"Are you finally here, Luffy?" Ace murmured, a soft smile playing on his lips as he studied the bounty poster of his younger brother, Monkey D. Luffy. The image of Luffy's grinning face, full of the carefree spirit that only he could embody, brought a warmth to Ace's heart.
"Hahaha, Luffy's first bounty is 35 million berries—not bad at all," Sabo chuckled, clearly pleased as he held the poster. The amount might seem modest compared to the infamous bounties that dominated the New World, but for East Blue, the weakest of the seas, it was impressive.
Among the three brothers, Ace had always been the one who stood out, a prodigy with boundless potential and an innate ability to dominate. From a young age, his genius was undeniable, and it was Ace who had pushed both Sabo and Luffy to grow stronger, often serving as their mentor and protector.
Sabo had inherited a good share of talent as well, though he knew it paled in comparison to Ace's monstrous abilities. Still, his progress was steady, and he had developed into a formidable fighter in his own right. However, it was their youngest brother, Luffy, who had always lagged behind, not due to lack of effort but because of his simple-mindedness and, at times, clumsiness.
Luffy's training had been a struggle from the start. Despite consuming a Devil Fruit that transformed his body into rubber, he often found himself tangled in his own abilities, literally tying himself into knots rather than landing effective attacks. It was a frustrating and slow journey for the youngest of the trio, filled with mishaps that would have discouraged anyone else.
But Luffy was not just anyone. He was the younger brother of Ace and Sabo, and despite his many setbacks, he never gave up. His determination, coupled with his unyielding optimism, was what endeared him to his brothers. They had always looked out for him, Ace with his stern guidance and Sabo with his patient encouragement.
Now, seeing Luffy finally venture out to sea, fulfilling the promise the three of them had made so long ago, filled Sabo with a deep sense of pride. Luffy's initial bounty of 35 million berries wasn't just a number—it was proof that their brother was finally stepping into the world, ready to make his mark.
Sabo's confidence in Luffy wasn't misplaced. He knew better than anyone else what Luffy was capable of. Not only had Luffy inherited their indomitable will, but he had also consumed the most powerful Devil Fruit, the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, a mythical Zoan-type that granted him the abilities of the Sun God Nika. This power was a deep secret, one that held the potential to change the world.
But more than any fruit, it was Luffy's unbreakable spirit, his refusal to stay down no matter the odds, that made Sabo certain. Luffy wasn't just some random pirate from East Blue. He was their brother, and he was destined for greatness.
As Ace continued to gaze at the poster, his smile grew. The journey had begun, and with Luffy finally on the move, the seas would soon witness the rise of yet another D.
"Of course, Luffy is my younger brother."
Ace's voice was soft but carried a warmth that only those close to him would understand. His gaze lingered on the bounty poster, where Luffy's grinning face seemed to radiate with the unbridled enthusiasm that was so characteristic of him. The smile on Ace's face deepened, a mixture of pride and affection tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Turning away from the poster, Ace directed his attention to the shadowed corner of the room. "You two," he called out, his tone shifting to one of quiet command, "go and deliver this to Luffy."
With a subtle motion, Ace raised his hand, and a small point of light flickered into existence, hovering above his palm. The light pulsed, its glow soft yet vibrant, before it began to expand, warping the very air around it. A low chuckle echoed through the room as the atmosphere twisted, and a rift in space tore open, revealing a shimmering gap.
Two graceful figures, their forms barely discernible in the bending light, stepped forward and slipped through the spatial tear without hesitation. The rift closed behind them as quickly as it had appeared, leaving the room in silence once more, save for the faint hum of residual energy.
Ace stood still for a moment, the weight of the impending events pressing down on him, yet his resolve remained unshaken. He moved to the large French window that dominated one side of the room, the view outside revealing the transformed landscape of Wanokuni—a nation reborn under his influence. The once isolated and desolate land was now vibrant and bustling with life, its people thriving in a way that had seemed impossible under Kaido's brutal reign.
A deep arc of determination formed on Ace's lips as he gazed out over the land. "I'm really looking forward to it, Luffy," he murmured to himself, his voice filled with anticipation. "When you arrive in Wano, the final war will begin."
