In the tension-filled atmosphere of the Naval Headquarters office, Fleet Admiral Sengoku's expression turned grave as he processed Garp's revelations about Portgas D. Ace and the Mera-mera Fruit.
"Wait, Garp! Are you saying the Mera-mera Fruit was drawn to Ace as if it sought him out?" Sengoku asked, his voice tinged with concern and a hint of fear.
Garp confirmed with a nod, recounting how Ace had discovered the fruit on a Sea King's belly during a fishing trip—an event that seemed almost fated.
"Do you know what Devil Fruits Ace's crew possesses?" Sengoku pressed, his lips trembling as he seemed to grasp the implications.
If his suspicions were correct, Ace's crew would wield unimaginable power—a force that could potentially reshape the balance of the seas.
"The Thunder Fruit, Sand-Sand Fruit, and the Bird Fruit Phantom Beast: Suzaku Form," Sengoku continued, each name sending shivers down the spines of Tsuru and Gion.
The Thunder Fruit, renowned for its invincibility among Logia types, and the Bird Fruit's Suzaku form, comparable to Kaido of the Four Emperors—these were devil fruits of immense power, capable of turning anyone who wielded them into formidable adversaries.
Tsuru muttered in disbelief, realizing the magnitude of what Ace's crew possessed. Devil Fruits were coveted secrets, each one capable of creating legendary figures in the world of pirates and Marines alike.
As Sengoku contemplated the implications, a look of deep fear crossed his face. Tsuru and Gion, witnessing his expression, felt a chill as if they were glimpsing something foreboding.
Naval Headquarters Vice Admiral Tsuru's thoughts raced, realizing that the combined power of these Devil Fruits under Ace's command posed a threat that surpassed anything Marine had faced before—a potential upheaval that could shake the very foundations of their world.
In the hushed confines of the Naval Headquarters office, the atmosphere grew heavy with revelation and disbelief. Fleet Admiral Sengoku, revered as "Buddha Sengoku" for his wisdom and composure, now wore a look of profound shock. Beside him, Vice Admiral Tsuru, known as Marine's strategic brain, mirrored his unease with a somber expression rarely seen on either of them simultaneously.
"Sister Tsuru, Fleet Admiral, what's happening?" Gion interjected urgently, sensing the gravity of the situation unfolding before her.
Garp, too, furrowed his brow, sensing the weight behind Sengoku and Tsuru's reactions to Ace's story.
"The Mera-mera Fruit, Thunder Fruit, and the Bird Fruit Phantom Beast: Suzaku Form—all obtained by the Entei Pirates. In other words, all acquired by Portgas D. Ace," Tsuru explained, her shock intensifying.
"And among his crew, there's also a Paramecia who controls music and vocals, and a Paramecia Heal-Heal Fruit capable of healing injuries and diseases. These abilities are not just powerful—they're perfectly suited to their respective roles as musicians and ship doctors," she continued, emphasizing the rarity and utility of Ace's crew's Devil Fruits.
"The sheer number and rarity of these Devil Fruits rival our entire Naval Headquarters. Even the Four Emperors in the New World haven't amassed such a collection," Tsuru added, her voice laden with disbelief.
"Could it be that Ace possesses some ability to attract and obtain Devil Fruits from the sea?" Her tone grew heavier with each word, contemplating the implications.
Sengoku, his voice tense with realization, interjected, "What's most intriguing is Crocodile's Sand-Sand Fruit. After a Devil Fruit user dies, their power vanishes and reemerges somewhere else—but never at the place of their death."
"The World Government has been researching techniques to replicate Devil Fruit powers after death, particularly with Zoan types, but with severe limitations," he explained, gritting his teeth in frustration.
"However, Ace acquiring Crocodile's Logia abilities immediately after his death—such a coincidence is inconceivable," Sengoku continued, his words carrying the weight of a revelation.
"Portgas D. Ace has the capability to attract and obtain Devil Fruits from deceased users," Sengoku concluded with conviction, his whole demeanor trembling with the implications.
"He's amassing a Devil Fruit army—a force that could eclipse even Kaido's Zoan Legion," he growled, emphasizing the magnitude of Ace's potential power.
Sengoku's declaration hung in the air, painting a picture of Ace as a figure capable of wielding unprecedented influence in the tumultuous world of pirates and Marines alike. The room fell into a stunned silence, each Marine grappling with the implications of Ace's extraordinary abilities and their potential consequences for the balance of power at sea.
Naval Headquarters Vice Admiral Gion's expression fluctuated with profound shock as she absorbed the revelations. Suddenly, a thought struck her, causing her delicate frame to tremble as she turned to Garp with a complex expression.
"Hey, Garp, creating a Devil Fruit army—hasn't something like this happened once in history? That's why you're called a Marine hero..."
Gion's eyes widened with surprise.
