(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
(The first chapters of the new book are released in p.atreon)
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After Sakumo captured Ace, he didn't hand him over to the Marines. Instead, he secretly brought him to Mariejois.
Senju Tobirama looked at the subdued Ace, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
He knew very well that Ace was the key to Colt's plan to shake the world—the final piece of the puzzle.
"Send word to Sengoku. In the meantime, I'll meet with the Five Elders," Senju Tobirama ordered before heading straight to the Five Elders' chamber.
Meanwhile, Sakumo left Mariejois and made his way to the Marine Headquarters.
The Marines played a crucial role in this step.
If Sengoku acted decisively, it could sway the Five Elders' decision.
After all, Ace's identity was too significant.
Making it public wasn't out of the question for the World Government.
Passing through layers of guards, Senju Tobirama arrived before the Five Elders and presented the information.
At first, hearing that Senju Tobirama had gone to such lengths to capture the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Five Elders were unimpressed.
The blond-haired Elder even scolded Senju Tobirama.
Whitebeard, despite being called the strongest man in the world, had no grand ambitions.
He was content guarding his "family."
At his age, it was only a matter of time before he passed away naturally.
Without him, the Whitebeard Pirates, now relying solely on Sasuke, would be no different from the other Yonko crews.
Provoking him at that stage seemed unwise. Not that they wouldn't consider it if given sufficient reasons.
But when the Five Elders learned about Ace's connections, they couldn't remain indifferent anymore.
The reason had appeared.
The son of Gol D. Roger, Whitebeard's chosen successor, Garp's grandson, and the older brother of the rising star Luffy.
"Tobirama, are you certain this information is accurate?" the mustachioed Elder asked gravely.
"I stand by everything I've said. You can even verify it with Marine Vice Admiral Garp," Senju Tobirama replied confidently.
The Five Elders exchanged uneasy glances.
They didn't doubt it anymore. Tobirama was an excellent servant to them so far, and he didn't disappoint.
As for Ace… he was a hot potato—dangerous to hold onto, but equally dangerous to discard.
"What should we do?"
"We can't let him live. The blood of the Pirate King must be eradicated. We disposed of every newborn in the West Blue that year to ensure his line ended but still missed. Now that we have the chance, we can't let it slip."
"Agreed. Execute him immediately and keep it top secret."
"No. If Blackbeard leaks this, the World Government will become a laughingstock. Executing a prisoner in secret undermines our authority."
The Elders debated but couldn't reach a consensus.
Ace's identity was too sensitive, and the timing was equally precarious.
In a month, the World Government would host a meeting of its affiliated nations. Any misstep could have disastrous consequences.
Just then, Sengoku called.
"I heard the CP0 captured Ace. Is it true he's the son of Gol D. Roger?"
Sengoku's voice was filled with excitement.
The news had shocked him.
The sword-wielding Elder glanced at Senju Tobirama, who nodded slightly, before replying.
"Yes. We're discussing how to handle this. What's your opinion?"
"Hand him over to the Marines for a public execution!"
Sengoku's voice was firm.
"Not only public, but we should broadcast it live across the Four Seas and the New World. This will mark the end of the Great Pirate Era!"
"It began with Roger's death and will end with his son's. The seas have been chaotic for too long. It's time to restore order!"
As Fleet Admiral, Sengoku had long dreamed of this moment. Now, the opportunity had finally arrived.
But the Five Elders hesitated.
"You know how complicated Ace's identity is. Can the Marines bear the consequences?"
Whitebeard, the self-proclaimed strongest man in the world, had held that title for decades.
Sengoku was resolute.
"If this can bring an end to the chaos, I believe every Marine will be willing to die for it."
"Besides, Whitebeard is already old. He hasn't made a move in two years. I have reason to suspect… his health is failing."
Hearing this, the Five Elders were swayed.
Every decision had risks and rewards. Success would bring immense prestige to the Marines—and by extension, to the World Government itself.
After a moment of silent deliberation, the Five Elders made their decision.
"Sengoku, we agree. You have full authority to mobilize the elites of the Four Seas and the Shichibukai."
"However, keep this confidential for now. Use the pretext of escorting a visiting king to deploy troops discreetly."
Sengoku breathed a sigh of relief.
He'd been worried the Five Elders would hesitate.
"Understood. We'll ensure utmost secrecy."
The Five Elders also informed Sengoku about Blackbeard's desire to become a Warlord.
"But our Warlord quota is full… this is…"
Sengoku hesitated, but the blond Elder chuckled.
"Make him a reserve Warlord. I suspect Blackbeard is ambitious. We must keep an eye on him."
The call ended, and Sengoku, now at Marine Headquarters, rubbed his hands in anticipation and called for a marine.
"Summon all Admirals, Vice Admirals, and Rear Admirals to the Headquarters. And bring Garp here first."
"Yes, sir!"
As the orderly turned to leave, Sengoku called out again.
"Wait!"
After a moment of hesitation, Sengoku added, "Never mind. Just bring Garp for now."
Though puzzled, the marine carried out the order.
Sengoku knew that while Ace was Roger's son, Garp had raised him as his own grandson.
Learning that his grandson had been captured and would be publicly executed would devastate the old man.
This needed to be handled delicately.
If Garp reacted irrationally, Sengoku would have no choice but to temporarily remove him from Headquarters until the execution was over.
"After this, I can finally retire," Sengoku muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Boom!
The door to the Fleet Admiral's office was thrown open, and Garp strode in, a bag of senbei in hand.
"What's this about, Sengoku? I just got back from a mission!"