Chapter 96: Trigger of War
The alliance between the Spade Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the Four Emperors, shook the entire world when the news broke.
As a living legend from the Roger Era, Edward Newgate—also known as Whitebeard, the "Strongest Man in the World"—was an unshakable pillar of the New World. Even the other Emperors seldom dared to challenge him directly.
No one knew why Whitebeard, the greatest pirate of his time, would form an alliance with a mere upstart. But when the Whitebeard Pirates themselves announced it, the world had no choice but to accept it as truth.
And just like that, Portgas D. Ace, already renowned for his strength and potential, began to rise like a blazing star. With Whitebeard's protection, his name spread faster than any rookie before him.
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One Year Later…
Ace and his Spade Pirates became notorious figures across the New World. Every core member under his command—excluding the mysterious Carol, who rarely appeared—received bounties surpassing 100 million berries.
Spade Pirates – Core Crew:
Captain: Portgas D. Ace – 1.45 billion berries
"Mad Swordsman" Eboli Gambi – 485 million
"Sun Knight" Alexander Karkus – 388 million
"Sky Swordsman" Kukai – 235 million
Helmsman: Merman Vores – 215 million
Shipwright: Yaki the Reformer – 186 million
Combatant: Dwarf Fenamore – 168 million
Combatant: Iron-Hand Ganliu – 160 million
Navigator: Cornelia – 154 million
Sniper: Pie Bonsey – 133 million
Combatant: Skaar – 121 million
Twin Brothers: Seba & Barry – 152 million / 148 million
"Sun Elf" Alexander Carlos – 3 million (rumored to be a non-combatant or with a mysterious role)
Allied Crews under Spade Pirates:
Ranger Pirates led by Ranger Doma – 317 crew
Bonney Pirates led by "Glutton Girl" Jewelry Bonney – 39 crew
Silver Pirates led by "Silver" Von Lewis – 129 crew
Bulldog Pirates led by George Salin – 89 crew
Although their total manpower was under a thousand, the strength and discipline of these crews made them a force rivaling even Yonko crews.
Ace's recruitment standards were extremely strict—if not, their numbers would easily have doubled.
If allies like Enel of Skypiea, Trafalgar Law, and Urouge were included, this force would already be strong enough to challenge one of the Four Emperors head-on.
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Taking risks in the New World naturally leads to conflict.
While the Spade Pirates frequently skirmished with rival forces, full-scale battles remained rare—except against one group:
The Donquixote Pirates.
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One Week Ago – Dressrosa Waters
A pirate ship bearing the flag of the Spade Pirates floated listlessly in the seas around Dressrosa. The ship—the Lewis—was under the command of "Silver" Von Lewis, a charismatic and upright pirate, deeply respected by Ace.
Now, the ship was in shambles.
The deck was a horrific scene—several torture racks stood tall, upon which the wounded crew of the Lewis Pirates were chained.
At the center lay their captain—Von Lewis. His limbs had been severed, and several blades were impaled through his chest and shoulders. Barely conscious, he glared defiantly at the man responsible.
Standing before him was none other than Donquixote Doflamingo, King of Dressrosa, Warlord of the Sea, and underground broker known as Joker. By his side stood his executive officers, Trebol and Dellinger.
"You may kill us, Doflamingo," Von Lewis growled, "but the truth will come to light. And Captain Ace will avenge us."
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Von Lewis was a pirate with a strong sense of justice, whereas Doflamingo was known for slave trafficking, weapon deals, and child experimentation. When Lewis stumbled upon the dark secrets beneath Dressrosa's shining façade—particularly an illegal human auction house—he destroyed it in a fit of righteous fury.
In response, Doflamingo had pursued and captured him, leading to this brutal outcome.
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"Evil deeds?" Doflamingo sneered. "You're such a shallow man. You only see the surface of the world—justice, peace, order."
"But it's people like me who maintain the true balance from the shadows. Without us, this world would have collapsed long ago."
"No amount of justification can hide your crimes," Von Lewis spat. "Even if we die today, you'll be judged. Someone will defeat you. Ace will destroy you."
"Defeat me? Fufufufufufu! That little flame brat?" Doflamingo laughed wildly. "He might be under Whitebeard's wing now, but how long can he stay there?"
"No matter where he hides, he can't escape the malice of the world. That's his fate."
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"Dellinger," Doflamingo called as he turned away. "Take care of them."
The flamboyant young half-fishman, wearing high heels and bearing a devilish smile, replied with glee:
"Don't worry, Young Master. I'll make sure they all die happily."
His razor-sharp teeth glinted as he advanced toward the restrained pirates.
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To be continued…
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