Chapter 54: 54. The Largest War In History
On the other side of the ship's deck, Whitebeard settled into a towering chair.
Rayleigh and Luffy didn't pay much mind; they simply sat cross-legged across from Whitebeard.
"You seem to doubt our chances of saving Ace, Whitebeard," Rayleigh remarked calmly.
Whitebeard remained silent.
"To your son, you're still the legendary Whitebeard, the strongest in the world, capable of anything. But deep down, you know you're not as strong as you once were," Rayleigh continued, taking a sip of his wine and sighing softly. "Dealing with the might of the Marines won't be easy."
"Time spares no one. Even the mightiest can't defy its passage," he added.
"I may be powerful, but I'm only human, not some unstoppable force," Whitebeard muttered, lifting a massive wine jug to his lips and taking a deep swig.
"Nevertheless, I'm determined to save Ace. I have absolute faith in that," he declared with resolve.
Rayleigh glanced up, observing Whitebeard's laughter, his expression shifting slightly as he pieced something together.
"Whitebeard, you're not considering..." Rayleigh began cautiously.
"Why wouldn't I? Rayleigh, our time has passed. This new era belongs to youngsters like him," Whitebeard replied, casting a fond gaze towards Luffy.
"Just as you've chosen this young man, I have my successor in Ace. He's a fine son, destined to carry on my legacy and soar across these seas," he concluded with conviction.
"This is your resolve," Rayleigh realized, comprehending his old friend's mindset completely.
He joined this war with the conviction that his life was forfeit. Few could fathom the dread of marching into battle with such a belief. Especially for Whitebeard, renowned as the strongest man alive, facing his twilight years, igniting a war with his very last breath.
Rayleigh's thoughts turned to Roger. In their final moments, men of a legend like them could summon forth a vigour surpassing imagination. Sengoku, the World Government, and the rest—whatever schemes they concocted this time, they'd likely crumble in the face of such determination.
As Rayleigh peered into Whitebeard's resolute gaze, a plan formed in his mind.
"Now that you've decided, I have a suggestion. What if we make Luffy the centrepiece of this battle?" Rayleigh proposed with a smile.
"Him?" Whitebeard glanced at the puzzled Luffy before him.
"With his current strength, he's no mere side character wherever he goes," Rayleigh explained. "But if we concentrate our forces around Luffy, we might fare better."
This was Rayleigh's purpose in coming here. The upcoming war would surpass anything the world had seen. Admirals' prowess was formidable, but they would hesitate even on such a battlefield. Luffy's unpredictable nature could lead him astray from the main force, exposing him to the risk of being besieged by multiple Admiral-level opponents. Even with his formidable Gear Fifth, such a situation would be perilous, especially with numerous Vice Admirals and soldiers nearby.
However, the Whitebeard Pirates boasted formidable strength. Their captains and allies were renowned throughout the New World, a force to be reckoned with.
Including those independent captains, the Whitebeard Pirates possess a formidable fighting force, making them a significant power within the Four Emperors group. It's a force the Marines cannot afford to underestimate, and it's precisely this strength that gives the World Government headaches.
Their core group, along with the combined might of their allied pirate crews, forms an elite fighting force capable of waging large-scale wars. With such substantial support, Luffy's position on the battlefield would be greatly eased, as others would share the pressure from all directions.
"No way," Whitebeard observed Luffy intently. "He's a good lad, and I hold him in high regard. But, Rayleigh, I need to know: What's your assessment of him, and how far are you willing to go for him?" Whitebeard's gaze bore into Rayleigh's.
Cooperation among seafaring men hinges greatly on mutual understanding, especially for stalwarts like Whitebeard.
"Doesn't the Oro Jackson still stand for something?" Rayleigh chuckled softly.
"Not nearly enough," Whitebeard replied tersely. "I'll join the fray, even if it means risking my life, to aid Luffy in rescuing Ace and ensuring his safe exit from the battlefield."
Rayleigh met Whitebeard's gaze, their eyes locking in a sharp, sword-like intensity.
"You're spot on. Our time has come and gone. I've glimpsed the rising tide of this new era, and I'm ready to be swept away in its tumultuous currents," Whitebeard declared with a hearty laugh.
"You haven't changed a bit, Gurararara, Rayleigh," he chuckled.
