T/n: For Every 100 Power Stone 1+ Chapter ( I hope I don't regret it and get burned out!! XD)
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High above the clouds, the Gale tore through the sky, leaving a long white trail in its wake.
The crew stood silently on deck, the air heavy with tension. Everyone gathered around Leno, Nami, and Nojiko, waiting for their decision.
After learning the truth, the others were furious and disgusted by the Navy's and World Government's shameless tactics.
Leno continued to comfort the trembling Nami and Nojiko in his arms. Both had lost all composure after reading the news, their minds blank with panic.
"Leno… Belle-Mère and the others won't be hurt, right? Aileen's still so little..."
Tears streamed down Nojiko's cheeks as she looked up at Leno, her voice breaking. When she first saw the paper, all strength had drained from her body; her knees had nearly buckled if not for Leno holding her up. Now, she could only cling to the faint hope that Belle-Mère and the others were safe.
Beside her, Nami was also sobbing softly. She looked up at Leno, her eyes full of desperate pleading.
"You big idiot… you have to save them. I'm begging you!"
"Don't say stupid things. It's my fault they were dragged into this. Even if it costs me my life, I'll bring them back."
Leno tightened his hold on the two, his tone resolute. "Nojiko, don't worry too much. Their target is me. As long as I don't appear, Belle-Mère and the others won't be in danger for now."
As he spoke, guilt and sorrow flashed across his eyes. Holding the two crying women, he silently swore to himself.
Then Kuina, who had been quiet all along, finally spoke. "Leno, don't blame yourself too much. No one could have predicted the Navy would stoop to such vile methods."
"Yeah! It's absolutely disgraceful!" Carmen added angrily. The shining image of the Navy she'd once respected had shattered completely; now she looked only with disgust.
Chopper suddenly gasped. "Oh no! What if Doctor Kureha's in danger too?"
"Don't worry, Chopper. When I took you away, we flew straight out. No one knows where you were born. Doctor Kureha is safe."
"I-I see. Then that's a relief." Chopper sighed, visibly calming down.
Leno glanced around the group, his expression grave. "Everyone… this is a personal matter between me and Nojiko's family. And besides, it's the Navy Headquarters we're talking about—"
"Leno, what are you talking about? We're crewmates! We face things together!"
"That's right! You're the one who always says we're family, aren't you? Were you lying to us?"
Before Leno could even finish, Carmen and Chopper interrupted him, shouting indignantly.
Robin chuckled lightly. "Oh my, Captain Leno, are you really planning to abandon your crew now?"
Kuina said nothing, but her hand tightened on Sakura Veil as she glared sharply at him—one more word, and her blade might sing free of its sheath.
"The Navy Headquarters, huh? Sounds fun! I've always wanted to see it for myself," Yamato said eagerly, hefting her Kanabo over her shoulder.
Seeing their reactions, Leno realized he'd said the wrong thing. He smiled bitterly.
Nami and Nojiko, still sniffling, looked at everyone gratefully.
"Thank you, everyone. Really… thank you."
Leno nodded deeply. "Yeah. Thank you all. Then let's do it—let's storm the legendary Marine Headquarters together!"
The crew brightened immediately, the tension lifting into fierce determination.
Their spirits high, everyone began preparing for the coming war, while Leno stood at the bow with Nami, checking their Eternal Pose for the correct heading again and again.
Meanwhile, far across the seas, the World Government's emergency summons began arriving in the hands of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
On the main ship of the Whitebeard Pirates—the Moby Dick—Jinbe was drinking and chatting with Marco, Jozu, and Whitebeard himself when a crewmember rushed up with a letter.
"Jinbe! The World Government sent you an emergency draft order!"
"Oh?"
The men exchanged glances as Jinbe took the letter and unfolded it. His expression darkened as he read.
Marco leaned forward. "What's wrong, Jinbe? Something happen?"
Jinbe let out a heavy breath. "The World Government's calling the Warlords together… to fight the 'Thunder God.'"
"Huh? Against the 'Thunder God'? That's one tough bastard… guess the Navy's really lost it this time."
Marco's tone was grave. He knew of Leno—the man who defeated Kaido himself. Not an easy opponent by any measure.
"Tch. Sengoku's really fallen far, using such underhanded tricks."
Whitebeard scowled, fury burning in his eyes. To him, nothing was more sacred than family—and now the Navy was using family as a weapon? Unforgivable.
He looked toward the distant horizon, his gaze shadowed by sorrow.
When Jinbe finished reading, he tore the letter into shreds.
"What a joke! I'll never raise a hand against the man who saved Fishman Island. He's Brother Fisher Tiger's recognized friend—the savior of countless fishmen!"
Jozu stared in shock. "Jinbe… you mean you're not going to join the war?"
"No," Jinbe said firmly. "I'll join—to help the Thunder God rescue his family!"
"Gu-ra-ra-ra-ra!"
Whitebeard burst out laughing, clearly not surprised.
"Jinbe, you stubborn bastard… you always put honor above everything else."
"Father…"
"Go. Do what you must. If trouble comes, I'll bear the weight of it."
Jinbe bowed deeply, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Oyaji!"
"Hey, hey, Jinbe—don't get so serious!" Marco teased with a grin.
Whitebeard laughed again, the sound rumbling across the sea. "Gu-ra-ra-ra-ra!"