The Blackbeard Pirates failed to secure a victory, but Kizaru had fought hard, and it was expected that Blackbeard would flee with all his might. As for Sabo's escape, it was not a failure on Fujitora's part, but rather the result of Akainu's inability to suppress the Straw Hats. Had the Straw Hats been pinned down, Sabo would have eventually been captured by Fujitora, meaning the strategic failure rested on Akainu. Akainu did not blame Fujitora but instead offered comfort, though he worried about how he would handle the inevitable scolding from the Celestial Dragons and Commander Kong.
Half a day later, the small warship and the Moby Dick arrived near the Calm Belt, where the Thousand Sunny and the submarine joined them. Judge, feeling the immense pressure of being near two Emperors of the Sea, immediately chose to depart. Carl gave the small warship to Judge, who hurriedly left with his three sons before he could speak to Reiju, intending to return to their foothold in the North Blue.
Ace, Sabo, I did not expect us to meet again so soon! Luffy exclaimed. He and his two brothers bumped fists, their faces glowing with irrepressible smiles. Ace and Sabo shared the sentiment, feeling the weight of their reunion after the Summit War.
Luffy, it is not the time to catch up on the past, Carl interrupted. Akainu is not far, and the North Blue is not safe. Let us go to the Calm Belt, find an uninhabited island, and hold a banquet in peace. Luffy agreed, and Carl and Sanji used their abilities to propel all three ships toward the Calm Belt. As Carl feared, Fujitora soon used his gravity powers to fly a warship toward them, carrying Akainu and Kizaru. Fortunately, the group was fast enough to avoid being entangled again.
They soon found a suitable island in the Calm Belt and decided to make camp. Once the ships landed, Carl complained, I said Whitebeard, your boat is too heavy; even if I were not injured, it would be difficult to fly! Chopper had wrapped Carl in three layers of bandages, and he was in no state to argue, as his injuries from Big Mom remained severe.
Koo la la la! Then I am sorry, how about I buy you a cup later? Whitebeard laughed heartily. It is an honor to have Whitebeard pay for the wine, so I forgive you! Carl replied. The two spoke as equals, a dynamic established during their previous meeting at Water 7.
The crews began preparing for the banquet, competing to see who could hunt the most prey and pile up the ingredients within ten hours. Sanji took charge of the kitchen, directing the Whitebeard Pirates' chefs, while others moved drinks and fruit. The medical teams worked diligently to treat the remaining wounded.
Luffy, Carl, Zoro, and Law sat with Whitebeard, Marco, and Ace, while Sabo joined them. Ace, you do not want to avoid taking responsibility for your sister-in-law like you did before, do you? Luffy asked, revisiting an old topic. Ace blushed, feeling too lazy to explain himself again, especially since he had already promised Whitebeard he would help rescue Yamato. That is right! Do not worry, when the time comes, I will blow Kaido away, and no one will stop you from marrying Yamato! Luffy cheered.
Sabo, who was initially confused, gathered from Luffy's explanation that Ace was involved with Kaido's daughter, Yamato, who was currently imprisoned. Then I will go too! Sabo declared, insisting that he could not stay behind when a sister-in-law was in need of rescue.
Luffy laughed, We will go together! When Ace and his bride marry, we will toast her. By the way, Sabo, when you marry your second sister-in-law, remember to inform us! Sabo was taken aback, wondering how the conversation had turned toward his own romantic life.
Ace, do not listen to Luffy's nonsense, it is nothing! Sabo's ears turned bright red. Sabo! Do you not want to be responsible for Koala? Luffy pressed. Sabo remained stunned, unable to respond. Ace, recognizing that he was no longer the sole target of Luffy's teasing, chose to stay silent and let his brother endure the same interrogation.
Eventually, Sabo conceded: Luffy, do not worry about this. I will discuss it with Koala myself, and if we decide to marry, I will definitely notify you. Satisfied, Luffy immediately grabbed a plate of meat as it was served. Carl watched the scene with an unkind smile, having forgotten that he had been the one to start the rumors. Come on, Carl boy, I will pay you for the wine! Whitebeard said, pouring Carl a bowl of his finest collection with a pained expression.
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