Chapter 97 - Chapter 97: Sengoku: Why is everyone here related?

Sabaody Archipelago

The Five Elders looked at Kaido, their expressions souring as he laughed uproariously. While a single Kaido was formidable, he posed no insurmountable threat to the vast might of the World Government. But now, the Entei Pirates, the Red Hair Pirates, and two complete Four Emperors pirate groups had gathered here.

Especially the Entei Pirates!

Portgas D. Ace, the Flame Emperor, had been a growing force in the seas, disrupting the balance and even daring to intrude into Enies Lobby. Despite his notoriety, the Five Elders had not initially considered him a significant threat. They had focused more on the Four Emperors and the Revolutionary Army. The label of "fifth emperor" had been more of a flattery than an acknowledgment of his true power, reflected in his bounty of 1.18 billion Berries—high, but modest compared to the bounties of the established Four Emperors, which exceeded 4 billion Berries, with Whitebeard alone surpassing 5 billion.

The bounties in the pirate world were the most straightforward measure of reputation and strength. Ace's bounty was roughly at the level of a vice-captain for the Four Emperors, inviting ambitious pirates to challenge him. The World Government believed that by elevating Portgas D. Ace to the status of the fifth emperor and setting a lower bounty, they could instigate his downfall, considering it easier than overthrowing an established Emperor.

But today had proven their judgment wrong.

Portgas D. Ace, within a year, had amassed a power surpassing any single Four Emperors pirate group. Under his command were two Admiral-level fighters: Nami, the navigator of the Entei Pirates, who wielded the awakened Thunder Fruit, and Fujitora, the captain of the second division, whose gravity abilities and Observation Haki allowed him to battle the strongest Marine Admirals head-on. Alongside them were combatants like 'Firebird' Laki, who had the Bird Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Suzaku form, and Vivi, the desert princess with the awakened Sand-Sand Fruit.

Ace's formidable forces didn't end there. He commanded fire ghosts, former Warlords like Crocodile, and powerful former enemies such as the Thunder Fruit user Enel. His crew included numerous other dangerous Devil Fruit users, making the Entei Pirate Fleet a terrifying legion of superpowers. Supporting Ace was the legendary pirate Rayleigh, once the right hand of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, who brought with him the potential to gather other former Roger Pirates.

Above all, there was Portgas D. Ace himself. His Conqueror's Haki rivaled that of the Pirate King and Rocks D. Xebec. His mastery over the Mera-Mera Fruit surpassed natural flames, even overpowering the Lava-Lava Fruit. His unparalleled strength, combined with his strategic acumen, made him a figure capable of challenging the very foundations of the World Government.

The collective combat power of the Entei Pirates surpassed any single Four Emperors group. Although they hadn't yet reached the combined might of the Rocks pirates from the previous era, the Entei Pirate Fleet was on the verge of becoming the sole dominant force on the seas.

The battle at Sabaody Archipelago showcased the immense power of the Entei Pirates. Without the World Government's intervention, the Naval Headquarters alone would face total defeat under the onslaught of Ace's forces—something even Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world, had not achieved.

Moreover, Ace's declaration to the world about the vulnerability of the Celestial Dragons, coupled with his defiant ideology, posed an existential threat to the World Government. This was a man whose very existence demanded action.

Thus, the Five Elders had come in person, launching a Super Buster Call on Sabaody Archipelago, intent on destroying Portgas D. Ace and his Entei Pirates, to try and bury this unprecedented threat once and for all.

The Five Elders looked at the two emperors who had arrived, their expressions dark and grim.

Red-Haired Shanks and his entire core crew were present, along with the most powerful creature in the world: Kaido of the Beasts. Kaido, in the form of a Fish-Fish Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Azure Dragon, possessed one of the pinnacle abilities of all Devil Fruits. The prize that once belonged to their World Government and had been awarded to the Knights of God during the Valley of God incident now empowered one of their greatest adversaries.

Previously, their combat power was sufficient to contend with the Red Hair Pirates and the Entei Pirates. But with Kaido joining the fray, the balance of power would be tipped in favor of Portgas D. Ace.

The Entei Pirates' fleet was a "super-powered army" created by Ace, with nearly every member wielding a Devil Fruit ability—each one surprisingly lethal and highly troublesome. While Devil Fruit abilities had their limitations and weaknesses, their advantages far outweighed their disadvantages.

