Chapter 95: Whitebeard's Wrath and Blackbeard's Escape
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New World – Moby Dick, Main Ship of the Whitebeard Pirates
In the heart of the Whitebeard Pirates' vast territory, aboard the grand ship Moby Dick, a heavy silence loomed.
Edward Newgate, the man known as Whitebeard, sat grim-faced on his throne, the medical tubes and IVs hanging from his body swaying gently in the sea breeze. Around him stood his commanders, all with solemn expressions.
At his feet lay the shrouded body of Thatch, captain of the Fourth Division—killed by his own crewmate, Marshall D. Teach.
Standing before him was Portgas D. Ace, who had brought back Thatch's body.
After a long silence, Whitebeard finally asked in a deep, gravelly voice:
"…Did my son leave any last words?"
Ace nodded. "He said—'I'm sorry, I've embarrassed you, Dad. I'm sorry.'"
Whitebeard closed his eyes. "Foolish child… Doesn't he know that surviving is more important than pride?"
"I arrived too late," Ace said quietly. "Thatch was already mortally wounded when I got there."
"You have nothing to apologize for, Ace," Whitebeard replied. "On the contrary… I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, more of my sons would've died."
"Dad!" Marco, First Division Commander, stepped forward. "Give the order. I'll chase that bastard Teach to the ends of the sea and bring back his head!"
"That's right!" said another commander. "He betrayed his crew—attacked a nakama! Anyone who does that doesn't deserve to live. Even if he flees to the ends of the earth, we'll drag him back."
Whitebeard slowly stood up.
"Go. Hunt him down. Bring me his head," he commanded coldly. "And tell the world—anyone who dares protect Teach is declaring war against the Whitebeard Pirates."
The words stunned Ace.
In the original timeline, Whitebeard had forbidden Ace from pursuing Teach. Now, he had not only reversed that order—but openly declared Teach as a global enemy, demanding retribution with warlike fury.
Ace didn't know what caused this change. All he knew now was this: The King of the Sea was truly enraged.
Whitebeard turned to him again.
"Fire Fist, I owe you a favor for this."
Ace hesitated. Then, glancing around at the commanders, he spoke: "Can I… speak to you alone?"
Whitebeard looked at him silently, then nodded. "Marco. Everyone. Give us a moment."
"Aye, Pops."
Unlike Shanks, none of the commanders suspected Ace of anything. They respectfully stepped aside.
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Now alone, Whitebeard asked, "Well, kid? What is it you want?"
Ace's face turned serious.
"…I carry a secret," he said. "If exposed, it could bring down the wrath of the World Government."
"I'm still not strong enough to face that storm. So, I'd like to form an alliance with you. Until I grow powerful enough… I want to borrow your name to deter the World Government."
Whitebeard burst out laughing. "Gurararara! That's it?"
He slammed his sake gourd down. "Kid, if all you want is my name—then come aboard. Be my son. Carry my flag. Whoever your enemies are—I'll deal with them!"
Ace shook his head firmly.
"…That's the one thing I can't do," he said solemnly. "I've made a vow—to surpass that man. I won't serve under anyone… not even the man known as the World's Strongest."
Whitebeard raised an eyebrow. "That man, huh? Who?"
Ace took a deep breath.
"Gol D. Roger. My father."
Whitebeard was stunned—then grinned.
"Gurararara! So the Pirate King's blood still flows in this world, eh?"
He placed a hand on Ace's shoulder.
"All the more reason. I accept your alliance."
Thus, the Spade Pirates officially allied with the Whitebeard Pirates, and for a time, the name of Whitebeard shielded Ace from the World Government's eye.
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Elsewhere – Edge of the Calm Belt, New World
A simple wooden raft drifted on the waves.
On it sat Marshall D. Teach, Doc Q, and his wheezing, dying horse Stronger.
"Thief-hahahaha!" Teach laughed bitterly, holding up his severed wrist. "What a disaster. Not only did I fail to get the power I've chased for years—I lost my damn hand!"
Doc Q coughed beside him. "Don't give up. Your fate hasn't ended… It's just changed course."
Teach sat up slowly. His eyes were cold and calculating.
"I killed Thatch. There's no turning back. The Old Man will be furious… His wrath will shake the sea."
"Then what's your plan?" Doc Q asked.
"I need to disappear for now," Teach said. "Lie low… wait for the storm to pass… and then gather strength."
Doc Q nodded. "But where? You've angered the Whitebeard Pirates. The Grand Line, the Four Blues—there's nowhere safe."
Teach grinned.
"Then we won't stay on the sea…"
"We'll hide above it."
Doc Q's eyes narrowed. "Skypiea?"
"Exactly. A sky island," Teach said. "No one will think to look for us there. We just need to find an updraft current."
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With that, Teach and Doc Q began traveling back toward Paradise, the first half of the Grand Line, in search of a Knock Up Stream—a rare current that could launch ships into the sky.
Their efforts paid off. They soon discovered a suitable upwelling.
But something unexpected happened.
Instead of reaching Skypiea, their raft was flung toward a mysterious floating island, suspended thousands of meters above the sea.
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PS: Guess who Blackbeard is going to meet next...?
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