Chapter 149: Marineford War

The world braces for the imminent execution of Portgas D. Ace at Marineford. Tensions run high as debates rage over whether Whitebeard, despite his age and the overwhelming Marine forces, will attempt a rescue. While some doubt it, many acknowledge Whitebeard's legendary strength, with even children singing songs about him. As Ace is brought to the execution stand, Marineford prepares for battle, positioning over 100,000 elite troops and powerful Warlords of the Sea, including Kuma, Moria, Doflamingo, Mihawk, and Hancock.

With the countdown to execution ticking down, the Marines brace for Whitebeard's forces, while Luffy and his allies from Impel Down approach Marineford, seeking a way in. In a tense moment, Sengoku, the Marine Fleet Admiral, makes a shocking announcement to the world: Ace is not Whitebeard's son but the son of the notorious Gol D. Roger. Sengoku recounts how Ace's mother, Portgas D. Rouge, defied the odds by carrying him for 20 months, eventually dying after his birth, and how Roger had asked Garp to protect his child, insisting Ace shouldn't be punished for his lineage. This revelation stuns the world, setting the stage for the storm ahead.

In "Ace's Past: The Emperor Whitebeard," Ace's connection with Gol D. Roger and Whitebeard is explored, revealing secrets as Whitebeard arrives at Marineford to save him. The world reels from the revelation that Ace is Roger's son, a secret hidden for years, with Garp reflecting on his past encounters with Roger. Roger had entrusted Ace's care to Garp, aware that the World Government would pursue his child. Ace's mother, Portgas D. Rouge, managed to carry him for 20 months before passing away from exhaustion, leaving him in Garp's hands.

Ace's early pirate days reveal how he formed the Spade Pirates, eventually catching Whitebeard's attention. Despite initial resistance, Ace later joined Whitebeard's crew, becoming the Second Division Commander. Whitebeard's influence was profound, and when Blackbeard killed Thatch, Ace set off to avenge him, leading to his eventual capture.

As the Marines prepare for battle, Whitebeard arrives, triggering massive seaquakes with his Devil Fruit powers, threatening Marineford itself. The confrontation could alter the future of piracy, as Whitebeard's 47 pirate ships face the full might of Marine Headquarters.

The chaotic battle at Marineford. Whitebeard unleashes tsunamis with his Gura Gura no Mi powers, forcing Aokiji to freeze the waves. The Warlords of the Sea, including Mihawk, Kizaru, Akainu, and Hancock, join the fray, showcasing their formidable powers. Marco, the First Division Commander, reveals his mythical Phoenix Devil Fruit, taking on Kizaru in the skies, while Jozu blocks Mihawk's slash, and Akainu melts a massive iceberg with his magma powers, targeting Whitebeard's ships. Little Oars Jr., a giant pirate, charges toward the execution stand to save Ace, but he is severely wounded by the Warlords and Kuma's attack. Despite his injuries, he pushes forward, motivated by Ace's past kindness.

Whitebeard orders his forces to press on, taking advantage of Oars Jr.'s sacrifice. Meanwhile, Luffy and his Impel Down allies arrive, crashing into the frozen waves. As Luffy descends into the fight, the confrontation intensifies, and both sides brace for the next wave.

The battle escalates as Luffy and his Impel Down allies reach Marineford. Their ship crashes, but they survive. Luffy and Ace finally meet eyes, with Ace surprised and upset at Luffy's decision to rescue him. Various figures react to the arrival of Luffy and the other escapees, including Crocodile, former prisoners, Marines, and Warlords. The revelation that Luffy is the son of the Revolutionary Dragon shocks many, yet Luffy remains unfazed.

Luffy and Whitebeard exchange words, with Luffy declaring he'll rescue Ace and become Pirate King. Whitebeard admires Luffy's determination, cautioning him to stay out of his way, but Luffy insists on rescuing his brother. As the battle rages, Luffy confronts multiple Marines, including Mihawk, Smoker, and Kuma, with help from allies like Ivankov and Hancock. The battlefield becomes chaotic as Warlords like Moria and Doflamingo clash with pirates and Marines.

Despite Ace's pleas for Luffy to stop, Luffy fights on, shouting that they're brothers and he doesn't care about piracy's rules. The fight escalates with new threats, including a fleet of Pacifistas led by Sentomaru, appearing to bolster Marine forces. Whitebeard realizes the Marines are trying to outmaneuver them. Luffy's determination to save Ace mirrors Whitebeard's resolve against the Marines, with the battle drawing to its critical point.

Sentomaru arrives with a fleet of Pacifistas modeled after Kuma. Horrified by their strength, the pirates are shocked by their numbers, while Sentomaru confirms that the plan to trap the pirates has faltered. The Pacifistas unleash powerful laser attacks, devastating the pirates, while Whitebeard urges his men to push toward the execution platform. Luffy attempts to reach Ace but is kicked back by Kizaru. Jinbe steps in to aid Luffy, while Whitebeard's commanders clash with the Admirals.

Amid the chaos, Squard, a member of Whitebeard's crew, stabs Whitebeard, accusing him of selling out the other pirate captains for his own crew's safety. The betrayal shocks everyone, including Ace and Luffy, but Whitebeard forgives Squard, explaining that the Marines manipulated him. Whitebeard shatters the frozen waves, creating an escape route for the pirates, reaffirming his crew's loyalty.

Though weakened, Whitebeard charges toward the execution platform, causing massive earthquakes that shake Marineford. The Marines respond with defensive walls and cannon fire, as Sengoku orders Akainu to launch a magma assault. Whitebeard's attacks only partially succeed, and Luffy continues to fight toward Ace, though he faces increasing obstacles.

During the Battle of Marineford, Luffy unknowingly releases a powerful burst of Supreme King Haki, shocking both allies and foes. Vice Admiral Doberman warns the Marines that Luffy must be stopped, fearing his potential. Ivankov notes that although Luffy is unaware of his Haki powers, his indomitable will and charisma draw others to him—a trait he shares with his father, Dragon. Whitebeard, observing Luffy's resolve, instructs his forces to protect Luffy, intrigued by the young pirate's potential.

As Luffy continues his pursuit of Ace, he narrowly avoids an attack from Mihawk, with Mr. 1 and then Crocodile stepping in to protect him. Meanwhile, Hancock disrupts the Marines' ranks, declaring "love is a hurricane" as she aids Luffy. Ivankov then calls upon Inazuma, who creates a path, bringing Luffy even closer to Ace.

When Luffy reaches his grandfather, Marine Vice Admiral Garp, he demands that Garp move aside. Though Garp vows to oppose Luffy as a Marine, he hesitates, allowing Luffy to knock him down. This pivotal moment provides Luffy with the chance to reach Ace.

Just as Luffy is about to unlock Ace's cuffs with a key provided by Hancock, Admiral Kizaru destroys it. At that moment, Mr. 3, disguised as a Marine, steps up and uses his wax powers to create a makeshift key. After a fierce struggle—including a massive attack by Sengoku in his Daibutsu form that causes the scaffold to collapse—Luffy, Ace, and Mr. 3 fall to safety.

Through a tunnel of flames, Ace finally emerges, free at last. Grabbing Luffy, Ace, both grateful and exasperated by Luffy's reckless courage, prepares to join him for the final leg of their escape.