Without Devil Fruit abilities, even a Four Emperors-level pirate like Shanks would need to rely on Conqueror's Haki to clear the battlefield in a large-scale conflict. But with Devil Fruit abilities, they could inflict widespread and devastating damage. The Entei Pirates boasted Devil Fruits like the Thunder Fruit, Sand-Sand Fruit, and Bird Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Suzaku Form, each capable of inflicting massive damage over large areas. Additionally, abilities like the Shadow Fruit, Ghost Fruit, Vocal Fruit, and Healing Fruit could play terrifying roles in large-scale legion battles.

Most terrifying of all was the Flame Emperor himself, Portgas D. Ace, who could transform the environment into a blazing hell more terrifying than the earth's core with a single thought. If Kaido, with his Azure Dragon form and nature-controlling abilities, joined forces with Ace, the marines faced the very real danger of mass casualties and even complete defeat.

While the Five Elders considered the deaths of some Marines and Vice Admirals to be acceptable losses, the total collapse of Naval Headquarters was a price they were unwilling to pay. Among the Shichibukai, the most powerful fighter, Hawkeye Mihawk, had a deep friendship with Red-Haired Shanks. Even if Mihawk didn't openly side with the Red Hair Pirates, he wouldn't fight with his full strength against them. Other Shichibukai had their own agendas, with Bartholomew Kuma concealing the events of Thriller Bark and Gecko Moria surviving despite Ace taking his Shadow Fruit ability.

Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress, was in a peculiar state, and Jinbei's loyalty couldn't be entirely trusted. Doflamingo, extremely wary of both Kaido and Ace, had even started a Shichibukai scandal, provoked by Mihawk, in front of the world. If the tide of battle turned against them, the Shichibukai could disintegrate, adding to their peril.

If Naval Headquarters and the Shichibukai—the two of the three major powers of the sea—collapsed here in Sabaody Archipelago, the seas would descend into chaos, shattering the fragile balance. Ace's dangerous ideas, spread from this very spot, could take root and grow in such a tumultuous environment.

Facing this dire situation, even the Five Elders found themselves in a dilemma. Though they held the highest power in the world, with Lord Im backing them, the prospect of completely disrupting the balance of the sea gave them pause. Kaido's sudden entry into the battle had shattered the equilibrium, leaving the Five Elders silent and sullen, contemplating their next move.

"What? A ceasefire is the right thing for both sides now, right?" Shanks looked at the Five Elders, their faces twisted in anger and confusion, and spoke in a deep, measured tone.

"Armistice? Stop joking, Redhead! You think I'd agree to a truce with you? What are you even doing here? It's about enjoying this war!" Kaido roared before the Five Elders could respond.

Kaido's long-cherished dream was to launch the world's greatest war. The artificial Devil Fruit army he had created was a preparation for such a conflict. Upon learning from the live broadcast that the Naval Headquarters and even the Five Elders were involved in this all-out war, Kaido abandoned his ongoing fight with Shanks and rushed here immediately. His aim was clear: to participate in this ultimate battle.

As he had told the Five Elders, the World Government and Naval Headquarters possessed superior combat power. Even if his original target was Portgas D. Ace, Kaido would now join forces with Ace and Shanks to fight against the World Government and Naval Headquarters. When Ace and Shanks gained the upper hand, Kaido planned to switch sides again and attack them, ensuring the war continued until the very end.

Kaido lived for the thrill of battle. He was an out-and-out war madman, uninterested in alliances or factions. His only desire was to enjoy the ultimate war, fighting to the last man standing.

"Hey! Old guys, your combat power is at a disadvantage. Hurry up and call all the guys from the Knights of God! In the Valley of the Gods, I didn't get the pleasure of fighting them!" Kaido laughed maniacally at the Five Elders. He believed in bringing those in power, the so-called "nobles" who indulged in comfort, to the battlefield to achieve true equality and freedom. Only war, in his eyes, could determine the value of human beings. Killing the Knights of God aligned perfectly with his philosophy.

"What? Crazy Kaido, you're causing everyone a headache, aren't you? Or should you call the Knights of God to this battlefield? Whitebeard is also rushing here. You cannot afford to die. If the Knights of God do not come, Marine and Shichibukai will fall. If the Knights of God do come, how many of them will survive? If there's a truce, we will subdue Kaido." Shanks' eyes were sharp and focused looking at the five elders. Kaido was a war madman, but even madmen could be used.

