│3rd Person POV│
[Grand Line, New World, Polar Tang…]
Around ten minutes have passed since Law disappeared into the Operation Theatre with the unconscious 'Cat-girl' and Bepo.
Finding the situation more interesting than flight training, Ace chose to wait outside the Operation Theatre. Izou was also with him as he had nothing else to do.
He wanted to know the condition of the cat-girl at the first opportunity and have a talk with her.
Jean Bart was also present, standing by himself just some step away from the duo.
Creak–!
Just then, the door to the Operation Theatre opened and Law stepped out, his face marred with a frown. Bepo also came out, just a step behind his captain.
"What is her situation?" Ace asked though he could guess that something was wrong after seeing Law's expression.
Hearing the question, Law looked up and answered in an unsure voice, "I have already treated all her physical injuries. She will be perfectly fine after a night of rest, at least physically."
In the meantime, Bepo asked Jean to bring Ikkaku, so that she could take care of the cat-mink while she remained bedridden.
"You only mentioned physically. What's her mental condition?" asked Izou.
"Well, her mental health is also good. She should be able to wake up within 10 minutes. It's just that…"
Law trailed off, having a hard time on how to share his discovery with them.
Ace's curiosity was peaked. He speculated that whatever odd situation the cat-girl was in, she wasn't at least negatively affected by it. If that had been the case, Law would have been upfront with it, not speak in circles.
Seeing everyone's increasing curiosity, Law decided that simplicity was best, "I sensed that her body is housing two souls."
"What?!!"
Ace and the others exclaimed in unison, their eyes widening uncontrollably.
"Is that even possible? Wait! You can sense the souls of others, Law?" Izou questioned, looking absolutely bamboozled.
Law nodded, "I can. I have a technique called "Personality Transplant Surgery". Using it, I can put one person's soul in another person's body, causing confusion within enemy ranks."
"Incredible!" Izou sighed in amazement, "I didn't know the Ope Ope no Mi had such ridiculous abilities."
Suddenly, Ace perked up slightly, having sensed the 'catgirl' waking up.
Beep—!!
At the same time, a mechanical beep rang out from within the Operation Theatre, prompting Law to immediately run inside.
Right after Law disappeared into the Operation Theatre, Jean returned with Ikkaku.
Seeing this, Bepo quickly explained the situation to Ikkaku in a few sentences as they all waited for Law to emerge.
After a few minutes, Law called out for Ikkaku from inside, prompting her to enter the OT with haste.
The next time the door to the OT was opened, Ace and the others saw Law being followed by their guest with Ikkaku beside her, ready to offer support in case she required it.
Ace finally got a good look at the cat-girl's face and he was shocked beyond words.
Not because she was beautiful, as in this life, Ace had met, fought, and even conversed with many beautiful girls or women. For example:- Isuka, Makiko, Whitey Bay, Yamato, Sharley, Gion, etc…
He was shocked because he recognized the cat-girl.
'How is she in this world? Or maybe, she only has an appearance similar to that horny cat. Yeah, that must be it.'
Ace comforted himself with this conjecture because he didn't want the alternative to be true.
However, his hopes were shattered as the subsequent conversation took place.
As Law stepped aside, the cat-girl came forward and bowed slightly while greeting, "Hello! My name is Kuroka, nya~ Thank you for rescuing me."
Then, one by one, the others present introduced themselves, except for Ace.
First, Bepo came forward and enthusiastically said, "I am Bepo. I am the Navigator of this ship."
"Jean Bart." Jean only gave his name as an introduction.
Lastly, Izou introduced himself and Ace as he said, "Hello! I am Izou, the Commander of the Sixteenth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates. And this is Ace, the Second Division Commander."
After completing the introduction, Izou noticed that Ace was still absent-minded. He couldn't help but say in a teasing manner, "What's the matter, Ace? Did you get charmed by Kuroka already?
"Come to think of it, you were pretty excited when you found out she was a cat mink before."
Hearing this, Ace finally recovered from his shock and glared at Izou. However, he was interrupted before he could even attempt to say anything.
"Ara? Is that so, nya~? I don't mind having kittens with you since you are such a cutie, nya~." Kuroka said with a sensually alluring voice.
Everyone was taken aback upon hearing Kuroka. Well, everyone but Ace.
He just sighed internally and accepted the possibility of encountering people from other Animes or Mangas or Novels in this world.
Setting that thought aside, Ace adopted an expression of indifference as he said, "If you are in a heat, speak up. I will help you cool it down. I think a dip or two in the ocean will do."
Kuroka pouted when she saw that her teasing had no effect on Ace.
In the next moment, her expression turned serious, "You are Portgas D. Ace, right? Son of the late Pirate King? I have a message for you. From Douglas Bullet."
=+=+=+=< Scene Break >=+=+=+=
│3rd Person POV│
[Grand Line, Paradise, Marineford…]
The Headquarters of the Marines, one of the three great powers of the world, was still recovering from the damage done to it during the Summit War.
