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At PokeIsland
Days had passed since Xpovac's uncontrolled rage rocked the world, and though the skies had calmed, the tension in the air was palpable. Xpovac stood on the cliffs of *PokeIsland*, looking out over the vast sea, his mind occupied with the impending battle that lay ahead—Ace's execution at Marineford. But first, he had unfinished business.
"Mew," he called softly, the small psychic Pokémon appearing on his shoulder. "Let's go."
In an instant, the island vanished, and they teleported to the location of Uta, Shanks' daughter, on a quiet and lush island named *Harmonia*. The island was peaceful, with vibrant green forests and clear blue lakes, a stark contrast to the chaos that was about to engulf the world. Uta had been staying there, honing her voice and powers, living in solitude after her world tour had ended in heartbreak.
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Harmonia Island
Xpovac appeared silently on the island's outskirts, and Mew quickly located Uta with its psychic senses. She was sitting by a tranquil lake, gazing into the water, her long red hair flowing gently in the breeze. Xpovac approached slowly, his presence catching her attention.
"Xpovac?" Uta's voice was soft, but surprised.
"Hey, Uta," Xpovac replied, walking up to stand beside her. "It's been a while."
Uta smiled faintly, though her expression remained thoughtful. "Yeah, it has... Since you and Luffy left the village, a lot has happened."
Xpovac nodded, his expression darkening. "A lot has happened for all of us. I'm not sure if you've heard, but Ace—Luffy's brother—has been captured by the Marines. They're planning to execute him in 10 days."
Uta's eyes widened in shock. "Ace? No... Is Luffy—?"
"Luffy's safe, for now," Xpovac reassured her. "But he's been through a lot. His crew's been separated, and he's barely holding it together. As for me…" His gaze hardened, his voice dropping lower. "I'm going to make sure the Marines regret ever touching Ace."
Uta lowered her gaze. "So... you're going to Marineford."
"Yeah," Xpovac confirmed. "It's going to be a bloodbath, but I'll handle it. Ace's execution date is in 10 days, and I'll be there. But in the meantime, I want you somewhere safe. Even though I know you're strong, I still want you close, where I know you'll be okay."
Uta hesitated, glancing away. "I don't want to just hide while all of this is happening, Xpovac. I can fight too."
Xpovac placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice gentle but firm. "I know you can, but this isn't just about fighting. I need to make sure you're safe while I'm focused on the battle. I've got a place where you'll be protected, and it's not forever—just until I finish things at Marineford."
Uta still looked unsure, but Xpovac leaned in with a smile. "I've got a Pokémon on PokeIsland you'll love. Her name's Meloetta, and she's got a voice like you wouldn't believe. I think you two would get along."
"Meloetta?" Uta's curiosity was piqued, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "A Pokémon that sings?"
"Yep," Xpovac replied. "And she's waiting for you back at the island. What do you say? Just until Marineford is dealt with."
Uta paused, but after a moment, she nodded. "Alright. I'll go."
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PokeIsland - Meeting Meloetta
With a flash of light, Xpovac and Uta teleported to *PokeIsland*. Xpovac led her to the Pokémon Park, a tranquil and beautiful area where Pokémon were free to relax and play. In the center of the park, sitting atop a large stone, was Meloetta. The musical Pokémon was softly singing a mesmerizing tune, its voice carrying through the trees like a lullaby.
Uta's eyes widened in awe as she listened, captivated by Meloetta's voice. "She's incredible…"
Xpovac smiled, watching Uta's reaction. "Told you. You two are going to get along great. I'll leave you here for now. I've got some preparations to make."
As Uta settled down, listening to Meloetta's song, Xpovac turned and left the park, making his way back to his base.
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The Plan and the Preparation
Once back at his base, Xpovac began issuing commands to his Pokémon. He gathered Swampert, Tyranitar, Lucario, Lugia, Mew, Mewtwo, and Necrozma—all of whom would be accompanying him to Marineford on the day of Ace's execution.
"You six are coming with me to Marineford," Xpovac stated, his tone serious. "But understand this—our goal is to free Ace, but not until Akainu kills him."
His Pokémon, all powerful in their own right, looked at him in confusion, but Xpovac continued. "Ace needs to die for Luffy to learn. I can bring Ace back with a Max Revive, but not until his death pushes Luffy to his breaking point. Only after Blackbeard makes his move on Whitebeard will we intervene."
The Pokémon seemed to understand, nodding in agreement. Xpovac then turned to the system, issuing another command. "System, buy Zapdos for 50,000 SP."
With the addition of Zapdos, Xpovac assigned Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos to protect the island while he was away. Their combined strength would ensure PokeIsland remained safe.
With his plan in place, Xpovac considered going after Sabo, knowing he was alive. But he decided against it for now, knowing that Monkey D. Dragon would keep him safe. "Sabo can wait," Xpovac muttered. "He's in good hands for now."
Finally, Xpovac opened the system once more and purchased a new ability: the power to extract Devil Fruits from a person if he was close enough. This skill would be essential in the chaos of the coming battle.
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The Countdown Begins
For the next ten days, Xpovac focused on refining his plan, training, and preparing for the inevitable conflict. Each day passed like a slow ticking clock, the tension building as Ace's execution loomed closer.
On the tenth day, the time had come.
Xpovac stood at the edge of *PokeIsland*, staring out at the horizon. The skies were clear, but a storm was brewing far off on the horizon—Marineford. His Pokémon stood by his side, ready for the battle to come.
"Lugia," Xpovac said, climbing onto the massive Legendary Pokémon's back. "Let's go."
With a single powerful flap of its wings, Lugia took to the skies, carrying Xpovac toward Marineford. The other Pokémon remained in the system, ready to be called upon when needed.
As the wind rushed past him and the sea stretched out below, Xpovac's mind was focused. The time for battle was near.
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