Ben Beckman, standing behind Shanks and exhaling a puff of smoke, met Kaido's gaze. Kaido's eyes flashed with a sinister smile.

"Ben Beckman, are you treating me as a chess piece? Are you looking down on me too much?!" Kaido sneered, his body swiftly returning to human form. Violent Conqueror's Haki enveloped his mace.

"Thunder Bagua!" Kaido roared, swinging the mace wrapped in his Haki towards Beckman. Discussing an armistice? Kaido would start the war himself!

Beckman exhaled a puff of smoke, his expression untroubled. So what if Kaido went berserk? He could be contained, and the negotiations could continue. The Five Elders knew that Kaido's attack was merely a ploy to ignite the war he craved. Once the Naval Headquarters and the World Government joined the fray, Kaido would inevitably shift his target to them, driven by his insatiable lust for battle.

Kaido was a war madman, an undeniable force of chaos.

Around Beckman, a terrifying aura began to gather, his Conqueror's Haki building like a storm. But before he could act, a blazing figure like the sun appeared before Kaido, flames roaring with intensity.

In an instant, Ace was there, his hand glowing with power as he intercepted Kaido's mace mid-swing. The air crackled with the clash of their Conqueror's Haki, two titanic forces colliding.

"Boom!"

Ace's right hand grasped Kaido's mace firmly, halting the attack in its tracks. The kingly aura of his Haki radiated outwards, preventing Kaido from advancing even an inch.

"Are you too rude to my guests?" Ace's voice was calm, his eyes fixed on Kaido with a smile.

"Flame Emperor!" Kaido's face darkened at the sight of Ace, his expression filled with a mix of frustration and recognition.

"Drift! Drift! Drift!"

The violent Conqueror's Haki wrapped around Kaido's terrifying mace, its power so immense that it distorted the very atmosphere. The Four Emperors, at the pinnacle of this ocean in terms of physique, Haki, and Devil Fruit abilities, wield unparalleled might. Kaido, the most powerful creature in the world, launched an attack that could kill an Admiral candidate with a single blow.

Yet, at this moment, that terrifying attack was firmly grasped by a single right hand from a distance.

The strike, representing the pinnacle of the Four Emperors, was halted, unable to advance even an inch. Kaido's Conqueror's Haki, formidable among the Four Emperors, found itself at an absolute disadvantage against the Haki of this one hand.

"Flame Emperor!" Kaido roared as he looked at the figure that had appeared before him.

This was the man who had initiated a public execution that shocked the world, who had started a full-scale war with the Naval Headquarters, forcing the Five Elders to join the battle. The man who had completed the public execution of the Celestial Dragons right in front of the Five Elders. Even the drunken Kaido was willing to acknowledge him as the Flame Emperor.

"Be polite to my guests, Kaido!" Ace's body tilted slightly, his right hand wrapped in violent Conqueror's Haki as he held Kaido's mace. A Haki-filled smile played on his lips.

This display of strength made the eyes of all the ladies watching shine with admiration. Hancock, on the shore, covered her red lips as she gazed at Ace's fiery form. To Hancock, who had eaten the Sweet Fruit, Ace's combination of beauty and Haki was a fatally attractive poison.

Ace's public execution of the Celestial Dragons and his defiance of the Five Elders resonated deeply with Hancock, shattering a shadow that had long haunted her heart. She felt herself drawn to Ace, unable to resist the allure of his strength and beauty.

Rayleigh, noticing Hancock's fixation on Ace, realized what was happening. Hancock, obsessed with Ace, was reacting to more than just his beauty and strength. The Sweet Fruit's power amplified her attraction, making Ace's flame-like body a fatal charm.

For Hancock, who possessed the Sweet Fruit and was considered the most beautiful woman in the world, falling for someone more beautiful than herself seemed impossible. But Ace's fiery presence had made it possible. His public execution and defiance of the Five Elders had struck a chord in her heart.

Rayleigh also observed that Nami, along with other girls, shared similar feelings for Ace. Their admiration and attraction towards him were palpable. Rayleigh understood that Ace's charm and Haki had won their hearts.

With a resigned smile, Rayleigh decided to let the young people resolve their affairs. Ace was the only antidote for Hancock's lovesickness. Imagining what Ace and Hancock's children might call him, Rayleigh found himself envisioning a future where he was known as 'Grandpa Rayleigh.'

