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"That's not meant to be amusing." Sengoku turned his sharp gaze toward Arashi, his voice low and serious.
"If those two emperors of the sea ally," he took a deep breath, his tone growing heavier, "then the risks and the cost we face will multiply several times. Marineford may find itself in an even more complex situation."
Arashi responded with a faint smile, offering no objection.
A union between the Red-Haired Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates was truly rare, so rare that it had not happened once in decades. Not even in the previous era.
Did the Roger Pirates ever ally with Whitebeard? Or did Golden Lion ever team up with either of them? Never.
The three legendary pirate crews of the past were rivals from the moment they rose to fame. They had countless life-and-death battles.
In this new era, the four Emperors of the sea showed signs of an alliance.
Sengoku hadn't foreseen it, and even Arashi found it surprising.
Still, he quickly steadied his thoughts. The world wouldn't stay unchanged with his arrival.
This development alone proved the immense pressure he had put on both Shanks and Whitebeard.
"Though for now, it's only a rumour that they've allied," Sengoku continued, "we must remain vigilant. We'll have to be ready in advance if signs of their cooperation appear."
"Because," Sengoku's gaze swept across the room, heavy as a mountain, "the war ahead may shake the entire world." Then, his eyes returned to Arashi.
"Admiral Arashi." The latter looked up attentively.
"I know how strong you are," Sengoku said seriously, "but this upcoming war concerns the future of the Marines and global stability. It must not be taken lightly."
Arashi nodded. "I understand."
What followed was a detailed discussion about troop deployments.
Five Vice Admirals were selected to head into the New World and watch the movements of the Four Emperors.
"The news of Ace's capture has already spread." Sengoku's voice remained steady, "At the speed the newspapers print, it'll take a week for the entire world to learn about it."
"The Whitebeard Pirates will soon find out as well. We must watch them closely and track every move they make."
This was the boldest decision of Sengoku's Marine career, a gamble taken just before his retirement. He could not afford any mistakes—no one in the Marines valued this battle more than he did.
The meeting continued. Arashi participated actively, occasionally offering input and adjusting the figures on the Marineford map to reposition high-ranking officers.
Unlike pirates, Marines carried out precise planning for various terrains and scenarios. Especially with a war looming at Marineford, everything needed to be executed with absolute precision.
Every day, the operation's details—the troops, positions, and rotations—were revised and optimized.
"Also, about the Seven Warlords," Sengoku said, glancing at Arashi.
"I've already made the necessary arrangements," Arashi replied.
"A second Warlord meeting will be convened soon. A summons will be sent for their participation in the war."
Sengoku gave a small nod of relief. "Well arranged."
"What about the forces from the West Blue? When will they arrive at headquarters?"
Arashi smiled lightly. "Bullet should reach headquarters within a few days.
He and his elite unit are already on their way."
A rare smile appeared on Sengoku's face. "Excellent."
"The force you've been building in the West Blue must be quite formidable by now."
Arashi chuckled. "Once Bullet arrives, you'll see it yourself, Fleet Admiral."
"Good. With the West Blue's elite forces, this war will be far easier to manage." Sengoku nodded again but then leaned forward, his voice low and serious.
"Is Vegapunk in your hands?"
Ten years ago, the Five Elders had tried to threaten Arashi over the scientist's control, but nothing came of it once Arashi entered Impel Down.
Still, Sengoku suspected Vegapunk might truly be with him.
"In my possession," Arashi replied with a smile, "is a scientific force that can be used."
"Oh?" Sengoku's eyes lit up. Then he smiled again. "Can they take part in the war?"
Arashi nodded. "They'll arrive with Bullet at Marine HQ. At that time, we can test their combat capabilities as well."
Sengoku took a deep breath. "That would be ideal." With war on the horizon, he was focused entirely on strengthening Marineford's defences.
The goal was clear—overwhelm the Whitebeard Pirates and win with minimal losses.
