Chiga stood thoughtfully where Shanks had vanished, unfazed that the Red-Haired pirate had been rescued.
Shanks had lost this time. He wouldn't get another chance.
But the method of his rescue piqued Chiga's curiosity. He suspected the one who intervened was most likely Imu. If so, it meant Imu had some connection to the Otsutsuki Clan.
(This is a Fanfiction, So implementing new ideas isn't bad. I promise it won't flop)
Imu was in Mary Geoise, yet had managed to activate Yomotsu Hirasaka from such a long distance. That alone proved his overwhelming strength.
And clearly, he'd been watching Chiga for some time now—though his purpose remained a mystery.
A purple gleam flashed through Chiga's Rinnegan. Whatever Imu wanted from him, it couldn't be good. He had to keep pushing his strength forward.
With that in mind, Chiga instructed Kalifa and Yamato to stay put. Then, he opened the Door-Door Space, releasing Ace, who was holding Luffy, along with Makino.
Luffy's eyes were still spiraling. The Shinra Tensei Chiga had hit him with earlier had been powerful enough that even his rubber body hadn't recovered yet.
Ace looked around at the completely devastated landscape, then at the unscathed Chiga with awestruck admiration. He had seen the entire battle against Shanks from within the Door-Door Space.
Even through that spatial barrier, the intensity of the apocalyptic clash had shaken him to his core.
Especially the moment when Chiga had sliced off Shanks' arm with a purple lightning scale—Ace had trembled with excitement.
Though he had only met Chiga twice, both encounters had left deep impressions. He could now call himself a loyal admirer of Chiga.
His desire to join the Marines had grown even stronger, but since Chiga had once rejected the idea, he hesitated to speak up.
Chiga noticed Ace's hesitation and gave him a curious glance. Then, turning to Makino, he smiled and said,
"Your call came just in time. Shanks might have escaped, but leaving him one-armed is a great service to the Marines."
Makino carefully looked him over. Seeing that Chiga was unhurt, she sighed in relief. Meeting his teasing smile, her cheeks flushed slightly and she whispered,
"I'm sorry for troubling you, Mr. Chiga… I was just so worried, and you were the only one I could think of…"
"That means I'm still reliable in your eyes, huh? Don't worry. Shanks won't be back anytime soon. You can live here peacefully now."
"Mhm! Mr. Chiga… when you have time, please come by the bar. I'll serve you drinks on the house!"
"Haha, of course. I love your orange juice."
"As long as you enjoy it!"
"Well, my mission's over. Time to head out. Goodbye, Makino."
Makino nodded, her eyes filled with reluctant emotion. She wanted to ask him to stay but held back, only nodding silently.
Ace, however, grew anxious. If Big Brother Chiga left now, when would they ever meet again? He couldn't exactly go to Makino and ask for that kunai…
Even if she gave it to him, what excuse would he use to call Chiga? He couldn't just say, "I want to join the Marines."
In his mind, whatever method Chiga had used to travel to Windmill Village must've been difficult and exhausting.
What Ace didn't know was that as long as a Flying Thunder God marker was in place, Chiga could teleport instantly.
With little time left, Ace bolted forward, shouting:
"Big Brother Chiga! Wait! I have something to tell you!"
"Hm? Ace?"
Chiga turned around, slightly amused. He had already sensed Ace's internal struggle. Was the kid afraid of him?
Chiga wasn't that intimidating. He respected elders and cared for the young. How could he be that scary?
Ace stopped in front of him, eyes hopeful.
"Big Brother Chiga… can you take me to the Marines? I really want to join!"
Chiga was stunned.
Hadn't he suggested the Revolutionary Army earlier? Ace had seemed interested then. Why the sudden change?
Seeing no immediate response, Ace's gaze dimmed. As expected, someone like him couldn't join the Marines. He had been foolish to ask.
Chiga saw the flicker of disappointment in the boy's eyes and raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected Ace's desire to be so strong.
All things considered, it wasn't a bad idea. He already had a tacit understanding with the World Government. Letting Ace in might stir the pot a little more.
Besides, it would be Garp who'd train him, not Chiga. Law could also use the company.
Reaching out, he patted Ace's head and said with a smile,
"Not thinking about Sabo and the Revolutionary Army anymore?"
At the mention of Sabo, before Ace could reply, Luffy suddenly sat up with a jolt, eyes wide.
"Sabo?! Where's Sabo?!"
Makino rushed over in surprise to help him up, but Luffy had already jumped to his feet. He ran over to Ace and asked,
"Ace! What happened?! Where's the forest?!"
Ace looked relieved to see Luffy awake.
"The forest? Big Brother Chiga blew it up fighting Shanks. Shanks lost—and now he's gone."
Then he looked at Chiga, admiration filling his face again.
Luffy was stunned. Shanks… lost?
His eyes turned to Chiga.
"So that swirly-eyed big bro is really that strong?"
"Shinra Tensei."
Boom!
Luffy flew back like a launched cannonball. This time, there was nothing in his way. He vanished into the distance.
Ace looked after him in alarm, then turned back to Chiga, looking conflicted.
Chiga chuckled, clearly reading Ace's mind.
"Don't worry. I just sent him back to Windmill Village."
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