Chapter 78: Going After Big Mom, Reuniting with Ace

"Big bro, look, your bounty is 4.5 billion Berries."

Marco handed Roy the latest bounty poster.

"This kind of thing is just for show. How's the situation with Charlotte Linlin?" Roy asked.

"She's already returned to Totto Land," Marco replied.

"I'm planning to go and seize all of their territories," Roy said with a smirk.

The Whitebeard Pirates had already regrouped. Even though they lost Ace and others, they still had 15 divisions, over 20 allied pirate crews, and a force of more than 20,000 men, a massive pirate group.

Charlotte Linlin's raid on them couldn't just be brushed aside. They had to settle the score.

Whitebeard was left in charge of the main base. He wasn't going to die anytime soon, and no one dared to challenge with him.

But Roy?

He was going to collect the debt.

"Big bro, who's going?" Jozu and the others were eager to go with Roy and get revenge for what they had suffered.

"Vista, Blamenco, Rakuyo, Namur, Curiel, Haruta, and Izo." Roy started calling names.

The 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th, and 16th—seven division commanders were named.

"Big bro, what about us?" Jozu asked in confusion.

"Yeah, we're ready too!" Thatch stepped forward.

"You guys just stay home and guard the base. We can handle this," Roy said.

"That's right, we've got this." Namur chuckled.

"You guys stay home and look after Pops. Wait for the news of our triumphant return," Vista said with a smile.

"Don't worry, we'll bring plenty of loot back. I'm not really into sweets, but they've got some great wine," Blamenco said with a big grin.

Some were happy, some disappointed. Those who weren't picked were sulking for a while.

Those who were picked had already started gathering their crews.

Raiding Charlotte Linlin's territories was a high-profile mission.

And Roy was leading it himself—a big move.

"Be careful," Whitebeard said.

"Marco, remember what I said. Don't give him too much booze," Roy added.

"Enough nagging. Get going already," Whitebeard grumbled.

"Remember to take the medicine I prepared for you. Doctor Kureha is 140 years old and still full of life. She drinks daily and is still healthier than you. If you want to drink a few more years, learn some self-care."

"That old hag is built different. I can't believe she's still alive after all these years."

Whitebeard recalled seeing her thirty years ago and didn't believe she was over a hundred even then. Now, three decades had passed, and she was still alive. They'd even shared a drink back then.

"She's doing just fine and is very healthy."

"Are you leaving or not? Why are you still babbling here?" Whitebeard said.

Roy shrugged and began calling his team. It was time to set off and collect some payback.

Their pride wasn't handed to them; it was earned. Since Charlotte Linlin had attacked them, they weren't just going to let it slide.

If they didn't hit back, anyone would think they could walk all over them.

Charlotte Linlin had to pay the price, and they had to shake the New World with their strength.

It had only been a few days since the Egghead Incident. When one of the Four Emperors in the New World made a move, all the pirates trembled.

Everyone could see Whitebeard was getting old. They were getting restless, ready to challenge the legend.

Roy taking over made them wary, but that didn't mean they'd stop probing.

Rather than waiting to be harassed, it was wiser to strike first, eliminate the enemy, and instill fear in the hearts of those who dared try to challenge.

After preparations, two ships carrying 5,000 men set off in grand fashion for Totto Land. Four days later, they attacked the first island under Big Mom's flag.

The scale of the move quickly caught the attention of various intelligence agencies.

"Pops made a move?"

Ace wasn't on Whitebeard's territory anymore. He was working to take territory of his own, but the news reached him quickly.

"Big Mom attacked us before, and now big bro is leading a team to take revenge," Ace said with a smile.

"The Big Mom Pirates are on the move, too. Should we go help?" Deuce asked.

"No need. We're no longer members of the Whitebeard Pirates. Even if we tried to help, big bro wouldn't let us fight," Ace shook his head.

"True. It's not our business anymore," Deuce sighed.

Ace felt a bit down. The fact that he now covered up the Whitebeard flag on his coat meant they had cut ties with the Whitebeard Pirates.

"Pops wants you to become the Pirate King. We have to grow stronger fast," Deuce said.

"Yeah, you're right. The first target," Ace said seriously.

"Taking him down won't be easy," Deuce replied.

"Commander Ace, ah, no, Captain Ace, there's a ship approaching us!" Loxus ran over and reported.

Loxus still wasn't used to the change. At sixteen, he was just a trainee on the Spade Pirates.

"A ship? What kind?" Ace looked up.

Sure enough, a ship was coming, but it didn't have any distinctive markings. It was hard to tell whether it was an enemy or a merchant vessel.

"Prepare for battle," Ace ordered.

"Got it!"

Everyone aboard readied themselves for a fight and approached the oncoming ship.

The two ships drew closer. There were many people standing on the other ship's deck.

"Finally seeing you again. I wonder if you'll recognize me," said a man standing at the bow, smiling.

Behind him were a fishman and a girl watching.

As the ships passed each other, someone suddenly jumped from the other ship before Ace could react, attacking directly.

"Pretty gutsy," Ace grinned, raising his fist and throwing a punch.

"Fire Fist!"

"Dragon Claw!"

Boom!

Flames engulfed the attacker, but the opponent's Haki tore through the fire.

The man reached Ace, threw a straight punch. Ace blocked and countered.

Neither used their full strength, just pure combat skills. Their fight got faster and fiercer.

Both used Haki. As Ace fought, he started to feel something strange.

'Who is this guy? Why does he feel so familiar?'

That feeling, too familiar, it reminded him of something, but he didn't dare dwell on it.

"Flame Pillar!"

Ace used his devil fruit, flames erupting beneath his feet, forcing his opponent back.

"Who the hell are you?" Ace demanded.

The man didn't say much. He pulled out a piece of pipe, shattered the flame pillar, and swung it down at Ace.

But Ace didn't move. The pipe stopped just short of his face.

Ace stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief, staring at the man.

"Captain Ace!!" the others shouted in shock. What was happening to Ace?

"You... you can't be..."

"Long time no see, Ace!!"

...

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