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"Was all of this necessary?" After a long silence, Garp's heavy voice finally came out. He lifted his head and stared at his old friend.
At that moment, it felt like he had aged several more years. "Garp!" Sengoku called out sternly.
When he saw the confusion and grief on Garp's face, he let out a quiet sigh. "If it were just Fire Fist Ace, there would be no need for such a grand arrangement."
"But if it involves the Whitebeard Pirates and threatens to disrupt the current world order...Then he is undoubtedly the best piece to break the balance!"
Garp clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking from the pressure. But he did not argue against his old friend's explanation.
As a Marine, he couldn't defy orders from above. "Can I personally escort him to Impel Down?" Garp asked again.
Sengoku hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "I'll go with you. I should escort a high-profile criminal like Fire Fist Ace."
Garp nodded. His heart was tangled with conflicting emotions, and he had no time to reminisce with an old comrade.
Ace's capture had been entirely unexpected. The fate that awaited him, as Sengoku had already stated, was to be publicly executed in front of the entire world.
That meant the freckled young man Garp had watched grow up... didn't have much time left.
"Ace..." With heavy steps, Garp walked up to him. His face was clouded with sorrow.
"Old man..." Ace slowly looked up at the white-haired and wrinkled aged figure and forced a small smile.
Tears shimmered in Garp's eyes. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Ace interrupted him.
"Don't be sad for me, old man. This is the path I chose. The consequences... are mine to bear."
Garp froze in place, shaken to the core. "Is that so?" A silence settled between them. Neither knew how to comfort the other.
"Garp, it's time to go." Sengoku urged quietly. Garp nodded and watched Ace walk past him.
The group moved in silence toward the port of Marineford. "Does Arashi know about this?" Garp asked in a low voice as they walked.
"He does." Sengoku nodded. "Arashi himself brought Ace back from Marshall D. Teach."
"Marshall D. Teach?" Garp was stunned.
"Yes. Ace was defeated by Blackbeard's crew and handed over as a bargaining chip to become a Warlord of the Sea."
"Arashi was in charge of the Warlord meeting and accepted their deal," Sengoku said.
"I see..." Garp murmured.
Somehow, he felt a strange sense of relief. If Arashi had captured Ace, he didn't know whether to feel disappointed or numb.
"He and Ace seem to have made some kind of secret agreement."
Sengoku hesitated, then revealed more to his old friend. "An agreement?" Garp was taken aback.
"Even so, the decision to announce this to the world and execute Ace publicly will not change. This is something Arashi and I decided together."
"This concerns the future stability of the Marines and the world," Sengoku said solemnly. "So, Garp... I hope you won't lose your head over this."
Garp remained silent. He slowly turned and looked at Ace, sitting cross-legged on the deck, head lowered, silent. He sighed softly.
At this moment, the one suffering the most... was probably Ace. Awaiting the end of his life. And perhaps... witnessing the beginning of a war caused by him.
"Sengoku, can't we delay the announcement?" Garp suddenly asked.
"The news has already leaked. If we could, I'd want to give Marineford more time to prepare for the coming war."
"But you know better than anyone... the capture of Fire Fist Ace by the Marines is of great significance! There's no way to hide it now!" Sengoku shook his head.
Garp's eyes flickered. He let out another sigh. He looked out at the sea, where massive whirlpools raged with deafening roars.
Suddenly, the image of Arashi flashed in his mind. "Brat... what exactly are you planning?"
"Ace... he's the one you saved with your hands back then!" Gritting his teeth, Garp muttered under his breath.
If anyone had the power to reverse this situation and save Ace... He could only think of that disciple of his.
The warship soon arrived at Impel Down.
Garp and Sengoku personally escorted Ace to Level 6. Along the way, both Marines and guards were shocked by the scene.
"Fire Fist Ace... he's the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates! You've got to be kidding... Someone like him got caught?"
"The world... is about to change!"
Just as Sengoku had said, something this major couldn't be kept a secret for long. Too many eyes were watching. Reporters had already begun gathering intel in secret.
So rather than trying to cover it up, it was better to openly declare it to the world.
The timing of the execution could still be arranged. But once the news spread, there was no doubt the entire world would be shaken, triggering a massive storm.
