"Dad, the territory this kid chose lies right between ours and the Red-Haired Pirates. The Red-Haired crew doesn't usually care about this kind of thing — as long as the newcomer doesn't provoke them, they'll likely ignore it. But… should we do something?" Marco asked, turning to Whitebeard.
"Send someone to meet him," Whitebeard said after a moment of thought. "Let him know how dangerous these waters are. But don't kill him — I'm interested in this boy. If he survives what's coming… I might ask him to sail under my flag."
"Haha! So you've got your eye on him too?" Marco chuckled. "Alright, I know what to do. I'll head out myself."
Soon after, Marco, the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, and Thatch, the Fourth Division Commander, left the Moby Dick on a mission.
---
Totto Land – Kingdom of Torrance
Almost at the same time, deep within Big Mom's territory, Charlotte Cracker, one of the Three Sweet Commanders of the Big Mom Pirates, set out by ship along with several subordinates. Their destination: Sun Island, now claimed by the Spade Pirates.
---
Dressrosa – King's Plateau
In the palace atop King's Heights, Donquixote Doflamingo, alias "Joker," sat with Jack the Drought, one of the Three All-Stars of the Beasts Pirates. The two had just finalized an agreement concerning SMILE, the artificial Devil Fruits, when a courier bat dropped a newspaper on the table.
"Heh… so that brat raised his flag?" Doflamingo muttered with a dark grin, skimming the front page.
Jack looked over. "Something wrong, Joker?"
"It's nothing," Doflamingo said, tossing the paper aside. "Just a foolish kid who doesn't know his place, declaring his own territory the moment he steps into the New World."
"Fire Fist, huh?" Jack asked, his interest piqued.
"Yeah. That's him," Doflamingo confirmed. "He thinks he can challenge the balance of power. I'll show him what it means to stand alone in this sea."
Jack frowned. "Funny timing. Kaido just contacted me, told me to check out the newcomer and see if he's worth recruiting. But since he's crossed you, I'll leave him be. For now, our priority is transporting the SMILE samples back to Wano."
Doflamingo gave a nod, pleased with the decision. Jack left promptly with his forces, and the artificial Devil Fruit operation remained uninterrupted.
Once alone, Doflamingo pulled out a Den Den Mushi and made a call.
"Vergo. You saw the news about that Fire Fist brat?"
"I saw it," Vergo's deep voice replied. "Let me handle it this time. I'll wipe away the disgrace from last year."
Doflamingo went quiet. His original plan was to tip off the World Government, hoping they'd send a Buster Call to eliminate Ace, but Vergo's eagerness made him reconsider.
"…Vergo," he finally said, "that kid's no pushover anymore. Are you sure?"
"I haven't wasted the last year, Dover."
"…Fine," Doflamingo said at last. "Bring me his head."
"I won't fail you again," Vergo vowed and hung up.
---
Sun Island – Gate of Flame
Inside the Gate of Flame, all members of the Spade Pirates stood in formation, solemn and focused. Even Carols, the newest crew member, stood ready with determination.
Everyone was excited but cautious — they knew the sea would respond. The moment they hoisted their flag, they were challenging the world. Admirals may not come, but commanders of Yonko crews, Warlords, or other major figures surely would.
This was a fight they couldn't let Ace shoulder alone.
Gambi, Deuce, and the others exchanged glances, then shared a quiet smile. For over a year, they had trained with blood and sweat — this was the day they'd been preparing for.
Ace sat cross-legged inside the Gate of Flame, facing the sea, watching quietly. He was mentally bracing for the first challenger.
Suddenly, the ocean stirred. Massive whale sharks surfaced from the deep, gliding toward the island in tight formation. Riding one of the largest was a broad-shouldered fish-man in a dark karate gi.
The first guest had arrived.
"It's him!" Ace muttered, surprised. He had expected someone from Red-Haired Shanks' crew or Whitebeard's forces, given their proximity. He hadn't anticipated this man at all.
Sitting atop the whale shark was "Knight of the Sea" Jinbe, captain of the Sun Pirates and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
"Is he worried I'll clash with Whitebeard's crew?" Ace wondered aloud.
Jinbe approached, stopping outside the flaming gate. His deep voice echoed across the sea.
"I am Jinbe of the Sun Pirates. I come in peace to meet the Spade Pirates."
He leapt from the whale shark, landing just outside the Gate of Flame. Standing tall, he looked directly at Ace and bowed solemnly.
"Though it may seem presumptuous… I've come to ask something of you."
He raised his head, his tone serious and humble.
"Please lower your flag — at least for now."
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