It had been many days since Ace's departure, and Whitebeard hadn't laughed this hard in ages.
"What about you, kid?" Whitebeard turned to Luffy.
"No matter what stands in my way, I'll punch through it. I'll save Ace, even if it costs me my life," Luffy declared, rising to his feet. His straw hat wobbled atop his head as he spoke loudly.
Whitebeard glanced at the determined young man, noting the hint of Haki in his gaze and the familiar, slightly worn straw hat.
"This hat may be old, but it's always been there," Rayleigh remarked with a smile.
"Gurararara," Whitebeard laughed boldly. "Then let's take on the Marines in a grand battle!"
His heroic laughter seemed to uplift the entire gathering, dispelling the sombre atmosphere.
After a while, Whitebeard stood before the assembled crew, flanked by Luffy on one side and Rayleigh on the other.
"The war has begun, my comrades," Whitebeard proclaimed, raising his long sword to the sky with a resounding roar.
Cheers erupted, echoing through the sky.
As time passed, two days flew by, and at dawn, Marineford, the port of Naval Headquarters, bustled with activity.
Admirals Kizaru and Aokiji boarded the warship alongside the conflicted Garp.
Today marked the government's public execution of Ace, a day they couldn't evade.
"Let's set sail," Garp uttered, his expression heavy with emotion.
Aokiji let out a slight sigh, casting a glance at Garp before addressing the Marine soldier.
Over a dozen warships sailed out of the port in unison, bound for Impel Down, the prison facility.
Inside Naval Headquarters, in a spacious meeting room, Sengoku stood atop a raised platform, watching the departing warships with a heavy heart. Despite having meticulously planned for the impending war over many days, he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty or absolute confidence in their chances of victory.
"Is everything in order, Sengoku?" Tsuru, her figure slender, approached Sengoku and inquired.
"Yes, all preparations that could be made have been made. Now, we must simply wait and see how this war unfolds," Sengoku replied somberly.
"Aren't you concerned about Whitebeard heading straight for Impel Down?" Tsuru pressed.
"The Three Gates of Justice. In the inner sea, there are unique sea currents. When those gates close, ships are trapped. Headquarters maintains absolute control. If Whitebeard attempts to assault Impel Down, the Gates of Justice will be sealed shut. The Whitebeard Pirates will be like a trapped turtle," Sengoku explained.
"What if they attempt to hijack the ship during Ace's escort?" Tsuru questioned further.
"We're positioned so close to the Gate of Justice that if Whitebeard hijacks the ship after it passes through, Borsalino and Aokiji will be sufficient to hold him off," Sengoku asserted.
"With Aokiji's ability to freeze the sea, Whitebeard would be forced into a defensive position. Additionally, if they do manage to hijack the ship, they won't be able to bring their full pirate forces into play. It would be akin to severing their own arm," he concluded.
Sengoku spoke with a deep, contemplative tone, having weighed all potential scenarios.
"The optimal move for Whitebeard would be to snatch Firefist Ace right from under our noses in Marineford. That would severely diminish our chances of victory. However, facing Whitebeard, even with this understanding, I can't muster an ounce of confidence."
Having clashed with Whitebeard numerous times, Sengoku understood better than anyone the formidable challenge he posed.
"If only Whitebeard would attack Impel Down, we could relax a bit," a bored voice chimed in from the side.
The waiting period before a war was excruciatingly dull, especially for the powerful.
"He won't," Sengoku asserted with conviction. "Whitebeard is too cunning to fall into such an obvious trap. He'll surely appear before me in a scenario I haven't anticipated."
Having pursued Whitebeard in his youth, Sengoku considered them old adversaries.
"And what about the other Four Emperors? If they join the fray, we'll be completely on the back foot," Tsuru interjected, aiming to help Sengoku navigate through the conversation and find clarity.
"The other Four Emperors? Those old timers up there took care of it," Sengoku replied. If the World Government hadn't offered such assurances, they wouldn't dare to engage in war with Whitebeard.
Disrupting the delicate balance of power in the sea was no laughing matter. If mishandled, it could result in catastrophe. While the Marines held sway as the strongest force in the sea individually, even they couldn't withstand a unified assault from the Four Emperors.
"Up there? Is it a case of trading favours among the elite?" Tsuru inquired flatly as if seeing through the entire situation.
