Marine Headquarters, Marineford!
In this unprecedented large-scale war, because of the appearance of a man named Victor, the scales of victory began to tilt toward the Whitebeard Pirates from the New World.
However, the excited Whitebeard Pirates did not realize that a group of mysterious people had quietly snuck onto the battlefield after Victor destroyed Marine Headquarters.
They were waiting for the right moment to launch their conspiracy...
"Victor!!!"
Sengoku, who had transformed into a golden Buddha, glared furiously and blasted out shock waves one after another, splitting the very ground apart.
But Victor never thought about fighting him head-on.
Using his lightning speed, he focused on stalling Sengoku—his true purpose was to give Straw Hat Luffy the chance to rescue Fire Fist Ace!
Straw Hat Luffy, a Supernova with a bounty of 300 million, wasn't at the level of the top powerhouses, but he was still far beyond the reach of ordinary Marines.
Without Sengoku holding him back—and with Garp choosing not to interfere—Luffy finally succeeded in reaching Ace!
"Ace! I'm here to save you!"
Panting heavily, Luffy grinned through his battered, scarred body. He had pushed himself past his limit.
"Luffy! I knew you'd do something reckless… but thanks to Victor watching your back, you're still standing. He's truly a reliable man!"
For the first time, Ace revealed a relieved smile. The battlefield seemed to be shifting in their favor.
"Yeah! It's all thanks to Victor! He's even stronger than you, Ace! After the war, let's throw a banquet to thank him. I also promised to introduce him to my friend Nami! Hehe!"
"Uh… Luffy, quit fooling around. If Hancock hears that, you're dead meat."
Ace scolded his brother with a grin. Still, deep inside, he knew Luffy was right—Victor's strength was terrifying.
Luffy chuckled and pulled out the key he'd stolen from a Marine soldier, ready to unlock Ace's seastone shackles.
Everything seemed to be moving in a good direction…
Victor thought so too. He was already planning to rescue Ace, then hijack a Marine warship and leave Marineford with Hancock.
But just then, the system's voice rang in his head:
[Ding! Selection Triggered!]
[Option 1: Save Fire Fist Ace and Straw Hat Luffy from Akainu. Reward: Marine Six Styles (Perfect Grade).]
[Option 2: Stop Blackbeard Marshall D. Teach and his crew from ambushing Whitebeard Edward Newgate. Reward: King-Level Observation Haki!]
[Option 3: Do your best to save both Fire Fist Ace and Straw Hat Luffy first, and also save Whitebeard Edward Newgate's life. Reward: Choose one reward + Devil's Blessing x0.5 (once you collect x1, you can eat an extra Devil Fruit without dying).]
Victor barely had time to marvel at the incredible reward of Devil's Blessing before realizing the situation—Akainu was still able to fight!? And Blackbeard would still show up, even with the Whitebeard Pirates holding the upper hand!?
He had no time to hesitate. From the rubble, Akainu had already emerged, charging straight at Luffy's back!
Ace, who had just broken free from the seastone, noticed the attack. Despite being exhausted and injured, he didn't hesitate to shield his brother, switching positions with him.
A familiar, tragic scene…
But this time, Victor was there.
Transforming into lightning, he broke free from Sengoku's pursuit in an instant.
Whitebeard couldn't see what was happening from behind, but Victor knew—Ace and Luffy were in mortal danger!
Whether for the reward, his promise to Whitebeard, or simply because he despised Akainu's twisted sense of "justice," Victor had to act!
"Sakazuki! Ace must die!"
Sengoku spotted Akainu's move and roared. As long as Ace perished at Marineford, the Navy could still claim victory!
"Accept your execution! Justice will never fall!"
Admiral Akainu roared, magma erupting around him.
Even wounded, he poured every last bit of strength into his strike. He would never allow Ace or Luffy to leave Marineford alive.
Magma Dog!
The magma hound crashed toward Ace's back!
"Ace!!!!"
Luffy's pupils shrank in horror as he screamed.
BOOM!
Lava exploded, dust filled the air, cutting off his view.
"Ace! Ace! Ace!!!"
Tears blurred Luffy's vision as panic gripped him. He was terrified. What if, when the dust cleared, Ace was gone forever? His brother—the one who grew up with him—burned to ash here in Marineford…
Then—
"Oi, Luffy! Quit bawling! Get over here and help me beat this damn mutt!"
A familiar voice, crackling with thunder, cut through the dust.
It was Victor. He'd saved Ace.
"Victor!!!"
Luffy's hope reignited. He rushed forward and found Ace unconscious, his back badly burned—but alive.
Victor had arrived just in time. The magma had already hit Ace, but in desperation Victor had kicked him clear, reducing the damage. Ace had fainted, but his life wasn't in danger.
"Akainu! I'll tear you apart!"
Seeing Ace safe, Luffy turned his fury on the admiral.
"Luffy! Hurry up and beat this rabid dog with me!"
Victor barked, sweat rolling down his brow as he clashed with Akainu.
The magma surged violently, threatening to engulf everything. Even injured, the admiral was terrifying.
"Gear Third! Gum-Gum Giant Stamp!"
Luffy roared, inflating his leg before smashing it down with colossal force!
"Victor! Straw Hat! You damn criminals!!!"
Akainu cursed, refusing to back down. Like Victor, he couldn't pull away from his attack. Faced with thunder and rubber combined, he braced himself.
BOOOOM!!!
Akainu was sent flying back into the rubble once more!
"Luffy! Take Ace and fall back to Marco and the others, now!"
Victor ordered before vanishing in a flash of lightning.
Luffy, shrunk down from Gear Third, nodded fiercely. He lifted Ace and began retreating.
But as Victor reappeared from the smoke, his worst fear was realized—
The true crisis had just begun.