I don't understand. WB's fleet was small 2/3 years before his fight with Roger, so does that mean he formed his crew INCREDIBLY late?
Whitebeard, Big Mom, Shiki and Kaido formed their crews 33 years ago. This is stated in the manga.
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Rocks D Xebec was Roger first Pirate Rival
Whitebeard was his second Pirate Rival
Shiki was his third Pirate Rival
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Big Mom, Whitebeard, and Kaido all come from Rock's Pirate crew.
You have to remember Whitebeard, Kaido and Big Mom are all younger than Roger.
Roger would 77 if he was alive today. Garp is 78, Sengoku is 79,
Big Mom is 68, Kaido is 55-63 years old
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Roger formed his crew more than 52 years go.
Garp joined the Marines 56 years ago.
You can see how Garp and Roger were close.