Sabaody Archipelago, from GROVE-1 to 29, once a bustling hub for Celestial Dragons' indulgence, lay in ruins. The aftermath of Admiral Ace's bold defiance and the subsequent clash with the full might of the World Government had left every structure razed to the ground. Even the colossal roots of the Argine mangrove, defining the archipelago, were shattered, leaving behind a scarred landscape.
In the center of this desolation stood three figures, each a titan of the seas:
First, Red Hair Pirates' Captain and former Haki legend, Shanks.
Second, the indomitable Beast Pirates' leader, Kaido.
And third, surpassing even the Four Emperors, Admiral Ace of the Entei Pirates' Grand Fleet.
These three stood as if poised to command the very waves themselves, their presence commanding respect and fear alike.
Behind Shanks stood his loyal crew, led by his trusted vice-captain Benn Beckman, their expressions hidden in the solemnity of the moment. Nami, known as the "Little Thief Cat," stood alongside Ace, her officers reflecting the gravity of their leader's stance.
To the sides, the renowned Laugh and Dark King Rayleigh, symbols of Ace's authority and legacy, completed the tableau of power and history.
"Hey," Ace began, his voice cutting through the tense air, "I said..."
Immediately, the officers of both the Red Hair Pirates and Entei Pirates' fleet tensed, their gazes sharpening with anticipation.
"There's a party!"
Without warning, Ace raised his head, a rare smile spreading across his face. In a gesture of camaraderie and celebration, he seized the wine offered by Nami, and laughter erupted. Shanks and Kaido joined in, their colossal hands reaching for the shared toast.
"Hahaha!"
The clink of three glasses resonated through the silence, marking not just a moment of peace, but a testament to the bonds forged amidst chaos and conflict.
"Cheers!"
Sabaody Archipelago, once a bustling hub for Celestial Dragons, now lay in ruins after the cataclysmic clash between Admiral Ace and the World Government forces. Amidst the debris, a massive extraterrestrial meteorite hurtled towards GROVE-1, threatening devastation. With swift and precise action, Ace unleashed his Conqueror's Haki-infused Hakoku technique, shrouding his fist in black-purple lightning. His powerful strike shattered the meteorite into harmless fragments, averting further destruction.
Amidst the tension and relief, Vivi, known as the 'Desert Princess,' used her Sand-Sand Fruit powers to control the meteorite remnants. Skillfully, she redirected them to fill the gaps left by the war's destruction, restoring some semblance of order to the archipelago. The once-broken landscape now transformed into a neatly arranged banquet venue, a testament to her control over sand and meticulous craftsmanship.
As the immediate crisis passed, camaraderie prevailed among the assembled captains and their crews. Fujitora, the second division captain of the Entei Pirates, and Yasopp shared a moment of mutual respect, acknowledging the formidable display of power. Yasopp, proud of his captain's role under Ace, embraced the camaraderie of the moment, toasting to their victories.
In the midst of celebration, conversation turned nostalgic. Ace and Shanks reminisced over Windmill Village-flavored wine, invoking memories of Luffy's incoming journey to sea. The camaraderie between the captains softened the aura of imperial dominance, transforming the gathering into a warm reunion among friends.
Meanwhile, Kaido, amidst the revelry, observed Ace with a complex gaze. Despite the festivities, his intentions lingered with an air of mystery, hinting at deeper motives beyond the celebration.
"Don't you know that the Entei Pirate Ship Group has two giant leaders from the Elbaf Warrior Village?" Kaido's provocative statement hung in the air, challenging Ace's resolve and sparking Shanks' curiosity as he enjoyed his drink.
Shanks, always one to find amusement in such discussions, chuckled lightly. "Oh? Giants from Elbaf Warrior Village?"
Kaido's gaze narrowed with drunken intensity, reflecting on the ancient and formidable history of the giant race. From the Lunarians to the giants of Elbaf, these races had endured through epochs, retaining their power and ferocity despite the passage of time. The giants of Elbaf, known for their prowess and aggression, were natural warriors, respected even within the ranks of the Marines.
