The Red Hair Pirates were gathered on deck, voices rising in heated discussion.
"Red Hair, that guy named Ashveil actually took care of that bastard Jack! What a relief!" Lucky Roo exclaimed, still chewing on a drumstick as excitement lit his round face.
Conflicts among the Four Emperors were constant. Lucky Roo had clashed with Jack before, and though he had beaten him, he had let the mammoth go. Among the Emperors, there was an unspoken rule not to completely wipe out another's key commander. Now that Ashveil had done what he could not, Lucky Roo felt vindicated.
"That's right," said the pirate with the monkey perched on his shoulder. "Jack was an eyesore. Who would've thought the Whitebeard Pirates' Zero Division Captain Ashveil was such a ruthless fighter?"
"Zero Division Captain, huh… He's extraordinary," Yasopp muttered as he casually polished his rifle. "I'd like to meet him one day."
Benn Beckman, smoke curling from the corner of his mouth, approached Shanks with a steady gaze.
"Shanks, at such a critical moment, this kid Ashveil kills one of Kaido's All-Stars. Won't this provoke the Beasts Pirates to retaliate? The Whitebeard Pirates could end up fighting on two fronts."
The words sank in. The laughter and chatter dulled as the crew absorbed the weight of it. If Jack was dead, Kaido would not simply let it go. And with the Marines already holding Ace, the Whitebeard Pirates were on the edge of a war with Marineford itself.
Shanks's expression darkened. He stared out toward the endless sea, his voice low and heavy.
"I warned Whitebeard not to chase Blackbeard carelessly. They didn't listen, and Ace fell into Blackbeard's hands, only to be delivered straight to the Marines. Now the world holds its breath, waiting for Marineford to erupt."
He sighed deeply, then continued, "I thought that incident might sober them up. But now, Ashveil has cut down Jack, and the Beasts Pirates will rage. Whitebeard's crew stands in even greater danger than before."
Benn exhaled a smoke ring, his tone thoughtful. "Captain, should we… secretly support them?"
Shanks shook his head with a wry smile. "Those Whitebeard Pirates… they act recklessly, every single one. Still, it seems we no longer have the luxury of standing aside."
On the Moby Dick, news reached Whitebeard and his commanders almost at the same time. The men huddled around a freshly delivered newspaper, disbelief etched across their faces.
"Jack… Jack was beheaded by Ashveil?!" Marco's voice carried astonishment.
Vista, the Flower Swordsman, nodded grimly. "This comes straight from the World Economic Journal. There's no mistake. Who would've guessed Ashveil, who looks so harmless, would strike so decisively… a clean beheading."
Diamond Jozu slapped his palm against his leg, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Well done, Ashveil! You've brought honor to the Whitebeard Pirates, hahaha!"
Whitebeard's massive hand reached for the den den mushi. With a sharp ring—buru buru, buru buru—the line connected.
"Ashveil!" Whitebeard's booming voice thundered through the receiver. "You brat! You said you'd return after killing Blackbeard, but now you've gone and slain Jack of the Beasts Pirates!"
The speed of the world's news agencies never ceased to amaze. Barely had Jack fallen before word spread across the seas.
Lying in his quarters, Thorne Ashveil rubbed the back of his head, his tone sheepish. "Uh… Old Man, Jack's death wasn't planned. He came after me first. You know I couldn't just sit there and let him crush me. Wouldn't that embarrass the Whitebeard Pirates?"
Behind Whitebeard, the captains shouted into the receiver, voices brimming with excitement.
"Well done, Ashveil!"
"I've wanted to kill that monster Jack myself, but you beat me to it!"
"I heard you took him down in an instant. When you return, I'm challenging you to a spar!"
Whitebeard silenced them with a glare. Then, his expression softened into thought.
"I'll say this, Ashveil. After killing Jack, Kaido will come for you. You should consider returning quickly."
The mention of Kaido drew a calm, almost amused smile from Ashveil. His Conqueror's Haki had already reached terrifying levels. Why should he cower before a dragon?
"Old Man, don't worry. If Kaido comes, it won't be so clear who stands victorious."
The line fell silent as every ear strained to absorb his words. Did he truly mean it? If Ashveil spoke the truth, his strength rivaled that of the Emperors themselves.
Gasps rippled through the captains. If the Whitebeard Pirates had not one but two Emperor-level fighters, their confidence heading into Marineford would surge.
Still, Ashveil's tone softened. "But… Old Man, I know killing Jack may drag us into war with Kaido's crew. You won't hold that against me, will you?"
For a moment, Whitebeard was silent. Then he erupted in booming laughter.
"Kuhahahaha! You fool! I only worried for your safety. As for the Beasts Pirates, when have I ever feared them? If they dare to come, let them. It won't be their first loss against us, and it won't be their last!"
His voice carried like thunder, igniting the men around him.
"That's right! Last time, I stabbed Queen straight in the backside. If he shows up again, I'll finish the job!"
"And I nearly crushed three of the Tobi Roppo myself! They ran with their tails tucked, or else the Beasts Pirates would be short-handed today!"
"Don't worry about us, Ashveil. Just focus on saving Ace! When the dust settles, we'll drink together for three days and nights!"
Their laughter, their boasts, and their loyalty filled the deck.
Ashveil's lips curved into a faint smile. "Old Man, then let's keep to our plan. Dual action. Believe me, I'll rescue Ace, and I'll make the Marines regret every step they've taken."
Whitebeard roared with approval, his laughter echoing across the ship.
"Kuhahahaha! When have I ever doubted you, boy? As for Kaido—if he dares come, I'll tear every last scale off his dragon hide myself!"
The deck erupted in cheers, their fighting spirit surging higher than ever.
The seas themselves seemed to tremble, for the Whitebeard Pirates were preparing for war.
_____
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