"Extra, extra. The Marines will publicly execute Fire Fist Ace, commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division, in ten days."
"Shocking news. The Marines will publicly execute Portgas D. Ace, with a bounty of 1.689 billion Berries."
"The execution of Fire Fist Ace will take place at Marineford in ten days."
On the third day, the news spread across the Grand Line at an explosive speed, instantly drawing the attention of the entire world.
"So it's finally starting."
"The greatest war of this era."
Across seas and islands, pirates lowered their newspapers with grim expressions.
"There's going to be one hell of a show."
"What will the world's strongest man choose to do?"
"The balance of the world is about to collapse."
"This era really is becoming chaotic."
The entire world boiled over as countless factions and powerful figures began speculating on what this event would bring. No one could ignore it. No one could escape its shadow.
Baltigo, Revolutionary Army Headquarters
Baltigo lay hidden on the Grand Line, a barren island covered in yellow sand and jagged rock formations. It looked unremarkable, even lifeless. Yet beneath its surface lay the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army, the organization the World Government feared and sought to eradicate more than any other.
Dozens of meters underground, a vast hollow space stretched outward.
Long, winding corridors formed a maze-like structure, with Revolutionary Army soldiers patrolling at regular intervals. Their expressions were serious, their vigilance absolute.
"Dragon, the Marines have officially decided. Fire Fist Ace will be executed in ten days."
At this moment, the most important figures of the Revolutionary Army were gathered. Those who could not be physically present participated through Den Den Mushi projections.
Monkey D. Dragon sat at the head of the table, his expression calm and unreadable. This outcome did not surprise him in the slightest.
He knew Ace's true identity. Sengoku most likely knew it as well.
And Luffy would definitely go.
"So the Marines are finally making their move against the Whitebeard Pirates," one cadre said quietly. "Sengoku really has nerve."
The room was filled with mixed reactions. Shock, tension, and inevitability intertwined. Once Doflamingo handed Ace over and the news went public, the Marines had already cut off their own retreat.
"Bang!"
A loud slap echoed through the room, startling everyone.
All eyes turned toward Sabo.
"Ace is my brother," Sabo said, his voice steady but burning with resolve. "I won't drag the Revolutionary Army into this. No matter what, I will save him. From this moment on, I step down as Chief of Staff."
His gaze swept across the room, unwavering.
No one doubted his resolve.
Ace was his brother.
And he knew, without question, that Luffy would go as well.
New World, Moby Dick
The familiar sounds of drinking and laughter echoed across the deck of the Moby Dick. Whitebeard lifted the massive sake jug in his hand, the rich aroma filling the air before he poured it down his throat like a raging tide.
"Marco."
The jug landed heavily on the deck. Whitebeard leaned forward, the calm in his eyes replaced by a sharp, dangerous glint.
"It's confirmed," Marco said, his voice low and strained. "Ace was defeated by Doflamingo and handed over to the Marines. In ten days, they'll execute him publicly."
"Ace lost to Doflamingo? I don't believe it," several crew members muttered angrily. Ace's strength was undeniable. How could a mere Shichibukai capture him?
"There's more to it than that," Vista said calmly. "That crystal man is highly suspicious."
Whitebeard leaned back, his expression cold as he continued drinking in silence.
"Pops, we have to save Ace," Jozu said firmly.
"Even if they held him in Mary Geoise, we'd still go," another voice added. "If the Marines dare to execute him, they'll pay for it."
"It won't be that simple," Vista said gravely. "The Marines' real target isn't Ace. It's you, Pops, and the Whitebeard Pirates. The public execution is a provocation, forcing you to respond."
"Damn Marines."
"Gurararara."
Whitebeard suddenly burst into laughter, deep and resonant. "It's been over ten years since I last saw Sengoku."
"Gather all fleets. Prepare for full-scale war with the Marines. It's been a long time since I set foot in Marineford."
"Yes!"
The crew roared in unison, their determination unshaken.
Marco and Vista exchanged a glance, worry flashing between them.
They both knew the truth about Ace's Vivre Card.
Yet neither dared to voice it.
New World, Red Hair Pirates' Territory
"Captain, what do you plan to do?"
Benn Beckman exhaled a plume of smoke as he sat atop a crate, watching Shanks calmly read the newspaper.
Lucky Roux tore into a massive piece of meat, Yasopp cleaned his sniper rifle, and the rest of the crew went about their routines. Yet every one of them was waiting for Shanks to speak.
Shanks frowned, his expression uncharacteristically heavy.
"The Marines are using a direct strategy," he said slowly. "They're openly baiting the Whitebeard Pirates. All Admirals are already being deployed to Marineford."
"What about Big Mom?" Benn asked.
"No movement yet."
"And Kaido?" another crew member added. "That lunatic always wants a world war."
"He's not on Onigashima," Benn replied.
"Captain, Fire Fist Ace's identity…"
"It's true," Shanks said quietly.
He stared out at the restless sea, his heart sinking.
Rayleigh had already confirmed it for him.
He never expected that his former captain's bloodline still lived on, and as the infamous Fire Fist Ace.
Now that the Marines were executing him publicly, it was clear they knew the truth as well.
This war would not be simple.
If things spiraled out of control, the entire Grand Line could be reshaped.
Marineford, Fleet Admiral's Office
"What are the Whitebeard Pirates and the other factions doing?"
Sengoku's expression was grim. Since the announcement, the world had fallen eerily silent, like the calm before a catastrophic storm.
If Doflamingo's information was accurate, this conflict would involve far more than just the Whitebeard Pirates. The Revolutionary Army and ancient weapons could also be drawn in.
"The Revolutionary Army hasn't moved yet," the adjutant reported. "The Red Hair Pirates and Kaido are currently unaccounted for. The Whitebeard Pirates are mobilizing their fleet, and the remaining forces are observing."
"And the mandatory Shichibukai conscription?"
"All have accepted. Boa Hancock, Dracule Mihawk, Blackbeard, Doflamingo, Jinbe, Gecko Moria, and Kuma will arrive at Marineford within the next few days."
"Good," Sengoku said curtly.
Dressrosa
Even with Pica's Stone Stone Fruit, Dressrosa could not be restored to its former glory.
The once vibrant kingdom lay in ruins. Only one in ten residents remained, and destruction stretched as far as the eye could see.
King's Plateau had been forcibly reconstructed by Pica.
Inside a luxurious chamber atop the plateau, Lucien Graves sat cross-legged on the bed, unmoving, for two full days.
After absorbing Ace, Lucien transformed Orbis into a Demon and reshaped him into Ace's appearance, then had Doflamingo personally deliver him to the Marines. Once the news spread across the world, Lucien remained in this room, never stepping outside.
Absorbing flesh and absorbing a soul were entirely different processes.
A soul carried memories, emotions, and experiences far too vast to consume quickly.
Ace's soul was far stronger than those of Kid or other Supernovae. It demanded an immense amount of Lucien's energy and time. He could only consume it slowly, like a silkworm devouring mulberry leaves, methodical and patient, never rushed.
Lucien's eyes remained closed as power churned quietly beneath his calm exterior.