Chapter 53: Chapter 53: The Navy Declares War, Shocking the World
A few days later, two pieces of news spread rapidly across the Grand Line.
First, the incident involving the Celestial Dragons on the Sabaody Archipelago. No one expected these supernovas would go so far as to attack the Celestial Dragons. Despite being called the parasites of the world and the scourge of the Grand Line, the Celestial Dragons still had their status. Many could only be angry but didn't dare to speak out. When Luffy punched one of them in the face, people felt a great sense of satisfaction and cheered. However, though it was satisfying, the consequences were severe. Admiral Kizaru captured ten of the eleven supernovas, and they were thrown into Impel Down. Thus, the Celestial Dragon incident concluded.
However, just when everyone thought the Grand Line would calm down after the Celestial Dragon incident, an even more explosive piece of news arrived. The Navy announced to the entire world that in three days at noon, in the central plaza of Marineford, they would publicly execute Ace, the former second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, broadcasted live worldwide.
The news caused an uproar across the Grand Line. They were going to execute Ace, the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates? What did that mean? Who was Ace? He was part of the Whitebeard Pirates. The Navy suddenly targeting Ace was essentially declaring war on the Whitebeard Pirates.
The Whitebeard Pirates were one of the Four Emperors of the New World, leaders of the era, with the strongest man in the world. Why would the Navy openly declare war on the Whitebeard Pirates? Upon hearing the news, many found it hard to believe.
"Is it true?" "Seems like it. The Navy has already announced it to the world!" "A while ago, I saw a massive gathering of elite Navy forces in Marineford. I was puzzled then, but now I understand!" "Not just elite forces. I saw the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock and the world's greatest swordsman Dracule Mihawk on Navy ships. It looks like all the Seven Warlords of the Sea have been summoned to Marineford." "The Navy is serious this time!" "Can the Whitebeard Pirates withstand such a massive force?" "Hard to say. They are known as the strongest pirate crew on the Grand Line. Even the Navy might find it hard to deal with them." "And recently, the Whitebeard Pirates recruited a new division commander with rumored formidable strength!" "The Whitebeard Pirates are strong!" "But don't forget, Whitebeard is nearing eighty, past his prime, which is a significant disadvantage!" "Yes, no matter how strong someone is, everyone falls from their peak eventually!" "The Navy has grasped the Whitebeard Pirates' weak point!" "They know Whitebeard won't abandon Ace and will accept their challenge despite his condition!" "The Navy has played a masterful game!"
As the news spread across the Four Seas, the first half of the Grand Line, and the second half of the Grand Line, the entire world was in an uproar. Taverns, streets, everywhere was filled with endless discussions. Some believed that the Whitebeard Pirates, once among the top three of the old era, had once stood at the pinnacle of the world, known as the strongest, competing with the likes of Roger and Shiki. The Navy couldn't possibly defeat them. Others thought that the Whitebeard Pirates were strong, but only compared to other pirates and the other Four Emperors. The Navy had ruled these seas for over eight hundred years without falling. With deep roots, its influence spread across the entire world. Even the mighty Whitebeard fell short against the Navy.
No matter the viewpoint, after the Navy's announcement, in the vast and turbulent Grand Line, a new reckoning was approaching. Would Whitebeard charge forward, crush the Navy, and rescue Ace? Or would the Navy shatter the Whitebeard Pirates and firmly establish their dominance over the Grand Line? The turning point between the old era and the new era had arrived.
When Lin Yan returned, he looked around, puzzled. The large dock was empty. Soon, Lin Yan realized the reason. The newspapers announcing Ace's execution had already reached their base. Surely, the Whitebeard Pirates were in an uproar.
Sure enough, when Lin Yan boarded the Moby Dick, Whitebeard sat in the center, his face grim with anger, surrounded by all the division commanders. Everyone was voicing their opinions.
"This is too much!" "Damn Navy, trying to use Ace to threaten us!" "Do they not know what they're doing?" "Has the Whitebeard Pirates been out of sight for too long? Are we being bullied to this extent?" "It seems we need to teach these arrogant Navy officers a lesson!" "It's all because of that cursed Teach. That's why the Whitebeard Pirates are in this situation!" "Blackbeard!!" "If I catch you, you're dead!!" "Father, since the Navy wants to declare war on us, why not accept?" "Right, we Whitebeard Pirates don't start trouble, but we don't fear it either!" "I don't think this is a good idea." "We should consider this carefully." "Father, my suggestion is to negotiate with the Navy!"
As Lin Yan arrived at the door, he heard the division commanders roaring with anger inside. Some cursed the Navy for being too much, some directed their anger at Blackbeard, and others, in their fury, wanted to storm Marineford and trample the Navy's pride. Of course, there were also some calm ones who wanted to solve the conflict through negotiations.
Lin Yan pondered for a moment, then pushed the door open. As he did, all eyes inside turned to him.
