After a full month had passed since Rengoku had begun teaching Total Concentration Breathing to Tashigi, Vivi, Smoker, Hina, Prinprin, Coby, and Helmeppo, a top-secret piece of news came down from the highest levels of the Navy.
The moment it spread, Marineford's Fleet Admiral's office was placed under complete lockdown.
In the dim, sunless room, now fully sealed, sat seven of the Navy's highest-ranking officers.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the "Buddha"
Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp, the "Iron Fist" and Navy Hero
Vice Admiral Tsuru, the "Great Advisor"
Admiral Sakazuki, the "Red Dog"
Admiral Kuzan, the "Blue Pheasant"
Admiral Borsalino, the "Yellow Monkey"
Admiral (Designate) Rengoku, the "Flame Pillar"
It was the very peak of the Navy's power, all gathered in one place.
"A verdict has been issued by the Five Elders during the highest-level military tribunal of the World Government," Sengoku announced as he handed over an envelope.
Most in the room had already guessed the reason for this meeting, but formality demanded the question be asked.
"What's this?" Kuzan inquired, though the answer was obvious.
"It's the death sentence for Portgas D. Ace," Sengoku replied calmly.
"Heh~ It's only been about a month since his capture, and already a verdict. That's surprisingly fast," said Borsalino, lazily tearing open the envelope.
Inside was a single copy of the judgment.
"Let's see... Judgment for the execution of Portgas D. Ace..."
He rested his chin on his hand as he read the contents.
"Hmm… blah blah blah… sentencing Portgas D. Ace to death… Five Elders' seal…"
Even as a mere copy, the document bore the official seal of the Five Elders—none dared object to it.
"…"
"…"
"…"
Silence loomed heavily over the room.
"Whitebeard will move soon," said Sakazuki at last, his gravelly voice devoid of emotion.
"If there's any good luck in this, it's that news of Ace's sentencing hasn't yet reached Whitebeard," Tsuru added. "Still, he must know. Given Ace's identity, the execution couldn't be delayed long."
After a brief pause, Sengoku turned to Rengoku and posed a question.
"Hm… Vice Admiral Rengoku. What are your thoughts?"
"This is indeed a major victory, but one that should remind us—above all else—of the need for vigilance," Rengoku responded firmly.
"Vigilance?" Sakazuki repeated, narrowing his eyes. He had long disliked the younger officer due to their differing personalities and views on justice.
"What do you mean by that, Vice Admiral Rengoku?"
"With Ace's execution, there is also the possibility that pirates could flourish even more!
Just like how Roger's execution platform in Loguetown became a place that inspired countless pirates to pursue One Piece in the future—"
"So you're saying if we execute Ace, we should make sure it doesn't become a symbol?"
"Exactly. If the execution is carried out, it should be done somewhere close—no, it should be done directly here at Marineford."
"Hmm… That makes sense. A lot of troublesome rookies from the East Blue made pilgrimages to Roger's execution platform… Guess we're lucky Roger was from East Blue."
Sengoku mulled over Rengoku's opinion in silence.
"And there's also the matter of One Piece itself!"
"One Piece?"
"It's been decades since Roger's death. Many now doubt whether One Piece truly exists. But if Ace says anything about One Piece at the time of his execution, it could trigger a Second Great Pirate Era—effectively a second Buster Call against innocent civilians!"
"Ah, that? No worries. Ace was born after Roger died. Most veteran pirates don't know much about One Piece."
"But what about Whitebeard? He was Roger's rival. He could very well know something."
"Even so, it's not a concern. All of the Four Emperors claim that One Piece is real. That alone has already diluted its credibility."
The higher your status, the less trustworthy your words become.
When a Yonko says "One Piece exists," it's like a shady company boss saying, "I'll give you a raise, so don't leave the company."
Whether or not One Piece is real doesn't matter to them—just having more pirates sail out benefits them.
"I see. If that's your reasoning, Fleet Admiral, I understand."
"Alright then. Considering Ace's symbolic significance, we'll execute him at Marineford. But if we do that, Whitebeard's crew may launch a direct rescue… So we'll need to prepare for all-out war."
"I agree."
"I'm convinced too. Rengoku's reasoning is persuasive~"
"Tch… Fine. That's acceptable."
With support from Kuzan, Borsalino, and Sakazuki, Vice Admiral Tsuru added her voice.
"Either way, this will be a battle not just for the Navy, but for the entire World Government. We should summon the Seven Warlords."
Hearing the mention of the Warlords, Sengoku's face twisted with a frown.
"Haa… With the embargo in place, I doubt they'll show up willingly."
"Then summon them by force," Sakazuki growled. He had no patience for pirate allies, even the so-called Warlords.
"But doing so would alert the world too soon. We need to maintain complete control of this operation."
"Then let's call them under the pretext of a Warlord summit. Order them to come to Marineford on the day of the execution. And if anyone refuses, we'll issue a mandatory summons just before the event."
Sengoku didn't have a better idea at the moment, so he nodded.
"Very well. I'll assign others to handle the preparations. That's all for today."
"Yes, sir."
"Roger that~ Good work everyone~"
"Guess I'd better get some sleep..."
"I'll take care of this copy."
Sakazuki picked up the envelope and incinerated the verdict document with a burst of magma.
With that, the lockdown on the Fleet Admiral's office was lifted. One by one, the Admirals and officers exited the room.
Only Garp remained silent the entire time.
Rengoku, knowing why, didn't speak to him. He quietly left the room as well.
...
One week passed since that secret meeting in the Fleet Admiral's office.
Rengoku was in the 4th training grounds, reviewing the results of his seven students' Total Concentration Breathing progress.
"Hmm! As expected, Smoker and Hina have already achieved Continuous Total Concentration Breathing. Congratulations!"
"This much was nothing. Hina might just be a genius?"
"I must admit—following your method has definitely improved my body's responsiveness. I'm grateful."
Smoker bowed politely, a rare sight.
"Oh my! Did our Smoker just bow? Hina is shocked."
"Shut up, partner."
Ignoring the two bickering peers, Rengoku turned to praise Vivi and Tashigi.
"Tashigi and Private Third-Class Vivi, you're nearly at the full level—just short during sleep. With a bit more effort, I'm sure you'll reach full concentration soon!"
""Yes, sir!""
"Prinprin, the same goes for you! I know it's tough, but if you succeed, you'll not just be East Blue's Branch Commander—you'll be worthy of Marine Headquarters' rank. Work hard to reach the next level!"
"Yes, sir! I'll rise to the rank of true Commander!"
"Coby and Helmeppo, you're both already showing skills equivalent to Ensigns. If you master this breathing technique, promotion is just around the corner!"
""Yes, sir!!!!""
Seeing such promising results across all seven of his students, Rengoku gave his approval.
"The Unified Promotion Exam is approaching. Officers will become senior officers, Tashigi and Vivi will rise to officer class, and Coby and Helmeppo will likely achieve junior officer status. I hope to see each of you earn ranks befitting your strength!"
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