Chapter 635: A Shichibukai Died Just Like That?!Satoru and the others encountered a Pacifista.Everyone mistakenly thought it was Kuma, having already witnessed his strength at Thriller Bark.So Sanji immediately warned Luffy and Satoru to dodge.However, Satoru knew that this guy wasn't Kuma; it was just a Pacifista, a robot!...The Pacifista did not react to Sanji's words, but instead began removing the black gloves on its hands."Damn it, his palms!!"Sanji exclaimed. Back at Thriller Bark, everyone had witnessed the terror of Kuma's Paw-Paw Palms.However, just as the Pacifista was halfway through removing its gloves, Satoru instantly appeared in front of it and delivered a kick to its face.The Pacifista was kicked and flew to the left.Satoru's attack didn't stop; he increased his speed, caught up to the flying Pacifista, delivered another kick, and sent it soaring into the air.The Pacifista twisted its body in the air, opening its mouth to fire a laser. But the instant it turned, Satoru had already followed up, kicking its jaw shut, followed by a high-leg stomp right onto its back.The Pacifista plummeted rapidly toward the ground. With a bang, it smashed a large hole into the earth. The Pacifista tried to struggle to its feet, but an Ice Spear descended, piercing its chest. After a few twitches, the Pacifista collapsed completely, the light fading from its eyes.Everyone stared dumbfounded. "It died just like that?!""A Shichibukai died just like that?!!""Idiots, look closely! That's not Bartholomew Kuma!"Crocodile cursed and reminded them.A Shichibukai couldn't possibly be this weak!Satoru descended from the sky and nodded slightly. "He is indeed not Kuma; he is merely a mechanical replica."Pato's eyes spun. "Pato is so dizzy! Can you give a warning next time before you attack!!"Luffy and the others were puzzled. They went to the edge of the pit and saw clearly: its chest was pierced, exposing wires that were still sparking."That's just a... robot.""Although it bleeds, its body is composed of parts. You could say it's a cyborg, just like Franky."Satoru explained."A cyborg...""But last time..."Usopp was confused."They didn't modify Kuma; they built these robots in his likeness.""This is the Marine's latest combat weapon, the Pacifista.""It was built by Doctor Vegapunk, whose technology is 500 years ahead of the world."Satoru explained in detail.Everyone nodded, looking half-understanding, half-confused."Vegapunk..."Franky murmured. Anyone involved in technology would know Vegapunk.Although Franky only specializes in modifications... Satoru looked at the Pacifista in the pit.Because he was using Xiao Bai's ability, he could clearly hear everything happening on the island right now.Satoru was also perfectly clear about what would happen next, but he didn't know... if he should intervene."Everyone... do you think... this guy is strong?"Satoru asked suddenly.But everyone didn't know how to answer. It was impossible to tell if it was strong or not, since you just took it out in two quick moves."To put it harshly.""For me, this guy is insignificant.""But for all of you... this guy is a problem."Satoru spoke the cruel truth."Even I only managed this by borrowing someone else's strength.""With our current state, we are not qualified to enter the New World.""Even if Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, the three of you, have learned Armament Haki, it's merely the tip of the iceberg.""And Usopp's level of Observation Haki... sigh~"Usopp: "..."After Satoru said this, the atmosphere instantly became much heavier."Satoru..."Satoru didn't want to spell it out so clearly, but with Luffy and the others' current strength, they really weren't qualified to participate in the Marineford War; going there would be a near-certain death.Even though Satoru had them train during these days of sailing, they hadn't been traveling for more than a month yet."What I wanted to say was...""Hooisa!!"Satoru was just about to speak when more people arrived."More enemies?!""Where is that sound coming from?""Up there!"Everyone looked up and saw two figures descending from the sky! They kicked up a large cloud of smoke."Who is it?!"As the smoke cleared, another Pacifista was revealed.And another person.A man with a sturdy build like a wrestler. His face and hairstyle resembled a girl's, and there was a scar running from his eye down to the corner of his mouth on his left cheek.The man wore a red Dudou (belly warmer) on his upper body, with a design featuring three Tomoe and another pattern in the center. He had a massive rope knot tied around his waist, shorts on his lower body, bandages wrapped around his right hand and left foot, and a Giant Ax strapped to his back.Satoru recognized him: Sentomaru, "The Man with the Tightest Lips in the World"... Sentomaru glanced at the Pacifista at the bottom of the pit."Hey, hey, how did you get beaten into this sorry state, [PX-4]! You know, the funds required to build one Pacifista are the same as building a Warship.""How am I supposed to explain this to that Punk Bastard!""Another one appeared!!""It really is a replicated machine, just like Satorusaid!!"Usopp exclaimed in surprise."Hey! Who are you, [Ax]!?"Franky shouted at Sentomaru."Who calls someone by their weapon? Even if you ask, I have nothing to tell you!! I am the Man with the Tightest Lips in the World, so my mouth is completely airtight!!""Then you can at least introduce yourself, right?"Satoru crossed his arms, his voice drifting out calmly."I already told you, I am Sentomaru, the Man with the Tightest Lips in the World!""Oh, Sentomaru...""...I volunteered that information just now, so it doesn't count as answering!""Let's begin, [PX-1]!"At Sentomaru's command, the PX-1 Pacifista behind him raised its hand, palm facing the crowd, glowing brightly, and fired a laser.Satoru raised his hand simultaneously. Lightning jumped from his fingertips, striking the incoming laser. The scene instantly erupted in a laser explosion and flashing lightning."Hey, hey, starting a fight without a word.""You're quite arrogant."Satoru's voice rang out.The [PX-1] scanned him, but something seemed to go wrong."Beep, beep. Pirate Copy cat Satoru?"The machine asked a question."Copy cat Satoru!""You, who just caused a riot in Impel Downyesterday, are now attacking the Celestial Dragonsat Sabaody Archipelago. Your crimes are truly heinous!"Sentomaru said.Satoru spread his hands and shrugged."So what?""You interrupted me! You are the most heinous criminal!!"As Satoru finished speaking, a bolt of lightning struck down towards Sentomaru and the PX-1 Pacifista!
Chapter 636: I Must Go!!A pillar-like bolt of lightning struck Sentomaru and the PX-1 Pacifista.Sentomaru, possessing Observation Haki, immediately flashed forward.The PX-1 Pacifista was hit squarely, enveloped by the lightning. When the lightning dissipated, its clothes were tattered, and white smoke emanated from its body, yet it surprisingly hadn't fallen."Oh, its lightning resistance is decent."Satoru said calmly. If one strike wasn't enough, then another would come.Everyone wasn't surprised that Satoru could control lightning; they knew his Devil Fruit Ability, so they found any ability he displayed to be reasonable."Ashigara Dokkoi!!"Sentomaru instantly appeared before Satoru and thrust his palm forward.Satoru also thrust a palm forward, meeting his.Their palms met, and an impact erupted from the center, spreading outwards, making Luffy and the others unsteady on their feet. Pato also clutched Satoru's clothes tightly to avoid being blown away."Good strength."Satoru's expression remained calm as he spoke.Sentomaru, on the other hand, frowned, and his arm trembled slightly.Satoru instantly countered, grabbing Sentomaru's arm, and prepared to strike down with his other hand, shaped like a sword.In the nick of time, a flash of light illuminated Satoru's profile.Kizaru instantly appeared above Satoru to his upper right, kicking towards Satoru's head.Satoru reacted quickly, his arm muscles bulging, and he swung Sentomaru towards Kizaru in the air.Kizaru had to retract his leg and catch Sentomaru... After catching Sentomaru, Kizaru flashed back, creating distance."You finally came, Uncle Kizaru."Sentomaru landed and stood firm.The two sides faced off.There were many people on Satoru's side.On Kizaru's side, there were only him, Sentomaru, and a half-crippled PX-1 Pacifista."Oh my, what a formidable lineup~""Two former Shichibukai, plus the escaped convict Copy cat Satoru, and the recently prominent Straw Hat Pirates.""Truly a headache."Kizaru remarked with his lewd expression."If it's a headache, why not just let us go?""Admiral Kizaru."Satoru replied with a smile."Admiral!! Is he an Admiral too?!!"Everyone was surprised. Although they knew an Admiral would come, encountering one so quickly was still a shock."Yes, among the Three Admirals... the oldest one."Kizaru raised an eyebrow, having expected Satoru to introduce himself that way."Compared to you wet-behind-the-ears youngsters, I am indeed old. Unfortunately, Marines can't retire at 70.""...""...""Go! Luffy, you guys go first!!"Satoru shouted.Everyone was stunned for a moment, then immediately obeyed, turning to run."Oh dear, that won't do!""Yasakani no Magatama!"Kizaru certainly wouldn't agree; his body gradually transformed into light, intending to fly by refraction."Sables!""Fish-Man Karate: Shark-Tile True Punch!!"Kizaru's light beam was blocked by Sir Crocodile's Sables, and his body reverted to solid form.Sentomaru, who was giving chase, was also stopped by Jinbe.Palm against fist, Sentomaru reached behind him and shook his hand, thinking, they're all monsters!!"Sir Crocodile.""What, after being saved once, you're now obeying a junior?"Kizaru mocked.Sir Crocodile, however, didn't care for Kizaru's mockery. Biting his cigar, he stated with icy eyes, "I just wanted to test the capabilities of you MarineAdmirals."Kizaru still had the same expression."Oh my, such big words."