This thought filled him with a renewed sense of purpose. His right hand grasped the hilt of his saber, and his eyes regained their sharpness. The more terrifying Conqueror's Haki began to accumulate in Rayleigh's body. If Ace needed him, Rayleigh's sword would be unsheathed, delivering the most powerful strike of his prime.

Rayleigh's build-up of Haki did not go unnoticed by Garp, who looked at him with curiosity. It seemed as if Rayleigh's Haki had become stronger, reminiscent of his peak period. Garp noticed a strange warmth in Rayleigh's eyes, a look that did not suit the 'Dark King.'

Aokiji, observing from the sidelines, recognized that look. It was similar to the one Garp had when he talked about wanting lovely great-grandchildren after drinking too much in Water 7. Aokiji realized that Rayleigh truly regarded Ace as a close junior and was already thinking about the future.

From this perspective, it's only a matter of time before Sulver Rayleigh joins the Entei Pirate Fleet. But what kind of choice should I make? Aokiji clenched his fists, looking somewhat dazed. Today's events on the Sabaody Archipelago felt like a repeat of the Ohara incident, and the impact on Aokiji was profound. He began to contemplate, unable to shake thoughts of Ace and the possibility of him joining the Entei Pirates' Grand Fleet.

"What should I do"? Aokiji's eyes locked onto Ace, who was blocking Kaido. The answer, he realized, could only be found within himself.

"Asshole, do you look down on me?" Kaido's sinister smile and extreme excitement betrayed his true feelings. Ace was strong—unbelievably strong. In a simple clash of Conqueror's Haki, Kaido found himself at a disadvantage. Ace's Mera-mera Fruit had been developed to an extent Kaido had never seen, transforming into flames exceeding 10,000 degrees Celsius, surpassing even the earth's core in temperature. This terrifying flame caused instantaneous explosions, granting Ace speed and power that rivaled Kaido's own lightning-enhanced Thunder Bagua.

Kaido had never considered the Mera-mera Fruit a threat, as his Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon granted him control over nature, including flames. Yet, Ace's mastery of the Mera-mera Fruit defied all expectations. Kaido's body, despite its toughness, was challenged by the sheer intensity of Ace's flames.

"Let's have a fight! Flame Emperor!" Kaido roared, his voice echoing with excitement.

"Boom!" In the sky, thunder and lightning elements controlled by Kaido roared through the clouds.

"Don't get carried away, Kaido. This is the stage I set up." Ace's expression remained calm as his Conqueror's Haki exploded even more violently, momentarily immobilizing Kaido.

"Redhead, thank you for taking care of my brother, Luffy. That's why I wanted to see you," Ace said, his eyes softening as he looked at Shanks.

"Luffy?! Luffy is your brother?!" Shanks's sharp eyes widened in surprise, losing his previous composure.

"Hey?! Luffy's brother is the Flame Emperor?!" The members of the Red Hair Pirates exclaimed in shock.

"Uncle Yasopp!" Nami called from the Entei Pirates' camp, waving her weather staff.

"Hey? Call me? 'Little Thief Cat' Nami?" Yasopp pointed at himself in disbelief.

Nami, the fleet leader of the Entei Pirates and an Admiral-level "little thief cat," was calling him uncle? Despite his years of traversing the seas with Shanks, he wasn't sure if he could match Nami's strength. Her awakened Thunder Fruit power was truly terrifying, granting her Admiral-level strength.

Nami, always keen to strengthen alliances, had known Yasopp was Usopp's father from the newspapers.

"This weather staff was made by Usopp," Nami explained loudly.

"Usopp?!!!" Yasopp gasped, looking at the weather staff in Nami's hand, tears welling in his eyes. His son, Usopp, had always been a debt in his heart.

"Usopp is very healthy and has great talent in sniping. Ace also helped him develop his abilities, making the weather staff even stronger," Nami continued.

"Well, your son has an incredible sniper talent," Ace added with a smile.

"Is that so? Is that so? Flame Emperor, no, Ace, thank you," Yasopp said, tears filling his eyes. Luffy's brother had not only been kind to his son but had also recognized Usopp's talent, a fact that touched Yasopp deeply.

Sengoku, observing the battlefield, twitched the corners of his mouth.

But now, it was clear they were all acquaintances, if not friends. Aside from the five elders and Kaido, Is everyone here really friends?

Marshal Sengoku, a Marine, found himself unable to handle this strange scene.