Grand Line, New World
The Red Hair Pirates' ship, the Red Force, cut through the turbulent New World waters with practiced ease, its destination set for Whitebeard's territory. The usual jovial atmosphere aboard the Yonko's ship had been replaced by tense silence as every crew member remained glued to the Sky Screen's ongoing broadcast. The revelations about their captain's past had shocked even his most trusted subordinates, who thought they knew everything about Red-Haired Shanks' history.
As one of the Sky Screen's featured subjects, Shanks found himself surrounded by his curious crew, their questions coming in rapid succession like cannon fire. The red-haired emperor maintained his characteristic calm, but those who knew him well could detect the subtle tension in his posture.
"Captain, is this ridiculous clown really a former apprentice on the Pirate King's ship, just like you?" Lucky Roux asked around a mouthful of meat, his usual cheerful demeanor subdued by the gravity of the revelations. "Everything the Sky Screen showed—is it all true?"
Shanks stared at the ethereal display stretching across the horizon, his expression carrying decades of buried memories. "Most of what the Sky Screen revealed is accurate," he admitted, his voice carrying uncharacteristic heaviness. "I didn't expect these secrets to be exposed today. However, I'm genuinely surprised by Buggy's claimed strength. He never demonstrated such abilities during our time together."
The emperor's mind raced through countless shared memories—Buggy's cowardice during battles, his obsession with treasure over training, his tendency to hide behind stronger crew members when danger approached. The idea that his childhood friend had been concealing Yonko-level power for decades seemed impossible, yet the Sky Screen's detailed knowledge of their past suggested credibility.
"We haven't seen each other in over twenty years," Shanks continued, reaching into his coat to withdraw a small piece of paper that seemed to pulse with faint life energy. "But I've kept this as proof of our enduring bond, despite everything that happened between us."
The life card bore Buggy's name in faded ink, its edges worn from years of handling. The paper's steady pulse indicated its owner remained alive and healthy, though its exact location remained beyond the card's limited range.
"This is Buggy's life card," Shanks explained, his tone growing more thoughtful. "I've carried it for over twenty years. You have to understand—Buggy always seemed impossibly lucky during our adventures. Cannonballs would miss him by inches, enemies would slip at crucial moments, and he'd stumble into treasure when we least expected it. Maybe the Sky Screen is right about his Observation Haki granting him supernatural fortune."
Ben Beckman, the Red Hair Pirates' vice-captain and intellectual core, methodically cleaned his rifle while processing this information. His strategic mind was already analyzing the implications of a hidden Yonko-level threat operating in East Blue.
"Captain, if we encounter Buggy during our business in East Blue, I'd like to test his abilities personally," Beckman stated with calm determination. "The Sky Screen's claims need verification, and I'm curious whether he truly possesses the power to challenge Yonko commanders."
Lucky Roux, the crew's cook and eternal optimist, offered a different perspective while gnawing on a massive drumstick. "Captain, why don't we try recruiting him? If you went to East Blue and invited Buggy to join our crew, maybe he'd accept this time."
The suggestion carried weight among the crew, who had witnessed their captain's rare moments of melancholy when discussing his past. They understood that Red-Haired Shanks valued loyalty and friendship above almost everything else, making Buggy's rejection all those years ago a persistent source of regret.
Lucky Roux had been present when Shanks entrusted his precious straw hat to young Luffy, recognizing the symbolic passing of Roger's will to a new generation. The cook understood that while their captain deeply respected the Pirate King, Shanks had no desire to become Roger or anyone else. The red-haired emperor was determined to forge his own path, to be remembered as Shanks rather than Roger's successor.
"With Luffy's reckless personality, the first words out of his mouth will probably be 'I'm going to be the Pirate King!'" Shanks chuckled, his expression softening when discussing the young man he'd bet his arm on. "Even if Buggy has lost some intelligence over the years, he'll immediately recognize Roger's hat. Given his current power level, he won't harm Luffy—if anything, he might actually protect him out of respect for our old captain."
The crew had witnessed Shanks' profound faith in Luffy's potential, understanding that their captain saw something special in the rubber-brained youth that reminded him of Roger himself. Betting an arm on someone's future required absolute conviction, and Shanks had never expressed doubt about his decision.
However, the emperor's expression darkened as his thoughts shifted to more pressing concerns. His hand unconsciously moved to the three parallel scars crossing his left eye—permanent reminders of his encounter with Blackbeard years before Teach had gained Devil Fruit powers.