...Kizaru and Sentomaru were held back by Sir Crocodile and Jinbe.Sentomaru could only send PX-1 to chase Satoruand Luffy's group, but given how easily Satoru dealt with PX-4, PX-1 would be useless.However, Satoru watched PX-1 and everyone fight for ten minutes before making his move."Bang!"With a hand thrust through, Satoru directly pulled out the mechanical heart of the fallen PX-1 Pacifista, completely shutting it down.Without its heart, PX-1's eyes lost their light, and it fell backward stiffly.Satoru stood up, his back to the group, showing his profile with a smile, holding a heart in his hand, looking like a psychopathic killer."Catch it, Franky.""It might be useful for your research."Satoru tossed the heart to Franky.Usopp and Chopper, who were next to Franky, immediately dodged in fear, but Franky steadily caught the heart, which was still sparking with electricity."Hmm, you're right, Satoru. This is something created by a guy whose technology is 500 years ahead of the world's; it should be useful."Franky said, then put the heart away."Then let's keep running! We still have to wait three days before we can leave!!"Usopp said.Everyone agreed.But Satoru shook his head."No need to run, everyone.""I have something to tell you."Satoru's words stopped everyone in their tracks, and they turned back to look at him."What is it, Satoru?"Luffy asked."Yeah, is there something that absolutely has to be said now?"Nami followed up on Luffy's question.To their surprise, Satoru nodded very affirmatively."Yes, it can only be said now.""..."Everyone fell silent.Satoru then continued."Ace's execution date is the day after tomorrow. At that time, Ace and I will definitely go to save our physical bodies and souls.""You all... don't follow.""Satoru!! Do you know what you're saying?!!"Nami was the first to get angry.She was furious. Did Satoru really see them as people who feared death so much?!"Ace is Luffy's brother!""And you said your soul is also in Ace's body!!""You are our comrade!! How can we just stand by and do nothing?!!!""We are comrades!!""It's precisely because we're comrades!"This was the first time Satoru spoke to Nami with a relatively raised tone."Do you know what kind of war that is?""That's a world-class war!!""It takes you ten minutes to fight this Pacifista, but what is this Pacifista compared to that war?!""With your current strength, you'll die! Do you understand?!"As Satoru's words fell, the atmosphere dropped to freezing point.Since Satoru had said it to this extent, no one knew how to respond, and they all turned their gaze to Luffy, as did Satoru.Now, whether to go or not depended on Luffy.Luffy's straw hat brim obscured his vision, and he was silent for three seconds.Then he looked up and met Satoru's gaze, his eyes firm."I'm going!""I must go!!""Satoru, both you and Ace are my brothers. There's no way I can just wait and watch after knowing about it! I can't do it!!"
Chapter 637: Get Ready to Take Them to See That Stage!"I must go!!"Facing Satoru's insistence on not participating in the Marineford War, Luffy's attitude was that he absolutely had to go.For Luffy, death was not an issue; if he knew Acewas about to be executed and he just watched without acting, that would be worse than dying on the battlefield... "..."Satoru fell silent. He knew Luffy would say that.Sanji lit a cigarette. "I know you're worried about us, but it's annoying to be looked down upon! You damn Satoru!""If Captain is going! There's no reason for us crewmates not to go!""The perverted cook is right."Zoro, uncharacteristically, agreed with Sanji."Who are you calling a Mosshead!!""With your injuries, you should just rest!!"Sanji knew that Zoro had endured all the pain Luffyhad suffered that night while fighting Moriah.Zoro was still alive, not losing his reputation as a 'blood bag'.But Zoro merely glanced at Sanji's words."I won't die...""Not until then, anyway.""Besides, one day of rest is enough.""That's right!!!""If Luffy is going, I'm going too!!!"Chopper suddenly yelled."Chopper..."Usopp murmured. If even Chopper was like this, how could he be afraid!!"That's right!! A man of the sea, even knowing that ahead lies a slim chance of survival!! Will not flee from battle!!!"Usopp spoke with bravado, but his legs couldn't help but tremble."Long-nosed brother, you're quite brave this time!!""Me too!!"Franky smoothed down his hair, which had fallen flat due to his cola energy running out.Brook grabbed the brim of his hat and lifted it slightly."Yohohoho, I'm already dead, so what's there to say about dying? If I can't win, will playing dead on the battlefield work? Although people don't immediately turn into skeletons after dying, yohohoho!!"Robin didn't explicitly state her position, but her smiling expression and light chuckles confirmed her stance: she would go with everyone.Nami, meanwhile, stuck her neck out, looking at Satoru like a victorious, showing-off cat."You all..."Ace was very moved, and also happy that Luffy had such a group of comrades. This way, even if he himself... "Sigh~""I knew it, you're all as stubborn as mules.""Even knowing that ahead lies a slim chance of survival, you still insist on going!""Then..."Satoru hadn't finished speaking.People arrived from both the front and the back.From behind, Crocodile flew over, sliding several meters upon landing.Then came Jinbe, though he wasn't as battered and had run over.And the person who arrived from the front was the genuine Bartholomew Kuma, holding a book."This is the real deal!"Zoro immediately noticed the difference between Kuma and the Pacifista, mainly in their aura, as their appearances were truly identical."Damn it!!"Crocodile lay on the ground, right at Kuma's feet, which made him feel very humiliated.Getting up from the ground, he had blood at the corner of his mouth, his clothes around his abdomen were torn, and his flesh was scorched red; it seemed that was the main area of attack.In such a situation, with a wolf at the front and a tiger at the back, everyone immediately stood back-to-back, guarding both directions.Satoru turned around and saw Jinbe running, with Kizaru and Sentomaru in pursuit.Seeing Kizaru's kick about to hit Jinbe's head."Get down!!"Satoru shouted loudly.Jinbe immediately ducked.A swirling storm erupted from Satoru's mouth, blowing towards Kizaru.The burst was so powerful that even the sturdy Sentomaru scraped his feet on the ground as he retreated.The storm hit Kizaru head-on, and Kizaru dispersed into light, then reformed into human shape again.Jinbe had already taken the opportunity to return to Satoru's side.Kizaru landed, and Sentomaru also ran back.Staring at Satoru, Kizaru's lewd expression and eyes finally showed a slight change."Oh my, oh my, ice, lightning, and now a storm. How terrifying."Satoru returned a smile, "Indeed, the power of natural elements is the most terrifying. Otherwise, all three of you Admirals wouldn't be Logia-typeDevil Fruit Ability users.""However, guess if I only control these three?"Kizaru remained silent, not answering.Sentomaru, however, spoke up, but he wasn't addressing Satoru and his group; he was talking to Kuma behind them."Kuma!? Why are you here?!""Bartholomew Kuma, hasn't the Marine issued a Shichibukai summons? You should be at Headquarters.""Exactly, pirates are completely untrustworthy."Kizaru followed up on Sentomaru's words.Kuma ignored Kizaru and Sentomaru, silently took off his gloves, and asked Luffy and the others."If you were to go on a trip, where would you like to go?"Kuma's words and his paw-pad hands reminded Nami of what happened at Thriller Bark."Everyone, be careful!!""His palms can make people disappear! I saw it at Thriller Bark, that little girl vanished just like that. Where did that girl go...?"Nami quickly warned everyone.Everyone immediately became vigilant against Kuma's palms.Satoru had been facing Kizaru and Sentomaru. Hearing Kuma's words, he turned around, moving past everyone to stand in front of Kuma.Jinbe then guarded against Kizaru."I remember I told you this answer.""But, now is not the time.""Originally, I really wanted you to send them on a trip.""However, if I just watch now, the next time we meet, they'll inevitably give me a hard time.""I... am going to take them to experience that stage!""So! Sorry!! We're not going anywhere!"Satoru declared to Kuma.Kuma looked at Satoru, his expression unchanging.Actually, after landing on the island, Satoru had found Kuma using Observation Haki and asked him to send everyone to their respective training grounds for growth.But now Satoru regretted it.Kuma couldn't tell if Satoru was acting... or truly regretted it?Changing your mind at the last minute, are you the client or something!!!But no matter what, he couldn't let Kizaru realize that he and Satoru knew each other.Kuma said nothing, directly slapping his palm towards Satoru.This couldn't be taken lightly.Satoru bent backward, dodging Kuma's palm as it swept from left to right.As he bent, a leaf flipped out from his fingertips, turning into a long blade. The blade was completely covered in Armament Haki. Before he even stood up, he swung the blade horizontally towards Kuma, unleashing a slash."You guys go first!""Just run forward!"Satoru reminded them. Luffy and the others immediately ran forward, very decisively, doing the right thing.Those who lacked strength yet insisted on staying to help were the fools.Kuma instantly flashed away from the slash, appearing behind Satoru. Satoru could see Kuma's chin.Kuma didn't waste words, pushing his palm towards Satoru, unleashing a shockwave!
