As Sengoku continued his deductions, the day of the execution quickly arrived. In the final three hours, the sea remained extremely calm, and the residents of the Four Seas were all discussing the images in the live broadcast.
"Will Whitebeard still come? He's getting on in years, and there hasn't been any movement from him lately."
The person next to him immediately retorted, "He'll definitely come. After all, he's Whitebeard, the man more terrifying than a ghost in the legends. Even children know his legend."
Everyone gathered under the live broadcast screens; even tavern owners closed their doors to guests to focus on watching the broadcast.
At this moment, within Marine Headquarters, a hundred thousand Marine elites transferred from various branches were gathered, standing in full battle array. More than 50 warships surrounded the crescent-shaped island.
Countless cannons protruded from the walls of Marineford, aimed at the front of the Execution Platform. Arrayed at the very front of the Marine ranks were the 'Shichibukai' whose names echoed across the sea.
Ace was on the Execution Platform at the back of the plaza. The three people guarding below the high Execution Platform were none other than the Marines' highest combat power, the Marine Three Admirals.
Kizaru, Akainu, and Aokiji were lined up. The difference was that Kizaru and Akainu both had their legs crossed, while only Aokiji did not.
Standing beside them, Hera poked Aokiji's arm. "It's a live broadcast. Won't you look like you're not fitting in with the other two Admirals?"
Only then did Aokiji notice that his two colleagues had already struck a pose. Looking at it this way, he did indeed seem a bit out of place.
Hera said, "Mind the public image. Don't let outsiders think there's discord within the Marines."
Only then did Aokiji somewhat reluctantly cross his legs. Sengoku stood on the high platform, looking at the somewhat flighty Hera. He coughed twice to tell her to pay attention, as things were serious right now.
Hera immediately knew the camera was coming and quickly put on a serious expression, showing she was being very earnest.
People watching the live broadcast saw Hera, and some who weren't well-informed were puzzled. "Who is this little girl? Why is she standing with the Three Admirals?"
Someone nearby who followed the news immediately began to explain. "Brother, you haven't looked at the news for a long time, have you? This is the strongest of the Marine's new generation."
"After becoming a Marine, she found the legendary Sky Island. The former Shichibukai Moriah, who was defeated by her, has now vanished, and she even defeated the legendary Golden Lion."
"Furthermore, she thwarted Sir Crocodile's conspiracy. It's said she also recently defeated Blackbeard, who tried to attack Impel Down."
The person next to him marveled, "Is she that strong? Then who is more powerful, her or the Three Admirals?"
The person who had been explaining thought for a moment and said, "For now, the Three Admirals are probably more powerful. However, if the Three Admirals were the same age as her, I doubt all three of them together could beat her."
Then, he took off his shirt, revealing a clock face tattoo on his chest over his heart:
"And not only is she cute and powerful, she also founded the New Navy and protected the peace of the Four Seas. Do you want to join the Ye Shi Fan Club together?"
The two people next to him looked at the two small flags in his hand, which were painted with clock faces, and quickly waved their hands. "No, no, we're fine."
Seeing his failed proselytizing, the man was a bit disappointed, but he soon cheered up. "I'll invite you again after you've witnessed Lady Hera's performance."
Then he placed his hand on his tattoo. "Lady Hera, please rest assured. I will surely spread your deeds throughout the entire world."
Hera, who was still working hard on striking a pose, had no idea that a civilian she had casually saved when defeating Golden Lion was now spreading her fame.
Sensing that the time was about right, Sengoku stood on the Execution Platform and picked up a transponder snail. First, he spoke to Garp nearby, "I'm sorry, I'm going to tell them everything."
Garp clenched his fists and bypassed Sengoku. "As you wish. I'm going down."
Grandma Tsuru looked at Garp standing beside her and comforted him, "The fault is not yours, Garp. You've done your best."
Garp forced a relaxed laugh. "Puhahaha, at a time like this, you're still the gentle one."
Sengoku picked up the transponder snail and spoke to the whole world, "I know you may all be very confused as to why the execution of Ace is being broadcast live to the whole world."
"To the world, he holds a very significant meaning. Portgas D. Ace, speak your father's name."
Ace raised his head and spoke to the people of the world watching the broadcast, "Are you that afraid of the bloodline I inherited, even though I've never even met him?"
Sengoku's hand holding the transponder snail trembled slightly. "Don't talk back. Speak your father's name."
The Marines below were whispering among themselves. "It's already come to this, why are they still asking who his father is?"
Ace said, "Since you care so much, I'll tell you. My Pops is Whitebeard, but I inherited the bloodline of Pirate King Roger. That's what you wanted me to say, isn't it?"
Following Ace's words, the whole world was shocked. The Marines on the scene and the people watching the broadcast were in an uproar.
"He's actually that man's child? Wasn't it said that everything related to him was erased?"
"Roger's offspring? The bloodline of the Pirate King still survives in this world?"
"I see. That makes sense now. No wonder the Marines are making such a big deal out of executing Fire Fist Ace."
The newspaper reporters were so shocked by this news that the pens and paper they were holding slipped from their hands. Coming back to their senses, they hurriedly scrambled for the pens and paper on the ground to record this scene.
Sengoku continued, "It was about a year ago when you were roaming the seas under your mother's surname that we discovered you. Only then did we realize that the bloodline of the Pirate King still survived in this world."
"However, I didn't expect Whitebeard to actually take in the child of his enemy. Under his protection, we never found an opportunity to capture you."
"But if we allowed you to keep growing, you would surely become an enemy of the Marines in the future. Therefore, we must eliminate you here, even if it means going to war with the Four Emperors."
Just then, a Marine from below rushed over to report in a hurry, "This is bad, Fleet Admiral Sengoku! The Gate of Justice has been suddenly opened!"
The Revolutionary Army, which was advancing toward the area, was also somewhat confused to see the Gate of Justice slowly opening. Only Dragon's Observation Haki penetrated the surface of the sea. "Advancing from underwater with Coating? That is indeed a good choice."
The pirates belonging to the Whitebeard Pirates suddenly appeared on the surface of the sea. The Captains who were famous throughout the Four Seas in the New World stood at the bows of their ships.
A shadow appeared beneath the surface of the bay, and Whitebeard's 'Moby Dick' surged out from the sea. The world's strongest man stood proudly at the bow.
"It's been a long time, Sengoku, Garp. Is my beloved son doing well with you?"
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