While Dragon Soul was committing an act of such magnitude, the Whitebeard Pirates had officially returned to the New World.
With Whitebeard's return, the entire New World was in an uproar. News in these waters traveled slower via news coos, and the full results of the war had only just finished circulating shortly before their arrival. For a time, many remained skeptical or took a "wait and see" approach, but one thing was certain: the Whitebeard Pirates had not been defeated. Whitebeard and his commanders had returned alive and well.
However, the most explosive news from the war concerned the four brothers.
It was revealed that Fire Fist Ace, Commander of the Second Division, was the biological son of Pirate King Roger! Furthermore, his sworn younger brother, the rookie "Straw Hat" Luffy, was the son of the Revolutionary Dragon!
As for the other two, their strength was equally formidable: Sabo, the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, and a mysterious fourth brother—Dragon Soul—who, according to reports, had actually fought on par with a Navy Admiral!
Currently, the government had not officially released Dragon Soul's name, leaving the veteran journalist Morgans with a massive headache. He couldn't find any prior records on "Dragon Soul," making his identity a frustrating enigma.
Of course, the Navy knew exactly who he was—thanks to Vice Admiral Garp's "forthcoming" nature regarding his family tree.
Ace, Sabo, Dragon Soul, and Luffy. These four had gathered at Marineford, rescued Ace, and openly declared war on the World Government. Reports even detailed Dragon Soul's insults toward the Celestial Dragons and the Navy.
The world was stunned.
These brothers were each bolder than the last. To publicly call the Navy "the Celestial Dragons' dogs" at Marine Headquarters was an act of unprecedented arrogance. Most importantly, the reports emphasized that the brothers themselves were the ones who successfully rescued Ace; the world-renowned Whitebeard Pirates had "merely" acted as a containment force. While everyone understood that "containing" the entire Navy was a feat in itself, the fact that the brothers could shine so brightly on such a battlefield proved their terrifying potential.
They were being hailed as a legendary quartet. To become famous in a single battle—this was it.
At the end of the report, however, was a large section claiming that the rookie Straw Hat Luffy had died, accompanied by a prominent photo. Most people believed it instinctively, but the powerhouses at the peak of the New World remained skeptical.
Could the son of Revolutionary Dragon die so easily? Looking at the photo, "Straw Hat" looked less like a corpse and more like he was simply taking a nap...
"The Whitebeard Pirates are back..."
When the Moby Dick descended into their New World territory once again, they looked like a victorious army returning from the front lines. The ordinary citizens under Whitebeard's protection were overjoyed. In the New World, where pirates were rampant and lawless, life for civilians without protection was a literal hell. The Four Emperors were their best—and only—option.
While some rejoiced, others worried.
Aboard the Moby Dick, Whitebeard sat on his high throne, looking down at his gathered sons. "New World... we have returned."
The crew was filled with emotion. Though they had only been gone for a few days, it felt like a century. "War is hell" was not just a saying; only those who had lived through it understood the weight of the peace they had taken for granted.
"However, the Whitebeard Pirates cannot continue as we have. You all should have seen the problems exposed by this war."
Whitebeard's gaze was deep. Although they had won, the battle revealed a glaring weakness: aside from himself, the crew lacked top-tier combatants capable of rivaling the absolute peak of the Navy. If something happened to him, the Whitebeard Pirates would instantly fall from grace.
"A new era is coming..." He looked at the faces of his sons and spoke again: "It's time for us old-timers to step into the background."
"Pops!" Everyone looked shocked. Their father's health had just been restored—why was he saying this now?
"I am old. Even though my body is healthy now, the Whitebeard Pirates must make a choice for the future. I have decided that Ace will be the next Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates."
"What... Ace!?" Even the Division Commanders were rattled.
"Pops... isn't Ace a bit too young?" Vista asked hesitantly. Many of the other commanders nodded in silent agreement. Ace was a brilliant fighter and a great commander, but taking over the mantle of the Strongest Man in the World was a different burden entirely.
Only Marco remained silent. He had already sensed this was coming.
"Gurararara..." Whitebeard's lips curled upward. Ace stood behind him, silent and resolute.
Normally, Ace would have had a violent reaction to such a proposal, as he was never one to covet power. The fact that he was quiet meant Whitebeard had already done the heavy lifting of convincing him.
"It is true that Ace has many shortcomings. Therefore... for the next two years, I will personally train Ace in the ways of Haki!"
"If, after two years, Ace cannot win your recognition, I will rescined the order. But I believe Ace will provide you with the answer you seek."
With the matter settled so decisively, the commanders could only look forward with anticipation.
"Marco," Whitebeard turned to his first mate. "For these next two years, you will serve as the Acting Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates."
Marco's joyful expression froze, and he inwardly groaned at the sudden mountain of paperwork and responsibility. Nonetheless, he answered solemnly: "Pops, leave it to me."
"Good. Gurararara..."
Whitebeard and Ace slowly walked away, their figures disappearing into the interior of the ship. "We're heading out."
The crew's eyes grew misty. This was the first time in decades that Whitebeard was truly leaving the fleet for an extended period. Watching them go, Marco let out a soft smile.
"Ace... you're going to surprise us all... aren't you?"
Then, his expression turned sharp. From this moment on, he was the leader of a Four Emperors crew. In a New World where challengers emerged daily, he faced a grim task.
"From today, the Whitebeard Pirates will hold our territory and remain on the defensive. We wait for the return of Pops and Ace!"
Marco's first order as Acting Captain was swiftly put into effect.
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