Level 6 of Impel Down—Eternal Hell.
"I'll stay here and keep Ace company," Garp said calmly as he sat cross-legged outside the cell.
Sengoku wasn't surprised. He only sighed and turned to leave. As Fleet Admiral, he still had countless duties to attend to. That same day, Marine Headquarters released the news.
"Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Fire Fist Ace, with a bounty of 550 million Berries, has been captured."
"He was transferred to Impel Down that very day." Of course, the short announcement did not mention how the Marines would deal with such an important figure.
Still, it was enough to capture global attention. One dispatch after another was sent to all corners of the world, like the prelude to a massive tsunami.
....
On Amazon Lily, the smell of food, fruit, and wine filled the air, piled high like mountains.
Elder Nyon frowned as she looked at Hancock, blushing and seated on her throne.
The Empress's gaze never left the Marine sitting opposite her. "What a disgrace!" Elder Nyon cursed silently. But deep inside, she also felt puzzled.
Not long ago, from the mouths of Hancock's two sisters, she had learned that this Marine was the man who had saved all three of them long ago.
And what made her even more wary... was that the people accompanying this Marine were no ordinary individuals.
Hancock, blinded by love, could see no one but him. Yet Elder Nyon recognized the other guests seated at the table.
One of them—Bartholomew Kuma, a Warlord of the Sea! The Warlord of the Sea, Gecko Moria, had arrived—with his main crew in tow.
Two Warlords gathering together and travelling beside a Marine was practically unheard of. It was something that could hardly be imagined.
After all, those who held the title of Warlord were powerful pirate captains in their own right.
Even gathering two of them for a regular Warlord meeting was already rare.
"They suddenly came to Amazon Lily… What could they be after?" Elder Nyon furrowed her brow, troubled by the uneasy feeling creeping up inside her.
Arashi swept his gaze across the hall and easily sensed the old queen's thoughts.
As for what was going through Hancock's mind, he could more or less guess that, too.
This wasn't the best time to discuss anything serious. So, he gave a gentle smile. "Pardon the sudden intrusion," he said calmly.
"I am Admiral Arashi of Marine Headquarters. I've come to Amazon Lily to deliver an official message to the captain of the Kuja Pirates, Boa Hancock."
At those words, Elder Nyon's eyes widened in shock.
"Admiral?!" The three Boa sisters also snapped out of their daze, stunned by the revelation.
"I was promoted ten years ago under orders from Fleet Admiral Sengoku," Arashi chuckled.
"Lord… Lord Arashi, that's truly impressive!" Hancock blushed when she saw him look her way, her voice soft and enthusiastic.
Elder Nyon's face darkened as she spoke gravely, "Admiral Arashi, what is the purpose of your visit?"
It was rare enough for a Marine Admiral to appear in person, alone accompanied by two Warlords.
Something serious was at hand. "It's nothing too urgent," Arashi replied, smiling.
"First, I've come to inform fellow Warlord Boa Hancock that Marshall D. Teach—Blackbeard will fill the position of the new Warlord."
"Second…" His eyes narrowed slightly, and his voice shifted, becoming sharp and serious.
"The Marines are preparing for a possible offensive against the Whitebeard Pirates shortly."
"So I've come to deliver the Warlord Summon—to request Boa Hancock's support against the Yonko, Whitebeard."
Those words caused Elder Nyon to freeze in shock, and even Kuma and Moria's eyes contracted.
Arashi had never mentioned this before, meaning the Marine plan to take on Whitebeard had already been decided.
"The Marines… are going to fight Whitebeard?" Elder Nyon asked in disbelief. "Have you lost your minds?"
Arashi remained calm, smiling gently. "Not at all. In truth, this decision came after countless meetings held by Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Marine Headquarters."
"You might not be aware, but Fire Fist Ace was captured by the Marines not long ago."
"Naturally, this will draw the attention of Edward Newgate—the world's strongest man." Hancock's gaze sharpened, her beautiful face turning solemn as the seriousness of the situation finally sank in.
"Admiral Arashi," she said quietly, "when will this war begin?"
The capture of Fire Fist Ace and the plan to strike the Whitebeard Pirates were enough to shake the world.
