Chapter 133: Idiot, You Have Already Been Recognized as Family
A week had passed since the incident in Dressrosa.
All across the sea, people eagerly anticipated the changes in the Spade Pirates' bounties following their overwhelming display of strength. Surprisingly, despite expectations, the World Government remained silent, releasing no updated bounty posters.
Typically, such a major event would trigger immediate bounty revisions, especially considering the high-profile involvement of the Spade Pirates. The silence was unsettling. To many, it signaled something far more ominous.
When the World Government doesn't raise bounties after a large event, it usually means one of two things: either they're planning to recruit the pirate—or they're preparing for total annihilation.
Following the Dressrosa war, each of the Four Emperors responded differently to Ace's growing influence:Some sought to recruit him.Some wished to eliminate him.Some wanted to protect him.Some planned to restrict his freedom.But the World Government's stance remained ambiguous. This led to speculation: would they attempt to replace Doflamingo with Ace as one of the new Shichibukai?
Most dismissed this theory. The idea that the World Government would allow the son of the Pirate King to grow unchecked was unthinkable. Sooner or later, an all-out crusade would come.
Half a month later, that prophecy became reality. A new World Government order ignited a global storm.
The decree: a full mobilization of the Navy's elite forces to launch a military operation against the pirate alliance formed by the Spade Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates.
The world was shaken.
No one was surprised they were targeting Ace. What stunned everyone was the decision to directly challenge the Whitebeard Pirates.
Although Ace and Whitebeard had announced an alliance over a year ago, most assumed it was merely symbolic—Whitebeard offering protection, not a formal pact. But Whitebeard's recent actions made his stance undeniable.
When the World Government sent emissaries to request neutrality, Whitebeard responded by sinking every ship and officer they sent.
This act made it clear: Portgas D. Ace was under Whitebeard's protection. To touch Ace was to declare war on the Whitebeard Pirates.
On the Moby Dick, Ace personally came to speak with Whitebeard.
Sitting cross-legged across from the Yonko, Ace said, "Uncle Whitebeard, you didn't have to reject the World Government so directly. You could've stalled for time. Even if not, I could've gone into hiding. There's still time to avoid a direct war."
He looked solemn. "Is it really worth it—for me?"
Whitebeard glanced at him. "Are you an idiot?"
"You may not have boarded my ship, but I already see you as my son. And as a father, it's only natural to protect his children from harm."
Ace stood slowly, mist forming in his eyes. "Uncle..."
"Idiot boy," Whitebeard chuckled warmly. "Whatever you're thinking, or whatever path you take, just remember: as long as I live, no one in this world can lay a hand on you. Because you are family—recognized by me. Got it?"
Ace wiped the tears from his eyes and grinned. "Then let the World Government see the consequences of making enemies out of us."
"Gurararara! Now you're talking!" Whitebeard laughed heartily. "But you're still too green to say that."
"Hey, I'm strong now!" Ace protested confidently.
Marine Headquarters – Marineford, Office of Fleet Admiral Sengoku
"Gurararara! He sank the whole fleet? That's Whitebeard for you!" Garp roared with laughter, giving a thumbs up as he nearly fell out of his chair.
"You think this is funny!?" Sengoku yelled, throwing a document at him. "The Government's face has been trampled on and you're over here laughing!?"
"Ahh, it's hilarious." Garp shrugged, picking his nose.
"You're still a marine, dammit!" Sengoku grabbed Garp's collar, furious. "They wanted to hold you accountable too! If you weren't a hero, they'd have locked you up!"
"Too old for that kind of nonsense! Hahaha!" Garp cackled.
"Get out of my office!" Sengoku roared.
"Relax. Let's just eat some senbei and call it even," Garp said, pulling out a snack bag.
On the sea, the world now knew: war was inevitable.
The World Government had committed. The Whitebeard Pirates had answered. And at the center stood Ace, the flame-wielding son of Gol D. Roger.
For the first time since the Pirate King's execution, the world stood on the precipice of the greatest war in the Age of Pirates.
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