"Pops, what do you want to do with these people?" Marco asked, glancing toward the sea where the remnants of the United Army struggled amid the waves.
Whitebeard's expression was somber as he looked out at the chaos. "Save whoever can still be saved. Once we pull those small fries out, we'll let them go. The Whitebeard Pirates have no use for a prison that large."
He paused, watching the countless unconscious figures floating on the ocean's surface, and his brow furrowed. The sight reminded him again of Ashveil's overwhelming power.
Just one man—one strike—and tens of thousands had fallen.
Even Edward Newgate himself, with all his might, could not have done such a thing in three days and nights.
"As for the important ones…" His finger lifted slightly, pointing toward the Gorosei, Kong, Garp, Sengoku, Kaido, and Big Mom.
"Let Ashveil handle them personally," Whitebeard said in a low, commanding voice.
Marco nodded. "Understood."
The Whitebeard Pirates roared in unison, diving into the sea to haul up survivors as the sun sank lower, painting the waves crimson.
---
Meanwhile, deep within the island fortress, Thorne Ashveil returned to his quarters. Without even bothering to remove his coat, he dropped onto his bed and exhaled deeply.
He didn't even eat dinner. The exhaustion from the battle had taken its toll, and he slept straight through until morning.
When he finally opened the door, the first thing he saw was Boa Hancock waiting patiently outside, her posture elegant but eager.
"Ashveil-sama, you're awake! I—I came to clean your room," she said, her tone a mix of excitement and reverence.
Behind her stood Urouge, his arms laden with trays of steaming food—roasted chicken, sausages, fresh bread, and bottles of fine wine.
"Lord Ashveil," Urouge said, bowing slightly, "you didn't eat yesterday. I prepared these dishes myself. Please, enjoy them."
Ashveil gave a faint nod, a satisfied gleam in his eyes. "Good work. Bring them in."
Compared to the hollow smiles of hotel attendants, their respect felt genuine. They weren't serving out of duty or fear—they truly revered him.
The two entered quietly. Hancock immediately took up her cleaning tools, moving gracefully as she swept and dusted every corner. Urouge, meanwhile, looked around the room uncertainly.
"Lord Ashveil," he asked carefully, "may I place the food on your table?"
Ashveil tilted his head slightly. The only table in the room was his gaming desk, cluttered with various devices. "That's fine. Put it there."
Even spoken casually, his tone carried an unshakable authority—a king's presence that tolerated no questioning.
As Urouge arranged the dishes, Ashveil leaned back, scratching the back of his head. The dorm felt smaller now. It had been enough when all he played were console games, but after Caesar had built him a custom computer two days ago, space was running short.
The machine wasn't connected to any network yet, but it could run massive, high-quality games that consoles couldn't handle.
He smirked faintly. "Caesar really outdid himself this time."
But his thoughts soon drifted to two other figures—Golden Lion Shiki and former Admiral Zephyr.
Hadn't they promised to bring him manga and other gifts? He had been too drained yesterday to think about them.
"Urouge," Ashveil said suddenly, "what's the status of Shiki and Zephyr? They were captured by the World Government, weren't they? My attack didn't… affect them, did it?"
Urouge straightened immediately. "Reporting, Lord Ashveil—both have been rescued by the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Oh?" Ashveil asked, amused. "They're outside, then? I'm still waiting for those gifts."
"Yes, Lord Ashveil," Urouge confirmed. "They wanted to see you yesterday, but we didn't allow anyone to disturb your rest."
Ashveil chuckled. "Heh. Looks like they've learned their lesson."
Urouge puffed out his chest. "Of course! Your display of power yesterday shocked the entire world. They wouldn't dare act recklessly again."
He wasn't exaggerating. Yesterday, Ashveil had done what no one in recorded history had ever achieved—obliterating the entire United Army, the Marine forces, two Emperor crews, and even the direct troops of the Celestial Dragons and Gorosei.
He had surpassed the Pirate King… surpassed even Rocks D. Xebec himself.
To be Lord Ashveil's subordinate now meant standing at the level of legends.
Urouge still found it unbelievable that Golden Lion Shiki—a man once feared across the seas—and the former Marine Admiral Zephyr were now lowering themselves to seek favor with him. They had even asked Urouge to speak on their behalf.
He hid a proud grin. Once mocked as one of the weakest Supernovas, Urouge now found himself in a position of respect. Under Ashveil's shadow, even giants bowed.
Ashveil took a bite of foie gras, chewing thoughtfully. "And the gifts? Have they prepared them?"
"They have, my lord," Urouge replied at once. "They prepared them long ago, but the Marines captured them before they could deliver them. They told me yesterday that the gifts are ready and will present them the moment you wish to meet."
Ashveil leaned back, satisfied. "Good. If their offerings meet my expectations, I'll accept their allegiance."
Urouge bowed deeply. "At once, my lord."
He turned and left swiftly, heading to the great hall where guests were being received.
There, Shiki and Zephyr had been waiting for hours. The moment they saw Urouge, they rushed toward him.
"How is it, Urouge? What did Ashveil say?" Shiki asked impatiently.
They had learned their place. None dared to see Ashveil without permission. Even for them—once titans of the seas—protocol had to be followed.
Urouge, brimming with pride, let them wait a beat before replying.
"Lord Ashveil has agreed to see you—if your gifts are satisfactory."
Zephyr exhaled in visible relief, while Shiki grinned, his eyes gleaming with restrained excitement.
"Hah! That's all I needed to hear. Wait until he sees what I've brought," the Golden Lion said, laughter booming across the hall.
Urouge crossed his arms, smirking inwardly. For years, his name had meant little among pirates or Marines. But now, standing under Ashveil's banner, even legends sought his approval.
He straightened his shoulders, pride swelling in his chest.
"Then prepare yourselves," he said calmly. "Lord Ashveil doesn't entertain fools."
Both Shiki and Zephyr nodded solemnly.
Outside, the morning sun spilled through the clouds, reflecting off the waves that still carried the faint echoes of yesterday's destruction.
_______
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