Early in the morning, the sea was like a giant, gently undulating sapphire, calm and profound.
The speedboat alone cut a white wake, and Ace stood at the bow, letting the salty sea breeze ruffle his black hair and open collar.
He had just finished saying goodbye to his family members of the Whitebeard Pirates, and though there was some reluctance in his heart, there was more of a strong anticipation for the unknown path ahead.
His consciousness once again sank into the mysterious system interface that only he could perceive.
Ace's gaze seemed to have penetrated the endless sea, directed towards the Holy Land Mary Geoise, located at the world's apex, especially the "Chamber of Authority" that symbolized supreme authority.
"The Five Elders' Chamber of Authority…"
Ace murmured to himself, a pale flame unconsciously flickering at his fingertips; the fire seemed to sense his inner excitement, burning with exceptional eagerness.
"…What exactly will I get there?"
Just imagining the possibility sent an indescribable shiver and excitement through him, his blood seemingly flowing faster.
"That's the supreme power center that has ruled the entire world for eight hundred years!"
His breathing involuntarily quickened, his eyes sparkling.
"Countless decisions that determine the world's fate are born there, gathering the world's top secrets and powers… The rewards obtained by signing in there, no matter how you think about it, must be absolutely extraordinary?!"
Innumerable magnificent and powerful possibilities flashed through his mind, each conjecture making his heart race and the corners of his mouth uncontrollably turn upwards.
However, this fiery excitement quickly cooled down a little.
"But… then again, all of this depends on one major premise… which is that those old guys, the Five Elders, must be willing to summon me."
He looked at the vast sea ahead, his eyes becoming clearer and sharper.
"After all, not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can casually step into the Chamber of Authority and directly face those five old men…"
"Tsk, it seems I need to think carefully about how to 'reasonably' and 'naturally' get in and obtain that 'admission ticket'…"
Time passed minute by minute, and the outline of Marineford gradually became clear.
Within the azure Marineford harbor, a small speedboat cut through the calm water, slowly approaching the solid dock.
Ace nimbly tied the mooring rope to a post on the shore, skillfully jumping onto land.
As soon as he stood firm, two soldiers in standard Marine uniforms with meticulous expressions quickly came forward; they had clearly received instructions and recognized Ace.
One of the higher-ranking officers was the first to give a standard military salute, saying in a respectful but undeniable tone:
"Warlord, Fire Fist Ace! Welcome back! Your boat can be left to us for proper placement."
The other soldier immediately stepped forward and began to skillfully inspect and secure the speedboat, his attitude meticulous.
Ace was slightly stunned at the words, a hint of undetectable surprise flashing across his face, and he raised an eyebrow:
"Oh? Alright, thank you." He paused, then couldn't help but ask curiously, "But… how did you know I was back? And so promptly?"
The officer maintained his rigid posture and clearly replied: "Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office issued a direct order, instructing us to immediately guide you to him once we detected your arrival at Marineford. Fleet Admiral is waiting for you in his office."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku? Now?"
Ace subconsciously touched his nose, muttering to himself: So fast? I just docked, the speedboat's engine hasn't even cooled down yet… The old man's information is too well-informed, isn't it? Has he been sending people to watch the harbor all this time?
On the surface, he remained calm, only nodding: "I understand. I'll go now."
With that,
He no longer lingered, taking steps towards the magnificent Marine Headquarters building, walking through the grand and solemn corridors of Marineford, finally stopping before the large wooden door marked as the Fleet Admiral's office.
The soldier knocked on the door, and after receiving a steady "Come in" from inside, pushed the door open for Ace.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku was sitting behind his large desk, piled with documents and Den Den Mushi; seeing Ace enter, he put down his pen and looked up, a hint of undetectable complex emotion on his face.
"Fleet Admiral." Ace stepped forward.
"It's good to have you back, Ace." Sengoku nodded, his gaze sweeping over Ace, seemingly wanting to confirm if he was unharmed, "Was the journey smooth?"
"Thanks to you, everything was smooth," Ace replied, his tone respectful but not subservient.
After a brief, formal exchange of pleasantries,
The atmosphere in the office fell silent for a moment.
Ace took a deep breath, his expression becoming incredibly serious and solemn; he took a step forward, looking directly at Sengoku, his voice clear and firm:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, on the way here, I repeatedly thought about what you told me last time."
He paused, his eyes filled with sincere gratitude, "You were willing to stand against the pressure of the Five Elders for me; this trust and protection… I, Ace, will engrave it in my heart. Truly… thank you very much!"
There was no hint of falsehood in his words; every word was impactful.
However, his tone shifted, his eyes becoming even sharper and more resolute:
"But, precisely because of this, I absolutely cannot agree to join the Marines now!"
Sengoku's brows furrowed slightly at his words, as if he wanted to say something.
But Ace preempted him, continuing, his voice becoming agitated: "If I were to join the Marines now to seek refuge, that would undoubtedly be taking advantage of your kindness and putting you in an even more difficult position!
The Five Elders' spearhead would point directly at you! Although I, Ace, yearn to become stronger and recognize the justice of the Marines, I am absolutely not the kind of coward who would betray friends and benefactors for my own safety!"
He clenched his fists, fire seeming to burn in his eyes: "So, I must go! I must face what I need to face! This is not impulsiveness; this is my responsibility as a man!"
Listening to Ace's heartfelt words, full of loyalty and responsibility, and seeing this young man thinking of him and unafraid of the hardships ahead,
Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku, who had weathered countless storms and had a heart of iron, couldn't help but be moved.
His previously tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and a hint of undeniable admiration and… emotion flashed in his deep eyes; he slowly stood up, walked around the desk, came before Ace, and clapped Ace's shoulder heavily.
"Good… Good lad!"
....
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