness. Why not try? Even if it were poison, this small dose wouldn't harm you."

Whitebeard hesitated, then considered his limited lifespan. He could try.

If it worked, he could witness the future of the sea and his sons' journeys.

He reached out. Ryuya guided the pill into Whitebeard's hand.

"Old Man, don't do this!"

"Old Man, think it over!"

"Old Man, don't trust Zero!"

Whitebeard ignored them. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I've seen what Zero is capable of."

He swallowed the pill. The potent medicine caused his face to change.

"Old Man, how are you feeling?"

"Are you alright?"

"Damn you! If anything happens to Old Man, we'll kill you!"

Ryuya shrugged.

"Suit yourselves. I have other things to do. See you later!"

He turned to leave.

"Stop! Don't leave! Unless Old Man's fine…"

Whitebeard stopped them.

"Wait… this medicine… it's working!"

Whitebeard felt warmth spreading through his body; his heavy arms felt light. It was a sensation he hadn't felt in years, triggering memories of his youth.

While using the Modo Modo no Mi was an option, a powerless Whitebeard would be easily defeated.

Without the Devil Fruit, Whitebeard, with his other abilities, remained a peak-level fighter, though below Ryuya and others.

Ryuya waved. "Your Devil Fruit power and curse are gone.

In a short while, you'll be fully recovered and able to swim again. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Ryuya left. Whitebeard felt his body rejuvenating.

"Kurararara! Kurararara!"

He felt invigorated, the loss of the Gura Gura no Mi forgotten. While it had given him immense power, it had also caused him endless pain. This was the best outcome.

He jumped into the sea, swimming joyfully, much to his sons' delight. They didn't understand how Ryuya had done it, but seeing their father so happy filled them with joy.

Ryuya left Whitebeard's territory, having obtained the Gura Gura no Mi. He tested its power, noting its immense strain on the body. Whitebeard's mastery was truly exceptional, like Weevil's.

Meanwhile, Ryuya located Dragon's location. Eliminating Dragon's organization would pave the way for his final assault on Mary Geoise.

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