The sea breeze lashed fiercely against the port of the Moby Dick, whose enormous hull rested majestically upon the waters of the New World. Aboard Whitebeard's colossal ship, the crew had gathered on the main deck for an event that would mark a before and after in the history of the Whitebeard Pirates.
At the center of the scene, the one and only Edward Newgate—Whitebeard—stood tall, with an imposing figure and a calm smile. He raised his voice to draw everyone's attention.
"Today, we don't just celebrate the strength and honor of this crew," he said in his deep, resonant voice, "but we also recognize the growth of our family and the rise of new leaders who will carry our banner to glory."
All eyes turned to a young man standing tall, chest proud, hair blowing in the wind: Zed.
Whitebeard walked toward him, his footsteps echoing with authority. When he reached Zed, he extended his hand and, in a solemn gesture, placed over his shoulders the heavy black cape bearing the symbol of the 17th Division.
"Zed," he announced, "I officially name you Commander of the 17th Division of the Whitebeard Pirates. This division is newly formed, forged by the courage and talent you've shown since joining our family."
The other commanders, sixteen in total, nodded in respect—some with approving smiles.
Whitebeard continued:
"To lead your division to success, I grant you this ship. It's a formidable vessel, with capacity for 500 crew members, though it needs at least 40 to operate properly. I expect you to use it to conquer the seas and prove that the 17th Division is as feared as any other."
Amid the anticipation, Whitebeard declared that each of the other commanders would assign ten subordinates from their own crews to form the base of Zed's new division.
One by one, the assigned warriors marched over to Zed, who accepted his new comrades with pride and a smile full of determination.
To close the ceremony, Whitebeard shared news that made the entire deck fall into heavy silence:
"The bounty on Zed's head has been set at 230 million berries. This is a recognition of the danger and strength he represents—and a warning to those who dare hunt him: you'll be facing a formidable opponent."
Zed raised his hand in a gesture of commitment, eyes fixed on the horizon stretching beyond the ocean.
"I will not let Whitebeard or this crew down. My journey is only beginning."
Cheers and shouts erupted from the crew as the sun began to set over the sea, casting fiery colors across the waves—colors that heralded a future full of wars, conquests, and glory.