Chapter 174 – Akainu's Failed Rebellion
"Golden Lion? Did Blackbeard really steal Shiki's Float-Float Fruit?"
Whitebeard's expression shifted slightly when he heard this.
As a man who had crossed blades with the Golden Lion in the old era, Whitebeard understood better than anyone how terrifying Shiki had been. To learn that Marshall D. Teach had actually taken Shiki's ability left him momentarily stunned—but more than anything, it stirred anger in his chest.
"So that beast Teach can truly steal the powers of others… even from legends." Whitebeard's voice rumbled low, filled with killing intent. Then, his lips curled into a grim smile.
"But even if he has two abilities, it doesn't matter. No matter how much of a monster he becomes—if he dares to show himself here, I'll crush him with my own hands!"
"Heh… maybe it's because of that very intimidation, old man, that he hasn't shown up yet." Ace smirked. "He's probably hiding in the shadows, watching. You haven't even moved yet, and that alone may be enough to scare him. If we want him to come out, maybe we need to put on a show to draw him in."
Ace had three clear objectives for this war:
1. Rescue Sabo.
2. Eliminate the threat of Blackbeard. Especially after learning that Teach's power to steal abilities wasn't dependent solely on a Devil Fruit, Ace was determined to end him.
3. Kill Akainu. But now, that goal had slipped to the bottom of his priorities. Ace knew he had already grown strong enough to overwhelm Sakazuki—and in the future, he would only become stronger. Akainu was no longer a true threat.
Sabo was already safe. Now, Ace's heart burned with only one thought—to kill Blackbeard.
"Oh?" Whitebeard's massive frame shifted as his eyes narrowed. "And just what kind of show do you have in mind, boy?"
"Simple." Ace's grin was cold and dangerous. "We make it look like you're no longer a threat—that you're weakened. That will make him greedy enough to appear. After all, what he wants most… is your power, old man."
"Gurararara!!" Whitebeard's booming laugh rolled across the Moby Dick. "So that's it, eh? He wants my power… Fine then, Ace. Put on your show. I'll play my part, and when he takes the bait—we'll gut that bastard Teach together!"
Ace laughed as well, satisfied. "Good. With your cooperation, this will be easier."
---
"Oyaji!"
At that moment, a familiar voice called out. Squard, captain of the Great Whirlpool Spider Pirates and Whitebeard's subordinate, hurried across the deck.
"Squard?" Whitebeard raised a brow in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Heh. Let me guess," Ace cut in with a sly grin. "Akainu found you, didn't he? I was wondering why that guy wasn't out here stopping me earlier. Turns out he was busy whispering in your ear. Looks like you arrived right on time."
"Bwahaha!" Squard burst out laughing. "Brother Ace, you nailed it! That dog Akainu did come to me, trying to poison my ears with his words."
Whitebeard frowned in confusion. "What are you two talking about?"
"Here's the story, Pops." Squard crossed his arms and smirked. "That magma bastard tried to sow discord, feeding me lies to turn me against you. But he didn't know Ace had already warned me long before. His little scheme failed before it even started. In fact, I used the chance to squeeze out some information from him—so the fool got played instead. Heheheh!"
In the original history, Akainu had twisted Squard's hatred of Gol D. Roger, using Ace's parentage to convince him to betray Whitebeard. This time, however, things had changed. Long before the war began, Ace had revealed his lineage directly to Squard. With honesty, persistence, and even his own blood as proof, he made peace with the old pirate.
There was no hatred between them—and with Ace's persuasion, Squard had no reason to ever betray Whitebeard.
"Oh?" Whitebeard leaned forward, his voice rumbling. "Then tell me, what did you manage to wring out of that dog?"
Squard smirked. "Three things.
First: the 'special force' that appeared earlier. They're called Pacifistas, human weapons modeled after Bartholomew Kuma, built by that government scientist Vegapunk. Each one has firepower on par with a pirate worth 300 million berries.
Second: the Marines have prepared a massive steel barricade around this bay. The moment all of us are inside, they'll raise the walls to trap us, cutting off any chance of escape.
Third: beneath Marineford itself, they've hidden entire divisions of troops—kept in reserve to finish us off should we retreat. A final net, waiting for the defeated."
He recited the details with grim satisfaction.
"Gurarara…! As expected of Sengoku," Whitebeard rumbled with a grin. "He's even prepared soldiers to hound us in retreat. Truly meticulous…" He turned, his gaze fixed on the Marine Headquarters, where Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood beside the ruined execution platform. His voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "…But I wonder, Sengoku—have you considered what happens if you are the one who loses?"
Ace chuckled. "Heh. Probably not. After all, from their perspective, they've stacked the deck. With your age, your injuries, their forces, their intelligence—by every measure of strength, they think there's no chance they'll lose. But… they don't know about our trump cards."
"Gurararara!!" Whitebeard roared with laughter. "You're even more devious than Sengoku himself, brat—but I like it!" His eyes glinted with bloodlust. "Very well then. Let's begin. Let's set the stage—and drag that bastard Teach out into the open!"
A heavy silence fell. Then Whitebeard's face darkened, his voice dropping into a low growl.
"I can't hold back this blade much longer." Murderous intent poured from him like a storm, sending shivers through Squard's spine.
"Pops, what are you talking about?" Squard blinked in confusion, looking between him and Ace. "What 'show' are you talking about? And what about that traitor Teach—where is he?! I want to tear him apart with my own hands for killing Thatch!"
"Don't worry," Ace said, eyes narrowing into flames. "When it's time to drag Teach out, you'll have your chance, Squard. But for that… we'll need your cooperation."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 40+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at [email protected]/Translatingfanfics