Chapter 638: NinjutsuWhen Satoru told them to run, Luffy and the others, including Ace, ran. It was the correct decision.Kizaru and Sentomaru naturally wouldn't just watch them escape.Just as they were about to pursue, Jinbe blocked their way.Crocodile exhaled the smoke from his cigar, brandished his golden hook, and glared at Kizaru, blocking his path; he was thoroughly displeased about being kicked.Meanwhile, Kuma instantly appeared behind Satoruand slammed a Paw-Paw Shockwave down on him, but Satoru wasn't flustered at all, even having time to shout."Old man!! Still watching?!"Satoru wasn't flustered, but Pato was terrified."Run quickly!!!"Just as the shockwave was less than a centimeter from Satoru's face, Satoru!! He grabbed Pato with his hand, threw him away, and took the full force of Kuma's shockwave with his face."Ah!!!"Pato flew away, tears streaming, and immediately clung to the trunk of a Yachimann Mangrove tree.Over here, Kuma's shockwave passed through Satoru's face, blasting a large hole in the ground.As the shockwave dissipated, Satoru remained in a backward-bending posture.It seemed as if the shockwave had no effect on him.Everyone looked over.They saw that Satoru had turned into a wooden dummy, which then shattered.They could no longer sense Satoru's presence.Kuma maintained his usual expression; he was now not far from becoming a robot.The other four—Kizaru, Sentomaru, Jinbe, and Crocodile—also didn't believe Satoru had died just like that.Even Rayleigh, who was hiding in the shadows, was puzzled.On the trunk of the Yachimann Mangrove that Patowas clutching, a branch rapidly grew out of thin air, and then the branch surprisingly transformed into Satoru.Satoru spread his legs, squatting in an inverted triangle position on the branch, one hand pressed against the branch between his feet, his Long Hairfluttering behind him.After using his other hand to pull Pato back and place him on his shoulder, Satoru looked down at the five people below."This is called Ninjutsu."Pato: "Waaah, Pato was scared to death!! You actually threw Pato away!!"Although Kizaru maintained a calm demeanor, his inner assessment of Satoru's danger level increased again. Plants... could he really control all natural elements?Crocodile was somewhat hesitant to confirm: Was this the guy he had killed several times back in Alabasta? (Crocodile killed two Satoru clones in Alabasta.)Kuma looked up at Satoru and understood. Judging by Satoru's attitude, he truly didn't want to let Luffyand the others leave.Rayleigh, hidden in the shadows, smiled and drank his wine, thinking that his old bones wouldn't need to step in.Although Kizaru's Observation Haki had long since detected him, Rayleigh knew Kizaru was aware of his presence. But facing this situation, plus Rayleigh...Two Shichibukai, a Pirate King's First Mate, and the mysterious Satoru.Kizaru felt that even with Sentomaru, they would struggle to handle the situation, so he naturally wouldn't provoke Rayleigh unnecessarily.But if Satoru wanted to run, Kizaru couldn't just keep chasing him forever, so... "Old man, still watching?""I called you just now, and you didn't even react?""How heartless~"Satoru, perched on the tree trunk, looked toward the direction where Rayleigh was secretly watching the show behind the tree.Feeling his and the others' gazes, Rayleigh naturally couldn't hide any longer.He held a long sword in one hand and a wine bottle in the other.Rayleigh emerged from behind the tree trunk."I'm just an old man passing by, you really don't need to mind me."Rayleigh said with a smile.Everyone else's expression seemed to say, 'I'd believe a ghost before I believe you, you rotten old man is truly wicked!!'"That won't do, old man.""Although I'm not afraid of him, shaking off this Glint-Glint Man isn't an easy task either.""I'll have to trouble you to stop him."Satoru stated, effectively voicing his request.When Kizaru heard Satoru say this, he couldn't remain silent."Dark King Rayleigh.""I've heard many times that you were on this island. So it was true..."Rayleigh replied, "If you could cancel my bounty, I could spend the rest of my years in peace here.""Can a pirate's crimes be wiped away? Especially a member of the Roger Pirates...""Are you... preparing to back up this yellow-haired brat? It seems your pirate nature truly cannot be changed."Well, Kizaru's words were enough to force Rayleighto fight, even if he hadn't intended to.The suspicion that Luffy is the second nephew is strengthened.This time there was no action of kicking Zoro with a ten-second cooldown, so this is only the first strengthening."I think you haven't grasped the situation, Brother Kizaru.""This brat doesn't need me to back him up.""However, I do feel an immediate affinity for the other young ones; I quite like them.""Could you let them go this once?"Kizaru raised an eyebrow, looking even more lecherous."Have mercy on me. If we fail to catch these brats... our Marineford, Mary Geoise branch won't be able to lift its head in front of the Celestial Dragons...""Can you please stop interfering!!""Of course... I cannot!""Let's fight!"These words were not spoken by Rayleigh, but by Satoru."See you later, you two!""Uncle, I'm counting on you!!"Satoru signaled Jinbe and Crocodile, and they ran off.Crocodile had no opponent, so after glaring at Kizaru, he left immediately.Jinbe, however, was tangled up with Sentomaru, and with a "Fish-Man Karate Secret Technique: Vigor Shot!!" he smashed Sentomaru away.The three gathered. Satoru bounded across the trees, while below, Crocodile flew with his lower body turned to sand. Only Jinbe, the most solidly built, had to run on his legs."Yata no Kagami!"Kizaru attacked quickly this time, but Rayleigh still intercepted him."Oh yo yo yo!!""Since I was entrusted with a task, naturally I cannot disappoint.""I won't let you pass, Brother Kizaru.""It's been a long time since I've used a sword."It seemed Rayleigh was determined to intervene."Ama no Murakumo!"Kizaru shaped one hand as if grasping a hilt, and with a swipe of the other hand, a sword of light was created."Clang!!!"With a loud noise, the two exchanged blows.Kizaru let out a small gasp, and a tiny bloody scratch appeared on his cheek.Drawing blood in the first exchange was normal, after all, Kizaru wasn't strongest with a sword, but Rayleigh was the most proficient swordsman."Phew... this is a real headache. I originally thought we could catch at least a few of them."Rayleigh replied with a smile."Only ups and downs make life interesting, Brother Kizaru..."...Kizaru and Rayleigh began fighting.Sentomaru was punched away by Jinbe.When he returned, he only saw Kizaru and Rayleigh.After Satoru, Jinbe, and Crocodile ran, Kuma paused for a few seconds before chasing after them.His body flickered, appearing very fast... At Island 73, a Marine ship was docked at the pier, but the people on the ship were not Marines; they were a boatload of escaped prisoners.This was the Marine ship that Satoru and the others had taken when they escaped Impel Down.A second ago, Mr. 2 Bon Clay was asking Ivankovwhether Satoru and the others were alright, given all the explosions.The next second, Luffy and the others appeare
Chapter 639: Do You Want to Fight?!"Up ahead!!"Satoru was in charge of the rear guard.Ace was responsible for leading Luffy and the others to the prison-break ship. It didn't matter where they went, as long as they set off; after all, their final destination was Marineford...."I'm spinning, I'm spinning~""Sister Ivankov, Satoru and the others won't be in trouble, right?"Mr. 2 Bon Clay watched as the island erupted with gunfire and explosions, feeling a bit worried about Satoru and Luffy and the others.He was looking forward to meeting up with Luffyand the others again, so he hoped nothing bad would happen to them!!!"...""Sister Ivankov?"Faced with Mr. 2 Bon Clay's question, Ivankov was lost in thought.Mr. 2 Bon Clay called out again, and Ivankov finally snapped back to reality."What's wrong? Sister Ivankov?"Inazuma also noticed that something was off with Ivankov."No, it's nothing. I must have misread the situation.""Cheer up!! My little sweethearts!!""Mr. 2 Bon Clay boy, there's no need to worry about Satoru. Haven't we all seen his strength with our own eyes?""Our mission is just to guard the ship and wait for them to return."Ivankov comforted him.As soon as the words left his mouth, Ace brought Luffy and the others running out of the forest and arrived at the pier."Someone's coming out!!"Buggy's subordinates shouted noisily.Everyone on the ship looked over, and Luffy and the others, guided by Ace, also looked toward the ship without stopping their feet."Yohohoho, so many people!"Brook exclaimed."That must be the prison-break ship that Satoru and the others used to escape from Impel Down."Nami said."Is that full of prison escapees?!"Usopp was a little scared, fearing that these people might be hard to deal with. However, he was overthinking it; if any of them dared to make a move against them, Satoru could crush them."Are we going on the ship now?"Sanji asked, directing the question to both Ace and Luffy."Yeah, that's what Satoru told me. Let's get on board and wait for them."Ace replied."Then we'll listen to Satoru!!"Luffy made the decision; he trusted Satoru very much....Everyone on the ship stretched their necks to look. Ivankov clearly already knew who was coming, a smile hanging on his lips. Dragon's son, huh..."That's... Mr. 2 Bon Clay!!!"Luffy saw Mr. 2 Bon Clay's figure. No one would ever forget the kindness shown in Alabasta.Mr. 2 Bon Clay also jumped off the ship, dancing his way toward Luffy and the others."Little straw hat~""Mr. 2 Bon Clay~"That day, the two of them running into the sunset—though it was a bit dazzling—was truly a symbol of friendship...."Mr. 2 Bon Clay! Are you with Satoru too?! Why didn't I see you in the newspaper? Still, it's so good to see you again!!"Luffy was always excited to see his friends."I'm so happy to see you again too, Little straw hat, wuwuwu!"Mr. 2 Bon Clay pulled out a handkerchief from somewhere to wipe away his tears.He then looked at everyone behind Luffy and gave a wink, "Of course, all of you