War is just as much about tactics as it is about military strength.
The Whitebeard Pirates were undoubtedly the strongest crew on the seas when it came to raw power, and they carried a reputation to match. However, raw power alone wasn't enough for what lay ahead. The real challenge was the man leading the opposition: Fleet Admiral Sengoku. His strength didn't lie in his fists or Devil Fruit but in his razor-sharp mind.
Sengoku was a brilliant strategist, a man who could manipulate every piece on the chessboard to his advantage. Unlike Garp, who could be emotional and unpredictable, Sengoku was cold, calculating, and utterly ruthless. He would sacrifice half his forces without hesitation if it meant achieving victory. Even his admirals weren't spared from being used as pawns in his grand strategies. In a war of this scale, where every move could ripple into a cascade of unintended consequences, Sengoku's ability to orchestrate chaos to his advantage was truly terrifying.
But that's where I came in.
I was Sengoku's worst nightmare—a tactician who knew the future. Someone who could exploit the butterfly effect and outmaneuver even the most brilliant plans. While the Whitebeard Pirates excelled at brute force, I could be the perfect counter to Sengoku's schemes.
The problem? Convincing them to let me take on the role of Chief Tactician.
This wasn't a job they could hand to just anyone. It required absolute trust, and I was still an outsider to their crew. Sure, Whitebeard himself seemed to take a liking to me after our earlier clash, but earning the trust of an entire crew—especially one built on loyalty and camaraderie—was another matter entirely.
This was going to be like a job interview. A job interview with some of the most dangerous people on the seas.
I stood before the Whitebeard commanders, all fourteen of them lined up, their gazes fixed on me with varying degrees of skepticism. These were veterans, warriors who had fought countless battles together. Their loyalty to Whitebeard was absolute, and I knew they wouldn't hand over such a vital role easily.
"Before you guys start objecting," I said, raising my hands, "let me make my pitch."
They exchanged glances but said nothing, so I continued.
"From what I've learned about your crew—and from what Ace told me—the Whitebeard Pirates are more than just a crew to you. You're a family. And that's where your greatest strength lies. But," I added, letting the word hang in the air, "it's also your greatest weakness."
The commanders frowned, clearly confused. Whitebeard, however, leaned forward, his sharp gaze cutting through the room. He understood what I meant. He was a smart man, after all.
"It's because we'll be too emotional," Whitebeard said, his deep voice cutting through the silence.
"Exactly," I replied, nodding. "When your family is in danger, you lose your reason. You fight harder, sure—but you also become predictable. And Sengoku will exploit that."
I let the words sink in for a moment before continuing. "Sengoku is a scheming bastard. He'll target your emotions because he knows how much you care about each other. And when it comes to family, even the strongest people make mistakes. That's why you need me."
Marco stepped forward, his arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on me. "You're saying we can't keep our heads in battle?"
"I'm saying that when it comes to Ace, you won't. No one can stay impartial when their brother's life is on the line. But I can. I'm not part of this family. I care about Ace, but I won't lose my reason. That's why you need someone like me in charge of strategy."
Marco frowned. "If you're the tactician, that means you'll be staying behind. Wouldn't that waste your combat abilities?"
"Not necessarily," I said, shaking my head. "Only the commanders and allied captains need to know who I really am. The rest of the crew doesn't need to take orders from a stranger—they follow their captains. As for me, I'll stay near the old man and act as his 'bodyguard.'"
Whitebeard immediately growled. "Brat! You think I need a bodyguard?"
I sighed. "Not an actual bodyguard, old man. It'll just be a ruse so the Navy doesn't realize I'm the one directing the battle. Besides, someone of your caliber shouldn't have to bother with anyone weaker than an admiral. I'll take care of the pests so that you can properly give attention to the key players."
The commanders seemed to relax at that, and even Whitebeard looked slightly appeased. It was true what I said, but I also wanted to minimize the amount of damage Whitebeard receives. He was the strongest fighter on this side, who had the ability to change the course of war by his lonesome. He was too valuable to be injured even once before we reach the main plaza.
"But won't the Navy figure out your involvement?" Izo asked, his tone sharp.
"Not likely," I replied. "As far as the Navy is concerned, I've been dead for three years. I'm an unknown to them. You, however, are not. They know your strengths, your tactics, and your weaknesses. Sengoku will plan around you. That's why we need a strategy that he can't predict. This might be a rescue mission, but minimizing casualties is just as important as saving Ace."
It wasn't an easy sell, but I could see the gears turning in their minds. They knew I was right. With my knowledge, my combat ability, and my detachment from their family bond, I was the best person for the job. There was the matter of trust. But I'm trying not to even go near that. They don't really need to trust me. I was a 'freelancer' and I have a job to do. That's all there is to it.
Finally, Whitebeard nodded. "Fine. You'll be the Chief Tactician for this war. Tell us what you need."
I grinned. "I need a room with a desk and a bed. Also, give me everything you have on the layout of Marineford. I'll need to meet with every allied ship captain tonight to discuss their strengths and numbers. And as for my payment... I think 100 million berries will be enough."
The room erupted in protests.
"100 million berries? Are you crazy?" Marco shouted.
I shrugged. "Fine. I'll give you a discount. Fifty million. It's expensive to roam the sea without a crew, you know. I can't go any lower than that."
Whitebeard grumbled, taking a swig from his enormous gourd. "Just give the brat what he wants. We don't have time to argue over money. Ace's execution is in two days."
His word was the law in this ship, and by nightfall, I had everything I needed. They placed me in Ace's old room, which was strangely comforting. I spent the night meeting with every allied ship captain.
The allied captains were an impressive group, their loyalty to Whitebeard unwavering. Each one was strong, hardened by years on the Grand Line. Even Squard, the man who would eventually betray Whitebeard at Marineford, showed blinding devotion to his leader. His issue wasn't loyalty—it was his stupidity. The man was a moron, and Sengoku would undoubtedly exploit that. Although it was Akainu who asked him to do what he did, it was actually a plan from Sengoku.
During each meeting, I emphasized one key point: the Navy would try to manipulate them. False information, emotional traps—anything to break their unity. Predictably, most of them bristled at the suggestion, their anger flaring at the thought of their loyalty being questioned. But I wasn't there to coddle them. I planted the seed of doubt, forcing them to consider the possibility. This should be enough for Squard to reconsider his actions in Marineford.
By the time I finished meeting with the captains, it was well past midnight. But my work wasn't done.
As the hours ticked by, my room became a whirlwind of maps, notes, and strategies. My mind raced through every possible scenario and every single variable. This wasn't just about saving Ace—this was about outsmarting the Navy, protecting the crew, and ensuring the future of the Whitebeard Pirates. I really don't want them to suffer.
By dawn, I had a detailed plan ready.
The leaders would expect nothing less.
One day remaining till the start of Marineford War.