The journey that had started so many years ago was nearing its climax. The stage was set, the players in position. All that remained was the arrival of his brother, the spark that would ignite the world-shaking conflict to come.
In Ace's eyes, the crimson hue of his Ultimate Observation Haki merged seamlessly with the eerie power of the Time Fruit, creating a potent synergy that allowed him to peer into the future. The intricate patterns of possibilities unfolded before him, each thread leading closer to the truth he sought. His brow furrowed as the vision became clearer, and suddenly, a flicker of understanding flashed across his sharp gaze.
"So that's it, Imu... is this your true face?" Ace muttered, his voice tinged with both revelation and a hint of disgust.
Using the moment of Luffy's departure as a catalyst, Ace had delved deep into the future with his enhanced Haki and the temporal abilities granted by the Time Fruit. In that distant vision, he had glimpsed a portion of the truth behind Imu, the shadowy figure who ruled Pangu City from the shadows—the true master of the World Government. The sight of Imu's power confirmed Ace's suspicions: this being was not merely human, but something far more sinister.
A monster. Or perhaps... a demon.
"Ace, are you talking about the King of the Celestial Dragons?" Sabo's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, his eyes wide with shock. As Ace's brother and a key figure in the Entei Pirates, Sabo had been privy to much of the hidden knowledge about the World Government. He knew of the ancient weapon Uranus, which the government held, and the existence of a figure even above the Five Elders—a mysterious entity residing at the pinnacle of Pangaea Castle, known as Saint Nerona Imu.
Ace's eyes gleamed with a fierce light, a mix of excitement and horror. "Interesting. So interesting. A pentagram... so that's it!" He laughed, a dark, knowing chuckle that sent chills down Sabo's spine. "Imu, is this your ability? Should I call you the Sheep-Sheep Fruit—Mythical Beast: Baphomet form? Or are you the goat demon itself, the legendary devil, Baphomet!"
The vision Ace had seen was seared into his mind. The true form of Imu was a grotesque amalgamation: a monstrous being with the head of a goat, the torso of a human, the legs of a deer, and the tail of a scorpion, tipped with a burning green flame. A pair of shattered wings protruded from its back, and most disturbingly, a pentagram was emblazoned on its forehead, glowing with an ominous light.
In that moment, Ace recalled everything he had learned about Imu, piecing together fragments of knowledge from the original timeline. Imu was the supreme ruler, even above the Five Elders, who themselves were no ordinary men but powerful monsters in their own right. Gyūki, Izu Shinten, Fengxi, Sandworm, Horse Bones—these were the names of the monstrous Elders, each with their own terrifying abilities. But to command such beings, to stand at the apex of this dark hierarchy, Imu had to be something far more formidable.
"A goat demon, a devil from legend... Baphomet," Ace whispered, his voice laced with a newfound resolve. The revelation solidified his understanding of the true enemy he and his allies faced. Imu was not just a ruler, but a manifestation of an ancient evil, a force that would require all of their strength to confront.
Baphomet!
The name resonated in Ace's mind as the pieces began to fall into place. His lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile. The revelation felt like the final key to unlocking a long-buried truth.
Ace's thoughts drifted back to the sole moment in the original timeline when Imu had taken action. He vividly remembered Sabo's encounter in Pangu City, where Sabo had been pierced through by Imu's tail—a tail that had transformed into a monstrous appendage. The image now aligned perfectly with the characteristics of Baphomet, the legendary demon. Baphomet was known for its unique scorpion tail, a symbol of its immense power and cruelty. In the original work, Imu's attack on Sabo had been an eerie manifestation of this very power.
But that wasn't all. The most defining feature of Baphomet was the burning pentagram emblazoned on its forehead—a symbol that now made perfect sense. Ace recalled the scene when the Five Elders had teleported, leaving behind a burning pentagram magic circle. This wasn't mere coincidence; it was one of Baphomet's abilities, an indication of the dark, otherworldly power that Imu wielded.
Everything matched perfectly. Imu's true form was none other than the legendary devil, Baphomet. However, a lingering question remained—was Imu, along with the Five Elders, wielders of mythical beast Devil Fruits, or were they, in fact, devils and monsters in their true forms?