too."Seeing his wink, everyone shuddered—they'd rather pass."I only managed to get out of that prison thanks to brother Satoru.""And I even got to meet my idol. It's been so great!!!"Mr. 2 Bon Clay spun around happily."Idol?"Luffy asked in confusion.Just then, lights flashed. The Okama had somehow produced colorful lights from nowhere, illuminating Ivankov as he danced his way over."Hee-haw!!!"To Sanji, this scene was like a messenger from hell coming to claim his soul; he was so scared that the cigarette fell from his lips."I am... I am...""Ah! I fell down!!""Sister Ivankov!!""Just kidding!!""I am the Okama King, Ivankov!!!"Ivankov arrived in front of the group, delivering a very shocking self-introduction.Sanji had already frozen up.The others couldn't help but step back, only Luffyand Ace remained still."I know you. You're the one who escaped from prison with Satoru in the newspaper, right?"Luffy said."Hee-haw!!!""That's right, it's me!!""I've also been looking forward to meeting you, straw hat boy~""I am a friend and comrade of your father, Dragon."Ivankov replied with a smile, his eyes scanning the son of his good friend."Dad's friend?""Dragon's friend?!""So that means you're also... part of the Revolutionary Army?"Nami said."Mmhmm, that's right, little sweetheart.""Would you... be interested in joining our family of Newkama?"Ivankov asked.Nami broke into a sweat, speechless. "No thanks, I've already answered that question.""I remember Satoru mentioning you.""Oh~ Does Satoru boy love me that much? I'm truly flattered."At the end of the Alabasta arc, Satoru had been exhausted from his clones dying and had slept for a long time. It was Luffy who used the tone of voice Satoru had taught him—Ivankov's tone—to wake Satoru up.Everyone fell silent, remembering the panicked voice Satoru made when he woke up in Alabasta... It was truly... "loved to death.""Alright, my boys and sweethearts, let's get on the ship first.""Once Satoru boy and the others return, we can set sail."Ivankov said.And just as he finished speaking, Satoru and the others ran out of the forest."Satoru!!"Everyone shouted the moment they saw Satoru."Everyone's here, so we can..."Ivankov smiled, but his words were cut short when he saw Kuma chasing after them from behind.The three of them, led by Satoru, reached the group and joined up with everyone. Seeing this, Kuma also stopped in his tracks."Tell me, Kuma... are you going to keep chasing us?"Satoru turned to look at Kuma. He had originally wanted to call him Uncle Kuma, but forced himself to change it. He knew why Kuma was still chasing them; it was because Kuma knew Luffy was Dragon's son and knew the dangers of the Marineford War. He didn't want Dragon's son to go there."You... is it really you, Kuma? Why are you here?""I thought I was seeing things just a moment ago!""It's fine, my boys and sweethearts, he..."Ivankov said confidently, but Kuma immediately fired a Pressure Cannon, a paw-shaped shockwave, slamming it toward them.But the wind generated by a casual wave of Satoru's hand blew the Pressure Cannon away."What are you doing?! Kuma!!""Do you want to fight?"Ivankov couldn't believe it. He knew it was him, yet Kuma still attacked."Sister Ivankov, let me handle this."Satoru reached out his hand to stop Ivankov from stepping forward.Ivankov knew that Kuma had become one of the Shichibukai to act as an undercover agent.But he didn't know that Kuma had been modified, nor did he know about the Pacifista created in Kuma's image. What he had glimpsed earlier wasn't Kuma himself, but a Pacifista."Uncle Kuma, even if you regret it now, Uncle Dragon won't blame you."Satoru said something shocking.
Chapter 640: Make a Call"Uncle Kuma, even if you regret it now, Uncle Dragon won't blame you."Satoru's words were shocking; he only dared to say this because he sensed there were no Marines nearby.Uncle Kuma? Uncle Kuma? Are you and Kuma that close?!!This was everyone's thought, and they were very curious about Kuma's response.Kuma remained serious. "This trip will be extremely dangerous, a desperate gamble."Kuma deflected the topic. He knew Satoru was talking about his modification, but he shifted the conversation back to the topic of Satoru taking Luffyand the others to the Marineford War."Even so, we have to go.""Besides, we are just an interlude. We aren't the real protagonists."Satoru answered briefly.He meant that this was a war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines. They were a third party—an unexpected third party—but the third party is often the one that can catch others off guard.Kuma was silent, lost in thought, and finally just said, "Hmm." Then, Kuma wanted to leave."Wait, explain yourself clearly!!" Ivankov shouted.Satoru followed up on his words, "That's right, Uncle Kuma, you don't have to go that far!"Satoru felt angry and regretful when he thought of Kuma becoming a slave, sat upon by the Celestial Dragons.Given Kuma's strength and status, it was an utter humiliation. Even if he were saved later, it wasn't certain if his consciousness could be recovered.But Satoru and Ivankov's words only made Kuma pause for a moment, and then Kuma instantly vanished back into the forest."Wait!!" Ivankov's shout was useless; Kuma did not stop....A warship was anchored on the sea, a warship full of pirates."Why is it you bastards again!!" Buggy was very dissatisfied to see Luffy and the others board the ship, but he didn't dare make them get off because Satoru was still there.But everyone chose to ignore him and followed Satoru to the second deck."Hey!! You bastards are ignoring me, aren't you!!"...Buggy's underlings were all on the first floor.And the rest, including Satoru, Luffy, and other notable figures, were on the second floor."What?!!"A "What?!!" echoed through the sky, and the seagulls in the air were almost scared to death.This was Ivankov's shout after Satoru told him about Kuma's modification."Kuma actually agreed to accept that kind of modification?!""What 'Shichibukai who obeys the Marines and World Government the most'?! He clearly detests the World Government the most!! How could he possibly agree to become a machine for the World Government!!"Ivankov refused to believe it."Sister Ivankov, you know how much Uncle Kumadetests the World Government.""Don't get stuck in a corner. You know why he became a Shichibukai. Perhaps agreeing to the modification is for the same purpose." Satoruadvised.Ivankov knew what Satoru meant.As a member of the Revolutionary Army, why would Kuma become a Shichibukai? Naturally, it was to go undercover and obtain Marineinformation.Satoru meant that Kuma was willing to be modified to further obtain information from the Marines and the World Government?"But... Satoru boy, didn't you say that after being modified, his consciousness would be erased? At that time, Kuma..."Ivankov stopped halfway. Actually, everyone present with any intelligence already knew that Kuma was an undercover agent for the Revolutionary Army, but Ivankov still didn't want to say it explicitly. Kuma became a Shichibukai just to get enemy information."I can't be sure.""No one can predict the future."When Satoru said this, Robin glanced at him.Cannot predict? But why do I feel like you know exactly how the future will turn out?"This is also Uncle Kuma's own choice.""I tried to persuade him just now, but he still didn't choose to stay."Ivankov was silent. Yes, this was all Kuma's own choice. Ivankov knew Dragon's personality. Regardless of whether Dragon knew Kuma would be modified, if Dragon knew, he wouldn't have agreed to Kuma being modified."I was overthinking it.""I should trust Kuma.""This is... his own choice."Ivankov lowered his head, feeling very lost."Sister Ivankov..."Satoru was about to comfort him.Ivankov stood up abruptly and shouted."So irritating!!""That bastard Kuma!!""As a Shichibukai, he will definitely appear in the war. When that time comes, I will drag him back even if I have to carry him!!"Satoru didn't answer. It would be good if he could actually do it, but Kuma's strength was not weak. Even if he could beat him, capturing him would not be an easy task...."Now, what should we do?" Usopp asked.The discussion about Kuma was over; now it was time to talk about business.The Straw Hat Pirates, Mr. 2 Bon Clay, and Ivankovgathered together, sitting on the floor in the middle of the second deck. The Okama were lined up behind Ivankov, occasionally throwing winks at the Straw Hat Pirates.Jinbe was at the helm, Crocodile was leaning against the ship's side, and Mr. 1 was following him.Buggy and Mr. 3 were gathered at the stairs.Their gazes were all focused on the people in the middle.And those in the middle focused their gazes on Satoru.Satoru felt the pressure!!"What should we do? What do you think?" Satorulooked back at Usopp.Usopp: "..."Usopp thought to himself that he shouldn't have opened his mouth!!"Satoru, don't tease Usopp. We really should think about what to do."Nami spoke up, and Usopp was immensely grateful."Well, the thousand sunny is on the island, but with Rayleigh looking after it, it won't be a problem.""Yes, with that old man there, I felt relieved to come up."Franky nodded, then suddenly realized something."Long-Haired Man, you weren't there when the thousand sunny was named, right? How did you know the name thousand sunny?"Franky discovered a blind spot.Satoru was not flustered at all, "I don't think I told you, and Brook as well.""As for me, I can see the short-term future, so I know some things. Everyone knows that."Franky and Brook cast questioning glances, and everyone nodded slightly to indicate that this was indeed the case.But Ivankov and Crocodile were hearing this for the first time.Crocodile narrowed his eyes. No wonder Satoru, that bastard, knew about his plans back in Alabasta.The truth was, it wasn't just "knowing," but knowing clearly."Yohohoho, that is truly miraculous." Brook sighed.Franky was silent; from Water 7 to Enies Lobby, he had never been able to see through Satoru."Alright, let's talk business." Satoru said. He didn't know how many times he had already said this sentence."The day of the execution is the day after tomorrow.""...Let's make a call."