Even someone as lovestruck as Hancock was jolted back to reality. Her sisters beside her were visibly frightened.
"Going after the Whitebeard Pirates?" Moria muttered in disbelief.
"Gol D. Roger's final words started the Great Pirate Era. Now, two decades later, the seas are even more dangerous than they were back then."
"This… marks the beginning of a new age of chaos." Arashi's expression remained relaxed despite the alarm on everyone's faces.
"The Warlord Summon wasn't meant to be issued just yet," he added casually. "But since we're all here, I figured I'd mention it."
"Besides, the Marines are fully prepared for this battle. Nothing will go wrong with your help, even facing the Whitebeard Pirates."
Kuma sat silently while Moria's expression flickered before letting out a low laugh. "Kishishi… well, if you give the order, I suppose it's fine!"
Hancock, however, still looked deeply concerned. She furrowed her brows, then gave a soft, determined nod.
"I will attend." The Warlord Summon was an official order from the World Government.
Since the Warlords had accepted the agreement, they had no choice but to obey when called.
More importantly, the man who had personally delivered the message was none other than the one she had fallen for.
"Good," Arashi said with a smile. "That was my main purpose—to deliver these two messages."
"Also… to see you again." His eyes softened, a playful smile spreading across his face. "You've changed a lot over the years, Hancock."
The tension on Hancock's face melted away like snow under the sun, replaced by shy delight. "It… it's not that much…"
Arashi let out a quiet laugh. Soon after, a simple welcoming banquet began.
Amazon Lily didn't disappoint. There was no shortage of food, fresh fruit, or fine wine.
Off to the side, Perona kept whispering to herself, "They're all women… Then how do they even have children?"
A massive question mark hung over her little head, making Arashi look her way in amusement. When the banquet ended, Arashi and his group prepared to depart.
"Husband, won't you stay a little longer?"
Hancock blurted out without thinking, chasing after him. In that instant, you could almost see the throbbing vein on Elder Nyon's forehead.
Her two younger sisters, however, looked at Hancock with eager encouragement. They supported the match. Arashi could only smile wryly and shake his head.
"The war is approaching. My duties won't allow me to linger any longer." Hancock's expression turned downcast.
She muttered, "I still wanted to have a few children with you…"
She had already envisioned a future—standing hand-in-hand with Admiral Arashi at a beautiful wedding, surrounded by roses, receiving blessings from loved ones, sharing a passionate wedding night, and raising plump, happy children.
Arashi reached out and gently ruffled her hair with a doting smile. "We still have time. Let's talk about our future later."
Hancock's eyes sparkled like stars as she nodded vigorously. "Mhm! Mhm!" Moments later, the Thunderer set sail, leaving Amazon Lily behind.
Elder Nyon stood on the shore, watching as Hancock folded her arms across her chest, eyes filled with longing.
A trace of worry crossed the old woman's eyes. Having a lovestruck queen might not be the best thing for her nation.
This Marine Admiral named Arashi… didn't seem like an easy man to deal with either. Who could say what would come next if Hancock were to marry him?
What lies ahead for Amazon Lily? Aboard the Sandersonia, Perona stared at Arashi with a mischievous grin on her youthful, doll-like face.
"You're creeping me out with that look on your face!" Arashi frowned, clearly disturbed.
This Ghost Princess had no fear at all—ever since boarding the ship, she'd been completely at ease, joking with him as if he weren't a Marine Admiral.
Something even Kuma and Moriah wouldn't dare attempt.
"You and the Pirate Empress Hancock are hiding something! She called you her husband!"
Perona's eyes sparkled with gossip-fueled excitement. Arashi rolled his eyes. "None of your business."
"Come on, tell me! The love story between the strongest Marine Admiral and the world's most beautiful pirate? It's gotta be romantic—so touching!"
Perona was practically bouncing with curiosity. Annoyed, Arashi shut his eyes, but even with Observation Haki, he could sense everyone sneaking glances—Moriah and Kuma included.
"Have you ever had a girlfriend? Someone you loved? Or are you still a virgin?" The room froze.
Kuma and Moriah's eyes widened visibly, the air thick with gossip. "How bold... She asked that?"