Red Line, Holy Land Mariejois.
Pangea Castle, at the intersection of powers.
...begging for a blossom...
Five Elders convened here, seated around a long table.
"Aren't we rushing into this war a bit too eagerly?" one Elder in a black hat remarked calmly. "In my view, we could postpone this conflict for about a year, giving us more breathing room."
"One year's worth of variables is too much," another Elder, clad in Taoist garb and wielding a demonic sword, countered. "Timing is crucial in wielding the blade of power. Now is the opportune moment."
"Speaking of which, didn't we foster this balance?" the blond Elder interjected, resting his chin on his hands with a serene demeanour. "We knew from the outset that this balance would eventually be shattered."
"The era of the Great Pirates has lingered for far too long. Our failure to execute Roger back then has led us to this juncture. Ending the life of another Great Pirate will mark the end of this era," the tall, gaunt Elder resembling Whitebeard murmured.
The bald, moustachioed Elder chimed in sharply, "Through this war, we'll assert the authority of the World Government to the entire world."
The Elder in the black cap remained silent. It was too late for further discussion, and his earlier remarks were merely sentimental. Instead, he inquired, "Are all preparations in place?"
"Shanks has arranged for Kaido to stand down, and Big Mom has assured us of her non-involvement," came the response.
"Pirates will be pirates. They're easily swayed by the promise of profit," another Elder remarked. "If they weren't pirates, they'd pose a greater threat. Despite their strength and ambition, their foresight and wisdom still lag behind."
"In any case, after this war, the sea's balance will be upset, and we'll need to undertake the necessary measures to restore order," the discussion concluded.
"Prepare to usher in a new era, everyone."
The commanding voice resonated with authority, subtly dictating the course of the world.
These were the Five Elders, the apex of global power, overseeing and shaping the world's destiny.
Silent and watchful, they awaited the outcome of a war they believed was already decided.
Somewhere in the New World, a stretch of sea.
"Is this the handiwork of the World Government?" Shanks on the Red Force, gazing at the flag of the Beast Pirates opposite, his expression veiled in uncertainty.
"Shanks, do you have what it takes to kill me?" Kaido taunted from the approaching ship, standing boldly on the bow with a menacing mace in hand.
"It seems passage won't be granted easily," Shanks responded calmly, drawing his renowned blade from his waist and aiming it squarely at Kaido with a determined look.
"Are you prepared to meet your end, Kaido?"
At Marine Headquarters in Marineford, warships encircled the island, their cannons trained on the sea before Naval Headquarters.
But that wasn't all. In front of the execution platform, a tall wall had been erected, topped with torches.
Within the enclosure, Marine soldiers stood in formation, their ranks densely packed.
Atop the execution platform, three high-backed chairs sat prominently.
These were the Marine's foremost combatants, the three Admirals.
Kizaru, Akainu, Aokiji—each renowned in the seas.
Beneath them, the Shichibukai, with their composed demeanour.
Further ahead, Marine's top Vice Admirals—Giant Vice Admiral, Tsuru, and Zephyr—stood resolute.
The sight of such formidable forces instilled a sense of despair in onlookers.
Even Fire Fist Ace, seasoned by countless battles at sea, couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The might of the Marines here far surpassed that of any single Emperor's crew.
At this moment, he couldn't help but wish that his father and his fellow Whitebeard Pirates would stay away.
"If only I had foreseen this, I would have never let you set sail," a sombre voice murmured beside Ace.
He turned to find the towering figure of the old man seated next to him.
"Grandpa," Ace muttered, surprised to see Garp beside him.
"Hey, Garp, you're not supposed to be here," Sengoku interjected, scolding Garp.
"I know, Sengoku. Let me stay for a while," Garp replied softly. Though Sengoku wanted to protest, he couldn't bring himself to when he saw the anguish in his old friend's eyes.
"Hmph, suit yourself," Sengoku grumbled, ignoring Garp.
He understood Garp's inner conflict—torn between his sense of justice and his familial ties. This war was, in a way, a torment for him as well.
Refocusing on the distant seas, Sengoku noticed a hazy fog obscuring the horizon, making it difficult to discern anything. But as a massive black silhouette emerged from the mist, everyone snapped to attention.
The Whitebeard Pirates had arrived.
The war had begun inch by inch.
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