As the incident involving Portgas D. Ace became known across the world, the entire sea was shaken.
For a long time, the New World had been dominated by pirates, especially the Four Emperors. Although the Marines had bases there, compared with the territories controlled by the Emperors, their presence was almost insignificant.
Ace's capture gave the Marines a perfect opportunity. It provided a reason to lure Edward Newgate out of the New World and force him into a direct confrontation.
To prepare for the coming war, Sengoku had begun mobilizing forces worldwide a month earlier. Even though it weakened Marine branches everywhere, elite soldiers were transferred to Marineford and put through intense training to improve coordination.
Now the timing was finally right. The Marines' elite forces had finished their preparation.
To increase their chances, Sengoku even forced the Seven Warlords of the Sea to participate in the battle.
"Breaking news! Breaking news!"
After the Warlords' meeting ended, Sengoku issued the final order. No matter whether they were willing or not, the Warlords would fight.
Ace would be publicly executed at Marineford in one week.
"What? Are the Marines insane? They're pushing Whitebeard this far!"
"The bloodline of Gol D. Roger still exists?!"
To make the war appear justified, Sengoku revealed Ace's true identity to the world.
The announcement shocked everyone. People everywhere began discussing the coming war.
"It seems the balance of the world is about to change."
"They're forcing Whitebeard into a decisive battle with the Marines."
Marine Headquarters
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office.
Looking at Monkey D. Garp, who had lost his usual energy and sat silently, Sengoku felt sympathy for his old friend.
Garp was the hero of the Marines, the man who once defeated Rocks D. Xebec.
Counting his adopted grandson, he had three descendants.
His son, Monkey D. Dragon, became the leader of the Revolutionary Army and the world government's greatest enemy.
One grandson, Ace, was Roger's son. If he had joined the Marines, he could have become a powerful symbol for them.
Instead, he joined the Whitebeard Pirates.
His biological grandson, Monkey D. Luffy, was even worse. He constantly shouted about becoming Pirate King and had recently caused chaos by attacking a Celestial Dragon.
"Sengoku… if I had spent more time guiding those two instead of focusing on Marine work, do you think things would be different now?"
"If you don't want to participate in this operation, you can stay out of it," Sengoku replied.
Garp stood silently for a moment before slowly walking toward the door.
"I'll participate in the operation. I'm the hero of the Marines. My presence will raise morale, won't it?"
With that, he left.
The door closed behind him.
"You old fool… this is the first time you've ever closed the door for me."
Sengoku smiled faintly, but the smile slowly faded.
"Thank you, old friend. You're the one suffering the most."
The New World
On the deck of the Moby Dick.
"What?! The Marines are provoking us!"
The entire crew erupted in anger.
Ace being captured was one thing. As long as he wasn't killed, there was still room to negotiate.
But publicly revealing his identity and announcing his execution was a blatant provocation.
It was forcing Whitebeard into war.
"Old man, we have to show the Marines what happens when they challenge us!"
"If we tolerate this, how will other pirates see us? As cowards who abandon our comrades?"
"Ace is our friend and our commander!"
Whitebeard looked around the deck.
There were members of his crew, captains of forty-three allied pirate crews, and representatives of the islands and nations under his protection.
"Listen carefully," Whitebeard said.
"We're gathering all elite forces and heading for Marineford. If Sengoku wants war with me, then I won't avoid it."
He slowly stood up and looked toward the distant sea.
"Back then, Shiki nearly destroyed half of Marineford alone."
"I want to see how Marineford plans to withstand my fury."
Soon orders spread across the ship as the allied crews began preparing for war.
"Old man," Marco said as he approached. "Renji still hasn't returned."
Whitebeard shook his head.
"There's no time to wait for him to come back from the Grand Line. Once he sees the news, he'll rush to Marineford as fast as possible."
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