Under Arima's guidance, Shanks suddenly realized another possible truth behind everything, and for a moment, he was completely stunned.
This was truly a case of not seeing what's right under your nose.
Never in his life would he have imagined that Garp's grandson was actually Roger's biological son.
He had always assumed that the Revolutionary Army's frequent troop movements were because their leader, Dragon, was preparing to rescue his own son, Ace.
Back then, Shanks had even considered the issue of Ace's surname and had discussed it seriously with Beckman.
But once they factored in Vice Admiral Garp's position in the Marines, they dismissed that terrifying possibility.
"You're saying… Ace is the captain's son? And that's why the Navy's making his execution public, just like they did when they executed Captain Roger in Loguetown?!"
Shanks' face changed instantly, shock flashing in his eyes.
"Dragon told me that Garp brought Ace back only after completing his mission to hunt down Rouge. So Ace couldn't possibly be Dragon's child. That alone tells us the truth."
"I see… I see! Hah! The captain really was a genius, even I was fooled! Wait… if that's the case, then I definitely can't let Kaido interfere!"
Shanks quickly thought of the deal he'd made with the World Government. What was originally just a chance to make a small profit had now become a matter of greater significance.
"Hm? You're going to stop Kaido? He's planning to step in too? What about the rescue, what do you intend to do?" Arima asked.
"Well, now that I know who Ace really is, I'll have to tell the first mate. I can't personally go there myself, but others will make it in time."
"I see. That works. Try to stall Kaido as long as possible. Once I've handled things on my end, I'll go deal with that guy myself," Arima said calmly.
"Oh? What's keeping you busy? Don't tell me you're going to rescue Ace, I won't believe you're that free! Though honestly, I would love to see you step in."
"Hm… I could send a shadow clone to keep Blackbeard busy. I can't guarantee I'll defeat him, but stopping him from reaching the battlefield shouldn't be difficult."
"That guy who looks exactly like you? That's a jutsu, right?" Shanks' curiosity was immediately piqued.
"It is, ninjutsu. But don't confuse it with those third-rate tricks from Wano Country! Anyway, that's enough on this topic. Oh, and, do me a favor and tell Mihawk not to get involved."
"Haha, of course. I wouldn't want him making things harder for Whitebeard either.
Alright then, it's settled! Thanks for the intel, if not for you, I'd be kicking myself right now!" Shanks said with a grin.
"Alright. Once I'm done here, I'll contact you again."
Before Shanks could reply, Arima hung up. Setting down the Den Den Mushi, he turned to Dragon. "See? Your old man's sleight of hand fooled half the world."
Dragon shrugged with a smile. "I was one of the people fooled too. Still, who do you think leaked Ace's true identity?"
Arima thought for a moment. A name flashed through his mind, Marshall D. Teach. It could only be him.
"That doesn't matter anymore. We need to adjust our plan. Plans just can't keep up with change," Arima said, clearing his mind and refocusing on the task ahead.
"Heh, you're right. Things are getting more complicated by the minute," Dragon sighed helplessly.
After ending the call with Arima, Shanks immediately dialed his old first mate, the Dark King, Silvers Rayleigh.
"Hey, first mate! I've got shocking news, Ace is the captain's biological son," Shanks blurted out as soon as the line connected.
"Huh?! Shanks, am I still drunk, or are you talking nonsense? How could Ace be Roger's son? Isn't he Garp's grandson?"
Rayleigh was still a bit groggy from drinking, but that statement completely sobered him up.
"You were fooled by the captain's trick too, weren't you? If he'd left his son in your care, you'd probably still be hiding out on some island!
I bet the World Government's been watching you all this time, huh?" Shanks said smugly.
"You brat, still so cheeky even after all these years! I may be old, but I'm not someone they can push around! But don't provoke me just yet. I need to confirm this with Whitebeard myself."
"Heh, go ahead! If Ace isn't the captain's son, I'll send you a whole crate of top-shelf liquor tomorrow!"
"Forget it. Your Aunt Summer would have my head if I accepted that! Where did you even get this news?"
"From Arima. That guy's got eyes and ears everywhere. He confirmed it with Dragon himself.
Honestly, Garp's too much, making Ace call him Grandpa? That drops our whole generation down a level!"
Only then did Shanks realize just how outrageous Garp's stunt had been.
"Haha! You really are something, kid. But if we're talking about losing out, Whitebeard takes the top spot, Ace calls him old man!" Rayleigh said, laughing at Shanks' strange sense of priorities.
"Yeah, tell me about it. We're all one generation below that old geezer now! Still, since Garp once saved my life, I'll let this slide. By the way, are you going to help rescue Ace?"
"Of course I am! These old bones may be rusty, but I can still swing a sword! I won't let Roger's bloodline perish."
Rayleigh's voice was firm, and a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes.
"That's great! Arima will handle Blackbeard, so the rescue should go smoothly."
"Oh? Seems you and that man are on good terms," Rayleigh said, intrigued.
"First mate, are you still drunk? You forgot? I taught him Haki ten years ago, the same way you and the captain taught me!" Shanks said, exasperated.
"Haha, I must be getting old, memory's not what it used to be. But good. That puts my mind at ease. We can't afford any mistakes with Ace."
"Exactly. Don't worry, I'll keep Kaido busy. He's like a mad dog, if he crashes into Marineford, he'll only make everything worse."
"Got it. I'll rally some old crewmates, just in case. There's still a week before the execution, it's enough time. Hanging up now."
Rayleigh wasted no time. He began contacting the remaining members of the old crew.
He knew that stepping back onto the sea meant they'd draw the Navy and the World Government's full attention, but there was no room for hesitation now.
For years, Rayleigh had carried one regret in his heart.
Back then, he had tried everything to rescue Rouge and her child, but by the time he arrived, all that awaited him was a freshly built grave.
Looking toward Marineford, Rayleigh's gaze hardened.
"This time," he said quietly, "I won't be too late."