Chapter 641: This Was Not UnexpectedSatoru led the massive jailbreak force to the Sabaody Archipelago, successfully brought Luffyand the others onto the ship, and then departed.Destiny had already changed.What the future held was... worth looking forward to... "Let's make a call."This was Satoru's answer to everyone's question about what they should do next.And this call was naturally intended for Whitebeardand Shanks.With Ace present, how could they not know Whitebeard's den den mushi number?"Make a call? To whom?"Luffy asked curiously."First... let's call Old Man Whitebeard."Satoru replied calmly, taking out the den den mushiand starting to dial the number.While he was calm, the others could not remain so.Speaking of Old Man Whitebeard, even Jinbe, who was steering, couldn't help but prick up his ears and listen closely.As for Crocodile, the moment he heard the name Whitebeard, his severed hand, ending in a hook, seemed to ache faintly.Buggy's legs also went weak, but he quickly steadied himself; he had experienced Whitebeard's strength firsthand when he was young.Of course, everyone also felt very... excited."W-Whitebeard! We're going to talk to someone like him!!"Usopp's tongue was tripping over itself."Today truly is a marvelous day."Sanji sighed with emotion.Nami picked up where Sanji left off."Indeed, first Dark King Rayleigh, and now Whitebeard of the Four Emperors. It feels a bit unreal."Brook, as always, made a startling remark, "Hmm... Whitebeard, I think I've heard of a newcomer like that."Whitebeard was still a member of the Rocks Pirates38 years ago, and the Rocks Pirates disbanded that same year.Whitebeard was 34 at that time. Even if he had joined the Rocks Pirates ten years earlier, he would have been 24, which was 48 years ago.But even 48 years ago, Brook had already died, resurrected, and remained in the Devil's Triangle, shrouded in heavy fog and isolated from the world. Thus, it was normal for him not to know Whitebeard."Is that the old man Ace said would help him become the Pirate King?""Hehe, I won't lose to him!!"Luffy sat cross-legged on the ground. He was just that foolish; the word 'fear' did not exist in his dictionary—although... his dictionary didn't have many words to begin with."Pops won't lose to you either, Luffy. He is the strongest."Ace replied.To Ace's words, Luffy replied, "Hehe, we'll know after we fight him someday."Satoru listened to the 'Buru-buru' sound of the den den mushi, thinking, 'If there is a someday, that would be for the best...' "It should be fine by tomorrow, Pops.""Hm, that's good."On a deserted island neither too close nor too far from Marineford, the Whitebeard Pirates were stationed. Not only their main ship, but also their affiliated subordinate pirate crews had been summoned and were constantly heading toward this location.After Whitebeard saw the newspaper reporting the dates for the Impel Down operation and Ace's execution, he knew that Satoru and Ace's plan had failed.Therefore, after seeing the newspaper, the entire Whitebeard Pirates began to move, and they had already arrived on this deserted island a day ago.After sending men to the Sabaody Archipelago to purchase coating materials, they had been waiting here for the time of battle.Whitebeard reached for a drink, but Marco stopped him."Pops!!""...Fine, I'll drink the day after tomorrow. Drinking can invigorate me!"Whitebeard replied.Marco did not reply, and Whitebeard took his silence as consent."Buru-buru~"Just then, the den den mushi resting on the barrel Whitebeard was using as a side table rang.Receiving a call at this critical moment, Whitebeardguessed it must be Satoru and Ace, who had escaped Impel Down and were now safe.Without hesitation, Whitebeard answered the call and put it on speaker.On their side, Satoru placed the den den mushi in the center, also on speaker.As the 'Buru-buru' sound stopped, everyone knew the call had connected."Hello.""Don't 'hello' me, White Kid!"Whitebeard spoke, his voice booming with great presence and power.Usopp and Chopper hugged each other in fright.Satoru sweatdropped, thinking, 'Do you two have to be so dramatic?'"Gurararara, you don't need to tell me, I saw it in the newspaper too.""You two kids failed!!""It's fine, this was not unexpected!""You may have failed, but I... will not fail!!"Even through the den den mushi, Whitebeard's Haki still transmitted from the other side."S-So much Haki..."Usopp and Chopper exclaimed while hugging each other.Regarding Whitebeard's words, Satoru could only say Whitebeard was too confident, or perhaps he couldn't show weakness or uncertainty in front of the younger generation."I know your strength, Old Man Whitebeard. I know, Ace mentioned it often.""But, caution is needed in everything. This is a world-class war! Pops, you shouldn't be careless!"This was Satoru's response.Crocodile, Jinbe, and Ivankov were also surprised that Satoru seemed to have such a good relationship with Whitebeard that he dared to speak to him like this.Whitebeard raised an eyebrow, finding it amusing, "In that case, do you have a plan, kid?""As Benn Beckman's apprentice, I suppose your intelligence isn't lacking. Tell me about it.""Also, has Red Hair contacted you guys?"Satoru sat cross-legged on the ground, using his right index finger to scratch his thigh through his pants, a habitual gesture when he was thinking."No, I contacted you first. I'll contact Shanks and the others later.""My mind can't compare to my master's.""I just happen to know some things through opportunistic means, and I think it's very necessary to say them first.""Opportunistic means?""Some things? What things?"Whitebeard asked."I can see parts of the future."Satoru replied.Whitebeard raised his eyebrows again. Seeing the future, he knew that was an ability granted by top-tier Observation Haki. Was Satoru already proficient in top-tier Observation Haki at such a young age?!Satoru knew Whitebeard would think that, so he threw the blame onto the Eye of Scrutiny."The Eye of Scrutiny?""Yes, that is why I can see the future. It is an innate ability of mine.""It's not seeing a few seconds into the future, but fragments of the entire future."Ivankov and the others were hearing Satoru's explanation (deception) for the first time, and couldn't help but sigh: the power of the Replication Fruit was already strong enough, and now he had this 'Eye of Whatever.' It was truly infuriating how some people were so favored! What kind of Chosen Son was this?!"Gurararara, interesting!!""Even I am hearing about an ability like this for the first time.""In that case...""What... did you see, kid?!"Whitebeard's statement was full of momentum, an overwhelming aura like a fierce wind blowing in their faces!"I saw... the demise of the Whitebeard Pirates!
