"You've heard about Whitebeard's Second Division Commander, right?"
When Rōmu spoke, Tesoro answered immediately without hesitation:
"Of course, Supreme Leader. The news has already spread throughout the underworld."
Rōmu's expression didn't change. He had expected this.
After all, with his support, Tesoro now controlled nearly 30% of the world's Beli, straddling both the light and dark sides of society. Known as the Golden Emperor, if even he didn't know something, it would be stranger if anyone did.
Rōmu thought briefly, then said:
"Find out the Marines' exact timetable for Ace's execution."
Just then, a subordinate wearing a gilded mask entered Tesoro's office.
He was about to speak—when he saw Tesoro abruptly raise an arm, signaling silence. Tesoro then bowed his head deeply toward the Den-Den Mushi with utmost reverence.
"Yes, Supreme Leader."
The subordinate froze on the spot, eyes wide in disbelief.
This was Tesoro—the ruler of Gran Tesoro, master of 30% of the world's wealth, a man who could sway nations with money and even manipulate Celestial Dragons. A tyrant of the dark world who normally feared no one.
Yet now… he was so respectful. Calling the unseen person on the line "Supreme Leader."
Tesoro noticed the shock on his subordinate's face, but his own expression remained solemn. He nodded repeatedly as Rōmu spoke, treating every word like sacred command.
"Good," Rōmu said at last. "That's all for now. Keep close watch on Ace. The moment you confirm the execution date, report to me immediately."
"Yes, Supreme Leader."
Even after Rōmu hung up, Tesoro still bowed slightly before placing the receiver down with care.
"Th-that person… who was that?" the subordinate asked hoarsely.
A sudden invisible pressure erupted from Tesoro.
He narrowed his eyes and said coldly:
"You're not qualified to know his name."
The subordinate's body jolted. He realized he had overstepped and was about to beg forgiveness—
when he heard Tesoro murmur, almost to himself:
"He… is the true master of Gran Tesoro."
Tesoro ignored the stunned subordinate.
His mind drifted back to that day on the God Valley island, when he witnessed the apocalyptic battle.
Like everyone else, he had believed Rōmu died alongside those thirteen terrifying beings.
Until the moment his lover Stella was about to be taken away by Celestial Dragons.
Rōmu appeared.
With an overwhelming sovereign aura, he crushed every noble present into unconsciousness… and saved Stella.
Then he tossed Tesoro a Devil Fruit—the Goru Goru no Mi.
As Tesoro trembled in gratitude, Rōmu left only one sentence:
"Show me your worth."
From that day on, Tesoro knew: his life belonged to Rōmu.
The memory ended.
Tesoro immediately issued orders:
"Transmit this command. Mobilize all channels. Gather intelligence on Whitebeard's Second Division Commander Ace."
With that single directive, Tesoro's global intelligence network roared into motion.
At the same time—
Many rulers and hidden powerhouses across the world received calls from Rōmu.
Enel of Skypiea.
Kōshirō of the East Blue.
Donquixote Doflamingo.
Chinjao of the Happo Navy.
Nearly every notable figure under Rōmu's shadow network was contacted.
Unlike Hancock and Tesoro, most of them didn't know his true identity—only that he was an unfathomably powerful existence they served in secret.
After finishing the final call, Rōmu lay back upon the giant crimson flower beneath him.
"That should notify everyone…"
He stared at the ceiling, mentally reviewing his network. Once satisfied, a faint smile curved his lips.
"Imu…"
"I'd like to see what cards you still have this time."
A faint glow began to ripple across his body, forming ancient markings.
This was his greatest reliance for stepping back onto the world stage during the coming war:
Perfect Sage Mode.
While Rōmu prepared in full—
the Marines were also convening urgently.
Marineford — Fleet Admiral's Office
Sengoku, now Fleet Admiral, wore his seagull hat. His once-black afro now showed streaks of white. Age and burden had deepened his presence.
"How should Ace be handled?" he asked gravely.
Around the table sat Garp, the three Admirals, and Vice Admiral Tsuru in her wheelchair.
Sengoku's gaze lingered especially on Akainu and Aokiji.
He already had a decision in mind. This discussion was merely to observe them—choosing his eventual successor.
At that moment, Garp rose abruptly and walked toward the door, face dark.
"Garp!" Sengoku barked.
Garp ignored him and slammed the door behind him.
"You—!"
Sengoku bristled, but Tsuru shook her head gently.
"Let him be, Sengoku. That boy…"
She sighed heavily. Time had taken its toll; her once-radiant beauty had faded into quiet age.
Sengoku also sighed.
Ace had been raised alongside Garp's own grandson, Luffy. And thinking of Luffy only gave Sengoku another headache—Garp the Marine hero, yet his son led the Revolutionaries and his grandson became a pirate.
Akainu snorted, chest flowers trembling.
"What's there to discuss?"
He spoke with iron certainty:
"Public execution."
The words made everyone stiffen. Memories stirred—Roger's execution decades ago.
Sengoku clasped his hands and asked calmly:
"Aokiji. Your opinion?"
Aokiji exhaled cold breath.
"I think… he should be imprisoned first—"
"Imprisonment? Impossible!" Akainu cut in. "He must be executed publicly. And we must announce he is Roger's son. Crush the pirates' arrogance."
Aokiji replied evenly:
"Roger's public execution sparked the Great Age of Pirates. That alone proves public execution doesn't suppress piracy."
Sengoku watched silently. This clash was exactly what he wanted.
Akainu's voice thundered:
"Then it means we didn't kill enough! If Roger had been executed at Marineford, this era would never have happened!"
Aokiji's tone turned colder:
"What about God Valley forty years ago?"
The words hit like a depth charge.
All present involuntarily pictured one name:
Rōmu.
Aokiji continued:
"Roger surrendered willingly. His crew didn't rebel."
"But Ace is different. He's Whitebeard's commander. If executed, Whitebeard will never sit idle."
"And intelligence says Red-Haired Shanks is heading toward Whitebeard."
"Two Emperors meeting—whether or not another monster like Rōmu appears, Marineford will face a catastrophe."
Even the room's air seemed to freeze.
Only Akainu remained unmoved.
"So what?"
"Whitebeard? Red-Hair? Are either equal to Rōmu? Even Rōmu died!"
"If they come to Marineford, I'll—"
He turned sharply to Sengoku.
"Fleet Admiral. Decide."
Sengoku smiled faintly.
Akainu's stance matched his own.
He rose and declared:
"Announce this to the world!"
"Pirate Ace will be publicly executed at Marineford!"
The Marines and World Government moved swiftly.
Soon, every faction learned: Whitebeard's Second Division Commander Ace would be publicly executed at Marineford.
Though the date remained unknown, the world began to churn.
New World — A Certain Sea
A small boat drifted over dark waters.
A red-haired man in a black cloak crumpled a newspaper in his hand.
His gaze locked onto a distant ship—
bearing the black flag with the white crescent-moustached skull.
The flag of the Whitebeard Pirates.
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews (leave a review/comment!)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 60 chapters ahead on P@treon: patreon.com/KageNaruto