At the apex of the Red Line stood Mariejois, the grand seat of the world's supreme authority—a place of sacred reverence and immense power. In a lavish chamber within Pangu City, five venerable figures convened, each exuding an air of authority and purpose.
Among them was Saint Izanbalon V. Nushjuro, clad in a white Taoist robe with an unmistakable intensity in his gaze, his hand firmly grasping a samurai sword—a Financial God of War.
Beside him sat Shepard Ju Peter Saint, distinguished by his short blond hair, beard, and a scar etched across his chest—the Agricultural Martial God.
Opposite him, in a dark green suit and sporting a distinctive circular birthmark on his forehead, was Saint Topman Warcury—the Legal Martial God.
Adjacent to Warcury stood Saint Marcus Mars, attired in a dark blue suit, his long, straight white hair and beard giving him an air of wisdom and authority—the Environmental Valkyrie.
Lastly, in a black suit adorned with curly white hair and a voluminous beard, wearing a flat hat and bearing a scar on his face, was Jaygarcia Saturn—the God of Science and Defense.
These were the Five Elders, the paramount leaders of the world's governance.
"Unexpectedly, Crocodile was defeated by a mere newcomer," remarked Saint Warcury, holding the bounty poster with a hint of disdain. "Portgas D. Ace."
"D again, huh? Those bastards issued this bounty without consulting us," Warcury continued, his circular birthmark furrowing with frustration. "Just like Gol D. Roger before him, the D in their name shouldn't be broadcast to the world."
"Hmph, Crocodile's actions in Alabasta were beyond the limit," interjected Saint Nushjuro, his grip tightening on his sword. "His demise leaves a void among the Shichibukai. Such disruptions to the sea's balance cannot be allowed."
Saint Peter, with his blond hair and stern expression, added, "Replacing Crocodile is imperative. The Shichibukai system exists to maintain the equilibrium between the Marines, the Four Emperors, and us. This incident risks upsetting that balance."
Saint Mars, the calm and composed figure, spoke next, "Alabasta's situation is manageable. The Nefertari royal family's integrity remains intact, and King Cobra is a Beloved ruler. We must ensure proper credit for Crocodile's defeat is assigned to the Marines to preserve our authority."
"Indeed," agreed Saint Saturn, his tone grave as he tapped his crutch on the floor. "Let us not forget the true name of the Nefertari clan—Nefertari D."
Saint Warcury's countenance darkened slightly at this reminder. "The presence of D must never surface again. We entrust the Marines with handling this matter swiftly."
"Agreed," chorused the other Elders in unison.
For the Five Elders, maintaining the delicate balance of power in the world was paramount. While Crocodile's demise and Ace's involvement were significant, their primary concern lay in preventing any further disturbance that might destabilize the established order of the seas.
Orders and directives swiftly coursed through Naval Headquarters, stirring the bustling halls and offices of the Marines.
"What?! Portgas D. Ace is your grandson, Garp?!" roared the formidable figure of Fleet admiral Sengoku, known as the "Resourceful General," his anger palpable as he slammed his hands on Ace's bounty poster.
Garp, the Marine hero known as the "Fist," reclined on a sofa, munching on senbei with an air of nonchalance. "Hahaha, yeah, who would've thought that brat would turn into a pirate, huh?"
"Are you kidding me? Do you understand the chaos Portgas D. Ace has caused?" Sengoku seethed, his patience wearing thin as he detailed Ace's exploits, including the fall of Crocodile and the dissemination of Alabasta's scandal.
Garp chuckled between bites, unfazed by Sengoku's tirade. Infuriated, Sengoku grabbed Garp's collar, veins bulging as he shouted, "If it weren't for your hero status, I'd send you straight to Impel Down!"
After a tense standoff, Garp left the Sengoku's office, his carefree facade melting into a complex expression. "Ace, you never did listen to Grandpa. At least, live well."
