On the deck of the Moby Dick, the air was unusually peaceful. Inside one of the cabins, Thorne Ashveil lounged comfortably, fully immersed in his game console. Behind him stood Empress Boa Hancock, her radiant smile softening as she quietly gathered the discarded snack wrappers he had tossed aside.
Just as Ashveil was about to clear a difficult stage, a sharp knock knock knock broke the tranquility.
He frowned immediately. This was his sacred time—his undisturbed time. Even Dracule Mihawk knew better than to interrupt him when he was gaming. Whoever was at that door had either a death wish or a very good reason.
"Hancock, go see who it is," Ashveil said lazily, his tone edged with irritation.
If this turned out to be some trivial matter, he would personally toss the fool into the sea for a nice, two-hour swim.
Hancock, the Pirate Empress herself, bowed gracefully, her eyes filled with devotion as she answered,
"Yes, Master Ashveil."
The moment she turned to the door, her smile vanished, replaced by an expression as cold as ice. To disturb Master Ashveil during his game... unforgivable. Absolutely unforgivable.
Outside, the poor intelligence officer was already drenched in sweat. He had rushed here only because the situation was dire—something that concerned the very survival of the Whitebeard Pirates.
The door creaked open, revealing Hancock's piercing, icy gaze.
"Insolent fool," she hissed, tilting her chin upward with disdain. "How dare you disturb Master Ashveil's rest? You're unforgivable!"
The intelligence officer trembled but ignored her hostility, blurting out in panic,
"Master Ashveil! This is terrible! The Whitebeard Pirates have been surrounded!"
Hancock froze, her hostility replaced with shock as the man continued, his voice trembling.
"Five mysterious elders are leading the assault! Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Iron Fist Garp, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, Commander Kong, criminals from Impel-Down, the two Calamities, the two Admirals, and the Four Sweet Commanders—they're all here! It's an alliance of unimaginable power!"
Hancock's lips parted slightly, her composure faltering.
"So many… so many powerful forces gathered together?" She turned to Ashveil, her brow furrowed. "What should we do, Master Ashveil?"
Ashveil didn't even pause his game. His eyes stayed fixed on the glowing screen as he muttered, half-annoyed,
"Tch. I finally get a few quiet days, and these idiots from the World Government choose now to act up?"
He sighed deeply, his thumb flicking over the controller as he added,
"Got it. I'll deal with them after I finish this level. Tell the others to stall them for now."
The intelligence officer stared in disbelief but dared not argue. He bowed hurriedly and left, sweat dripping down his face.
---
Meanwhile, on the open sea near Whitebeard's territory, the combined forces of the World Government United Army had gathered.
Countless warships blanketed the horizon. A global live broadcast was already underway—an event meant to shake the entire world.
Their mission: to subjugate Thorne Ashveil and the Whitebeard Pirates, live before the eyes of the world.
This public execution by war was meant to surpass even Roger's execution in historical impact. The World Government sought to make a statement—defy us, and this will be your fate.
Standing tall on the main platform was Kong, the Commander-in-Chief of the World Government. His deep, commanding voice echoed across every Den Den Mushi screen worldwide.
"Greetings, people of the world. I am Kong, Commander-in-Chief of the Marines. Today, we bring before you the ultimate trial of justice."
He paused for effect before continuing.
"The man known as Thorne Ashveil—a name you all know well—is the world's most dangerous pirate, bearing a bounty of twenty billion Berries. His crimes are beyond forgiveness!"
"Slaying Admiral Sakazuki, killing Celestial Dragons, releasing prisoners from Impel-Down, and destroying Marineford itself—each of these crimes alone warrants death!"
"For the justice of this world, we will broadcast this war live! Let all who oppose the Marines and the World Government witness the fate that awaits them!"
The crowd around him roared in agreement.
On the broadcast screen, one by one, the most powerful figures of the age appeared.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku, his expression grim.
Kizaru, Aokiji, and Fujitora, radiating the aura of Admirals.
Garp, his fists clenched in silent resolve.
Even the CP0 agents and World Government scientists stood ready.
Beside them, the Shichibukai and two of the Four Emperors, Kaido of the Beasts and Charlotte Linlin, stood poised for battle. Their combined might was enough to terrify any sane man.
Behind them stretched a sea of soldiers—Marines and pirates under forced alliance—nearly two hundred thousand strong.
Five kilometers away, aboard the Moby Dick, Whitebeard, Marco, Doflamingo, and Hancock watched the broadcast with grim expressions.
Whitebeard's voice rumbled,
"So, the old fools are pulling this stunt again. They think they can scare us in front of the whole world?"
Marco crossed his arms, frowning.
"They're trying to make an example out of us, Pops. To show everyone what happens when you defy the World Government."
Hancock clenched her fists, her usual regal confidence now shadowed by worry for Ashveil.
Across the seas, reactions erupted.
Pirates, civilians, and even Marine branches everywhere froze as the transmission played.
"Oh my god, they really mobilized everyone! Even Kaido and Big Mom?"
"I heard Ashveil destroyed Marineford, but this… this is beyond anything I imagined."
"He's strong, sure—but can even he stand against this?"
The world held its breath.
The image on the broadcast changed again, revealing several massive figures being paraded before the camera.
Gasps filled the air as one of them was recognized.
"Is that… Golden Lion Shiki? The Flying Pirate? He vanished decades ago!"
Whitebeard's eyes narrowed.
"So that's why Shiki's been quiet. Looks like the World Government finally caught him."
A long silence fell over the deck. Even Whitebeard's sons, hardened by countless wars, felt a tremor of unease.
---