"Buggy protecting Luffy in East Blue is reassuring," Shanks muttered, his voice carrying genuine worry. "What concerns me now is Ace. That boy inherited Roger's reckless courage along with his bloodline, and he's definitely not prepared to face someone like Marshall D. Teach."
The revelation of Portgas D. Ace's true parentage had sent shockwaves through the pirate world, but few understood the personal stakes for Shanks. He'd served alongside Roger, witnessed the Pirate King's final days, and understood the significance of Roger's only posthumous child. Ace represented living proof of his captain's legacy, a responsibility that weighed heavily on the red-haired emperor's shoulders.
"Notify the crew to increase speed immediately," Shanks commanded, his casual demeanor replaced by imperial authority. "I need to reach Whitebeard as quickly as possible. We need to discuss Ace's safety before Blackbeard makes his move."
The previously cheerful atmosphere aboard the Red Force transformed instantly into focused determination. Every crew member understood that their captain's serious tone meant lives hung in the balance, and they trusted his judgment implicitly.
Loguetown Marine Base
Meanwhile, in the East Blue's gateway port of Loguetown, the local Marine presence faced an unprecedented crisis. The revelation that a Yonko-level threat had been operating in their supposedly peaceful waters for over twenty years had shattered morale among the rank-and-file Marines. Not everyone possessed the courage to confront a hidden emperor who'd apparently been toying with them for decades.
Captain Smoker's office buzzed with activity as the Den Den Mushi on his desk suddenly came to life, its mechanical features morphing to reflect Fleet Admiral Sengoku's stern expression.
"This is Fleet Admiral Sengoku," the voice carried absolute authority across the connection. "Captain Smoker, you currently lack Haki training and are definitely not equipped to face Buggy the Clown if the Sky Screen's claims prove accurate. Your primary responsibility is protecting the civilians and Marines under your command in Loguetown. I've dispatched Admiral Sakazuki to provide reinforcement."
Captain Smoker bit down on his cigar hard enough to nearly sever it, his pride stinging from the implication that he couldn't handle a single pirate in his own territory. Years of unchallenged dominance in East Blue had bred confidence that bordered on arrogance, and accepting outside help felt like admitting personal failure.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, don't be deceived by whatever propaganda the Sky Screen is broadcasting," Smoker replied with characteristic bluntness. "I've hunted Buggy the Clown multiple times over the years. Apart from exceptional luck, he's never demonstrated abilities that I couldn't handle. I can capture him myself without risking civilian casualties."
The Den Den Mushi's expression shifted to mirror Sengoku's growing anger, its mechanical features contorting with frustration. "Captain Smoker, don't let arrogance cloud your judgment! The Sky Screen's revelation about Vice Admiral Garp's secret arrangements with Roger is absolutely accurate—information known only to the highest levels of Marine command. If the broadcast can reveal such classified details, we must assume its assessment of Buggy's strength is equally reliable."
The implications hit like a physical blow. If the Sky Screen possessed knowledge of conversations between Garp and the Pirate King—secrets that hadn't been shared even with most Vice Admirals—then its credibility was unquestionable. The mysterious broadcaster had access to information that suggested intelligence gathering beyond any known capability.
"I understand, Fleet Admiral Sengoku," Smoker replied through gritted teeth. "I'll wait for Admiral Sakazuki's arrival before taking action."
However, even as he voiced compliance, Captain Smoker's instincts rebelled against the order. Twenty years of combat experience in East Blue had honed his ability to assess threats, and every fiber of his being insisted that Buggy the Clown remained the same cowardly pirate he'd always been. The Sky Screen might possess incredible intelligence, but it couldn't change Smoker's direct observations and tactical assessment.
After ending the communication, Captain Smoker turned to address the Marines assembled in his office. Seaman First Class Tashigi stood at attention alongside several Seamen and Petty Officers, all awaiting their commander's orders with visible anxiety.
"I'm going to capture Buggy the Clown," Smoker announced with finality that brooked no argument. " Seaman First Class Tashigi, you'll accompany me as a witness. I intend to expose whatever lies the Sky Screen is spreading about that pathetic clown."
The declaration sent ripples of shock through the assembled Marines. Everyone present had heard Fleet Admiral Sengoku's explicit orders, making their captain's defiance tantamount to insubordination. Several brave souls attempted to dissuade him from such a dangerous course of action.
"Captain Smoker, please reconsider!" pleaded a Petty Officer with genuine concern. "If you can't defeat Buggy the Clown and the Sky Screen's claims are true, all of Loguetown could be destroyed! Wouldn't it be safer to wait for Admiral Sakazuki?"
