All the Big Mom Pirates watched the Ion Tempest ship fade swiftly into the horizon. No resentment stirred in their hearts. Even Perospero's expression was tangled with conflicting emotions. Now he understood why Katakuri had taken those unwilling to fight on a supposed mission. It wasn't a mission at all, but a chance to get them to safety.
Before the plan to ambush Peach Garden, Katakuri had been one of the few voices of dissent. He knew the Rolan Pirates would surely come for retribution. He also cared deeply for his siblings in the Big Mom Pirates and had acted to protect them.
Fortunately, the Rolan Pirates had not wiped them out. But with Big Mom gone, could they still call themselves the Big Mom Pirates?
…
Mary Geoise, Pangea City
"I want to resign as Fleet Admiral."
Kong narrowed his eyes and asked, "Why do you want this? Think carefully."
Sengoku bowed his head, "I'm nearing retirement age, and my health isn't what it used to be. I'm no longer fit for the job. This world belongs to a new era now."
Kong shook his head, "That's hardly a reason."
Sengoku exhaled, "I didn't handle the Marineford War well. Not only did the war fail, but the Marines suffered massive losses." He paused, though he left out another truth: how the World Government handled the aftermath — a weight that had left him disheartened.
Kong studied him for a moment. Having worked together for years, he knew Sengoku's character, his burdens, and his conscience.
Finally, he smiled gently. "You don't have to be Fleet Admiral anymore, but you can still serve from the second line, like Garp, training young Marines."
Sengoku felt relief wash over him. Since becoming Fleet Admiral, he'd felt tense and burdened, forced to weigh every decision with the weight of authority. Now, he could finally let go and just be himself again. He'd often envied Garp's carefree nature, how he dozed in meetings or bragged about his rice crackers openly.
Now, he could be that relaxed retired old man.
Kong smiled warmly at him. "Then who do you recommend for the next Fleet Admiral?"
Without hesitation, Sengoku answered, "Aokiji."
Kong chuckled, "I knew it. You've always held him in the highest regard, and Marines everywhere respect him. Your recommendation makes perfect sense."
Kong nodded and said, "I'll convey your wishes to the Gorosei."
…
Wano Country
Several figures walked along the Kuri coastline. The breeze was warm, the sky bright and clear.
"This place hasn't changed at all," Ace said, eyes fixed on the familiar scenery. It had been years since he last set foot in Wano Country. He never expected to return.
"I wonder how O-Tama is doing," he murmured. Despite all this time, his promise to her had never left his mind.
Rolan walked beside him, calm and observant, with Hancock, Robin, and Franky close behind. Their reason for coming was clear: eliminate Kaido. Ace had two reasons to join — to fulfill his promise to O-Tama and to finally give closure to Ace and Yamato.
"Is this Wano Country? The scenery looks nice," Robin said, looking up at the blue sky and white clouds over the sea and sand. A gentle breeze brushed her hair.
"Awoo~ Wano is such a beautiful place," Franky exclaimed with enthusiasm.
Ace shook his head lightly. "This is just the surface. Life across Wano has been hard."
Hancock added, "With Kaido's rule, this land must suffer widespread hardship."
They pressed on without delay, reaching Kasa Village soon enough. What greeted them made everyone frown deeply. The aura around the villagers felt weak — worn down. Many lay bundled in blankets or sick on simple mats. Hunger was evident.
A group of villagers approached, gaunt faces twisted with desperation.
"They look fair and clean, they must have food!"
"Yeah, they look rich, they must have plenty to eat!"
"Hand over your food!"
"Give us all your food, or you'll be harmed!"
"We don't want money, just food!"
Their words cut through the air as they surrounded Rolan and the others — not just adults, but children too.
"Is this what Wano's become?" Robin said, heartbreak in her voice as she looked at the villagers, their desperation like ravenous wolves. Having lived in Peach Garden, she had almost forgotten what real hunger looked like.
Ace stepped forward and set down the large bundle on his back, opening it with intention. Inside were fruits, vegetables, and preserved meat. At once, the villagers surged forward and devoured it without hesitation.
More villagers saw the commotion and swarmed toward them in greater numbers.
"They definitely have more food!"
"Put all the food on the ground!"
"Don't hide anything!"
Ace's mind drifted back to his first time in Wano, when he had given away every scrap of food he had. Even then, that generosity hadn't been enough. The villagers had taken everything and still demanded more.
Seeing it now, Hancock's eyes flickered red, and a powerful aura pulsed outward from her. In an instant, the surrounding crowd was thrown back to the ground, motionless.
"Hey! Hancock-sama, this…" Ace began, taken aback.
Hancock stood firm with crossed arms, gaze steady, "I do not strike at desperate people lightly. But if we allow this again and again, worse chaos will follow."
Robin stepped forward thoughtfully, "Yes, if we do not address the root of the problem, the supplies we brought will not last against such overwhelming need."
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews
(Leave a review/comment)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100
Power Stones.
◇ Read 80 | 100 chapters ahead on [email protected]/_Zeph