Reflecting on the historical significance, Kaido mentioned the legendary figures 'Blue Ogre' Dorry and 'Red Ogre' Brogy, giants who had once commanded respect with bounties of 100 million beli each. Their decision to join Ace's cause under the Entei Pirates would have been headline news if not overshadowed by recent events.
Shanks nodded knowingly, acknowledging the gravity of the giants' allegiance to Ace. "Dorry and Brogy, their return would indeed have been quite the tale in any other circumstance."
Kaido, his resolve clear, emptied his wine gourd and gazed fiercely at Ace. His proposal to join forces was both bold and calculated, seeking to merge Ace's strategic mastery with his own vast resources and territories. He envisioned a new era of dominance, surpassing even the infamous Rocks Pirates in power and influence.
Shanks, ever composed, contemplated Kaido's offer with a measured sip of wine, recognizing the potential of such an alliance. The prospect of uniting their strengths to reshape the balance of power in the world was tantalizing, yet he remained guarded, understanding the complexities of such a partnership.
As the banquet continued, the air thickened with anticipation, each sip of wine and exchange of words shaping the future of the seas and the fate of those who ruled them.
"I reject."
Ace's laughter rippled through the tense atmosphere, his refusal echoing with finality. Shanks, his perpetual smile playing at his lips, watched the exchange unfold with quiet amusement.
"Reject? Why?" Kaido's voice rumbled, a mixture of curiosity and challenge. He proposed a grand alliance, envisioning Ace as its dominant force, even offering to defer leadership to him to solidify their strength.
Ace's response was clear and measured. "I'm not interested in war. War is merely a means to an end for me, no different from Devil Fruit abilities or Haki." His words carried weight, revealing a strategic mindset that transcended mere conflict.
As they continued to converse, Beckman, ever observant, noted how Ace wielded all available powers as tools—a fact starkly evident in the current epoch-defining war. Even justice itself had become a tool in Ace's capable hands.
Kaido, undeterred by Ace's rejection, remained resolute. His proposition aimed to reshape the world's power dynamics, but Ace's principles remained steadfastly aligned against such ambitions.
Ace's refusal didn't diminish the tension; rather, it heightened it. Kaido, recognizing the depth of Ace's resolve, understood that their paths might inevitably lead to conflict.
Ace's demeanor shifted subtly as he contemplated their future interaction. "I never said I'd call off my crusade against you, Kaido," he remarked pointedly, eyes gleaming with determination.
Kaido's expression hardened, his resolve palpable as he contemplated the implications of Ace's words. Though he boasted as the strongest creature, he knew facing Ace alone in a battle to the end could test even his endurance. The thought of being pushed to his limits by Ace's formidable power, akin to a sun's explosion, unsettled him.
"Then why don't you drink a few more drinks! If you don't eat enough, how can you have the strength to be my enemy?
Ace, ever charismatic and confident, interjected with his characteristic humor, using Conqueror's Haki to playfully slap Kaido on the back of his head from a distance. Kaido winced slightly, the impact of Ace's Haki leaving an undeniable mark even on him.
Shanks, observing the exchange with amusement, chuckled heartily, acknowledging the power and presence that Luffy's brother wielded.
Amidst the tension, Ace lifted his glass, rallying the atmosphere back to camaraderie. "When you're hungry, you eat; when you're thirsty, you drink. Without enough food and drink, what kind of war are we talking about here? This banquet is for that purpose—cheers!"
Everyone joined in, raising their glasses in a toast, laughter echoing around them. Even Kaido, despite their inevitable clash, couldn't help but appreciate Ace's charm and spirit.
The grand banquet continued for days, filled with revelry and conversation. And as the festivities reached their peak, a new arrival announced their presence with booming laughter.
"Gu la la la! Looks like I'm late everybody!"
Whitebeard, the World's Strongest Man, Edward Newgate, had arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago party, marking a momentous gathering of legendary figures amidst brewing tensions and unspoken alliances.