The main Marine Headquarters building was still under reconstruction, just like three of the four cardinal watchtowers.
At this moment, Sengoku was taking in the sights of the entire Marineford island from inside the only intact watchtower, an expression of melancholy on his face.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him. With his Haki, he recognized that the one who came was his old friend and comrade, Vice Admiral Tsuru.
After taking a position beside Sengoku, Tsuru asked, "What happened at the meeting?"
The meeting Tsuru was asking about was the one Sengoku just come from.
Earlier today, Sengoku had been summoned to Mary Geoise for a meeting with Kong, the Commander in Chief of the World Government.
Sigh–!
Letting out a sigh, Sengoku answered, "The Five Elders have decided to appoint a new Fleet Admiral. Commander Kong had invited me to relay the message."
Tsuru was shocked to hear this.
Although she knew that Sengoku would retire sometime after the Summit War, this situation was different.
Retiring by himself and being forcefully given retirement by the Five Elders was a completely different matter.
Without giving Tsuru much time to think, Sengoku continued speaking, "This time, I organized a massive amount of resources, both in terms of manpower and logistics, to go to war against the Four Emperors.
"However, the result was a failure in every way possible.
"We lost the war, couldn't eliminate even one important person from the Whitebeard Pirates, the Impel Down was turned upside down, and numerous prisoners from the Sixth Level also escaped.
"Although the Five Elders had given their agreement to carry out this war, they had done so because they believed that we could win this.
"If we had won, the losses we faced could have been bearable. However, we lost without achieving anything.
"In the following week and a half, the chaos caused by the pirates in all parts of the world increased, leading to the Marines losing control near the branches from where we gathered the hundred thousand elites.
"Our reputation is very low at the moment. Because of this, the quality and quantity of new recruits have begun to decline.
"The Five Elders believe that a new Fleet Admiral would give hope to the people of the world, bring our reputation and morale back to its previous heights and maybe even surpass that."
Tsuru listened to Sengoku speak, not interrupting him. Rarely had she ever seen Sengoku lose control over his emotions. And this time, it was not in anger or violence.
"I had expected this to happen. I knew that the stakes were too high in this war and failure would lead to serious consequences.
"That is why, I was ready for this. What I didn't expect was the Five Elders to completely disregard my opinion in selecting the next Fleet Admiral.
"When I was about to recommend Aokiji for the position, Commander Kong told me that it wasn't necessary. The Five Elders had already decided to directly give the position to Akainu.
"What I am worried about most at this moment is Akoiji's reaction to this news. I hope he doesn't do something excessive."
Sengoku finally finished his rant, having gotten the words out of his chest, he felt lighter.
After a few moments of silence, Tsuru asked, "What will you do now? And Garp?"
Even without Tsuru stating anything explicitly, Sengoku knew what she was worried about.
To assuage her worries, he responded quickly, "Rest assured. Garp's resignation was accepted by Commander Kong without any problem.
"Most likely, they took into account that Garp was ready to give his all for the Marines once it seemed like the three Admirals were struggling to handle a young Whitebeard.
"Both Garp and I will be assigned as instructors for training new marine recruits and our records and titles will also be left untouched.
"The Five Elders are just expressing their dissatisfaction with me by removing me from the position of Fleet Admiral and dismissing my opinion.
They and Commander Kong don't want to completely sever the connection between us."
Tsuru let out a small sigh of relief upon hearing this. She didn't know what she would do if–
'It is better not to let my thoughts wander in that direction.' Tsuru berated herself in her mind.
"Tsuru, arrange for a meeting. I have to share the decision made by the Five Elders as soon as possible." Sengoku ordered before he left the scene abruptly.
…To Be Continued!
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
A/N: I am back with another Chapter of Ace Fic. Enjoy!
If you see any mistakes, please don't hesitate to point it out.
And you like this Fic, right? Then please give it some Power Stones, Save it in your Library, and Post a Review if you feel like doing it.
Lastly, Shameless P@treon plug...;
👉 patreon.com/ChaosWriter;
As of now, this is how far along each story is.
First Tier:- Five Advanced Chapters for the following stories:
>>One Piece: As Portgas D. Ace.
>>One Piece: Copying The Phoenix Fruit At The Beginning.
>>DxD | A Devil with Three Essences.
>>Chaos' Chaotic Snippets.
Second Tier:- Seven Advanced Chapters for the following stories:
>>One Piece: As Portgas D. Ace.
>>DxD | A Devil with Three Essences.
>>Chaos' Chaotic Snippet.
So this is how it is. If you are joining my Patreon for my One Piece TL fic, don't purchase the Second Tier as I haven't yet posted any chapters for that fic in this Tier yet.
Also, while your support would be appreciated, don't feel pressured to join. I'll upload stuff outside it and not keeping it behind a paywall forever.
Anyway, Good day. See ya guys later.