"You said you wanted to meet Pops too?"
Iggy's words caught Ace off guard. Then, slowly, a wide grin spread across his face, matching the one on Iggy's.
Six years ago, to avenge Sabo, Iggy had single-handedly wiped out the Celestial Dragon Guard. His strength back then was terrifying.
Now, in the era of great voyages, chasing glory is every man's dream—and currently, the strongest of the Four Emperors is Whitebeard, Pops.
If Iggy joined the Whitebeard Pirates, it would be like adding wings to a tiger—bringing him one step closer to the throne.
"Haha! Once we reach Pops' territory, I'll take you to meet him!"
Ace laughed and extended the invitation without hesitation.
It was exhilarating to think about. They'd grown up together, understood each other completely, and now—they might chase the peak of the world side by side!
"I'm sure he'll like you!"
Ace looked earnestly at Iggy, already imagining the moment when his captain met his sworn brother.
Just as they were basking in this joy, a distant boom shattered the moment.
The sound of artillery echoed across the sea—loud, thunderous, and close.
Then, a violent tremor rocked the ship. Waves surged, knocking it from side to side.
"Damn it—someone's targeting us! I'm going topside to check!"
Ace dashed out in a blur. Moments later, he returned, face grim.
"It's the Navy!"
Iggy's expression darkened instantly. He leapt out of bed and followed Ace to the deck.
From the ship's edge, Iggy looked toward the horizon.
More than a dozen warships had formed a blockade. At the center of the fleet was a colossal flagship, as massive as an iceberg.
One look at the flag told him everything—it was the Navy Headquarters.
"The Navy sent this many ships? Are they trying to start a war with Pops?"
Ace looked on in disbelief. The size of the fleet rivaled even Whitebeard's.
But they hadn't provoked the Navy… Why this massive response?
"They're after me."
Iggy's flat words answered Ace's question. Seeing his confusion, Iggy continued.
"I killed five Celestial Dragons and escaped from Mary Geoise."
His tone was calm, but the content was explosive.
"What… did you just say?!"
Every word hit Ace like a thunderclap. Six years ago, Iggy was already strong enough to wipe out a Celestial Dragon convoy.
Now… he had stormed the Holy Land alone, assassinated five Celestial Dragons, and escaped alive?
No wonder the Navy had unleashed such a force. This wasn't a manhunt—it was retribution.
"In that case, I'll protect you!"
Ace made his stance clear. He gave Iggy a confident smile, then turned to face the advancing fleet.
At that moment, the Navy's second volley rang out. The sky lit up with flashes of fire as shells rained down toward them.
Hundreds of cannonballs flew like a net, blotting out the sky.
Ace crouched low, muscles coiling, arms pulling back.
"Fire Fist!"
With a mighty roar, Ace launched a blazing punch. His flames surged forward in a cone-shaped inferno, engulfing the incoming shells.
The sky lit up as the firestorm devoured the explosives, detonating them midair.
"It's the Flame-Flame Fruit!"
The scorching wave parted the sea before them. Explosions echoed left and right as the fire advanced toward the fleet.
Several warships were caught in the blaze and went up in flames.
When the firestorm subsided, three Navy ships were nothing but burning wreckage drifting on the sea.
Lowering his arm, still trailing smoke, Ace straightened up with a proud grin and turned to Iggy.
"With me here, I won't let anyone lay a hand on you."
Iggy stared at that familiar smile, and a wave of emotion washed over him. For a moment, he saw the same brother who once shielded him from wild beasts back on Mt. Colubo.
For Ace, protecting the ones he loved had always been the reason he fought.
But that same unyielding pride… had also led him to his tragic end in the original story—one that left behind endless regret.
"Who said I need protecting? Don't underestimate me."
Smirking, Iggy unwrapped the gauze from his right arm, revealing the severed shoulder.
He raised it toward the distant wreckage and closed his eyes, focusing on the life force drifting through the air.
This was his first attempt to absorb life from such a long range—hundreds of meters—but he couldn't afford to be shown up in front of his brother.
Sweat beaded on his brow. Then came the faint sound—like flesh knitting itself back together.
"Hrragh!"
With a grunt, Iggy's shoulder erupted with muscle fibers twisting and coiling together, forming the shape of an arm.
Skin crept over it. In seconds, a fully-formed arm was reborn.
He clenched his new fist and looked triumphantly at the stunned Ace.
Then his gaze shifted.
Iggy's eyes narrowed, all trace of a smile gone. His brow furrowed as he locked onto a figure standing on the enemy flagship.
Ace followed his line of sight.
At the bow stood a man in a crimson suit, wearing a long, Justice-emblazoned coat draped over his shoulders.
His expression was stern, eyes burning with intensity.
"Admiral Sakazuki…"
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In case you don't know who Sakazuki is, He's 'Akainu'.
Man, It seems Donut Ace would be appearing earlier than expected, lol.