Chapter 642: A Son Pays His Father's Debts"I see... the destruction of the Whitebeard Pirates!"This was just an answer in Satoru's heart; he thought about it and decided not to say it out loud. Whether they believed it or not, this... was a bit offensive to Whitebeard.Thinking carefully, apart from that incident, there didn't seem to be anything else where the Whitebeard Pirates were plotted against by the Marine.Therefore, Satoru intended to only talk about that incident...."I only saw some fragments.""Pops Whitebeard, among your sons, is there one with a title like... Spider, his name is Squard..."Satoru tried hard to recall the name of the filial son who was tricked by Akainu and then stabbed Whitebeard, but his memory was indeed a bit blurry."Squard?"Whitebeard remembered the name of every one of his sons and daughters.Satoru nodded in affirmation, although Whitebeardcould not see his nod."Yes, that's him!"Hearing Satoru's confirmation, Whitebeard glanced towards the group of people in front; they were the division commanders and the Captains of the allied pirate crews.Squard was among them."What about him?"Whitebeard asked.Satoru organized his language, thought about it again and again, and finally decided, "Pops, call him over, and I will speak to him personally."Whitebeard was silent for a moment, then signaled to Marco with his eyes. Marco understood and went to call Squard.Answering Satoru, "Alright, wait a moment."..."Pops, are you looking for me for something?""Also, when are we setting sail?!""I really can't stand the Marine right now!!""We must hurry and save brother Ace!!"As soon as Squard arrived, he appeared high-spirited.He hadn't been tricked by Akainu yet."Gurarara, Squard, it's not me who wants to see you."Whitebeard replied with a smile.Squard looked puzzled."Then who could it be?""It's me."On this side, everyone could hear Squard's voice clearly. When Squard raised his question, Satoruspoke up.Squard was not startled; he could tell it was a voice coming from a den den mushi."You? Who are you?""Montenos D. Bai Yun."Satoru introduced himself by his full name.Squard's eyes widened, his expression one of sudden realization."It's you!""Brother Ace's brother!!""You've been famous lately, escaping from Impel Down! That's an incredible feat!!""Don't worry, even though your operation failed, leave the rest to us!! We will rescue brother Ace!!!"Squard was over 40 years old, had Long Hair, a spider tattoo on his forehead, sharp teeth, liked to stick out his tongue, and carried two swords, one big and one small. He looked treacherous and cruel, but his heart was very simple; one could tell he was simple from his words right now."I can't just watch.""I will go there too when the time comes."Satoru replied."Oh, that's even better! Then we will fight side by side!!"Squard replied enthusiastically, then realized something."By the way, what do you need me for?"Satoru saw him steer the topic to the right track himself, which was even better, so he cut straight to the point."Brother Squard, the pirate crew you were in before joining the Whitebeard Pirates was destroyed by Roger, right?"Satoru brought up the past.Whitebeard's eyelids twitched slightly.The smile on Squard's face also faded instantly.Ace was the same; Squard was considered a very good brother of his, and they had once joined forces to defeat enemies. If what Satoru said was true, then how was he supposed to face Squard..."Why bring this up all of a sudden?""...Yes, that was a long time ago."Squard replied, his tone obviously not as relaxed or enthusiastic as before."Then do you know... that Ace is Roger's son?"A bolt from the blue.Satoru said it calmly, but in everyone else's minds, it was like a bolt from the blue, making their heads buzz."What!!!!""Captain Roger's son?!"Buggy was so surprised he fell apart, and his underlings who were eavesdropping also had their jaws drop to the ground.Jinbe's hand on the rudder paused.Crocodile, who always looked like everyone owed him five million, also had surprise in his eyes.Ivankov was sent flying backward in the same spot, and the Okama behind him immediately caught him, though they were hit quite hard.When Satoru told him that Luffy was Dragon's son, he had the same reaction. At the same time, Satoruhad also told him that they were sworn brothers with Luffy, with no blood relation, but he hadn't told him that Ace was Roger's son!!!"This is truly shocking news!!"The members of the straw hat crew were equally surprised.So surprised they didn't know what to say.Just like Nami's exclamation earlier when Satoruwanted to call Whitebeard.Today is truly a strange day.Dark King Rayleigh.Four Emperors Whitebeard.Roger's son.Too damn scary....On Whitebeard's side.Squard heard Satoru's words, his eyes widened as much as they could, unable to believe what he was hearing.Whitebeard still had his usual expression; he didn't understand why Satoru was suddenly saying this? He had indeed hidden Ace's identity from Squard because of the grudge between Squard and the Roger Pirates.Squard digested the news for a moment, then cast an inquiring look at Whitebeard."Pops...""Yes, White Kid is right."Whitebeard gave a definite answer.Squard froze; he didn't know what to say. Since he wouldn't say it, Satoru took the initiative to say it."You have to accept this fact.""So what if Ace is Roger's son? Do you want to make the son pay for the father's debt? If you really think that way, don't force me to slap you!!"The last five words from Satoru woke Squard up."Slap me... slap me?! If you have the ability, come and do it!!""So, you really want to make the son pay for the father's debt?""I..."Squard looked at Whitebeard and found that Whitebeard was also looking at him, waiting for his answer."...""No, I know brother Ace's character! That has nothing to do with him, I will not take action against him.""We are all Pops' sons now, all part of the Whitebeard Pirates, and internal strife is the biggest taboo of the Whitebeard Pirates!""Gurarara, I am very satisfied with this answer, Squard."Whitebeard laughed; he was naturally satisfied with this answer."It's best that you think this way.""Then, the thing I was worried about will not happen.""What thing are you worried about?!"Squard asked, puzzled.Satoru did not hesitate and told him about being tricked by Akainu and then stabbing Whitebeard.And as for how he knew, it was because this was the future he had seen.
Chapter 643: Just Consider It SlanderSatoru told Squard, and of course, everyone else, that the future he saw was Squard being deceived by Akainu because of Ace's identity. Akainu would claim that Whitebeard had made a deal with the Marines: Whitebeard and Ace would not die in the war, but the price would be the lives of the Captains of the Whitebeard Pirates' allied pirate crews!So, enraged, Squard stabbed Whitebeard.Every time this came up, Satoru couldn't understand: did this guy not have a brain?Wouldn't he know Whitebeard's personality after following him for over a decade or two? Wouldn't he know how much Whitebeard detested the Marines? How could Whitebeard possibly make such a deal, betraying his own son?!!!Even if he survived, his reputation would be completely ruined in his old age!!!One could only say it was purely a plot kill.However, with this stab missing from history, could Whitebeard... survive?..."Impossible!! This is impossible!!!""What nonsense are you spouting?!""How could I ever treat Pops like that?!""How could I stab Pops with a knife?!""You're slandering me!!""Pops!! He's slandering me!!!"It was no wonder Squard was agitated. Satoru put himself in Squard's shoes; it was as unbelievable as him stabbing Beckman.So Satoru didn't speak, but quietly waited for Squard to calm down.Squard looked at Whitebeard, his eyes conveying that he would absolutely never do such a thing.Whitebeard said nothing, but waited for Satoru's explanation. If Satoru was slandering, even if he was Beckman's apprentice and Ace's brother, he would still be reprimanded.But unexpectedly, Satoru's reply was, "Just consider it slander.""As long as you remember, after Whitebeard Pops leads the Moby Dick underwater, and you separate from Whitebeard Pops, on your way to Marineford, if you encounter Akainu, just treat everything he says as utter nonsense!!""You just need to remember that Whitebeard Pops would never make such a dirty deal with the Marines!! Don't insult the person you worship!!""Remember that!!!"Satoru's words were very forceful, making Squard, who was more than twenty years his senior, nod repeatedly."Got it!!""I remember!!!""That's good."Satoru's calm voice came from the den den mushi.Whitebeard couldn't help but laugh, "Gurararara.""Alright, Squard, you go down and rest. Later, don't take the sea route; leave your ship here and come with us on the Moby Dick."Whitebeard was doing this for Squard's sake, but fearing the foolish boy wouldn't understand, he explained."Since White Kid said you might encounter Akainu, to be absolutely safe, it's better to be on the Moby Dick."With that, even if Squard was foolish, he knew Whitebeard was looking out for him."Okay! I understand. I'll inform the brothers now! We'll go with Pops tomorrow! They'll definitely be honored!"After speaking, Squard ran back with an excited heart. The Captains and other Captains over there tried to stop him to ask what was happening, but they couldn't... "White Kid.""I'm here.""Is there anything else you want to say?"Squard left, and Whitebeard asked Satoru if he had anything further to add.Whitebeard loved his sons, and he also understood them. He felt that what Satoru said about Squard being deceived... it wasn't impossible, and compared to others, Squard was indeed more likely to be deceived.But just like in the original history, even if that stab went in, Whitebeard would still love Squard and wouldn't blame him."Hmm... no, that's all.""We'll see each other the day after tomorrow."Satoru's fingers scratched faster. He thought for a moment: at the Marineford War, besides Squard's stab, there didn't seem to be any other surprises. But that one stab lowered the Whitebeard Pirates' chances of victory to rock bottom.Without that stab, it would just be a direct clash of strength."Alright, Kid, we'll see each other the day after tomorrow.""Dududu..."After Whitebeard said they'd meet the day after tomorrow, he hung up. On Satoru's side, the den den mushi closed its eyes and made beeping sounds.The scene fell silent; everyone was still processing the news they had just heard.It was understandable; it was indeed shocking.Meanwhile, Ace, using Satoru's body, wore a look of... grievance?Satoru thought, perhaps it was because Whitebeardhadn't mentioned him at all during the entire call.That was indeed the case. Ace really wanted to confide in Satoru, but with so many people around, he couldn't bring himself to speak."Hehe, just from his voice, I feel like this Uncle Whitebeard is a really powerful person," Luffysuddenly said.This cheered Ace up a bit. "I told you, Luffy, Pops is the strongest!""You two, don't start arguing about this topic again," Satoru said to the two brothers after taking a sip of the black tea Brook handed him.If he didn't stop them, they would soon start arguing about the Pirate King again.But then again, if the current Luffy were to meet Whitebeard, he would definitely lose, even with Satoru there. He would still lose, though his chances of escaping would be higher."Hmph!"Since Satoru had spoken, Luffy and Ace could only give up, but they turned their heads away in a huff, refusing to look at each other.Luffy was simply being himself.As for Ace, perhaps it was to divert his emotions; it was much better to "sulk" with Luffy than to dwell on whether he was a burden to Pops or if Pops was disappointed in him."They really are brothers," Usopp quipped.Then everyone's gaze turned back to Satoru.Satoru: "...""What do we do next, Satoru?" x2Satoru directly anticipated what Nami was about to say.Nami's cheeks flushed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed, as if they all had to rely on Satoru... which, well, seemed to be true... "Logically speaking, there's nothing left to do. We just have to wait for the day after tomorrow.""However, let's still make a call to Shanks and his crew," Satoru said."Shanks!!"Luffy was very excited to hear Shanks's name."But..."Luffy's "but" was because he had promised Shanksthat he would return the hat the next time they met."It's alright, Luffy, it's just a den den mushi call, not a meeting," Satoru reminded him."Hehe, you're right. Then Satoru, call them quickly!""I really miss Shanks and the others!"Without worries, Luffy smiled with anticipation.Satoru gave a helpless smile and started dialing Beckman's den den mushi."Buruburu...""Buruburu...""…"No one answered.