Ace knew there was still time to unravel this mystery, to confirm whether Imu and the Five Elders were born from the same infernal origin. This revelation, though significant, was but one step in his preparations for the final, decisive battle that loomed on the horizon.
Yet, something nagged at him. Ace had "seen" the true nature of Imu's power, but he had not seen Imu's actual face. Despite this, there was a lingering sense of familiarity about Imu's appearance, as if he had encountered that face before. The thought troubled him briefly, but he set it aside. He already knew the essence of Imu's power, and soon enough, he would uncover Imu's true identity as well.
"Baphomet... the legendary demon," Ace muttered, a mixture of intrigue and determination in his voice.
Sabo, standing by his side, was equally shaken. The name Baphomet was not unknown to him. The legends spoke of Baphomet as a demon, some even claimed it was a representation of the devil himself, Satan. Now, with the true nature of the Five Elders revealed, the realization hit hard.
God of Science Defense, Jaygarcia Saturn—Gyūki.
God of Environment, Marcus Mars—Izu Shinten.
God of Law, Topman Warcury—Fengxi.
God of Agriculture, Shepard Ju Peter—Sandworm.
God of Finance, Izambaron V Nusjuro—Horse Bones.
And above them all, the king of the World Government, Imu—the legendary goat demon, Baphomet.
"It's like the very top of the world is hell itself," Sabo muttered, cold sweat forming on his forehead.
Ace turned to him, his Haki-infused aura radiating confidence and power. "Hell?" Ace laughed, a deep, resonant sound that echoed with his determination. "My flames burn hotter than hell itself."
With that, Ace strode towards the door, his presence commanding and unstoppable. "Notify all the cadres. Assemble immediately!"
Sabo watched Ace's retreating figure, a smile creeping onto his face. Yes, what about hell? Ace's flames could consume even the depths of the underworld. Baphomet, for all its fearsome reputation, would merely become another soul claimed by Ace's unstoppable power.
With renewed resolve, Sabo hurried after Ace, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Meeting Room!
In the aftermath of the decisive Wanokuni War, the land of Wano was transformed into the impregnable headquarters of the Entei Pirates. Its strategic value lay not just in its geographical isolation but in its unique ability to produce seastone, a resource of immense importance. Under Ace's command, the once-traditional landscape of Wano now boasted countless modern structures that rose like titans from the earth, symbolizing the power and reach of the Entei Pirates.
At the heart of this transformed land stood a grand palace, a testament to Ace's dominance and vision. This palace, no less magnificent than the Pangaea Castle of the World Government, was known as the Flame Domain. It served as the core of Wanokuni and the nerve center of the Entei Pirates' operations.
The Flame Domain was divided into two distinct areas. The innermost sanctum was where Ace himself and the highest-ranking cadres resided. This area, known as the Core, was a place of unparalleled luxury and security, befitting the leaders of a world-changing force. Surrounding this core was the periphery, where other key members of the Entei Pirates made their homes.
At the very boundary between the Core and the periphery lay a colossal conference hall, a structure that rivaled even the grand halls of the World Government's Pangaea Castle. This hall was the site of the Entei Conference, a meeting that only Ace had the authority to convene. The Entei Conference was divided into two distinct gatherings: the Supreme Conference and the Core Conference.
The Supreme Conference was a rare event, where the heads of all nations under the banner of the Entei Pirates were summoned to gather. However, this was not a meeting for debate or discussion. It was a forum where Ace's will was conveyed to the rulers, a declaration of the new laws and systems they were to follow. The first and only Supreme Conference held so far had been after the fall of the Beasts Pirates and the BIG-MOM Pirates. During this gathering, Ace had laid down the new order, the contributions each country was expected to make in terms of resources, wealth, and manpower, ensuring the continued dominance of the Entei Pirates.
This time, however, it was the Core Conference that was being called. Unlike the Supreme Conference, the Core Conference was an exclusive assembly, reserved for the most important cadres of the Entei Pirates' Grand Fleet. Only those who were deeply trusted and integral to the operation of the Entei Pirates were summoned to this meeting. Here, Ace would issue his latest instructions, strategies that would further solidify their control over the seas and prepare them for the inevitable final conflict against the World Government.