"None of us possess Haki training, Captain," added a Seaman desperately. "We can't provide meaningful support against a Yonko-level opponent! Please don't risk the entire base on a personal vendetta!"
But Captain Smoker's mind was already made up, his natural stubbornness reinforced by years of unchallenged authority in East Blue. "I am the ranking Marine officer in Loguetown until Admiral Sakazuki arrives," he stated with absolute conviction. "No one has the authority to countermand my orders or interfere with my decisions. We're ending this charade today."
The captain's lower body transformed into billowing white smoke as he activated his Moku Moku no Mi powers. Without ceremony, he grabbed Seaman First Class Tashigi around the waist and launched both of them through his office window using concentrated smoke propulsion. The remaining Marines could only watch helplessly as their commander flew directly toward the tavern where the Buggy Pirates were celebrating.
"That reckless fool," one of the Petty Officers muttered as Smoker's smoke trail disappeared over Loguetown's rooftops. "He's going to get us all killed."
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
At the pinnacle of Marine power, Fleet Admiral Sengoku slowly placed the Den Den Mushi back on its stand, his weathered face carrying decades of accumulated frustration. The revelation that one of his most trusted captains was deliberately disobeying direct orders added another layer of stress to an already impossible situation.
Across the office, Vice Admiral Garp sat slouched in his chair, methodically devouring what remained of Sengoku's personal senbei stash. The Marine Hero's casual demeanor provided a stark contrast to the crisis atmosphere that had gripped headquarters since the Sky Screen's appearance.
"Vice Admiral Garp," Sengoku's voice carried the weight of absolute authority as he approached his oldest friend. "I'm asking you directly as Fleet Admiral of the Marines: what exactly did you discuss with Gol D. Roger during his imprisonment? Stop pretending ignorance when the entire world now knows you were involved in his final scheme."
The accusation hung in the air like smoke from a discharged cannon. For decades, Garp had maintained plausible deniability about his role in Roger's surrender, but the Sky Screen's revelations had stripped away that protective ambiguity. Now the Marine Hero faced direct confrontation from the one person who could demand absolute truth.
Garp continued munching his stolen snacks with apparent nonchalance, though those who knew him well could detect subtle signs of inner tension. "What are you talking about, Sengoku?" he replied with exaggerated confusion. "How could I possibly agree to assist the Pirate King's final request? I'm a Marine Hero—I would never compromise my duty for personal sentiment."
The performance was masterful, but Sengoku had known Garp for too many decades to be fooled by such obvious deflection. Their friendship had survived countless crises, shared dangers, and mutual respect that transcended official rank. They'd metaphorically worn the same pants for so many years that reading each other's true thoughts had become second nature.
"Garp, you might fool me temporarily," Sengoku growled, his patience finally snapping. "But can you deceive the Five Elders when they inevitably summon you for interrogation? You damned fool, you create problems for me every single day!"
The Fleet Admiral's frustration reached its breaking point as he watched his oldest friend brazenly steal another handful of senbei. With a roar of indignation, Sengoku launched a devastating kick that sent Garp tumbling across the office floor, rolling several meters before coming to rest against the far wall.
"I've told you a thousand times—stop stealing my senbei, you ancient glutton!"
The Marine Hero rolled with the impact like a seasoned warrior, his legendary durability allowing him to absorb the blow without serious injury. Despite being covered in dust and debris from his collision with the wall, Garp immediately stuffed the scattered crackers back into his mouth without hesitation.
"Anyway, I didn't agree to anything suspicious," Garp declared while chewing contentedly. "If the Five Elders want to question me personally, they'll receive the exact same answer. I have nothing to hide."
But beneath his casual facade, Garp's mind raced with desperate calculations. Ace's safety depended on maintaining absolute secrecy about the boy's true parentage. Even after all these years of raising Roger's son as his own grandson, Garp would never betray that trust. The young man might not share his blood, but family bonds transcended genetics in the Marine Hero's philosophy.
The revelation that Portgas D. Ace was actually Gol D. Ace—the Pirate King's biological heir—would paint a target on the boy's back that no amount of Marine protection could shield. Garp would endure any interrogation, face any consequence, rather than expose the secret that had defined his life for the past two decades.
"That boy is my grandson in every way that matters," Garp muttered under his breath, too quietly for Sengoku to hear. "And I'll take Roger's secret to my grave before I let the World Government harm him."
As the two Marine legends continued their confrontation, neither could predict how the events set in motion by the Sky Screen would ultimately affect their carefully guarded secrets. The revelation about Buggy's hidden power was merely the opening move in a game that would soon threaten everything they'd worked to protect.