Chapter 644: There's This Story TooOn a stretch of sea in the New World.The sky was covered in dark clouds; as the saying goes, 'black clouds press down, threatening to crush the city.' Not a single ray of sunlight was visible, and lightning flashed and storms roared within the clouds.The red force of the Red Hair Pirates was anchored beneath the dark clouds.Opposite them was a ship with a masthead shaped like a tusked elephant head—that was the Mammoth, belonging to Jack, one of the Beasts Pirates' Three Disasters and one of the All-Stars, known as 'Jack the Drought.'Obviously, Jack alone was not enough to challenge the Red Hair Pirates, even though this guy's motto was, 'I don't care who you are, just get the hell closer!'But closing in is one thing; having the strength is another.The true opponent the Red Hair Pirates faced was the gigantic figure swimming within the dark clouds: a massive Azure Dragon covered in blue armor scales, with two horns on its head, breathing fire—Kaido the Beast, one of the Four Emperors.The den den mushi in his pocket rang. Even though thunder was booming, the wind was howling, and the opposing army was bearing down, Beckmanremained unconcerned, his expression calm. He took out the den den mushi, smoking a cigarette, and saw it take on Satoru's characteristic appearance. A slight smile appeared on Beckman's lips."Speak of the devil, and he appears, you brat..."After thinking for a moment, Beckman did not answer the call. He put it back inside his clothes, letting it ring until the line disconnected.After the news that Satoru could transform into a White Dragon spread and Beckman learned of it, he knew things were bad. His apprentice was likely to be targeted.Sure enough, that Mad Dragon came out personally.Originally, Kaido wanted to launch a sneak attack during the great war between Whitebeard and the Marine. The messier the situation, the happier Kaidowas, as he believed the entire world needed a decisive death match.But after seeing the newspaper report about the Impel Down jailbreak, Kaido immediately shifted his target to Satoru. A dragon, a White Dragon—this fueled his desire to collect. The Beasts Pirates, true to their name, aimed to gather all Zoan Devil Fruit Ability users as subordinates to create the Hundred Beasts Army.He is a Dragon, the King of the Beasts. If he could recruit another Dragon as a subordinate, his prestige would be even higher!!As for Beckman, could he tolerate his own apprentice being targeted?Thus, one side mobilized, and the other actively sought them out. Finally, the two sides met. The encounter between Four Emperors Crews was bound to shake the seas.King vs. King.Shanks was already confronting Kaido within the dark clouds.The Beasts Pirates' fleet also surrounded the red force, but this only made it easier for the Red Hair Pirates' executives to board.The executives of the Red Hair Pirates were certainly not to be underestimated; they moved across the enemy ships as if entering an uninhabited land. The remaining ordinary crew members were responsible for fighting the incoming enemies and protecting the safety of the red force.King vs. King.Then it's General vs. General.But even after Jack deployed, Beckman remained unmoved. This was also when Satoru's call came through.Hongo went out to deal with Jack.Just as the den den mushi stopped ringing, a Pterodactyl flew out from the Mammoth. Almost simultaneously—no, exactly simultaneously—Beckman raised the flintlock pistol in his hand and fired instantly.The bullet shot out, a close-up showing rolling air waves.The bullet struck, but it was almost a predictive shot. The Pterodactyl couldn't dodge, only boosting its speed to the extreme, but it was still grazed on the left wing, leaving a bloody streak.King was in the air, watching Beckman with a wary expression. From the start, Beckman had been locked onto him. He had long known that the Vice Captain of the Red Hair Pirates, Beckman, was an excellent marksman, but he never expected... he was this terrifying. Even when his speed reached its maximum, he was still hit.Beckman, smoking his cigarette, stared at King with his dead-fish eyes from afar. Suddenly, a smile flashed across his lips. He instantly fired seven bullets, heating the gun barrel until it glowed red."Seven Stars!"The seven bullets were arranged one after the other, with the following bullet pushing the one in front. Their speed was indescribable. This time, King couldn't dodge at all; the seven bullets pierced his flying wing as if they were a single shot, leaving a bloody hole. The pain nearly made King fall.King understood: he had to get close, or he would just be a sitting duck.Having realized this, King immediately flew closer, intending to engage in close combat.Seeing King's movement, Beckman remained calm and still. He blew on the gun barrel and waited for him to arrive..."Doo doo doo..."In a sea area near the Sabaody Archipelago, everyone on the Marine ship watched the disconnected den den mushi emit a 'doo doo' sound.Everyone was silent, genuinely unsure of what to say.Satoru thought for a moment, put the den den mushi receiver down, the 'doo doo' sound disappeared, and then put the den den mushi away."Maybe Shanks and Master have something important to deal with. Whether the call went through or not doesn't matter, after all, we can't demand that they must come.""Although, Luffy and I are their... old friends."Although Satoru's words didn't explicitly blame Shanks and the others, his tone was purely sarcastic. If Beckman hadn't shown up, Satoruwould probably mock him to death when they met later."Apprentice?""Whose apprentice?"Ivankov voiced the question.Satoru realized that only Luffy, Zoro, Robin, and Usopp present knew that he was Beckman's apprentice."Shanks, Luffy's guide, the Vice Captain of the Red Hair Pirates, Shanks' good brother, Benn Beckman, is my... Master."Satoru took such a roundabout way of explaining it that someone unfamiliar might think he was a taxi driver.However, with the news that Ace was Roger's son preceding it, the news that Satoru was Beckman's apprentice wasn't so surprising to everyone."No wonder, Satoru boy, your marksmanship is so good.""It's normal for him to be Beckman's apprentice.""Beckman is a smart man, frighteningly smart. Dragon once invited him to join the Revolutionary Army, and even fought Red Hair over it.""Oh~"Satoru let out an "oh," realizing there was this story too."Dad fought Shanks?!"Luffy was also surprised. One was the biological father he had never met, and the other was Shanks, who was not his biological father but was closer than one. Anyone would be surprised that they knew each other and had fought."Then who won?"Satoru and Luffy asked simultaneously.Ivankov smiled inscrutably. "At the time, Dragon seemed to be looking for Red Hair to discuss something, but later the conversation shifted to Beckman, and the two suddenly engaged in a spar. That fight lasted three days and three nights, and the final result... I don't know either."..."Hee-haw!!!""When those two got serious, who would dare approach? When it finally ended, Red Hair had his arm hooked over Dragon's shoulder, and they walked back side-by-side. I didn't see any injuries.""In the end, Beckman refused Dragon's invitation, and we left. We haven't met the Red Hair Piratessince then.""I see."Luffy replied simply.What Satoru was thinking was, Uncle Dragon went to talk to Shanks about something?What did those two have to talk about?
