The festivities were in full swing, those on board either drunk, or very close to getting there. Newgate appreciated these kinds of nights, not just because he enjoyed seeing his family having a well-deserved time of relaxation, but because it also meant that no one was on his ass about his ungodly amounts of alcohol intake.

Some commotion caught his attention, eyes drifting over to where he saw Ace roughhousing with Haruta-- all in good, drunken jest he was sure. That boy brought an abundance of youthful energy onto the Moby Dick, and Newgate very much found amusement in it.

Newgate's attentions shifted towards Izou, who had commented on the tussle. A jolly laugh preceded his response, "Careful now. If they hear you, you will no doubt be dragged into their scuffle."

A bellow erupted from the depths of his chest, "Gurararara--!" The earnestness of Rosa's heart never failed to warm his, the young woman brightening the mood wherever she may flutter to aboard the ship. As his laugh died down, his lids opened to reveal golden eyes shining with mirth and love, "Rosa... You are my daughter. I will certainly never force you to stay, but as long as you bear my mark on your arm you will also never have to leave either. You need not worry of me turning you away anymore. You’ve long since proven yourself."

Seeing the new tattoo made Whitebeard happy, but it was Ikki’s excitement that truly made it a joy for him. “It suits you, my son.”

“I’ve never grown a beard nor was I the one to create that epithet. I don’t know its origins, but the title has stuck with me and I’ve made it my own. Whitebeard has much more of a punch to it than Edward Newgate gurarara.”

“…Get back to your duties.”

He contemplated the question. Roger had been his rival just as much as he was one of the people Whitebeard trusted and respected the most. Whenever he looked back on the times they had spent together it was… pleasant. Memories of more youthful days. However did that mean he missed him…? “No, I don’t think that ‘miss’ is the precise word for it. While I do look back on those memories fondly, I do not find myself wishing Roger was still alive. What has happened should be left in the past and I can only look forward. There is no benefit to missing someone who is gone.”

Golden gaze fell onto the freckled commander, Whitebeard regarding him with a calm and inviting expression. During the crew’s parties the yonko tended to observe from his seat, watching his sons and daughters enjoy themselves rather than include himself in the energetic and loud fun. 

Upon hearing Ace’s question, the older man’s face filled with warmth as he let out a small chuckle, “Gurara… And here I thought it was obvious.” He leaned back a bit, turning his attention up to the starlit night sky, “A man would only sacrifice his life for what’s most important to him. My greatest treasure is this family, the one I’ve spent decades building. There is nothing of higher value to me.”