Chương 50: The Aftermath (II)

The day before the infamous events on Jaya Island, Straw Hat Luffy made headlines across the Grand Line by taking down the Warlord Crocodile in Alabasta. The world was left in shock—a rookie pirate, an unknown in the eyes of most, had bested one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. For the World Government, this wasn't just an embarrassment; it was a major upset in their power balance. The top brass held an urgent meeting, bringing in influential leaders and decision-makers to fill Crocodile's vacant position and restore the status quo. During that meeting, an unexpected figure emerged from the Blackbeard Pirates.

Lafitte, a strange and enigmatic member of Blackbeard's crew, took the opportunity to step forward with a proposal. He suggested a new name for the open Warlord seat—a name unfamiliar to the government. Though cautious, they were intrigued; Blackbeard was an enigma, but his network was formidable. Lafitte hinted that Blackbeard had powerful allies, including one who could infiltrate even Mary Geoise without a trace. In the end, the government agreed to consider Lafitte's proposal, with one condition: the Blackbeard Pirates would need to make a bold move, something to prove that Blackbeard could hold his weight among the Seven Warlords.

The next day, the world was shaken once again. News spread about a clash of unimaginable intensity between two pirates on Jaya Island. One of the fighters was none other than Fire Fist Ace, Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. The other was a name that sent whispers of awe and dread through the world's dark underbelly: Blackbeard. While the details of the battle remained under wraps, rumors spread of an island torn apart by fire and darkness, where the very ground was scorched, and the air crackled with an unnatural force long after the combatants had left.

Admiral Aokiji personally traveled to the scene to contain the damage and prevent the truth from spreading too widely. Despite his efforts, rumors seeped out, growing and evolving into legends whispered in taverns and ports across the seas. It was said that fire and darkness clashed endlessly on that desolate island, as though the battle had imprinted itself upon the land. It was the kind of tale that ignited dreams and ambitions among pirates and drifters who had forgotten their own reasons for venturing into the Grand Line. In that ghostly aftermath, many were reminded of the spirit that had originally driven them to seek adventure on the open seas. With renewed fervor, thousands of pirates raised their Jolly Rogers high, determined to test their mettle and find their place in a world filled with new possibilities.

Meanwhile, Portgas D. Ace was taken to the lowest level of Impel Down, personally escorted by Admiral Aokiji. In secrecy, the World Government prepared for the storm that would follow, knowing all too well the power Whitebeard would unleash upon learning his "son" was in chains. Until all arrangements were in place, Ace's imprisonment would be kept under the strictest silence. And yet, the gears of fate moved steadily. The day after Ace's capture, the government announced the appointment of a new Warlord of the Sea—a pirate named Marshall D. Teach, known to the world now as Blackbeard.

The world moved on, like a machine driven by gears hidden from ordinary eyes. Yet, to those with intuition and foresight, it felt as though everything was on the edge of a precipice, as though the world itself was holding its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

One week later, the Straw Hat Pirates arrived at Jaya. They wanted to find information about an island in the sky. However, when they reached Jaya, they were greeted by a scene of destruction, the remnants of Ace and Blackbeard's battle lingering in the charred earth and broken landscape. A few locals had witnessed parts of the fight, and they eagerly shared what little they knew. Luffy listened in stunned silence, piecing together the story as best he could. While the result of the fight remained unknown, one thing was clear: his brother, Ace, had fought here. The intensity of the battle was undeniable, and its devastation revealed to Luffy how far he still had to go. He felt the gap between him and Ace—the sheer strength his brother possessed. But rather than being disheartened, Luffy felt only excitement. His dream of becoming Pirate King seemed more exhilarating than ever, and the thought of one day reaching Ace's level filled him with anticipation.

Meanwhile, a masked figure with a broken sword arrived on the Sabaody Archipelago. This man was the only one, besides the Marines, who truly knew the outcome of the battle on Jaya. His name was Zephyr, and he moved through the bustling archipelago with purpose. Though he kept a low profile, the weight of the recent events was unmistakable in his every step. The scars he bore, the half-shattered sword at his side—each was a testament to the battle he had witnessed, a reminder of his resolve. But his mind was focused on what lay ahead. He had business on Sabaody—a new sword awaited him, one that could replace the weapon that had been damaged in the poison-laden explosion. And more importantly, he would finally reunite with his crew after three years apart.

Zephyr's spirits were high, and he walked with the sense that the world was about to shift. He could almost hear the faint sound of drums in the distance, a warlike rhythm that signaled the start of a coming storm. A war that will mark his grand return, a war that will provide him with countless opportunities, and a war that was important for him to achieve his ambition. For Zephyr, the anticipation was electric.

In the background, a storm was brewing. The world itself seemed to sense it, poised on the edge of transformation. The events that would unfold soon would bring chaos to every corner of the sea. And for Zephyr, the chaos would be a ladder, one he intended to climb to unimaginable heights.

It was a beautiful day, a day filled with promise. The sun rose brightly over Sabaody as Zephyr strode toward his future, unaware of the exact steps ahead but fully aware that he would be part of a new era, an upheaval that would alter the world. The peace was only temporary; the coming days would bring a war that would mark him and countless others.

And on this perfect, quiet morning, he was ready.