Lily frowned, "With this kind of military power, do you really want to go in?"
"Not now. Who would stir up trouble at Marineford when all forces are currently gathered there?"
Sage leaned back on the sofa and snapped his fingers, "Bella, pour me a drink."
Bella was up early, already tidying up the dishes on the table, and quickly came to pour Sage's drink.
Sage took the gemstone wine glass and drank more than half in one gulp, exhaled, and continued, "Let's talk about it when the fight starts. Scenes like this are rare to witness. Watch how those famous experts from the sea battle."
Lily nodded thoughtfully, "However, broadcasting directly to the whole world, the Navy sure has confidence. If any unexpected events occur, their prestige will also decrease."
"Lily, you don't understand the essence of the world. For the Navy, any accidents can happen as long as Whitebeard is held here. Other issues aren't as significant."
Sage smiled, "Taking down a Sea Emperor, especially the most senior, would greatly enhance the Navy's prestige. Executing Ace? Even if he's the son of the Pirate King, if left unchecked, his ultimate achievement would just be another Pirate Emperor, perhaps moving forward a bit and finding Laugh Tale to become Pirate King. Can Gol D. Roger conquer everything? Hahaha, such a thing doesn't exist."
Top-tier experts are all similar at that level; without a life-and-death resolution, no one knows who's the strongest.
Even the Pirate King is no exception.
Executing Ace is just a side concern; the real aim is to take down a current Pirate Emperor with such grand preparation.
Sage's words made everyone shocked.
Hawkins' pupils contracted, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Urouge raised one hand, his grimacing face stiffened.
Lucci also had a look of shock.
"C-Captain?!"
Pearl was about to jump in surprise, "You just said 'Fire Fist' Ace is... is the Pirate King's son?!"
"Is there still a lineage remaining in this world?"
Giant Stansen was also surprised, "I heard that after Roger died, the Navy killed everyone related to Roger."
"Such things aren't important. This sea isn't something anyone's son can seize."
Sage laughed heartily, "Otherwise, how would he have been caught by Teach, hahaha!"
Two hours later, they saw Sengoku on the screen, and Ace being brought up, with Sengoku revealing Ace's identity.
Son of Pirate King Gol D. Roger!
"Just like us, Whitebeard was aware of this and aimed to groom you into the next Pirate King, letting the son of a former rival on his ship. Protected by him, we couldn't easily target you, but if left alone, you will inevitably realize the potential to stand at the pinnacle of the new generation of pirates! Therefore, executing you here holds immense significance!"
Marineford.
Listening to Sengoku's resonant voice, everyone's expressions were somewhat strange.
The revelation of Ace being Roger's son was indeed shocking, but mentioning the new generation of pirates' pinnacle...
"No way."
In the crowd, Smoker spoke in a deep voice, "'Fire Fist' Ace may be shocking, but he isn't qualified enough."
"Fufufufu, Sage must be listening..."
On the outskirts of Marineford, Doflamingo chuckled, speaking to Moriah beside him, "What do you think?"
"Hehihi, he's not qualified!" Moriah, who joined the battle, regained some composure, not as gloomy as last night.
Even Garp underneath the execution platform was silent, though saddened, his mind recalled that disciple with a carefree smile.
Ace's qualification for the pinnacle is far off...
That man, he's the only one after all these years at sea who can be 100% certain of being the new generation's pirate pinnacle.
...
"Hahahahaha! Sengoku, Navy Fleet Admiral, you've aged!"
Listening to Sengoku's voice on the screen, Sage roared with laughter, "Pirate pinnacle qualification, is that so easy? Hey, is the newspaper not out yet! If it's not out soon, I'll consider the condition void!"
An hour ago, he noticed some presences nearby, hidden around.
But Sage's words didn't prompt those spies to come out immediately. About ten minutes later, a black-suited special agent used 'Soru' to flash out, holding a newspaper, handing it to Sage.
"The paper's out. We worked hard to rush it. Have a look. If it's fine, please release Saint Rosward and Saint Charlos. We've also prepared for your passage to Mary Geoise."
Sage took the newspaper, looked, and handed it to Lily.
After glancing over it, Lily frowned, "Just a regular newspaper, not World Economic News."
The most influential at sea is the World Economic News, whatever about credibility, because other newspapers don't have the influence of World Economic News.
"We've contacted the president of World Economic News, but he's focused on the current war. Your escape news might be published after the war..."
"Sage, it's only text."
The agent didn't finish speaking before Lily interrupted, showing Sage a section of the paper, "Aside from the headline 'Disaster Suspected Escape,' there's no further detail. It simply mentions your presence in Shampodi, suspected to have escaped from Impel Down, mainly covering our Pirates' robbery news in Shampodi."