"Rocks?"
Garp's smile turned complicated.
"Long ago, he was unparalleled in these waters."
"No! Portgas D. Ace will surpass Rocks!
Rocks D. Xebec couldn't attract Devil Fruits from the depths of the sea!"
"Portgas D. Ace, who mastered Conqueror's Haki at seven and matched an admiral's strength at seventeen!"
"If given time, he'll surpass the former overlord, Rocks Pirates—becoming the most powerful force in the world!"
Sengoku shuddered, contemplating all these powerful Devil Fruits under Portgas D. Ace's command. The former Rocks Pirates nearly overturned the world. A force more terrifying than them?
"Garp! What kind of monster did you create? He's a pirate!"
"He'll be a threat surpassing the New World's Four Emperors!"
Sengoku growled, but Ace's deeds—defeating Arlong, liberating Alabasta—played in Garp's mind.
"Ace isn't what you think. He's kind—his actions have they harmed anyone? He saved Cocoyasi Village from Arlong and Alabasta from Crocodile's tyranny!"
Garp's protective gaze didn't waver. Ace, his adopted grandson, was always family.
"Garp!"
Sengoku was speechless, veins pulsing in anger, but Garp stood firm, meeting his glare head-on.
"Enough of this quarrel!"
Tsuru's voice cut through their heated exchange. Both veterans stilled at her command, remembering the past when her washing fruit could calm their youthful conflicts.
"I have a proposal."
Tsuru's eyes glinted with a solution, drawing their attention.
"What is it?"
Sengoku and Garp turned to their longtime friend and Marine's chief advisor.
Gion's gaze mirrored their curiosity.
In the wake of Sengoku and Tsuru's insights, Portgas D. Ace posed an unprecedented threat, challenging their vision of justice. How could they resolve this looming crisis?
"How about we make Portgas D. Ace a Shichibukai?" Tsuru suggested solemnly.
"!!!"
Sengoku and Gion were stunned. To offer the seat of the deceased Crocodile to Portgas D. Ace, the one who killed him, as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?
Garp remained silent, not because he opposed the idea of Ace becoming a Shichibukai. In fact, he wished for it more than anyone else. Since Ace set sail, Garp had worried about the dangers his life would inevitably face. Becoming a Shichibukai could offer some protection against the turbulent seas ahead.
However, knowing Ace's lofty ambitions, Garp knew this was unlikely. Ace would never settle for the title of a mere government pawn.
"It's quite improbable, Tsuru. Allowing Portgas D. Ace, who killed Crocodile, to become a Shichibukai..."
"Do you think the government would object? If it benefits them, they won't hesitate to appoint someone who has defeated a Shichibukai as one."
Sengoku fell silent at Tsuru's words. The World Government would indeed consider it.
"But Portgas D. Ace, with Conqueror's Haki of that caliber, possesses rare courage and ambition in history. While other pirates seek Shichibukai status for government privileges, it holds no meaning to someone like him. Besides, there's Nico Robin on his crew," Sengoku added solemnly.
"Regardless, we should attempt it. Even if he doesn't accept, it might slow him down and reveal his true intentions," Tsuru proposed.
"As for Nico Robin, negotiations could be held. But beyond this approach, what other options do we have? Naval Headquarters is currently ill-equipped to handle Portgas D. Ace," she concluded with a deep voice.
Sengoku fell into silence at her words. Yes, Naval Headquarters was indeed unequipped to handle an individual of Ace's caliber. He already possessed the strength of an overlord in the sea, requiring more than one Admiral to confront him—a resource they couldn't spare, especially with Aokiji currently injured.
Realizing the predicament, Sengoku glanced at Garp, veins throbbing on his forehead. Garp had divulged Ace's capabilities not as a weakness but as a deterrent, preventing rash actions from the Marines.
"Alright then, I'll send an invitation to Portgas D. Ace to become a Shichibukai. Garp, you'll handle this," Sengoku declared solemnly.
"What? Me?" Garp looked at Sengoku blankly.
"If not you, then who? Sending a Vice Admiral risks their life if Ace refuses and attacks. With Aokiji injured, and Akainu and Kizaru stationed, you're the best choice. Pick up Aokiji and bring medical support," Sengoku instructed firmly, feeling a twinge of satisfaction at the challenge Garp faced.
Garp stood there stunned, but then nodded. "Fine, I'll go. But I can't guarantee he'll accept the invitation," he replied gruffly, his mind already planning the visit.
"Hmph, regardless of the outcome, deliver a message to Portgas D. Ace: do not plunge this sea into chaos. Understood?" Sengoku growled.
Garp didn't respond, merely adjusting his cloak of justice and striding out.
"Portgas D. Ace," Momousagi murmured as she watched Garp leave. "A new overlord of the sea—a figure capable of direct communication with Naval Headquarters."