Boom.
Thunder rumbled across the sky, lightning flashed and cracked, and the roars of beasts mixed with distant screams. After a relentless battle, Chopper and Nami finally managed to subdue the massive saber-toothed tiger.
By the time they dragged its corpse back to the camp, the sky was painted with crimson clouds, the sun dipping toward the horizon.
"Huh! Hancock."
Nami and Chopper were the first to return, surprised to find Hancock waiting for them. She had been absent for three days.
Thanks to Rayleigh, the Straw Hat Pirates already knew Hancock, and their relationship was cordial.
"Any news from the outside world?"
Hancock's sudden appearance indicated she had news to share. Rayleigh had instructed her to bring updates whenever she returned from the sea, and though initially haughty, she had agreed.
Soon after, Franky, Brook, and the others returned.
Zoro, as always, drew attention. Though he possessed a muscular, powerful frame that screamed masculinity, at this moment there was a subtle elegance to him—a contrast to his bulk. His movements were cold, precise, almost effeminate.
Yet despite this, his strength had only grown. His swordsmanship and speed were unmatched, nearly impossible to predict or counter. The fastest martial arts, when combined with his Haki, made him unstoppable.
Night fell, the bonfire crackled, and Rayleigh, Luffy, Emma, and Ethan arrived.
"Hancock," Luffy panted slightly, nodding at her.
She responded with a cold nod.
"Any news from the outside?"
Rayleigh tightened his grip on his sake flask. Hancock wouldn't come personally without something important.
"Why does everyone look so tense?" Luffy asked, noticing the somber expressions of Nami and the others.
"Take a look," Nami said, handing over the newspaper.
"Sabo."
Luffy's eyes widened, his expression changing instantly.
"Blackbeard," Emma whispered, holding a newspaper of her own, her brow furrowed.
Blackbeard had abandoned his original target, Ace, and captured Sabo instead. The World Government was clearly maneuvering to force a confrontation with the Revolutionary Army.
Could Marineford truly remain unchanged? No. Only the form had shifted, not the substance.
"Luffy, the future you saw has changed."
"What do we do?"
"Sabo is your brother too," Nami reminded him.
The news hit hard. They had been isolated in the Calm Belt for just over three months. Ace was safe, but Sabo had been captured.
For Luffy, the decision was clear.
"I'm going to save Sabo."
Clenching his fists, he lowered his head. Even if death awaited him, he would not hesitate.
"I knew you'd say that," Nami sighed, realizing that their training would have to be paused.
"I'll go alone. You all continue training. If…"
Luffy hesitated, looking at everyone. "If I die… then the crew should disband!"
His declaration drained him completely.
Rayleigh sipped his sake, Hancock stared into the fire, and the only sounds were the crackling flames and chirping insects.
"Ah!"
Luffy suddenly groaned in pain as a swelling appeared on his head, still steaming.
"Nami! What did you do?!" Luffy clutched his head, glaring at her.
"I won't tolerate the word 'disband.' Consider this your final warning."
Nami's eyes glinted with lethal intent, then she returned to her spot, silent.
"But…"
"Are you afraid we might die?"
Emma glanced at Luffy, rubbing her forehead. She didn't want to get involved, nor did she want him to go. But she knew she couldn't stop him.
Even if she tied him down, the mission from the Main God was linked to Luffy. Any disruption would jeopardize it.
Luffy didn't answer, but everyone understood.
"Luffy, now that we know, we absolutely cannot let you go alone."
Zoro continued polishing his sword, not even looking up.
That night, Luffy could not sleep.
He was Monkey D. Luffy. Even the hardest insomnia could not have kept him awake like this. Yet now he spent the night watching the stars until morning.
New World, under a clear blue sky.
A white rainbow streaked across the sky, entwined with golden lightning, moving faster than sound itself.
Whitebeard Sea, aboard the Moby Dick.
"Sabo."
Ace stared at the newspaper in his hands, shock and rage etched across his face.
Sabo had been captured by Blackbeard and handed over to the Marines. The government was spreading rumors everywhere, trying to force the Revolutionary Army into action.
"Ace, no matter your choice, we'll follow you."
Vista and other commanders stood beside him, lending support silently.
They owed a debt to the Revolutionary Army, particularly to Sabo and Kuma. The old man's current strength owed much to these two.
"Sabo is my brother. I have to save him," Ace said, his face grim.
"And our brother is your brother. The Marines daring to threaten him insults the Whitebeard Pirates."
A pirate snorted coldly.
"To Marineford, to save Ace's brother."
No further words were needed. The Whitebeard Pirates were ready to act, motivated by loyalty, justice, and pride.
"No, this time I go alone," Ace declared, turning his back on everyone with the newspaper in hand.
The crew fell silent, shocked at his decision.
"Ace, what do you mean?" Jozu's voice boomed angrily, and Vista's face mirrored the confusion.
"I cannot let everyone risk themselves for me," Ace replied.
Recalling the future Luffy had mentioned, he understood he was not the only transmigrator in this world.
"If the old man knew of this, he'd be furious. If our brother is in danger and we do nothing, are we still Whitebeard's sons? Are we still his crew?"
"We still owe him," Jozu said firmly. Whitebeard Pirates did not owe favors lightly.
"Furthermore, it was Blackbeard who captured him. Even though he has left their crew, it is still an insult to us."
"That bastard wants to ignite a war between the Revolutionary Army and the Marines."
"Those unaware might think we repay kindness with enmity."
"Exactly."
Suddenly, a rainbow streaked across the sky, approaching rapidly.
More pirates noticed the spectacle.
The golden lightning dissipated, and two figures descended from the sky.
"It's you."
Ace's eyes narrowed as he spotted Lucien Graves, standing at the bow of the ship, his aura restless and foreboding.
"So much hostility," Lucien murmured, lighting a cigarette. He exuded calm confidence despite the tense atmosphere of the Whitebeard Pirates.
"Mansherry is still in your hands," he added casually.
Ace's gaze turned icy as it swept past Lucien to Kuma, who stood behind him.
Kuma had transformed, holding a book in his hands, unrecognizable. No one would know it was him unless his ability was used.