Chapter 192 – Don't Believe Too Much in the Power of the Devil
After the war at Marineford, the structure of the world did not change drastically. The pirates' victory had forced the World Government's plan to break the balance of the New World to a halt.
If anything, the biggest impact was that the Whitebeard Pirates and Ace's Spade Pirates—representing the era of pirates—had defeated Marine Headquarters, the symbol of the World Government's power. This emboldened pirates everywhere, who now rampaged across the seas more brazenly than ever.
The chaos wasn't confined to the Grand Line. Piracy flared all over the world, leaving the World Government stretched thin. Their lack of manpower became the biggest reason for launching the [World Military Draft].
Alongside this, their reliance on the Shichibukai began to plummet. But the Seven Warlords of the Sea were already fractured. Doflamingo had been defeated by Ace, Crocodile by Luffy, Jinbe had defected, and Blackbeard—who replaced him—proved to be a traitor.
At present, only four remained to uphold the title: Dracule "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk, Boa Hancock the Pirate Empress, Bartholomew Kuma, and Gecko Moria. Even then, the Government showed no urgency in filling the empty seats. It was clear they no longer valued the Shichibukai system, and its abolition seemed inevitable.
In the New World, the Whitebeard Pirates and the Spade Pirates wasted no time consolidating after the victory. They swept aside nearby Marine bases, greatly expanding their sphere of influence.
The Spade Pirates claimed only a single island: Thor Island, near the entrance to the New World, which they entrusted to their allies—the Thunder God Pirates.
The Thunder God Pirates were composed of Enel, the priests he brought from Skypiea, and the members of God's Guard. Enel was especially pleased with Thor Island; its storm-filled environment was as natural a home for him as Ace's Solar Island was for his captain. Both islands perfectly matched their respective powers, amplifying their strength twofold when fighting there.
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On the deck of the Moby Dick, Ace and Whitebeard sat across from each other.
"I still can't believe it," Ace muttered, swirling the wine in his glass. "That Teach would go so far in the end… dragging Sengoku down with him to die together."
Even a week later, Blackbeard's last, desperate act remained hard to comprehend.
Whitebeard lifted a massive bottle of sake and drank deeply without answering.
"Uncle… do you know what kind of secret Teach was hiding?" Ace asked. "How could he steal other people's abilities, even breaking the rule that one person can't possess two Devil Fruits?"
"I don't know," Whitebeard admitted. "I never pry into the pasts of my sons, nor their secrets. But Teach's body was… different. Even if he went without sleep for days, he was still full of energy. He healed faster than normal men. Strange, isn't it? In that way, he reminded me of Roger. Or even Garp—vitality overflowing like monsters."
"Vitality… huh? Now that you mention it," Ace murmured, "it seems all those with the Will of D share that same trait."
Whitebeard's gaze sharpened. "You've felt it yourself, haven't you? The so-called 'Clan of D.'"
Ace recalled a rumor he once heard—that if the Celestial Dragons were the so-called 'gods' of the world, then those who bore the "D" were their natural enemies.
Still, the ability to steal powers couldn't simply come from this mysterious Will of D. There were plenty of people with the initial D, yet Teach alone had discovered this method. As for how his body could hold two Devil Fruits, perhaps that was connected… but it wasn't the whole answer.
For a fleeting moment, Ace wondered if he should try eating another fruit. He quickly dismissed the thought. Teach's physique might have been tied to the Will of D, but not entirely. It wasn't something bloodline alone could explain.
Unfortunately, with Teach dead and his body completely destroyed, his secret methods would likely remain mysteries forever.
Whitebeard broke the silence. "Roger once told me that the secrets of the D are hidden on Laugh Tale. If you're interested, you'll have to go there yourself."
Ace laughed bitterly. "Easier said than done. I don't have the strength to reach Laugh Tale."
"Baka!" Whitebeard roared. "If you know you're weak, then stop whining and get stronger!"
The words hit Ace like thunder. Then, after a pause, he smiled ruefully and nodded. "You're right. I've been overthinking. As long as I grow strong enough, it won't matter—whether it's the Will of D, strange bodies, or stolen abilities. None of it will matter. That man became Pirate King without even eating a Devil Fruit."
Ace's eyes hardened with resolve. "I swore I'd surpass him. I won't waste time brooding over riddles. Strength—that's all that matters."
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard's booming laugh echoed across the sea. "That's better. A hesitant man will never surpass Roger."
His expression grew serious as he recalled one final memory. "When Roger last met me, he wanted to share the secret he'd seen on Laugh Tale. I refused to listen. But before he left, he told me one thing…" Whitebeard's gaze fixed on Ace. "He told me not to put too much faith in the power of the devil."
Ace's eyes widened. "The power of the devil… you mean Devil Fruits?"
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