Hogback whispered to Absalom, who looked like he was barely holding back laughter. Arashi was floored.
This little imp had no filter. He suddenly opened his eyes, glaring coldly at Perona. She immediately shrank back, floating over to Kuma's shoulder and sitting down, patting her chest.
"Scared me to death! No way... don't tell me you are—?" Arashi couldn't hold back anymore.
"Shut up!" he snapped. "Keep prying into my private life, and I'll fry you to ash!" Sparks of lightning crackled around him.
Perona stuck out her tongue and covered her mouth with both hands, instantly tenseening the atmosphere on the ship.
She slowly lowered her hands and glanced at Moriah, whose face was oddly contemplative.
"He's surprisingly easy to talk to," she whispered with a smile. Sitting on Kuma's shoulder, legs swinging, chin in her palm, she stared at Arashi's back.
Though she looked like a child, Perona was 23 and mentally mature. The tall figure before her sparked her interest. Arashi keeps twitching his eyes and looking at her behaviour.
Her comments hit him like a truck. He had lived in this world for over twenty years and was, in fact, still a virgin. What? You're asking about those ten girls from the Wano Country?
His incredible board game skills had earned unanimous praise from them and nothing more.
The ship soon passed through the Calm Belt and headed straight for Marineford.
That very day, they arrived. After disembarking, Arashi received news that his mentor, Vice Admiral Garp, had already arrived and personally escorted Ace to Impel Down.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, saying nothing. His focus turned instead to another piece of news. "The Marines have already made Ace's capture public?"
Clearly, once the newspapers were widely printed and distributed, this news would spread rapidly worldwide.
"In that case," Arashi said quietly, "the curtain has already risen on this war."
He turned to Kuma and Moriah. "I'll count on you both to stay by my side during this time." Kuma nodded slightly while Moriah's eyes flickered.
He hadn't forgotten the reason he chose to follow Arashi in the first place:
Because this man had promised to help him reclaim everything he once lost.
Not long after, they returned to Arashi's quarters. The sounds of battle cries and intense clashes echoed from the training grounds nearby.
Arashi turned his head toward the noise, a smile forming. Rob Lucci's strength had grown tremendously.
He now clearly held the upper hand in his training bouts with other CP9 members.
Meanwhile, members of Baroque Works and others were also hard at work, drenched in sweat.
Moriah's eyes narrowed when they landed on a particular figure—calm and cold as ice, holding off three opponents alone.
"That guy…" Moriah muttered.
"His name is Rob Lucci," Arashi replied calmly. "He'll be your rival in the future."
Then, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his coat and issued a few orders.
"Rival?" Moriah's gaze sharpened.
"Before you reclaim what you've lost, you've got one important mission," Arashi added.
"What mission?" Moriah asked. "Lose weight. Get rid of that disgusting fat, all of it!"
"Of course, once training starts, you won't even have a say in it anymore," Arashi grinned.
Moriah's eyes widened—he still hadn't realized how brutal things would get.
"Kuma, before this war begins, I'll have to trouble you with medical support for these guys," Arashi said with a bigger smile.
"I've decided to take them through a hellish Ashura-style training regimen."
Kuma nodded. "Understood."
Suddenly, Arashi tilted his head and turned toward Perona, floating nearby, a twisted grin forming. "You're joining too, Perona."
"What? No way!" Perona flinched and shook her head wildly like a rattle drum.
Arashi scanned the room, confirming the final headcount for his "Ashura Hell Training Camp," and nodded with satisfaction.
With intense training, these people would surely shine in the coming war.
Training would begin the next morning, with today dedicated to spreading the word.
But by evening, two unexpected figures arrived. "Admiral Arashi! Our teacher told us to follow you for a while!"
Koby bowed deeply, his voice full of nerves. Helmeppo stood silently beside him, not daring to speak. Arashi frowned slightly, looking past them at Bogard.
The man nodded. "If it's Garp-sensei's request," Arashi said, "then you two can stay. But—" A cold smile tugged at his lips.
"If you can't handle what's coming, I'll kick you out myself." Koby and Helmeppo looked puzzled, unaware of the madness and cruelty that awaited them.
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