The atmosphere in the conference hall was charged with anticipation. Every cadre knew that whatever orders Ace issued here would shape the future of their world. As they took their seats, each one felt the weight of the responsibility that came with their position. They were not just part of a pirate crew; they were leaders of a global force, the only real rival to the World Government.
In the Conference Room
The atmosphere within the conference room was thick with anticipation. The cadres of the Entei Pirate Fleet, each a formidable force in their own right, sat on either side of the massive room. Their expressions were serious, reflecting the gravity of the meeting to come. The room itself was designed to accommodate all, even going so far as to include a specially crafted seat for giants, adding to the room's already imposing majesty.
At the highest point of the room was an empty throne, a symbol of power that commanded respect. The men and women seated there were not just notorious pirates—they were legends of the sea, individuals who had brought even the mighty Naval Headquarters to its knees on more than one occasion. Despite their fearsome reputations, they all held their breath, waiting for the arrival of the one person they all respected above all others.
With a loud "click," the heavy door to the room slowly opened.
"Wow!"
In an instant, everyone in the room stood up in unison, their movements sharp and disciplined, saluting the door as Ace entered.
"Admiral!"
The voices that spoke were filled with respect, reverence even, as these infamous pirates acknowledged their leader. Among them were Kaya, Vivi, and others, who, despite their personal connection to Ace, did not waver in their public roles as commanders within the Entei Pirate Fleet.
Ace strode confidently to the highest throne and took his seat with a slow, deliberate motion.
"Sit down," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. He propped his chin up on his hand and allowed a faint smile to play on his lips as he surveyed the room.
"Yes! Admiral!"
The response was immediate and respectful as everyone took their seats, their attention fully on Ace, awaiting his orders.
As Ace glanced around the conference hall, a subtle grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. He noted the presence of some new faces among the familiar ones. In addition to the seasoned cadres who had fought alongside him during the Wanokuni War, there were others who had recently joined their ranks.
Two giant captains, 'Blue Ogre' Dorry and 'Red Ghost' Brogy, now commanded the 4th Division of the Entei Pirates. Their immense strength and loyalty were invaluable assets. Additionally, 'Moonlight' Moria, once a Warlord of the Sea and now a member of the Entei Pirates, had taken a seat at the table. His presence, alongside that of 'Sea Knight' Jinbei, added even more weight to the already formidable assembly.
Gild Tesoro, the former ruler of Gran Tesoro, now oversaw the 11th Division, handling financial matters and funding for the fleet. His vast wealth and influence had become crucial in maintaining the Entei Pirates' operations.
The current leader of the Charlotte family, Charlotte Katakuri, had also joined the meeting as the captain of the 9th Division. His division, composed of the remaining members of the Charlotte family, was a force to be reckoned with.
Yamato, a key member of the Entei Pirates' main group, now led the 10th Division. This division was formed from the elite remnants of the Beasts Pirates, though it did not include the infamous Three Disasters. Those loyal to Kaido had been eliminated by Ace, their Devil Fruit abilities stripped away to prevent any future threats. However, Ace had preserved the bloodline of the Flame Disaster, King, using the ability of the Paw Fruit. He had plans for the Lunarian bloodline, sensing that it might hold untapped potential.
The seamless assembly of this core meeting was a testament to Ace's mastery of his Space Fruit ability. With this power, even someone as far away as Katakuri on Whole Cake Island could be instantly transported to Wanokuni to attend the meeting.
Ace's voice broke the silence, commanding the room's attention. "Now, let's start the meeting. Agenda: Final Battle. Also, Pangaea Castle, the King of the World Government, and the true face of Imu's ability."
At his words, a palpable tension filled the room. The officers of the Entei Pirates' fleet, each a seasoned warrior, felt the weight of what was to come. The final battle, the confrontation that would decide the fate of the world, was drawing near. And the revelation of Imu's true power only added to the gravity of the situation. This was no ordinary meeting; it was the beginning of the endgame, and everyone in the room knew that the world would never be the same after this.