This meeting request from Whitebeard had taken Shanks by surprise—especially because this time, Whitebeard had come alone, without his crew.
That could only mean something serious had happened. So, Shanks kept silent, waiting for Whitebeard to speak first.
Whitebeard hesitated; after all, Shanks had once advised him to recall Ace. He'd refused, and now, just as Shanks had warned, Ace had gotten into trouble.
With the Navy's new fourth admiral in play, there were too many variables. Even after crossing paths with him days earlier, Whitebeard wasn't confident. That was why joining forces with Shanks had become urgent.
He explained Ace's situation—how he'd been captured by Blackbeard and handed over to the Navy in exchange for a Shichibukai title.
Shanks' expression darkened, though he didn't show much else.
"You plan to rescue Ace?" he asked.
"I, Whitebeard, will never abandon my family," came the firm reply. "I must save him."
Shanks understood—Whitebeard wanted an alliance to rescue Ace, which meant going to war with the Navy.
Shanks hesitated. He had met Ace before; Ace had told him he was Luffy's older brother. That had been the main reason Shanks urged Whitebeard to stop Ace from clashing with Blackbeard—he didn't want to see Luffy's brother harmed.
But Whitebeard hadn't listened, and here they were. Shanks had already done what he could, out of respect for Luffy.
In his heart, he apologized to Luffy: I've done my best.
It was clear he didn't intend to fully involve himself. Still, after a pause, he said, "The Red-Hair Pirates won't join you in a full frontal war. But we can cover your retreat. Once you rescue Ace, I'll bring my crew to hold off the Navy so you can escape."
Whitebeard's eyes narrowed. The refusal wasn't unexpected—they were rivals, after all.
But with this new admiral in play, Whitebeard had to get Shanks involved, or the chances of saving Ace would be too slim.
"Shanks! Ace has more reason than you think to be saved."
Shanks frowned. "I know he's Luffy's brother, but everyone chooses their own path. I've done my part. If he dies—"
"Shanks!" Whitebeard cut him off, his deep voice rumbling.
"Do you know who Ace's father is?" His gaze sharpened like a blade.
"His father… is Gol D. Roger!!!"
The words crashed into Shanks like thunder. The world seemed to fall silent—no insects, no birds, not even the wind. Time itself froze.
Ace was Roger's son?!
Then why had he claimed to be Luffy's brother?
Shanks stared at Whitebeard in disbelief. "You'd better not be joking with me!"
"I don't joke about this," Whitebeard said coldly. "And I don't stoop to lying about it."
Shanks took a long moment to process the bombshell. Then he exhaled slowly, his eyes hardening as he met Whitebeard's gaze.
"When the time comes, the Red-Hair Pirates will fight."
For Luffy's sake, he had tried to persuade Whitebeard to bring Ace home. But for Roger's sake—Roger, who had been like a father to him—he would risk everything to save Ace.
At that moment, Benn Beckman approached the two captains.
Whitebeard arched a brow; he didn't want anyone knowing the details of this meeting.
Benn wasted no time. "Boss, big news—Kaido's clashing with the Navy! Looks like they're going to fight."
Both Shanks and Whitebeard were caught off guard.
At a time like this, the Navy provoking the Beasts Pirates? That would only create more trouble for them. It wasn't like Sengoku to make such a move without a plan.
"Wonder what trick Sengoku's playing now…" Shanks muttered.
Whitebeard agreed. "He must be scheming something—he wouldn't provoke Kaido otherwise."
They couldn't guess his exact plan, but Shanks said, "Whitebeard, I won't just join the fight—I'll bring another ally."
"Oh?" Whitebeard was intrigued.
"Silvers Rayleigh!" Shanks revealed.
As Roger's most trusted right hand, Rayleigh would surely fight once he learned Ace's identity.
…
Dressrosa.
In a side hall, Good sat in a chair, tearing into a feast before him.
To his credit, Doflamingo had gone all out, terrified of offending this dangerous man again.
Momousagi sat beside him, eating calmly. Around them, several vice admirals—some veterans—had gathered, all trying to talk Good out of his plan.
"Reckless Maniac Admiral, stop eating and let's leave!"
"Yeah! The Navy's focused on Whitebeard now—you know that."
"We need to conserve our strength, not stir up more trouble!"
Good just mumbled through a mouthful of food, "What's there to be afraid of? I don't need your help. You rest up; I'll handle it alone."
The vice admirals exchanged looks. Was he serious about taking on the entire Beasts Pirates by himself?
Momousagi only shook her head internally. Once Good decided on something, no one could change his mind.
Just then, Doflamingo rushed in, his voice tense. "Reckless Maniac Admiral—Kaido's here!!"
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For 20+ Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!]
[[email protected]/Draumel]
[Thank You For Your Support!]