Chapter 151: Hancock's Lovesickness!

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"It's almost time."

Ace glanced toward the execution platform, a slight smirk forming at the corners of his mouth. The memory reading of the Celestial Dragons had concluded, and a fierce purple-black light flashed in his eyes.

Suddenly, with a crack of thunder, three black and purple spears formed entirely from Conqueror's Haki appeared above the kneeling Celestial Dragons scattered across the world. The sheer mastery of this technique caused even the most powerful onlookers to widen their eyes in shock.

"Stop! Stop, Portgas D. Ace!" 

Sengoku, recognizing the Conqueror's Haki spears, roared urgently. He had no time to marvel at the spectacle—his mind was too damaged from his earlier attempt to unravel the secrets of Ace using the powers of his Mythical Zoan Great Buddha form. The strain had left him unable to summon his own Haki in time to stop it.

Was this all part of Ace's plan too? 

Sengoku clenched his teeth as he glared at Ace. From the very beginning, everything seemed to have been calculated by him. From the half destruction of the Devil's Triangle to the events at the Sabaody Archipelago, Ace had anticipated every move, even managing to evade the vast intelligence network of the Marines.

By using Akainu's Magma Fruit as nourishment to enhance his Mera-Mera Fruit powers, Ace had even taken into account Sengoku's own abilities granted by the Great Buddha. What terrifying strategy and foresight. What a terrifying man—Portgas D. Ace!

There was no other choice. They had to act now!

"Shichibukai! Act immediately! If you choose to remain neutral in this moment, you will lose your privileges! From this point onward, the Marines will hunt you as regular pirates, without any special treatment!" 

Sengoku made his declaration without consulting the World Government, broadcasting his orders to the entire world. As Marine Fleet Admiral, he couldn't officially revoke the Shichibukai's titles without the world government's authorization, but he could command the Marines to treat them like any other pirates. Even though this was effectively defying the World Government's authority, Sengoku had decided to bear the consequences.

In his role as the supreme commander of the Marines, Sengoku was willing to take on this monumental responsibility to ensure victory. 

The Marines could not afford to lose this war—especially not in front of the whole world!

Naval Headquarters had already committed its full might to the battle against the Entei Pirates. With the Marine Fleet Admiral, three Admirals, and even Garp, their last line of defense, engaged in combat, the stakes were higher than ever. To lose now would be a devastating blow to the morale and confidence of all Marine officers and soldiers.

If they failed, and Ace succeeded in publicly executing the Celestial Dragons, it would shatter the Marines' image of justice. Sengoku would not allow that to happen—not while he was Marine Fleet Admiral! Even if it meant facing repercussions from the World Government afterward, the worst-case scenario was him resigning from his post.

But as long as he held the position of Marine Fleet Admiral, Sengoku would fight with everything he had for the Marines!

This was his resolve as their leader!

"..."

Nearby, Garp, who was engaged in combat with Rayleigh, wore a serious expression. Although Garp often appeared carefree, he understood the gravity of Sengoku's actions. Sengoku had used Marine's authority to coerce the Shichibukai into action—a bold move that would undoubtedly provoke the World Government. Even if they managed to stop Ace's execution, Sengoku would still face severe consequences.

The World Government would not tolerate any challenge to its authority, even from a Marine Fleet Admiral.

"As expected from that guy," Rayleigh remarked with a laugh, glancing at Garp. "But now that I've joined the fight, I have no regrets."

It felt as though Rayleigh had been transported back to his days fighting alongside Roger against Garp and Sengoku. But now, he was fighting alongside Ace, Roger's heir. And Ace was even stronger than Roger.

To everyone's surprise, Ace had outwitted Sengoku in a battle of strategy. Now, Sengoku had been forced to use his final card, rallying the Marines and the Shichibukai to launch an all-out attack.

What a glorious war this had become! Rayleigh's laugh echoed as his Conqueror's Haki intensified, with black and purple lightning crackling violently around him. He stood at the heart of the storm, his Conqueror Haki shaking the entire Sabaody Archipelago.

Though Rayleigh had been in hiding for years and had lost much of his physical prowess, his Conqueror's Haki remained as sharp as ever. This war would serve as his whetstone, honing his Haki to its former glory. 

Even if his body could not regain its former strength, his Haki could return to its peak. This was the power of "Dark King" Rayleigh!

"Are you ready, Garp?" Rayleigh asked, his laughter subsiding.

Garp grinned. "I'm always ready. After all, I'm a Marine."

Since Sengoku had shown his dedication as Marine Fleet Admiral, Garp, too, had to demonstrate his own resolve. And like Sengoku, Garp had absolute confidence in Ace. No matter how fierce the battle, Garp believed in his grandson's strength.

Garp's eyes gleamed with a fierce, terrifying purple-black aura.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Countless bolts of violent purple-black lightning crackled madly in his hands, causing the very atmosphere to tremble. The collision of their Conqueror's Haki was so powerful that it completely erased the extreme heat in the area. 

These were two legends from the old era—engaged in the most fearsome clash imaginable.

Monkey D. Garp, the Marine hero, and "Dark King" Silver Rayleigh, standing before the entire world, declared that their era had not yet come to an end!

Legends endure!

"Boom!!!"

The terrifying clash ignited a chorus of exclamations across the globe.

"Fufufufu... You're forcing us to act, Sengoku? You really are bold," Doflamingo chuckled. 

