A few days after the Marineford War,
Under the investigation of those with ulterior motives, the inside story of the Marineford War was exposed, and the news quickly spread throughout the entire sea.
This news was like a super blockbuster, instantly turning the entire sea upside down, shocking countless people and stirring up enormous waves.
The world's highest authority, the Gorosei, descended upon Marineford, only to be repelled by the giant form of the Four Emperors, Luffy.
"the strongest man in the world," Whitebeard, fought against the Three Admirals, the marine hero, and the Fleet Admiral all by himself.
The Four Emperors, Red Hair Shanks, brazenly entered Marineford to mediate the war.
After this battle, the entire world witnessed the terror of the group known as the Four Emperors from the New World.
Even just hearing about it made people tremble... especially those who had witnessed the tragedy at Marineford.
Countless pirates set sail, drawn by the fame, wanting to join the Four Emperors, and the Straw Hat Pirates also attracted a large number of followers without even knowing it.
However, there was no news whatsoever about Straw Hat Luffy, who was at the center of the storm... Meanwhile, in the New World, on Sphinx Island.
The island was lush and green, the air was fresh, and the sun was bright.
At this moment, a group of important figures had gathered here.
They were the remnants of the Whitebeard forces who retreated from the summit, the Red Hair Pirates, and Sabo.
A tombstone stood on the edge of the island, with the Supreme Grade Meito, Murakumogiri, as a burial offering, and the Captain's cloak fluttering in the air.
"Red Hair, thank you so much for this time!!"
Marco sincerely expressed his gratitude; if it hadn't been for Red Hair, they might have suffered heavy losses, or even been completely wiped out.
Furthermore, Red Hair helped them retrieve their Pops' body. This... was undoubtedly a tremendous favor.
"Don't mention it. Even as an enemy, Whitebeard is still worthy of respect... Perhaps Sengoku felt the same way!"
Red Hair closed his eyes slightly, feeling emotional. He had witnessed Whitebeard's peak and now observed his demise.
Time truly spares no one!
"By the way, Marco, what are your plans next? Since Whitebeard passed away, the New World has completely descended into chaos!!"
"— Well!"
Marco looked slightly uneasy, glancing at the figure by the cliffside and smiling faintly.
"That's not something I can decide!"
Red Hair glanced over and understood what he meant.
"Alright, then I'll be going!"
"Safe travels!"
Under everyone's gaze, the Red Force sailed toward the horizon.
Red Hair rested his chin on the rail. As the sun set, the island shone brilliantly.
After a long time, he sighed, "It seems the legend of the Whitebeard Pirates will continue!"
Beckman, cigarette dangling from his mouth, approached Red Hair. "What do you think? Your Captain's son!"
"What do I think? There has only ever been one man I've placed my bets on."
Red Hair looked at Beckman in surprise, a hint of resentment in his eyes. "— You wouldn't think I'm the kind of bastard who plays both sides... and hedges his bets, would you?!"
"— Cough, cough!!"
Beckman choked on his smoke. He pulled out Luffy's wanted poster and said seriously,
"You know what this means, right?"
Red Hair took the wanted poster and examined it carefully.
"Hahaha, the Four Emperors, not bad at all!!"
"Everyone, let's start the banquet!!"
"Yay!"
Looking at his perpetually cheerful crewmates, Beckman smiled helplessly.
"Save some sake for me!—"
...Meanwhile, on Sphinx Island.
"Pull yourself together, Ace!!"
Sabo sat beside Ace and handed him a bottle of beer.
Ace took it, his expression vacant.
"Sabo, tell me, if it wasn't for my recklessness, would Pops have died?!"
Tears welled up in his eyes, and he couldn't help but sob softly.
"Ace!!"
Sabo grabbed Ace's shoulders and stared intently into his eyes.
"Whitebeard risked his life to save you because you are his family."
"— That's why you need to pull yourself together even more! ... You must fulfill Whitebeard's wish!!"
"Pops's... wish?!"
Light gradually returned to Ace's hollow eyes.
"That's right, I still have family to protect. Luffy, you, Marco... you are all my family!!"
Just then, Marco walked over.
"— In that case, let's have a banquet to welcome the rebirth of the Whitebeard Pirates!!"
Ace turned his head and looked at the familiar faces.
"Ace, hurry up and join us!"
"Let's raise a toast to Pops!"
"Ace!" "Ace!"
...Night fell, and bonfires were lit on the island.
One after another, the burly men lay sprawled on the ground, reeking strongly of alcohol.
Ace and Marco sat facing each other, clinking their cups.
"Ace, from now on, you lead us forward!"
Ace's hand suddenly stopped.
"No, it shouldn't be me! The most suitable person should be you, Marco!!"
In terms of seniority, Marco was the first person to follow Whitebeard!
In terms of strength, Marco was much stronger than him!
"— No!"
Marco interrupted Ace, a look of regret on his face. "I've reached my limit. You, however, are just beginning! Only you can lead the Whitebeard Pirates back to glory!!"
Marco clearly knew his place; no matter how hard he tried, he could never compete with Red Hair, Kaido, or Big Mom on the same stage.
But Ace could.
He had the talent!
This world is cruel; ten years of effort from an ordinary person cannot compare to a monster's single moment of enlightenment.
Some people try everything and still cannot reach the level of Admiral, while for others, Admiral is merely the starting line!
Ace looked deeply at Marco. He took a deep breath. "Alright, I accept! However, you must be the Vice Captain. If I do anything wrong, please be sure to guide me!!"
"— Agreed, it's a deal!"
Marco raised his cup.
— Clink.
"It's a deal!!"
Thus, Ace took up Whitebeard's banner. He would protect everyone he cherished... Amazon Lily.
Inside a luxurious palace,
Luffy lay soundly asleep on a large, soft pink bed.
"It's been three days, why hasn't Lord Luffy woken up yet?!"
A hand with a cool touch gently stroked Luffy's elastic cheek.
Hancock was not wearing her usual qipao, but only a nearly transparent crimson sheer gown. Her exquisite figure was faintly visible beneath the veil, with rising peaks and deep valleys.
What was most eye-catching were her long, straight, beautiful legs.
Hancock was kneeling on the bed, gazing affectionately at the man she loved.
Looking at Luffy's lips, her eyes flickered, and her rationality dissipated at a frantic pace.
Hancock bit her red lip lightly with her pearly teeth.
'It's been several times already, so one more won't hurt!!'
That's right, during the days Luffy was asleep, he had been tormented quite a few times by this woman, whose mind was consumed by love.
And the bad news was, she was starting to get addicted!
Hancock had clearly thrown caution to the wind. Her nightgown was disheveled, her hair draped down, and her seductive eyes held a hint of stubbornness and desire.
She leaned down, her perfect curves pressing against Luffy's chest, and her red lips kissed him, clumsy yet passionate.
Just then, Luffy's eyelashes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes, staring blankly at the scene.
Luffy: ...???