Sengoku's voice carried a hint of imperceptible hoarseness and relief, "I didn't misjudge you! This temperament... this responsibility... Good!"
He was deeply touched by Ace's determination to not implicate others and to proactively face the difficulties.
Seeing the undisguised admiration and emotion in Fleet Admiral Sengoku's eyes, Ace's heart immediately rejoiced, feeling that the time was right.
He struck while the iron was hot, stepping forward half a pace, and asked with a hint of eagerness and anticipation:
"Fleet Admiral! Since you also approve of my decision, then... could you arrange for me to meet the Five Elders?"
Ace's gaze was burning, as if he could already see himself signing in at the Chamber of Authority, "There are some things I want to face and clarify myself!"
However,
Upon hearing this, the expression of relief on Sengoku's face was instantly replaced by solemnity. He shook his head almost without hesitation, raising his hand to stop any further words Ace might have, his voice deep and serious:
"No! Ace, absolutely not!"
His gaze was fixed on Ace, and his tone carried an unprecedented warning: "Now is not the time!
Before you have absolute certainty, sufficient leverage, and a plan, rashly stepping into the Chamber of Authority is tantamount to throwing yourself into a den of dragons and tigers; it's an extremely dangerous and foolish act!"
He took a deep breath, as if recalling an unpleasant experience: "Those five old geezers... are far more profound and dangerous than you imagine.
No matter what you intend to do, in front of them, any trace of naivety or luck will lead to your eternal damnation. I cannot stand by and watch you take that risk."
Sengoku's resolute warning and the deep concern in his eyes were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the fervent flame that had flared up in Ace's heart due to excitement.
Ace was stunned, his heightened emotions rapidly cooling down.
He looked at Sengoku's serious face, which showed no hint of jest, and reason gradually returned. He rubbed his chin, nodding thoughtfully.
"You're right, even a place that makes you so wary, I really shouldn't rush into it on a whim."
He quickly adjusted his mindset and rediscovered his goal.
Since that was the case, he would first make a trip to Future Island, to Vegapunk's place; perhaps he could sign in for some unexpected good things there!
First, strengthen his own power and accumulate enough capital!
When he returned from Future Island with more trump cards, it wouldn't be too late to consider how to confront the Five Elders directly!
Thinking of the new destination and the unknown sign-in rewards, Ace's adventurous spirit ignited once more, but this time, there was a newfound steadiness in his gaze.
Before leaving Marineford,
Ace was walking out along the wide corridor, still pondering the route to Future Island.
Just then, a rush of hurried and chaotic footsteps and shouts came from a side path.
A team of fully armed Marines, looking anxious, were jogging towards the port, checking their weapons and talking excitedly, their voices a mix of tension, excitement, and a desire for military merits.
"Quick! Quick! Move it! Admiral Kizaru's battleship has already departed!"
"Damn it, this is a big incident! If I can get some credit, maybe I can get promoted to Chief Petty Officer when I return!"
"Yeah! I heard they attacked a World Noble's direct transport ship! They've got some nerve!"
"Shh! Keep it down! But speaking of which, who's the badass who did it? This is like poking a hornet's nest!"
Another Marine, running a bit behind, lowered his voice but couldn't hide his excitement as he spoke to his comrade:
"Hey! Inside info!
According to survivors, the attacker seemed to be a guy wearing a top hat and using a steel pipe as a weapon!
His identity hasn't been fully confirmed yet, but the commotion is huge!
The higher-ups are furious and ordered us to rush to the incident site in the South Blue to provide support as quickly as possible, at least to control the situation!"
"The South Blue, huh... This mission is quite a long run..."
"What's there to be afraid of if it's far? Big risk, big opportunity! Let's go, let's go, don't dawdle!"
The group of Marines quickly ran past Ace, but fragments of their conversation clearly reached his ears.
"Attacked a World Noble?"
"Wearing a top hat?"
"Using a steel pipe?"
"South Blue?"
These keywords struck Ace like lightning!
He abruptly stopped, the relaxed expression on his face instantly vanished, and his pupils suddenly contracted!
Top hat... steel pipe... A figure too familiar to be unfamiliar instantly flashed into his mind! Sabo?! Is it Sabo?! He attacked a Celestial Dragon's ship?!
A tremendous shock and worry instantly gripped Ace's heart!
He could even imagine Sabo's dashing yet resolute demeanor when doing such a thing!
And what made his heart tighten even more was—"Admiral Kizaru has already departed!"
That Admiral, whose speed was power and who possessed a terrifying Devil Fruit ability, had actually gone personally to pursue Sabo!
Ace stood still, watching the retreating backs of the Marines, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists. The plan to go to Future Island was instantly thrown to the back of his mind; at this moment, only one thought remained in his heart—
Sabo... is in danger!
Ace's heart rate suddenly accelerated, as if an invisible hand had tightly squeezed it!
He could almost imagine Sabo, wearing a top hat, wielding a pipe, challenging the arrogant authority of the World Nobles with a dashing yet rebellious smile.
"Sabo, that bastard..."
Ace couldn't help but curse under his breath, his tone filled with worry and a hint of imperceptible pride,
"Still the same as when he was a kid, fearless when he gets impulsive! To actually directly rob a Celestial Dragon... Is the Krypton Gold system that short on money?"
A tide of worry surged into his heart.
How is he now? Did he successfully escape? Is he injured?
Kizaru's terrifying speed and sharp light-speed kicks seemed to flash before his eyes, making Ace's heart leap to his throat.
But then, another emotion forcibly suppressed the worry.
Ace shook his head vigorously, as if to shake off those negative thoughts, and even a helpless but trusting smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"But... if that guy was really caught so easily by Kizaru... that would be too lame! He wouldn't deserve to be my and Luffy's brother!"
After a brief, intense struggle, Ace took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
He weighed the pros and cons: rushing into the South Blue now would not only make him a huge target but also easily disrupt any potential plans Sabo might have, and could even attract more Marine attention, ultimately doing more harm than good.
He had absolute confidence in Sabo's strength and astuteness.
"Alright..." Ace finally made his decision, his clenched fists slowly relaxed, and his gaze became firm again, "I'll trust him! That guy will definitely find a way to slip away from an Admiral! For now, I'll stick to my original plan."
He buried his worry for his brother deep in his heart and turned towards the Marineford's designated dock for the special ship arranged for him to go to Future Island.
Now, he needed to focus on his next objective: Future Island, Vegapunk, and the sign-in rewards there!