Chương 70: Newspaper Article

The Marineford Aftermath: A Week of Shockwaves

It has been a week since the events of Marineford, yet the world remains captivated by the unprecedented battle that unfolded—a war unlike any other, pitting two of the most powerful forces in existence against each other: the Whitebeard Pirates and the Navy HQ.

The scale of the war and the magnitude of the events that transpired cannot be captured in a single article. To address the insatiable thirst for information, we are publishing a special edition of The Marineford War Chronicle, a comprehensive magazine dedicated to the battle that reshaped the world. This edition will hit shelves next week, so act quickly! Pre-order now at your local vendor to receive a 10% discount. The first 1,000 buyers will also receive an exclusive collectible figurine. Supplies are limited, so don't wait—secure your copy today!

Sweeping Changes in the Navy

The war has left the Navy and its leadership in disarray. Fleet Admiral Sengoku has announced his retirement, citing injuries sustained during the battle and the weight of responsibility carried for decades. The question of who will succeed him as Fleet Admiral remains unanswered, but rumors suggest a heated contest between Admirals Aokiji and Akainu.

Vice Admiral Garp, the "Hero of the Marines," has also decided to retire from active duty. However, his retirement does not mark the end of his service. Garp will take on the role of head instructor for new recruits, a position that ensures the next generation of Marines will benefit from his unparalleled experience.

Adding to the turmoil is the relocation of Marine Headquarters itself. Whitebeard's climactic attack obliterated the island entirely, forcing the Navy to seek a new base of operations. The defeat at Marineford has shaken the organization's image as a beacon of "Justice," leaving many to question what further changes might lie ahead. Only time will reveal the Navy's next steps as it struggles to recover from this monumental blow.

A Yonko Seat Emptied: A World Poised for Conflict

The death of Whitebeard, the world's strongest man, has not only ended an era but also left a power vacuum in its wake. The balance of power, long maintained by the presence of the Four Emperors, is now broken. With one Yonko seat open, the race to fill it has begun, and the consequences could shape the seas for years to come.

Here are the top three contenders vying for the position, each a figure of immense power and influence.

Marshall D. Teach: The Darkness Rises

"Blackbeard" Marshall D. Teach

Bounty: 2,225,000,000 Berries

Marshall D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard, has risen from relative obscurity to become one of the most feared men in the world. Once a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, Teach betrayed his former captain and crew in a series of moves that shocked even the most hardened pirates.

Teach's initial claim to fame came when he captured Portgas D. Ace, earning him the title of Warlord of the Sea. However, his true nature was revealed during the Marineford War, where he arrived with a crew of prisoners from the dreaded Level 6 of Impel Down. These escapees, among the world's most dangerous criminals, now form Blackbeard's crew—a terrifying addition to his already fearsome presence.

But what makes Blackbeard truly dangerous is his Devil Fruit: the Yami Yami no Mi, a Logia-type fruit that grants him the power of darkness. This ability allows him to nullify the powers of other Devil Fruit users with a mere touch, a devastating advantage in a world where so many rely on their Devil Fruit abilities. Blackbeard's performance at Marineford, where he clashed with Admiral Akainu and held his own, cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Blackbeard's ambition is clear, and with the death of Whitebeard, he is poised to make his move.

Portgas D. Ace: The Flame Reignited

"Fire Fist" Portgas D. Ace

Bounty: 2,500,000,000 Berries

The son of the Pirate King Gold Roger and the chosen successor of Whitebeard, Portgas D. Ace stands as a living link to two of the most legendary pirates in history. Ace's survival at Marineford, where he was rescued from execution by the combined efforts of the Whitebeard Pirates and allies, has only solidified his place as a central figure in the world's new era.

Following Whitebeard's death, the commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates unanimously named Ace their new captain. As the leader of this powerful crew, Ace inherits not only Whitebeard's legacy but also the expectations of his crewmates and the world at large.

Ace's power as the user of the Mera Mera no Mi Devil Fruit, which grants him control over fire, was on full display during the war. He fought Admiral Aokiji to a stalemate, a feat few can claim. But beyond his strength lies his lineage—Ace's blood ties to Roger and Whitebeard make him a symbol of the old and new eras converging.

With the full might of the Whitebeard Pirates behind him, Ace is undeniably a frontrunner in the race for Yonko.

Zephyr: The Dark Horse

"Sword King" Zephyr

Bounty: 3,000,000,000 Berries

The most enigmatic contender in the Yonko race, Zephyr is a swordsman shrouded in mystery. Little was known about him before the war, with his last recorded bounty—just 25 million berries—dating back over three years. Official Navy records even listed him as "deceased," reportedly killed by a Rear Admiral. Yet the Marineford War revealed a vastly different reality.

Zephyr's feats during the war are nothing short of extraordinary. He clashed with multiple Warlords of the Sea and all three admirals, consistently emerging with the upper hand. Acting as the chief tactician for the Whitebeard Pirates without officially being a part of the crew, Zephyr displayed unparalleled strategic acumen, outmaneuvering Sengoku himself.