Surprisingly, besides the division commanders, Zephyr was also present. Lin Yan wasn't surprised by this. Whether in strength or status, not just division commanders, but even Whitebeard had to show Zephyr respect. His participation in such a meeting was only natural.
"Lin, did you hear the news?" "The Navy is bullying us, acting wild on our heads. Can we tolerate this?" "We should clash with them. Otherwise, do they really think the Whitebeard Pirates are easy targets?" "Lin, Father respects your opinion. Tell him, let's go to war!" "That's right, we Whitebeard Pirates won't take this lying down!"
Seeing Lin Yan enter, the division commanders began sharing their thoughts and opinions with him. To them, Lin Yan, who had just established the seventeenth division and with Whitebeard frequently interacting with the seventeenth division, had Whitebeard's ear more than anyone.
Lin Yan smiled wryly. You really think highly of me!
"You're back?" Whitebeard, deep in thought, noticed Lin Yan's arrival.
"I heard the commotion as I came in. Though I'm not well-acquainted with Ace. But does arguing here help?" Lin Yan paused and said a crucial point, "Three days. We only have three days. If we truly want to rescue Ace, shouldn't we focus on full preparation instead of arguing?"
For Whitebeard, naturally, he wanted to rescue Ace. Ace's identity was particularly special. Whitebeard knew he had to save him!
But since the Navy announced this news, the Whitebeard Pirates had split into two factions. The hawks believed they couldn't let the Navy run wild over them. The doves thought differently. A war with the Navy would bring disaster across the Grand Line. It could lead to the worst outcome—the potential destruction of the Whitebeard Pirates. To avoid this, they sought to negotiate with the Navy.
Whitebeard was well aware of his current physical condition. On one side was Ace, and on the other was the vast Whitebeard Pirates. Adding the ongoing internal disputes between the hawks and doves, Whitebeard was caught in a dilemma.
Lin Yan's arrival made Whitebeard's eyes light up. Especially after hearing, "Instead of arguing or venting anger, we should focus on full preparation."
A glimmer of light shone in Whitebeard's eyes. Lin Yan's words made Whitebeard lift his head, "Lin, what's your view?"
"If the Navy wants to fight, then we fight!" Lin Yan said, clenching his fist. Unlike other division commanders, from the moment he joined the Whitebeard Pirates, he was preparing for the Summit War, strengthening his power, and recruiting strong allies. Aiming to reach his peak strength as quickly as possible. Although Lin Yan couldn't predict the outcome, he had unprecedented confidence in the Summit War!
Hearing Lin Yan, the doves protested, "Lin, this is not wise. Negotiation is the best option!"
"The Navy has announced it to the world. Do you think they will negotiate?" Lin Yan retorted. If the Navy were willing to negotiate now, it would be like shooting themselves in the foot! They would lose face and become the laughingstock of the world.
"Besides, there's something you might not know. On my return trip, the Navy has already assembled hundreds of thousands of soldiers and thousands of warships. All the troops are stationed at Marineford to prepare for the upcoming clash with the Whitebeard Pirates. The Navy is determined to step over the Whitebeard Pirates to gain power. There's a cliff in front of us and the Navy behind us. We have no retreat!"
"Negotiations? In my view, only the weak need to negotiate!" Lin Yan retorted.
Indeed, only the weak need to negotiate. The strong negotiate after the battle is won.
Indeed, only the weak need to negotiate. The strong always fight first and then sit down to negotiate.
"That's right, the strong speak with their fists!"
"We, the Whitebeard Pirates, are not soft targets to be manipulated at will!"
"Exactly." "Lin, you said what I've been thinking!"
Upon hearing Lin Yan's words, the captains of the Whitebeard Pirates, eager for battle, cheered. Even Whitebeard was moved.
Yes, the Whitebeard Pirates have no way out now. At such a critical juncture, if they retreat even slightly, the enemy will only advance further.
"But..." The doves understood this reasoning too. But the Navy is a formidable mountain to climb.
"You are also thinking about the future of the Whitebeard Pirates, I understand that, but don't be too pessimistic. If we clash, we may not be inferior to the Navy," Lin Yan added more fuel to the fire.
After he finished speaking, the entire conference room fell silent. The doves also realized that the Whitebeard Pirates shouldn't keep retreating!
Soon, everyone reached a consensus. United in hatred, their goal was Marineford!
Seeing this, Whitebeard nodded in satisfaction. In his heart, he had already made a decision. Ace is in trouble. How could they stand by and watch? They absolutely cannot let Ace be alone in Marineford!
Since the Navy wants to start a war, then let's fight to the end! You, Navy, want to rise in power by stepping on the Whitebeard Pirates? In fact, we, the Whitebeard Pirates, also want to step on the Navy to rise in power. Let this battle at Marineford determine who will dominate the Grand Line for the next twenty years!
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