The meeting lasted until dusk, during which Sengoku and Arashi discussed many matters.
They discussed forming the science division, assigning its leader, developing response protocols for major incidents, and continuing to manage the West Blue branch under Arashi's command.
Tedious as these matters were, they were all necessary and urgent.
.....
Then, five more days passed in the blink of an eye.
As time passed, the world began hearing whispers and rumours that Fire Fist Ace of the Whitebeard Pirates had been captured.
Some people were shocked. Others were indifferent. After all, arrest didn't always mean anything.
Over the years, many infamous pirates had been captured without causing much of a stir.
Some crews hadn't even received the news yet. With the overwhelming flood of headlines every day, only those familiar with Ace would take real notice.
But eventually, the reports crossed the Red Line and reached the New World.
Aboard the Moby Dick, an ominous, heavy atmosphere had silently spread across the massive pirate ship.
Sitting in a chair, hooked up to an IV, the old man Whitebeard wore a dark expression.
His eyes burned with fury as he clutched a fresh newspaper in his rough hands. Printed on the front page was a single, explosive headline:
{"Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Fire Fist Ace—Captured!"}
The bold red letters carved themselves deep into the heart of the man known as the world's strongest.
For a moment, his mind went blank. Then came the flood—anger and regret poured from his chest like a storm.
Around him, his young sons stood frozen with worry and tension, every eye focused on their father.
Ace… had been taken by the Marines. For the Whitebeard Pirates, this was a disaster of unimaginable proportions.
They all knew how much Whitebeard valued Ace. Even if he rarely said so,
it was clear to them all—Fire Fist Ace was meant to inherit his will.
Despite the heavy truth settling in, the captains aboard the ship didn't seem shaken.
They fully supported it in their hearts. For them, any decision made by Pops was an order to be followed without question.
But now, Ace had been captured by the Marines. It was impossible to predict what kind of move the Marines would make using this incident.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard finally let out a loud laugh after a long silence. Yet everyone could hear the chilling cold hidden beneath it.
The old man had been thoroughly enraged. Suddenly, he shot up from his seat, causing the IV lines on his body to rip free. Blood started to seep from his skin.
"Pops!!" Marco shouted in alarm.
"I'm fine!" Whitebeard growled. "But my beloved son...!" His eyes were icy as he forced the words out through gritted teeth.
A heavy aura of authority filled the air, so thick it made breathing difficult. "That red-haired brat... he did predict this would happen."
"Ace lost to Marshall D. Teach and was used as a bargaining chip in a deal with the Marines!" Whitebeard said coldly, taking a deep breath.
"That bastard Teach, I'll never forgive him!" Diamond Jozu roared furiously.
Traitors were far more detestable than the Marines, who were always enemies.
"Pops, more than what's already happened, we need to focus on what the Marines plan to do next with Ace."
"What are they after?" Marco said seriously. A sense of dread loomed in his chest.
In the past, the Marines would've kept such matters quiet to maintain stability on the seas and avoid provoking conflict with an Emperor.
But this time... everything was different. The signs were too blatant.
"They're aiming directly at me," Whitebeard said with certainty, drawing from his unmatched experience. "Gurararara!"
"I wonder if this bold move came from Sengoku... or that brat, Arashi."
At the mention of that name, his expression grew heavier. Both Sengoku and Arashi were longtime rivals.
One was known for his brilliant mind, the other for overwhelming strength—legends within the Marines. Together, they were a formidable force.
"They're targeting you?!" Marco and the others were stunned. "Are they trying to start a war?!"
Some of the Whitebeard Pirates could hardly believe it. Their crew was a power in the New World, packed with fearsome warriors.
Provoking them could lead to catastrophic consequences. Had the Marines lost their minds?
Whitebeard stood silent, his expression dark, eyes locked on the horizon as he fell into deep thought. Just then, shouts rang out in the distance.
"Red-Hair! It's the Red-Hair Pirates!"
"They're back!!"