As a former Celestial Dragon, Doflamingo was well aware of the World Government's unyielding grip on power. He knew that after this war, Sengoku would no longer be able to serve as Marine Fleet Admiral, whether he won or lost. But at the same time, Sengoku's drastic measures meant that if they, the Shichibukai, didn't act now, they would face the full force of Marine's pursuit.

Sengoku had wagered his career as Marine Fleet Admiral to issue an order that even the World Government couldn't override.

"Looks like we have no choice but to take action. Being hunted by the Marines would be troublesome." 

Hawkeye glanced over at Doflamingo and added calmly, "Why don't you go help Sengoku, Doflamingo?"

Underneath his sunglasses, Doflamingo's eyes narrowed sharply, his face twitching in frustration. 

Portgas D. Ace had long been a shadow looming over him. His Conqueror Haki had stagnated because of Ace, and now, in this war, Ace had shown even greater power—powers beyond the limits of the Mera-Mera Fruit. He wielded abilities from other Devil Fruits too, and even controlled the souls of former Shichibukai, like Crocodile.

In this war, Ace had not only displayed incredible strength but also outwitted Sengoku. Strength, wisdom, strategy—Portgas D. Ace was better than anything Naval Headquarters could muster in this conflict. 

Sengoku had been so cornered that he had to set aside his position as Marine Fleet Admiral to coerce the Shichibukai into action.

Ace... was more terrifying than Kaido!

Kaido's dream was to start an unprecedented war, but he lacked the strategic vision to launch such a conflict. Kaido relied on his monstrous, unkillable body, acting recklessly after getting drunk. Such a madman could never orchestrate a war of this scale.

But Ace had launched a terrifying war, right in front of the entire world, involving the Four Emperors, Naval Headquarters, and the Shichibukai. All three major powers had been drawn in, and Naval Headquarters was nearly helpless against him. Without external intervention, they would have already declared defeat.

And now, Hawkeye was suggesting that he help Sengoku fight this man? The very thought sent a cold sweat running down Doflamingo's back.

"Are you really too scared to face that man? How pathetic, Doflamingo," Hawkeye's eyes flashed as he taunted.

"Whoosh!"

Suddenly, several Haki-infused Parasite Strings shot toward Hawkeye, slicing through the air like a deadly blade.

"Clang!"

The Black Blade, Yoru, unsheathed itself from Hawkeye's back in an instant.

"Slash!"

The powerful strings infused with Haki were like fragile tofu before Yoru. They were severed immediately.

"Well, you made the first move, Doflamingo. The responsibility is all yours." 

Hawkeye's eyes, as sharp as an eagle's, glowed with terrifying Haki. With Yoru in hand, he cut through the very atmosphere.

Doflamingo was forced to flee, holding his head. No matter what defense he put up—even using all of his Armament Haki combined with his String-String Fruit powers—it was useless. Before Hawkeye, it all crumbled with a single strike. 

In the hands of Hawkeye, the Supreme Grade Black Blade, Yoru, unleashed its true terrifying power.

His seemingly effortless movements left Doflamingo, one of the Shichibukai, completely off-balance. If Hawkeye had intended to kill, Doflamingo wouldn't have stood a chance in such close combat. His String-String powers would have been overwhelmed in the hellish environment that Hawkeye created.

Doflamingo, now hiding in shame, finally realized the truth.

That bastard Hawkeye had done it on purpose!

Ever since they gathered at the Holy Land, Hawkeye had been using Ace to provoke him. And now, on this battlefield, Hawkeye had goaded him into losing his composure. 

From the very beginning, Hawkeye had never intended to fight against Ace. He was using Ace to shift all the blame for the internal strife among the Shichibukai onto Doflamingo, right in front of the world.

Could it be that the mastermind behind this was the Red-Haired Shanks?

As Doflamingo silently fumed, dodging Hawkeye's relentless attacks, Moria laughed with his fanged grin.

"Hehehe! Now it's clear—we're not to blame for not taking action. It was Doflamingo who disrupted the unity of the Shichibukai."

Kuma, watching silently from the sidelines, reflected on what he had seen.

Ace... I see the potential you've shown me.

And Bonney... I finally have the chance to wish you a happy birthday in person.

Jinbei, standing nearby, remained calm. He had already made his decision. 

In front of the world, Ace declared, 'Since the mermaids from the participating nations cannot be protected, I will pass judgment on them myself.'

Jinbei refused to act. He had his own principles and was determined not to betray them, even if it meant facing Marine's pursuit!

Besides, Doflamingo had now taken on all the blame for the Shichibukai's lack of action.

Is this all part of the Red-Haired Shanks' plan?

Jinbei pondered while watching Mihawke push Doflamingo into retreat.

Meanwhile, Hancock stood watching Ace from afar, her face flushed, her breathing quickening uncontrollably.

"What's happening to me?" Hancock murmured, covering her beautiful face with her hand.

"Hancock... could it be?" 

Shakky, observing the screen, blinked in surprise. As a former empress of Amazon Lily, she was all too familiar with Hancock's current state.

It seemed Hancock had fallen hopelessly in love with Ace.

Was it because Ace executed the Celestial Dragons in front of the world? Given Hancock's past, Shakky quickly pieced together the cause. But still... that alone wouldn't make Hancock fall head over heels for him.

What else did Ace do to make her so infatuated?

Shakky pondered, unaware that Ace's display of Conqueror Haki and his elegant form after the Remnant Flame Technique had become an irresistible allure for Hancock, who had eaten the Love-Love Fruit. 

Combined with Ace's execution of the Celestial Dragons in front of the entire world, it was no wonder Hancock was suffering from a lovesick obsession.

As all this unfolded, Sengoku was left feeling numb...