Chapter 645: Already Want to Lie Flat?"Satoru...""Satoru!!!"Satoru tapped his fingers up and down on his thigh, a habit he had when thinking. He would either scratch or tap, and his thigh had endured too much.He was thinking about the past encounter between the Revolutionary Army and the Red Hair Piratesthat Ivankov had mentioned.It was Uncle Dragon who led the Revolutionary Army to actively seek out the Red Hair Pirates.Satoru didn't understand why Uncle Dragon and Shanks would have anything to talk about.Lost in thought, Satoru ignored Nami's voice until she raised her tone, pulling him back from the ocean of his thoughts."Huh? What's wrong, Nami?""What were you thinking about so intently?""The call is over. What should we do next? The execution day is still two days away."Nami replied."Yeah, where should we go? Drifting on the sea for two days isn't impossible..."Satoru murmured. Everyone heard him clearly but was still waiting for him to make a decision.Satoru had considered that because history had changed, Luffy didn't go to Amazon Lily and didn't meet Hancock, so perhaps they should go to Amazon Lily?But at the thought of the riff-raff on the first floor, Satoru decided against it. Those scoundrels might not be able to restrain themselves when they saw the residents of Amazon Lily, so it was better not to bring trouble to Amazon Lily.Then where else could they go?"We... will keep going straight. Whenever we see an island within a day, we'll disembark and wait for the day of execution.""If we don't see an island within a day, we'll return the way we came. That way, two days will have passed."This was Satoru's suggestion.It was... a rather bland suggestion, but no one had any objections because they had no better ideas."Hee-haw! Then let's do as you say, Satoru-boy! Forward into the unknown!!""Forward!!"Luffy enthusiastically echoed Ivankov, but the next second his stomach rumbled. Fighting the PX-1 Pacifista had greatly depleted his stamina."Grumble~""Sanji, I want to eat!"Sanji was calling Sanji, Sanji wasn't calling Satoru, and a situation where neither Sanji nor Satoru were present didn't exist.Sanji nodded and stood up, walking towards the ship's cabin. "I haven't cooked in a Marine battleship's kitchen yet.""Ours too, please!!"The prisoners on the first floor shouted, and Sanji's face instantly turned into a shark's."Do it yourselves!!""Hm-hm-hm, what about ours? Can we ask you to make ours, Curly Brow-boy?"Ivankov said.Sanji's body instantly stiffened, then he ran into the ship's cabin without looking back."Hm-hm-hm, what a cute fellow. So eager to cook for us."Ivankov said with a smile.Satoru thought, no, he's terrified. Anyway, anything is possible, except for him being eager to cook for you."So, can we finally relax now? Today has been a strange day."Usopp leaned back, but halfway down, something propped him up. He looked up to see it was a tree."What? Already tired?""Already want to lie flat?""You're all going to that world-class war. What right do you have to lie here now?""Everyone, get up and train!!""Although two days won't make much difference, still! Just train!!""Ah!!!""But I'm so tired~"Usopp complained."I'm so hungry~"This was Luffy."You two! Complaining about being tired and hungry!! Look at Zoro!! He's almost dead from his injuries and hasn't said a thing!!"Zoro: "..."Get up and train immediately!!Under Satoru's (physical) persuasion, Usopp and Luffy could only get up and train.Satoru used Xiao Bai's wood element control to draw a circle on the deck. The edge of the circle was dozens of vines, and Luffy and Usopp were in the middle of the circle, their eyes also surrounded by branches by Satoru.Two vines would randomly strike at the two people in the middle each time. Luffy and Usopp could only use their senses to dodge the vines. If they couldn't dodge, they would get whipped by a vine.As for Zoro, his focus was still on swordsmanship and Armament Haki. At Enies Lobby, his Armament Haki had already taken half a step forward; he had basically learned it.Satoru didn't need to do anything for this; he could practice it himself."Yohohoho, how impressive."Brook suddenly said.Satoru turned his head and looked at the remaining five of them."Nami, Sister Robin, you two... decide what you want to do yourselves.""As for you three..."Stared at by Satoru, Chopper broke out in a sweat, Franky also had sweat dripping from his forehead, while Brook continued to drink his black tea, looking like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water."Chopper... you can try to improve your rumble ball, try to extend the transformation time, and be able to control your consciousness when in the giant transformation state. That will greatly increase your strength."Satoru offered advice."Mmm... Satoru, what you said makes sense. I'll work hard.""Good, you go for it.""Franky, you can also try to study the Pacifista's heart you just obtained.""In short, you must make significant progress in strength before entering the New World."Franky nodded, "I understand. I'll go look for cola in the kitchen first. In this state, I don't feel right at all.""Then, Brook, you..."Satoru felt very vague about Brook's strength.Moreover, he's already a skeleton, can he still train Armament Haki?"You... do as you wish.""Yohohoho, how sad! Doesn't Satoru have anything he wants me to do?"Brook asked back."Then, can you use Observation Haki?""No.""Alright, train with Usopp and Luffy."Satoru replied.Brook looked at Luffy and Usopp, who were constantly being whipped by vines. "...I...""No!"Seeing Satoru's unyielding attitude, Brook could only hope that those vines wouldn't shatter his old bones.His comrades all had things to do.Satoru turned around and glanced at Crocodile, their eyes meeting. Crocodile was the first to look away, gazing up at the sky.Satoru was about to let out a sigh of relief, thinking he could finally relax.Then Ace spoke."Satoru...""...I forgot about you. You just rest well and adjust your mindset, my foolish brother."Satoru patted Ace's shoulder, then walked over to Jinbe at the helm.Ace thought for a moment, rest, then maybe take a bath. The feeling of powerlessness from being a Devil Fruit user half-submerged in water actually helped him relax quite a bit.As for it being Satoru's body now, if Satoru didn't mind, why should he? They had seen everything since childhood.Satoru: I do mind, but I can't say it!
Chapter 646: The Day of ExecutionTime flowed by.Soon it was the day of Fire Fist Ace's execution.The sea was calm these past two days, and nothing major happened. However, pirates and civilians alike knew that this was merely the calm before the storm. The quieter it was now, the more turbulent it would be when the day arrived... "Da da da...""Ace...""Are you... still refusing to speak to me?"Three hours before the public execution, the dungeon door opened, and sunlight shone in. This was a single cell.Thick chains in the middle of the cell bound Ace's body. Ever since Ace's body was brought back, Garphad come to see him every day, but no matter what Garp said, Ace remained unresponsive, like an empty shell.But that was indeed the truth; the current Ace was truly just an empty physical shell.But Garp didn't know that. He thought Ace was holding a grudge against him, and even when he used his Fist of Love, Ace still didn't utter a word.Today was the last day—the day of the public execution.Garp came to the cell again. He didn't want to leave without even getting... a single word in the end.However, Ace still didn't respond.Garp sighed. The Soldiers began unlocking the chains, preparing to escort Ace to the execution platform. It was then that Ace, who had been like a puppet since his capture, finally spoke."Old Man.""Wait!!"The moment "Ace" spoke, Garp immediately ordered the Soldiers to stop.The Soldiers dared not disobey Garp's command, even if the Marshal had instructed them to escort Ace.The reason Ace suddenly spoke was that Satoruhad returned his consciousness to this body, intending to check the situation. Fate dictated that he happened to encounter Garp and the Soldiers arriving."Are you finally willing to speak? Ace..."Garp immediately sat down cross-legged, trying to be level with Satoru. (The soul is Satoru, so I write Satoru, but those unaware still refer to him as Ace.)Satoru looked at Garp, the confident old man who always maintained a self-assured smile in battle and looked completely certain of success, but who now wore a look of worry."You want me to speak, so what do you hope I will say?"Satoru asked."..."Garp fell silent. Yes, what was there to say?"What if... I asked you to save me... Grandpa..."Satoru's words turned into a sharp arrow that pierced straight into Garp's heart.Garp suddenly looked up and met his gaze, his eyes filled with complex emotions: shame, hesitation, struggle, apology... The two Soldiers behind him didn't understand, but they knew that Garp and Ace's relationship must be... very good. They were afraid Garp would act impulsively, as Garp often did... "Ace, I...""No need to say anything more...""I don't blame you, Old Man."Satoru also knew that Garp often acted impulsively, but this situation couldn't be resolved by simply "acting impulsively." If the marine hero released the prisoner right before the execution, wouldn't that be trampling the Marine's reputation?Garp had dedicated most of his life to the Marines; he couldn't do it... But that didn't mean he didn't love Ace. He was the person within the Marines who most hoped that Whitebeard would rescue Ace.Satoru also understood that if Garp truly released him, then even if Sengoku was there and the Marines didn't pursue charges, the World Government definitely wouldn't let the matter rest. Even if they knew the Marines needed Garp's fighting strength and wouldn't abandon or attack him, they could certainly make his life difficult within the Marine organization."I... won't die! Old Man!!"Satoru said firmly, comforting both Garp and himself.Seeing Ace's determined gaze, Garp knew that Ace's flame of survival had not yet been extinguished. Good! This was very good!!"Hahahaha!!""Good!!""As expected of my grandson, Garp's grandson!!""I believe you!!""You won't die!!""Get moving!!"Garp laughed heartily, tears streaming from the corners of his eyes. He then stood up, turning his back to Satoru. The word "Justice" written on his white coat, combined with the sunlight streaming in from outside the door, appeared incredibly dazzling in Satoru's eyes.The two Soldiers pretended they hadn't heard anything just now. They opened the cell, unlocked the chains, and were about to pull Satoru up when Satoru spoke, "Don't touch me, I'll do it myself."Satoru stood up and walked, the only sound being the friction of the ankle cuffs."Let's go, Old Man. You lead the way."Garp did not reply to Satoru's words but stepped onto the stairs. Satoru followed, and the two MarineSoldiers brought up the rear... On the island where Marineford is located, there is a small town whose primary residents are Marine families.The residents had already received evacuation notices and withdrawn.Their shelter, the Sabaody Archipelago, was using monitoring den den mushi to feed back to large screens mounted on the trees, broadcasting every move of the public execution in real-time.Reporters from all over the world also flocked there, preparing to release the news to the world as quickly as possible."Hey! Look quickly!! Fire Fist Ace is out!!"Following an unknown shout, everyone instantly and uniformly directed their attention to the large screen. On the large screen, Fire Fist Ace had arrived at the execution platform.Marineford.Satoru looked ahead, ignoring the Marine formation entirely. "This location, looking out at the sea... it's quite nice.""Kneel down!"The two executing Soldiers beside him shouted, demanding Satoru kneel."Why so loud? Are you afraid others will know you're weak?"Satoru replied lightly."You!!"The Soldier was about to move, but Satoru knelt down on his own. Before his knees even touched the wooden board, Satoru's consciousness returned. He took one last look at the sea ahead, knowing that eventually, he would definitely leave from there... As his knees touched down, Satoru's consciousness retreated, and Ace's body once again became an empty shell. No one knew... "Satoru!!""Satoru!!!"On the warship heading toward Marineford, Luffy's shouts continuously rang out.Satoru opened his eyes, seeing Luffy holding him up and repeatedly shouting his name, splashing spittle all over his face... "I'm fine, Luffy, I'm fine."Satoru stood up, pulled up Luffy's clothes, and wiped his face.Luffy didn't mind. "Good, as long as you're okay.""What happened just now? Why did you suddenly collapse? Is your body that weak now?"Luffy was concerned, but his words sounded strange.Satoru glanced at Ace. "I just went to take a look at... the formation over there.""I can only say, as expected of Marineford. Compared to it, the Buster Call is just a kid brother!!"Satoru's words made everyone suddenly feel immense pressure. They had witnessed the Buster Call; something even more terrifying than that... was simply unimaginable.Seeing their expressions, Satoru smiled and said, "It's too late to regret now!""Ahead of us is a world-class stage. A single misstep means death!""Are you ready to face it?!!!"