The startled cries drew the attention of every officer aboard the Moby Dick.
Whitebeard narrowed his eyes and looked ahead, muttering under his breath. "That brat came faster than I thought."
The last time they met, they'd exchanged a few words and reached a loose verbal understanding.
His eyes looked forward, past the moon-shaped Jolly Roger flags of his fleet, and soon spotted a massive red ship with a dragon carved into its prow.
"It's Red-Hair! Red-Haired Shanks is here again?! It hasn't been long since he last met Pops!"
The pirates of the Whitebeard crew were visibly surprised.
The Red Force approached slowly and stopped around 50 to 60 meters from Whitebeard's fleet.
Standing at its bow was the one-armed Red-Haired Shanks, his sharp gaze cutting through the ships until he spotted the towering figure on the Moby Dick.
"Take it easy, everyone!" Shanks called out with a smile, replacing his serious look. "I came here with goodwill this time!"
"With goodwill?" the Whitebeard Pirates exchanged glances. They turned toward the Moby Dick, waiting for their captain's command.
"Let him through!" Whitebeard's voice boomed across the sea. "Let's see what he has to say this time."
A grin appeared on Shanks' face as the massive fleet parted, creating a path forward.
The Red Force slowly passed through and docked alongside the Moby Dick.
A gangplank was quickly set between the two ships, and Shanks stepped forward, holding a large barrel of sake.
"This is a fine brew I brought from my homeland," he said.
"Oh? Then I'll have to give it a proper taste," Whitebeard said with a raised brow and a chuckle.
Shanks smiled and sat cross-legged, his posture relaxed, showing no hostility. Whitebeard narrowed his eyes and sat down as well.
Marco and the others exchanged glances, and someone stepped forward to pour sake for the two captains.
"Speak, brat. What brings you back before me again?" Whitebeard asked with a casual grin.
The light in Shanks' eyes sharpened at those words, and the smile faded from his face.
"It's the same thing I've said before," he replied gravely. "I assume you've read the papers recently?"
Whitebeard's eyes narrowed, locking onto the red-haired man before him.
"So what?"
"Ace, Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, has been captured by the Marines."
"You can't seriously expect to pretend you haven't seen that news."
Whitebeard raised his sake. "And?"
"There's no doubt what the Marines are after!"
"They'll use Ace's identity to lure you out—to draw you into a battle that will shake the world!" Shanks said sternly.
"Even if that's true, what does it have to do with you, Red-Haired Shanks?" Whitebeard asked coldly.
"If it was just a matter between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates, I wouldn't interfere. Even if the result plunged the New World into chaos."
"But!" Shanks' gaze suddenly turned razor-sharp.
"This war will involve that man, and that's something I can't turn a blind eye to!" Whitebeard fell silent, drinking deeply from his bowl, then laughed.
"That man? You mean Arashi, don't you? You seem to hold a lot of hatred toward him."
"All your visits here, your warnings—they've all been about him, haven't they?"
Shanks didn't answer at once. His face remained heavy, darkened by the weight of old memories. He waited until Whitebeard finished speaking, then slowly nodded.
"That's right. I came here because of him."
Whitebeard raised a brow, interest flickering in his eyes. "Why?"
"That man…He took away someone I cherished more than anything in this world," Shanks said in a low voice, his expression grim.
Back in Loguetown, he and Buggy were forced to part ways—and from that moment, his dear friend became a prisoner in Arashi's hands.
"Oh?" Whitebeard laughed with curiosity.
"Now that you mention it, I remember… back on Roger's ship, there was a little red-nosed guy always hanging around you!"
"That's right," Shanks nodded.
"Then the reason you've come this time—is it the same as before? Looking to join forces with me against the Marines?" Whitebeard asked directly.
"It's to deal with Arashi!" Shanks corrected him seriously.
Whitebeard narrowed his eyes, falling into thought. Shanks didn't rush, patiently waiting.