Meanwhile, in the New World's second half, the mammoth vessel of the Whitebeard Pirates, a ship akin to a white whale, rested proudly. At its helm stood Edward Newgate, the indomitable "Whitebeard," a behemoth of a man wielding the Shock Fruit's powers.
"Did those Marines really manage to kill Crocodile?" Whitebeard mused, raising a flagon of wine to his lips.
"Yes, Marine reports claim two Naval Headquarters colonels did it," confirmed Marco, the captain of Whitebeard's First Division, Phoneix Fruit's user.
"They're just spouting nonsense. No Marine of that caliber could take down Crocodile," Whitebeard grinned knowingly. "If that brat dubbed the "Flame Emperor" really did him in, he's got my attention."
In another corner of the Grand Line, on an unnamed island, the Red Hair Pirates gathered for a celebratory feast. Shanks, their charismatic captain, received news from his first mate, Ben Beckman, about Crocodile's demise.
"Crocodile's dead in the first half?" Shanks raised a brow, surprised by the revelation.
"Marine claims it was two colonels from Naval Headquarters, but it's likely a cover-up," Beckman remarked, handing Shanks Ace's bounty poster. "It seems Portgas D. Ace is the real deal."
Shanks grinned at the poster, noting the significant bounty increase post-Crocodile's demise. "A new era is indeed upon us."
As for the other two Four Emperors Kaido of the Beasts, He was drunk and unconscious at this time.
Captain of the BIG-MOM Pirates, Charlotte Linlin, is busy holding a tea party at this time.
Across the seas, the news of a Shichibukai's death rippled through the delicate balance between the Four Emperors, Shichibukai, and Marine Headquarters, portending shifts that would unsettle the status quo.
The Entei Pirates, the very cause of the upheaval, were now preparing to set sail from the port of Alabasta's royal capital.
"Karoo, you've been promoted to captain," Vivi said, gently stroking the duck she had grown up with, her voice tinged with reluctance. She had decided, after much contemplation, to let Karoo remain in Alabasta. It was her choice to join Ace and the crew on their sea adventure. As the leader of Alabasta's fastest legion, Karoo deserved a future of his own.
Karoo, looking at Vivi with anxious eyes, quacked softly.
"You don't have to force yourself, Karoo. Look," Vivi said, gesturing towards the Fastest Legion in the distance. "Ace said, never force yourself for others; your life should be your own. They need you."
With a soft smile, Vivi's eyes crinkled as she looked at Karoo. The duck, after a moment of silence, raised his arm and shouted, "I will definitely see you soon, Karoo!"
"Vivi, set sail!" Nami's voice echoed from the Going Merry.
"Alright!" Vivi stretched out her white arms and called out, her voice strong and determined.
The Merry gradually pulled away from the port, leaving behind the image of a nostalgic Vivi. Suddenly, Kobra's figure appeared on the dock.
"Father!" Vivi covered her mouth, her eyes wide with shock and sadness.
"You actually became a pirate! From today on, you are no longer my daughter!" Kobra bellowed, but his lips bore a wide, affectionate smile.
"Father!" Tears streamed down Vivi's face as she heard those words. In Kobra's eyes, Vivi saw the true meaning behind his declaration: "Go and pursue your life!"
With a decisive snap, Ace walked over, placing his arm around Vivi's shoulders, and looked at Kobra from a distance. "The Entei Pirates! Set sail!" Ace shouted.
"Alright!" The girls raised their hands in unison.
As the Merry faded into the horizon, Kobra sat alone on the port, his gaze fixed on the sea.
"Your Majesty the King," Pell said, concern evident in his voice.
"Transmit this image to all of Alabasta, so that we won't become Vivi's weakness," Kobra instructed, handing Pell the image phone bug he had used to sever ties with Vivi. His eyes, filled with the tenderness of a father's love, met Pell's.
"Ace, Vivi, it's up to you now," Kobra murmured, a quiet resolve settling over him.