Chương 263: It's the timeskip, isn't it
Kotoamatsukami, or as Ken used to call it, the 'total mindfuck'. It was one of the abilities of the Mangekyo Sharingan of Shisui, who could alter a person's past experiences or create entirely fabricated memories that could fundamentally change a person on multiple levels. This power had the potential to turn an enemy into an ally or even drive someone to the point of suicide due to false recollections.
In the world of Naruto, Danzo had acquired Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan after killing him. This, in turn, allowed Sabo to obtain that same Mangekyo Sharingan. When Sengoku had come close to them while pursuing Ace, Sabo had directly employed this technique, reshaping Sengoku's thoughts. Even if Sengoku had tried, he wouldn't have been able to harm Ace, as he simply couldn't find it in his heart.
Sabo didn't instantaneously transform Sengoku from an enemy to an ally; he merely adjusted certain significant experiences in Sengoku's life. Over time, this would lead to a change of allegiance. Sabo had actually wanted to influence Akainu, but that fiery-tempered individual had wisely kept his distance, making it impossible for Sabo to tamper with his thoughts.
As a result, Sengoku was showing great leniency towards Ken, or else he would have pounced on him the moment he returned to the Kamui dimension. Ken was now back on the ship and noticed that Luffy had awakened and was running around, shouting. Upon seeing Ken, Luffy leaped up and demanded a feast.
"Ken, you scoundrel, I've been starving while waiting for you. I haven't eaten a thing in the last 10 minutes. It's your fault," Luffy declared.
"You devoured a whole sea beast just 10 minutes ago," Sanji interjected, though it seemed to fall on deaf ears, as Luffy insisted it was Ken's fault for not arriving much sooner.
"Hai.. Hai.. Sorry, Captain.. Shall we have a feast?"
"Yosha!" Luffy cheered. Everyone gathered, including Ace, Sabo, and Jinbei. The escaped prisoners had already departed with the Whitebeard Pirates, dispersing before reaching the New World.
Ken had instructed Bon Clay to form his own crew separate from Buggy, with the assistance of Ivankov, and arrange to meet up at Dressrosa later, where Ken would give the signal. Bon Clay accepted the entire mission and set off on his way. Only Jinbei remained with them.
Ace wasn't really in the mood for a full-blown banquet. He was feeling low. His father had passed away, and he couldn't shake off the guilt. Luffy tried to lift his spirits, but Ace didn't quite sync with the festive atmosphere, though he did eat his fill. Jinbei, too, was in a somber mood, but he was grateful that, aside from Whitebeard, nothing had happened to the others, including Ace.
He had a suspicion that Whitebeard had intentionally met his end during the war, hoping to push the world into a more turbulent era of piracy. Luffy dozed off again after the feast and it appeared he needed the rest. Chopper examined him and assured everyone that he was fine.
"Is Luffy alright? He never sleeps like that," Sabo inquired.
"He is fine. Just a bit more tired, like the rest of the crew," Chopper said.
"Did they ask for Sengoku?" Jinbei inquired, knowing that Ken had kidnapped him.
"Yes. Grandpa called once and asked me to meet him. The World Government is ready to negotiate any price," Ken smirked.
"This is probably a trap," Ace warned.
"Of course it is, but they still can't touch me," Ken boasted, proud of his abilities. The others nodded, having witnessed how powerless everyone was against Ken on the battlefield.
"Ace, where will you go from here?" Ken asked.
"I will return to my crew with Jinbei," Ace replied.
"Alright, I will leave you all in Sabaody, and you can depart from there. We have things to do in Sabaody," Ken said.
"Like what?" Sabo asked.
"With the power we have at the moment, it is not enough to venture into the New World. So I want every one of us to train for the next two years and then return," Ken explained. Everyone, including the Straw Hats, was surprised by Ken's words.
"That does make sense. If you go to the New World, sure you might not get hurt, but you'll also be vulnerable there," Sabo admitted, and Ace concurred. Even Ace knew he wasn't at the top, and he'd be crushed if he faced a Yonko.
"Will Luffy be okay with it?" Chopper asked.
"I think he will accept the fact. He faced the Admirals, though he was able to take them down, it didn't mean that he would be able to control himself," Ken reasoned. This was true. When Luffy had the crown, he was different, but he paid the price for it the next moment.
"Franky, take us to Sabaody," Ken instructed.
"Right away," Franky said, and the ship slowly sailed towards Sabaody while Luffy continued to sleep. Meanwhile, Garp had called him again and asked to meet at Sabaody. They arrived at Sabody pretty fast, allowing Sabo, Ace, and Jinbei to disembark. In fact, Ken wanted to invite Jinbei right then and there but held off.
He simply asked Jinbei to be present at Fishman Island when they arrived later. Jinbei promised and was elated that the Straw Hats had welcomed him with such open arms. He was grateful for that, and in addition, Ken himself gave him the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hats to be hung above the palace.
Luffy had woken up and was able to bid his farewell to Ace, promising to meet again.
"Ace, remember your promises. Stay away from Blackbeard. He may be down, but he's not defeated. We'll take him down together," Ken emphasized. Luffy, too, pledged to take down Blackbeard together.
As they said their goodbyes, the Straw Hats returned to the Shakki bar. And as expected Rayleigh was there, and probably waiting for them.
"I expected you to come but not this fast."
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