Chapter 97: Prelude to War
"Doffy, is it really wise to fall out with that Fire Fist kid now?"
Behind Donquixote Doflamingo, the ever-slobbering Trebol asked anxiously.
By this point, Portgas D. Ace was no longer just a hotheaded rookie. After forming an alliance with Whitebeard, the most powerful of the Four Emperors, Ace had quickly gathered a crew of formidable companions and allied pirate groups. The Spade Pirates had grown into a force that not even a Warlord of the Sea could dismiss lightly.
"The problem? No, that brat won't be arrogant for much longer," Doflamingo said confidently.
His certainty wasn't without reason—he held a trump card: Ace's true heritage. As a former Celestial Dragon, Doflamingo knew how the World Government operated. If he leaked Ace's parentage, they would stop at nothing to eliminate him.
No matter the cost—even if it meant war with Whitebeard himself—the World Government would never allow the bloodline of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, to survive.
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One Week Later – Sun Island, Gate of Flame
Within the territory of the Spade Pirates, at the port outside the Gate of Flame, several large ships were anchored.
In addition to Ace's flagship Spade, six allied vessels had gathered.
Ever since the announcement of the alliance between the Spade Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates, Ace's influence had soared. At the same time, two bounties had been posted worldwide—one of them for Marshall D. Teach, also known as Blackbeard, who had murdered his crewmate and disappeared after fleeing from Dark Island.
While Blackbeard vanished without a trace, the Spade Pirates entered a phase of rapid expansion and strength-building. Though their territory hadn't grown much in the past year, their combat power had skyrocketed.
All 13 core members of the Spade Pirates—now including the siblings Karkus and Carlos—each carried bounties over 100 million berries.
Doma, Jewelry Bonney, and other captains under Ace had formed powerful crews of their own, contributing to the pirate alliance's rising reputation in the New World.
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Flashpoint – Dressrosa Waters
A week ago, the Silver Pirates—an allied crew under Ace—encountered a Donquixote Pirates ship in Dressrosa's waters. A fierce battle broke out, but the Silver Pirates were annihilated.
This massacre sparked Ace's fury and made one thing clear:
War with the Donquixote Family was inevitable.
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Now – Strategy Meeting
On the deck of the Spade, Ace sat across from Sabo, chief of staff of the Revolutionary Army. Behind Ace stood his thirteen core crew members and three allied captains.
Alongside Sabo were Kerla, Northern Army Commander Karasu, and Southern Army Commander Lindbergh.
"Ace, why the urgent summons?" Sabo asked.
Ace nodded solemnly. "Sabo, you've heard of the conflict between us and Doflamingo, right? In the past year, we've clashed more than ten times. Most incidents were skirmishes, but the battle last week..."
His voice dropped.
"The Silver Pirates—wiped out. No survivors."
The deck fell silent.
"This is blood debt, Sabo. And I intend to repay it—in blood. In one week, I'm launching a full-scale war on Doflamingo and his entire organization."
Sabo's eyes narrowed. "You want to take down the Donquixote Family?"
"You realize, Ace—he's not just a Warlord. He's a Celestial Dragon by birth. He controls a massive portion of the underground world, including the artificial Devil Fruit trade. His biggest customer is Kaido of the Beasts Pirates."
"If you make a move, both the underworld and Kaido's forces may retaliate. And the World Government might intervene."
"I'm fully aware," Ace said, rising. "But I don't care if he's a Celestial Dragon or the Pope of Mariejois—he killed my brother. I'll make him pay."
Sabo didn't hesitate. "Understood. Tell me what you need—we'll stand with you."
---
Ace had already made preparations:
Whitebeard would help hold off the Beasts Pirates, if necessary.
The Red-Haired Pirates had been asked to watch the Big Mom Pirates.
The Revolutionary Army would help suppress any forces dispatched by the World Government.
He wasn't only relying on Sabo's help—he was also honoring a promise made a year ago: after destroying Doflamingo's empire, all artificial Devil Fruits, weapons factories, and scientist Caesar Clown would be handed over to the Revolutionary Army.
The war was scheduled for one week later—for a specific reason: Trafalgar D. Water Law.
Ace had informed Law in advance, and Law promised to arrive within the week to fight by Ace's side.
---
"Hey, Sabo. Look at this."
Ace suddenly pulled a bounty poster from his coat and handed it to Sabo.
Sabo glanced at it—and smiled.
"Oh… it's Luffy."
The poster showed a grinning boy with a straw hat: Monkey D. Luffy, newly wanted with a 30 million bounty.
"He's finally gone to sea," Sabo said, eyes filled with pride.
"Yeah," Ace said with a laugh. "He's a bit behind his big brother... but he's now the highest bounty rookie in the entire East Blue."
The Pirate King's legacy was on the move—and the gears of fate were grinding toward war.
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