The journey to Future Island had come to a successful conclusion.
Bonney had finally reunited with her father, Bartholomew Kuma.
Uru had confirmed the condition of the children.
And Fairy Tail had gained a new ally—the greatest scientist in the world.
Every objective had been achieved, and Sugisawa Yuuto's group didn't linger long on Egghead Island.
"Why?! You promised to let me study the power of that ship!"
Punk-02 Lilith pouted, glaring resentfully at the magic-powered vessel as it drifted away into the horizon.
"It's better not to tamper with any mysterious power," Punk-03 Edison said sharply. "If we can live peacefully like this, that's already a good enough outcome!"
"I've already received word that the World Government plans to dispatch a hundred warships," Punk-04 Pythagoras added anxiously. "If a battle really breaks out, this island will be wiped off the map."
Holy Land — Mariejois
Pangaea Castle, Five Elders' Hall
Blu, blu, blu…
The Den-Den Mushi rang sharply.
The five men who represented the world's supreme authority straightened immediately.
"What?! Those Fairy Tail bastards are leaving already?"
The voice of the Five Elders' leader, Saint Saturn, rose an octave.
This development was… unexpected.
"It feels off," muttered the white-haired, white-bearded Elder, frowning deeply. "That man wouldn't leave so easily."
"Isn't this a good thing?" said the blond, bearded Elder, exhaling in relief. "Maybe they really were just here to check on the children."
"No," said the swordsman Elder dressed in white training robes, his tone full of confidence. "Our strategy worked. Sakazuki's strong stand last time made Fairy Tail realize that the Marines aren't something they can trifle with. If they want to survive in this world, they'll have to play by the rules."
"That's right," said the bald, scarred Elder, nodding. "He must've gotten word that we were gathering a hundred warships and ran off once he realized we weren't bluffing!"
The others nodded in agreement, congratulating themselves on their supposed brilliance.
But their smug satisfaction didn't last long.
The smiles soon faded.
Despite their arrogance, the Five Elders were not fools.
Their conclusion was possible—but far from the only possibility.
"Vegapunk… is he no longer useful?" the white-bearded Elder sighed.
"No one who can't be controlled has any place in this world," Saturn said coldly. "But before we dispose of him, we'll wring out every bit of value he has left."
"The Seraphim development is at a crucial stage," the blond Elder reminded. "We can't afford to lose him until that's complete."
"Indeed," the swordsman Elder agreed. "With Fairy Tail's interference, the Shichibukai system is already collapsing. Once the Seraphim are perfected, we won't need those pirates anymore."
The bald Elder smirked. "Then it's settled. Vegapunk will serve his purpose… and then disappear."
Marine Headquarters — Marineford
"Haaah…" Marshal Sengoku exhaled deeply, shoulders finally relaxing.
"Looks like there's no need for battle after all," Admiral Kizaru said lazily, a hint of relief in his voice.
"Then go back and rest. You're no longer needed here," Sengoku waved him off.
"Pfft—!"
Kizaru couldn't help but laugh.
When he'd first received Sengoku's call ordering him to lead another fleet against Sugisawa Yuuto—the man who'd even defeated Kaido—he'd nearly lost his mind.
He'd cursed Akainu's ancestors eighteen generations back for provoking Fairy Tail just two days prior. In the hours that followed, he'd thought of dozens of excuses to avoid the mission—up to and including retiring altogether.
And now, out of nowhere—mission canceled.
It felt like being saved from the gallows. Kizaru straightened his coat, whistled, and strolled away at a relaxed pace.
"This isn't necessarily a good sign," Vice Admiral Tsuru murmured quietly beside Sengoku.
"I know," Sengoku said gravely. "But for now, if there's no large-scale bloodshed, that's already the best outcome."
The Moby Dick — Ship of the Whitebeard Pirates
"So, you're leaving already, Sabo?" Ace asked, reluctant to let his brother go.
"Hahaha, don't make that face, Ace!" Sabo laughed heartily. "Now that I've got my memories back, I'm sure we'll meet again soon."
"By my guess, Luffy should be setting sail any day now," he continued with a grin. "When that happens, the three of us brothers will see each other again—out on the open sea!"
With that, Sabo departed aboard a Revolutionary Army escort ship.
As the Army's Chief of Staff and second-in-command, he couldn't stay aboard a Yonko's vessel forever.
Six hours later…
"This is so boring," Ace groaned, sprawled flat on the deck like a sun-dried fish.
"Come on, Ace, pull yourself together," Marco chuckled, giving him a light tap on the shoulder. "By the way, Saatchi just sent word—a group of reckless pirates broke into our waters and caused trouble. Take your Second Division and handle it."
"Got it!" Ace shot to his feet instantly, like a carp leaping from the river.
By dusk, the Second and Fourth Divisions returned, their ships loaded with spoils.
"Hey, Ace! Look at this—among the loot, there's a Devil Fruit!" Saatchi called out excitedly. "Since you lost your Mera-Mera Fruit, why not try this one?" He opened the chest, revealing the swirling black pattern of the Yami Yami no Mi, the Logia-type Dark Fruit.
Ace shook his head. "No… I've made up my mind. I'll master Haki and rely on my own strength, not another fruit."
"Fair enough. I'll set it aside, then," Saatchi said, shrugging.
The inventory counting continued—
But no one noticed the flicker of greed, excitement, and madness in Blackbeard Teach's eyes.
That night—
"Ahhh! Bad news! Everyone, wake up!"
"Captain Ace! Teach—Teach killed Captain Saatchi and ran away!"
"What?! That bastard—has he lost his mind?!"
The entire Whitebeard crew erupted in chaos.
"Father!" Ace shouted, his expression grave. "Teach was one of my subordinates. I take full responsibility! I'll hunt him down myself and bring him back—no matter what!"
Without hesitation, Ace set sail.
Thus began the prelude to a storm—
The spark that would ignite the greatest battle recorded in history.