Around them, Marco, Vista, Diamond Jozu and the others silently held their breath.
They all knew very well—whatever Whitebeard said next could influence the world's fate.
"Teaming up with a brat like you really puts a dent in my pride," Whitebeard said at last, his deep voice tinged with something complex.
A trace of nostalgia softened his hardened features. "But," he continued, "I suppose I can make an exception for you."
Then, a smile formed on his face. "Joining forces to go against Arashi... now that's giving that punk much more credit than he deserves."
His voice echoed quietly across the stillness of the Moby Dick. After those brief words, Shanks finally let a smile appear.
On deck, beads of sweat rolled down Marco's and the others' foreheads, dripping onto the wooden boards.
Even after making the decision, they stood frozen as if in a trance. Time ticked by slowly, and the entire ship gripped in silence.
"It's giving him a lot of credit indeed," Shanks said, voice steady.
"The power of two Yonko joining hands—there's not a single force in this world that can stand against us."
The stillness shattered. Marco's pupils shrank in shock as he snapped back to reality. A world-shaking event had just taken place.
The Whitebeard Pirates had agreed to an alliance... with the Red-Haired Pirates. It was something once thought impossible.
With Whitebeard's pride and the strength of his crew, he had never needed an alliance. And yet, it happened.
Which only confirmed one terrifying truth—
"Arashi's power… has grown to the point where even Red-Hair and Pops feel threatened by him," Marco thought, his heart pounding violently.
"Has he become that powerful?" Beside him, Jozu, Vista, and others wore looks of disbelief and awe.
"We've joined forces? With the Red-Haired Pirates? This is unbelievable—it's going to rock the whole world!"
"If we head out to rescue Ace now, even the Marines must think twice! Our first alliance ever!"
One voice after another rang out, and the Moby Dick was soon filled with excitement and anticipation.
Shanks raised the sake jar, pouring drinks for both himself and Whitebeard. His face was solemn.
"I've never once underestimated that man," he said. "Not twenty years ago, and not now. That's why we must proceed with the utmost caution."
"He's not someone you can take lightly." Whitebeard's eyes sharpened slightly.
"I've never once looked down on him either," he replied. "Even compared to Roger himself, I doubt he's lacking in any way."
After a pause, Whitebeard's gaze deepened as he added, "That boy possesses one of the strongest powers this world has ever seen."
Shanks went quiet, but his expression turned heavier. For Whitebeard—a man so proud, so mighty—to agree to this alliance proved that even he deeply feared Arashi's potential.
The truth was, Shanks hadn't been confident about this visit. He knew how proud Whitebeard was.
"Oi, brat," Whitebeard suddenly called out with a smirk. "You've never fought him before, have you?" Shanks blinked, then slowly nodded.
"When you do, you'll understand," Whitebeard said calmly. "That guy... is a terrifying monster."
Shanks' pupils contracted—he hadn't expected to hear such words from a man known as the world's strongest. Just how powerful was Arashi?
....
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters—Marineford. Dozens of mighty warships slowly entered the inner bay, rippling the water with their movements.
At the port, the Marines on guard stared with wide eyes, jaws hanging open.
The incoming fleet was tightly organized. Marines on deck stood tall and firm like iron spears.
And even more alarming—above them flew countless airships, their spinning propellers crackling with electricity.
They filled the sky, stretching beyond the horizon as they passed through the Gate of Justice one after another.
"Where did all these elites come from? Every ship seems filled with officers ranked Commander or higher—so many!"
"Look there! Look at that man's silhouette at the centre—on that warship! Wait... is that...?"
"It has to be! During Admiral Arashi's absence these past years, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the West Blue."
"Cold-blooded, merciless—his methods are brutal, and his fearsome reputation has spread from the West Blue to headquarters!"
"They call him the Devil of the Marines. Just one look from him can make new Marine trainees faint from fear."
"The current Commander of the West Blue, ranked Vice Admiral…Douglas Bullet!!"
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