Navy Headquarters!
"Mission accomplished!"
Upon seeing the scene depicted in the image, Akainu was flooded with a rush of emotions. The demise of Ace, as captured, ignited an exhilaration within him that bordered on the edge of ecstatic. He was on the verge of leaping with triumph!
His countenance was now alight with fervor, a stark contrast to the perplexity etched upon the faces of his comrades – Garp, Sengoku, Aokiji, Kizaru, and the others.
None among them had foreseen the swiftness with which events had unfolded!
Ace's demise, right before the eyes of his own kin, stunned them all.
Yet, amidst the jubilation of his fellow Marines, Garp's visage remained shrouded in darkness, his heart heavy with sorrow and anger.
As Ace's grandfather, he harbored a fervent desire for Ace's escape. Despite his status as a pirate, Ace was family—a fact Garp never forgot.
He had permitted their duel with Luffy, hoping Ace would seize the chance for freedom alongside the Whitebeard Pirates. But alas, Akainu, that wretched betrayer, had deceived them all. He lured Ace back, only to snuff out his life with a single strike.
The injustice of it all was unbearable!
What could be more agonizing than witnessing the death of one's family before one's own eyes?
Garp seethed with rage...
Conqueror's Haki erupted from him, startling the three admirals, the Fleet Admiral, and others present.
In that moment, Akainu finally grasped the gravity of his actions—of how he had slain his own grandson before this stalwart Marine hero!
Once, he'd lived in bliss, never considering the aftermath.
But now...
In this moment, Akainu couldn't stave off the cold sweat beading on his forehead, fear gripping him wholly.
He understood, deep down, that facing Garp, a man continuously strengthened with rewards, victory was beyond his reach.
Was he destined to endure another brutal thrashing?
Thankfully, the Fleet Admiral intervened, seizing Garp's arm.
"Garp, remember your duty as a Marine. Let reason guide you."
"Don't act impulsively. This is a live broadcast. Take a moment to collect yourself!"
Garp glared at Akainu, trembling with rage.
"How can you expect me to stay calm, Sengoku, after witnessing the death of my family before my very eyes...?"
Each word, a strained utterance from Garp's throat.
Sengoku recognized the intensity of Garp's fury, restraining him once more.
"Regardless, let's wait until this broadcast concludes. Garp, can you hold it together for now?"
Though consumed by anger, Garp could still discern the gravity of the situation. He knew this was a live transmission, yet the flames of wrath burned unabated within him.
With several deep breaths, he managed to suppress his fury...
But his gaze towards Akainu remained ablaze with animosity.
He harbored no doubt that, were they still amidst the war broadcast,
Should Akainu dare harm his other grandson again, he would act swiftly and decisively!
He'd wrench Akainu's head from his shoulders...
---
Whitebeard Pirates!
"What!?..."
While countless Marines in the Headquarters erupted in fervor, within the Whitebeard Pirates...
Confusion reigned supreme.
From Whitebeard himself to Marco, Jozu, Vista, and every member of the crew,
As they witnessed the live feed, disbelief paralyzed them all...
The disbelief was palpable even among those who shared the closest bond with Ace.
Their expressions turned pale, confusion etched deeply into their features.
Yet, as the initial shock waned, it gave way to an overwhelming surge of anger.
"The Navy... they truly dared to take Ace's life!?"
**********
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