(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. sp.atreon/INeedRest)
(9 Chapters of the new book are already released in p.atreon)
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A month flew by.
To broadcast this historic event live, the World Governnt had set up massive screens in key cities across the world.
Even in smaller towns that weren't included, people rushed to nearby locations where the broadcast would be shown, eager to witness history unfold.
In the Holy Land of Mariejois, today marked the final day of the World Summit.
All the kings of the affiliated nations had gathered, waiting anxiously.
"Why isn't there a signal yet?"
"The Marine's efficiency is too slow! It's already ti—why haven't they started the broadcast?"
Several kings complained, itching to smash the screens before them.
They understood better than anyone the significance of this execution—after all, the Five Elders had revealed Ace's true identity to them.
Once Ace was executed, the Great Pirate Era would co to an end, and the world would return to peace.
At that point, they wouldn't have to fear the pirates burning, pillaging, and plundering their lands.
Suddenly, a king noticed the screen flicker to life.
He hurriedly shouted, "Look, it's starting!"
In an instant, the room was packed with people staring intently, not daring to blink.
At Marineford, the air buzzed with tension.
Over the past month, the Marine Headquarters had summoned an overwhelming number of elite forces.
Hundreds of thousands of Marine soldiers filled the vast war platform, with the lowest-ranking among them being sergeants.
On the high platform stood so of the strongest figures in the organization—dozens of Vice Admirals and the Shichibukai.
Only the four Admirals had yet to arrive.
Today, Marineford was the most heavily fortified war zone in the world.
A towering execution platform had been built in the center, but for now, it stood empty.
"This is..."
"Terrifying..."
People from all over the world looked up at the platform, their hearts pounding as if ready to burst from their chests.
The vice admirals were all elites of the Marine Headquarters with wide renown, their nas sent chills down the spines of countless pirates across the Grand Line.
"By the way, where are Fujitora and the others?"
A Marine puffed on his cigar, noticing that aside from the four empty seats beneath the execution platform, Fujitora and Green Bull were nowhere to be seen.
"They're with Vice Admiral Garp."
The vice admiral glanced toward the back and replied flatly, "Garp-san isn't feeling well about all this, so..."
He left the rest unsaid.
So things were too delicate to discuss openly.
Officially, Fujitora and Green Bull were accompanying Garp, but in truth, they were there to keep an eye on him. Fleet Admiral Sengoku was worried that sothing might go wrong, so he had specifically arranged for two Admiral candidates to stay close.
"Hmph! I know I shouldn't say this, but still... Garp-san brought this upon himself!"
One of them had his face full of disdain—he had always been dissatisfied with Garp for raising Portgas D. Ace as his own grandson.
His words sparked imdiate backlash. Another Vice Admiral, known for his fiery temper, barked out,
"Hey, watch what you say! Ace is already captured—are you trying to put the bla on Vice Admiral Garp?!"
"Enough, enough! Let's drop it. It's been years already since that ti, hasn't it?"
A few quickly diated, and the tension in the air slowly faded.
The Marine Headquarters had many strong warriors, but it was also riddled with internal strife. They were constantly at odds, while the neutral faction tried to keep the peace, barely maintaining a fragile balance.
However, recent news had shaken things up.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku intended to retire after the execution, which ant the selection of the next Fleet Admiral would determine the future course of the Marines.
If Akainu was chosen, those supporting him would gain even greater power.
If Aokiji was chosen, his supporters would have a smoother path ahead.
As for Kizaru and... Naruto?
No one believed those two were in contention.
One was too young, and the other was too much of a wildcard.
The Five Elders would have to be blind to pick them.
Just then, the voices of the soldiers below grew louder—cheers erupted across the battlefield.
Four figures landed before the execution platform, taking their seats.
Tens of thousands of Marines watched in awe as the four Admirals arrived.
Akainu!
Aokiji!
Kizaru!
Naruto!
If the Vice Admirals were the backbone of the Marines, then these four were the pillars that upheld world order!
Facing the gazes of countless people, only Naruto waved energetically.
The other three were long accustod to the attention.
Akainu narrowed his eyes at Naruto's uncharacteristically excited deanor.
"Naruto, what's with you today? Why are you so happy?"
"Huh? I... I just think today's a great day," Naruto stamred.
Aokiji and Kizaru exchanged glances, the corners of their mouths twitching.
'This kid really can't lie.'
"Maybe he's just excited for the upcoming battle?" Kizaru suggested lazily.
"He is about to face the strongest man in the world, after all. It's understandable for a young man to want to make a na for himself."
Akainu scoffed, clearly unimpressed.
"This isn't a ga! Our goal is to annihilate the Whitebeard Pirates, not to seek personal entertainnt!"
"Naruto, if killing Whitebeard ans getting in the way of your little fight, don't expect to hold back."
"No, no!" Naruto waved his hands frantically. "I'm not interested in Whitebeard! Just leave Sasuke to !"
Akainu glanced at him but said nothing more.
As long as Naruto was committed to the mission, that was good enough.
The live broadcast snail finally activated.
Under the eyes of the world, Fleet Admiral Sengoku stepped forward, leading a small unit of Marine soldiers as they brought out the prisoners.
Following behind them were Garp, Fujitora, and Green Bull.
The execution platform lood high, an unmistakable symbol of justice and power.
Beneath the eyes of the world, Portgas D. Ace was brought forth.
Gasps spread across the audience.
"That's the captain of Whitebeard's Second Division? He's so young!"
"And that's Sabo from the Revolutionary Army too!"
Watching through their screens, many people were struck by the youth of these world-shaking figures.
Of course, Sengoku was unaware that the audience was focused on such trivial thoughts.
He turned to face the world, his voice solemn.
"Portgas D. Ace... This man's execution holds a special aning."
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