"Nani! Luffy… are you serious? Ace… Ace is Roger's son?"
Ripping off the bar, the man known as Pluton suddenly stood, his face a mask of shock, disbelief, and astonishment.
To discover that his best friend Roger had a son—even the legendary pirate could not remain calm.
"That Fire Fist Ace… he's Roger's son? Wait a second, Luffy… your grandfather is Garp. Does that mean Ace… the son of One Piece himself… was raised under Garp's supervision?"
Shakky's mind raced as the truth sank in.
"Um…" Straw Hat Luffy nodded gravely.
"It's incredible… the son of One Piece, brought up by a Marine hero. Is this… what they call heroic irony?"
Shakky sighed.
"By the way, Old Lei… you didn't know about this either? About Roger having a son?"
"I had no idea," Rayleigh shook his head.
"Roger never told us. No… this must have happened after our pirate crew disbanded, but…" Rayleigh frowned, lost in thought. Memories of the distant past surfaced.
It was the final stage of their journey—the journey to the final island, Raftel. He and Roger had discussed the future, debating who could lead the world to change. Roger had smiled and said that if such a person existed, it would be his child.
Rayleigh had laughed it off, teasing Roger—the eternal single man—about having a child. Never did he imagine…
Ripping off the bar, the shock coursed through him.
Sabaody Islands, Mangrove Port No. 44
An unassuming merchant ship slowly docked.
A young blond youth in a gentleman's top hat leapt onto the pier.
"No. 13 Mangrove, Sabaody Islands… Shakky's Ripped-Off Bar," Sabo murmured to himself.
This was the address given to him by Koala ten days ago. Upon learning of Sugisawa Yuuto's presence and Ace's predicament, Sabo had immediately set out with the commanders of the three Revolutionary Army armies.
The question of how to rescue Ace weighed heavily on him. He knew all too well the horrors of Impel Down, the underwater prison where Ace was now held. Despite his determination, Sabo did not plan a reckless prison break alone.
His thoughts turned to Koala, now part of Fairy Tail.
Though Koala was strong, her power alone wasn't enough. What Sabo truly needed was Sugisawa Yuuto—the president—and the full might of Fairy Tail. After a brief discussion, Koala provided Sabo with an address and directions.
So now, he arrived at the Sabaody Islands.
"I've heard of this Ripped-Off Bar. It's famous in the underground world. The owner, Shakky, is said to have incredible intelligence skills," Lindbergh, Commander of the Confederate Army, noted.
"Intelligence is not what we lack right now," Sabo said wryly. "We need the power to confront Naval Headquarters."
"Although I don't know why Koala wants us here, let's find out," added Northern Army Commander Karas Road.
Thirteenth Red Tree, Ripped-Off Bar
"Old Lei, have you truly decided?" Shakky asked Rayleigh, her expression serious.
"Ah." Rayleigh nodded firmly.
"Of course. Ace is a member of the Whitebeard Pirates with his own crew. I have no position there, but now… knowing Ace is Roger's son, I cannot stand idly by."
"Your opponent this time is the full might of Naval Headquarters. They are stronger than any enemy you've faced. Their elite forces have been mobilized worldwide for over a month," Shakky reminded him.
"Don't worry. I will do what I can. Whitebeard will lead the attack, and I will act as insurance," Rayleigh said with quiet determination.
Shakky shook her head, ceasing her discouragement. She knew he had made up his mind.
"Rayleigh! I'm coming too! I have to save Ace! I'm going now!" Straw Hat Luffy cried, bursting with resolve.
"Luffy, that battlefield is far too dangerous. You should wait here. We will ensure Ace's safety!" Rayleigh urged.
"No! Ace is my brother! I'm going!" Luffy shouted, wriggling like a stubborn child.
Rayleigh shook his head, preparing to continue his persuasion. But then… his face changed.
His powerful Observation Haki had sensed a visitor.
Jingle bell~
The bar door opened.
Sabo stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the room. Suspicion flickered across his face. He had sensed three people here from afar, and now he confirmed it.
"Welcome… ah, this is indeed a rare visitor!" Shakky frowned, already recognizing him.
"Sabo… the young Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army! What brings you here today?" she asked.
"I am…" Sabo removed his hat, but before he could speak, the back room door burst open.
A pair of hands shot out, grabbing his shoulders.
"Sabo… it's really you! Sabo!"
Straw Hat Luffy flew out, clinging to Sabo like a koala, tears streaming down his face.
"Whoa! Sabo! You're alive! Ace didn't lie to me! This is amazing!"
Callas and Lindbergh stared, stunned. Shakky and Rayleigh were equally shocked.
"Wait a second, Little Monkey. What's going on between you two?" Shakky asked, perplexed.
"Sabo… Sabo is my brother!" Luffy sobbed with joy.
Alas…