In combat, his mastery of swordsmanship proved unmatched. He critically injured Admiral Akainu in a joint attack with Blackbeard, and his ultimate show of strength brought thousands of Marines to their knees in an instant. Standing amidst the kneeling soldiers, clad in pitch-black armor with his eerie green eyes glowing, Zephyr looked every bit the king his moniker suggests.

Whether or not Zephyr has a crew remains unknown, but his individual strength alone makes him the man to watch in the race for Yonko.

The World Awaits

The death of Whitebeard and the events at Marineford have sent shockwaves through the Grand Line and beyond. The balance of power has shifted, and the era of chaos that follows will define the future. With the Navy rebuilding and pirates scrambling to claim dominance, the world stands on the brink of transformation.

For more exclusive coverage, including an in-depth look at Whitebeard's final moments and full-color images of the war's most iconic scenes, don't miss our upcoming Marineford War Chronicle. Reserve your copy today!

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In an oni-shaped island, an enormous man drank like a madman. The towering horns on his head and the scar across his chest made him unmistakable. He held the crumpled newspaper in his hand, his eyes scanning the headlines over and over. A subordinate had risked much to retrieve the paper during a visit to the SMILE factory.

"You've managed to die, Whitebeard!" he roared, his voice cracking with a mix of anger and despair. "Is there no one strong enough to kill me now!"

His eyes glistened with unshed tears, betraying the torment behind his words. Despite his declaration of fury, the grief in his tone was unmistakable. Commanding his men to bring more sake, Kaido poured himself drink after drink, desperate to drown the sorrow in his chest. In his desolate heart, the death of his rival left a void that nothing could fill. The loss of the only person that could actually kill him.

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In a land of living objects and sweets, a woman who looked more like a giant than a human threw her head back and laughed, her shrill voice ringing across the sugary streets.

"Mamamama! It seems Edward has kicked the bucket! New territory has opened up for me to take. Perospero, bring me more sweets! This is a celebration!"

She snapped the paper shut, her large hands nearly crushing it in her grip. The sight of the smiling Yonko in her glory struck fear into her children, but they obeyed without hesitation. Big Mom's cackles filled the air, drowning out the murmurs of her many subordinates. In her mind, Whitebeard's death was an opportunity, not a loss—a reason to feast and expand her empire.

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On a desert island, a young blue-haired princess received the newspaper with steady hands but a heavy heart. As a royal, she already knew of the Marineford War and its devastating consequences. Yet, seeing the face of a dark-haired swordsman with his arrogant gaze on the bounty poster sent a chill down her spine.

The memory of Little Garden flashed vividly in her mind, the fear as fresh as the day she had felt it. Even Crocodile, for all his cruelty, hadn't frightened her as much as this man had. She gripped the paper tightly and let out a shaky breath, her thoughts racing.

At least he isn't an enemy of my kingdom, she thought, a small consolation amid her unease. But the events at Marineford were a stark reminder of the sheer power wielded by people like him—power she could scarcely comprehend. She turned away from the paper, her resolve hardening. If she was to protect her home, she needed to grow stronger. Without another word, she resumed her morning training routine, her focus sharper than ever.

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On a small island in the North Blue, the newspaper arrived three days late. The island lacked a video transponder snail, so its residents had only heard rumors of the Marineford War.

A black-haired girl with bright blue eyes sat with her friends, playing their usual game of "Pirates & Marines." She had just turned twelve, full of restless energy and dreams of setting sail. When the news finally arrived, she was among the first to grab it, eagerly scanning the pages for Whitebeard's face.

Her excitement turned to shock as her gaze fell on a bounty poster. She froze, carefully counting the zeroes on the poster, her hands trembling. After confirming what she saw, she ran straight home, clutching the paper tightly.

Her mother sat in the living room, absorbed in a thick book. Without looking up, she sighed, "Anita, how many times have I told you not to disturb me while I'm reading?"

"Mom! Mom! Look, look!" Anita shouted, waving the paper frantically.

Her mother, still engrossed in her book, replied absentmindedly, "What is it this time?"

"It's about brother," Anita blurted, her voice breaking.

The mention of her son made her mother freeze. She lowered the book and snatched the paper from Anita's hands. Her eyes scanned the article, widening as they reached the name and face on the bounty poster. Tears welled up and spilled over, her shoulders trembling with silent sobs.

Hearing the commotion, Anita's father hurried into the room. "What's going on? Why are you two crying?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

His wife handed him the paper without a word. As he read the article, his expression shifted from shock to a bittersweet smile.

"It seems our boy is going to change the world soon," he said softly, his voice full of pride and pain. He turned to his wife and daughter, his own eyes glistening. "Why are you crying? This is a day to celebrate!"

Despite his words, tears rolled down his face. Anita and her mother exchanged glances before nodding. They all held onto the paper as if it were a lifeline, their tears falling in quiet tribute to the son they had never stopped believing in. He wasn't just alive but thriving in this world. They didn't know when they'll see him again and they didn't care. He was family after all. It was enough for them to know that he was okay.