Chapter 77: Blackbeard vs. Ace
While Ryu was chatting with Nami, Sanji, and others, Luffy and Zoro were also catching up with Koby and Helmeppo. But this time, thanks to Ryu's presence, Nami didn't need to sneak around to eavesdrop.
After reminiscing, Koby and Helmeppo left with Ryu. Before they left, Ryu warned Luffy and the crew that because of the events at Enies Lobby, they were now on the radar of the World Government and high-ranking Marine officers. He also explained why the World Government was so focused on Robin: as the only known person capable of reading the Poneglyphs, her knowledge was invaluable.
Seeing Luffy's nonchalant reaction, Ryu could tell he hadn't really paid attention. Thankfully, he chose this moment to speak while the rest of the crew was around, hoping they would remember for him.
Afterward, Ryu, Koby, and Helmeppo headed back to the Marine ship. However, they didn't immediately set sail, as Garp had already told Sengoku that Luffy was his grandson and, therefore, wouldn't be capturing him. The outcome was as expected—Garp got an earful from Sengoku. Even so, Garp decided not to go after Luffy right away, intending to at least let him set sail before taking any action.
Meanwhile, Ryu was indifferent about the situation. There were plenty of pirates in Water 7, and he used his time ashore with Raina and a small Marine squad to capture numerous wanted criminals, gaining some diamonds as rewards and a list of arrests to satisfy Sengoku's demands—two birds with one stone.
"Old man, Luffy and the others are throwing a party. I'd like to go, too. Are we really not joining them?" Ryu asked, a bit dejected, watching the festivities in Water 7 from Garp's dog-headed Marine ship.
"No, if I go, I'd have to arrest my grandson. He wouldn't even have a chance to escape. When he sets sail, I'll let him go, so at least he'll have a fighting chance," Garp replied, shaking his head.
"I figured as much. Don't worry, I've already rounded up enough bounty heads to explain everything to the Fleet Admiral." Ryu winked at Garp.
Garp thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Forget it, you go. I'll stay here."
"Alright then. Raina, you want to join me?" Ryu shrugged, not bothered.
Raina hesitated before replying, "You go ahead, sir. I'll stay here and keep Vice Admiral Garp company."
"Well, at least someone's got good sense!" Garp laughed heartily, clearly content with Raina's decision, ignoring Ryu's playful reaction.
Ryu didn't insist. With a few quick steps, he left the Marine ship and headed towards the Straw Hats' celebration, eager for some of Sanji's cooking. But before he could get close, he sensed Aokiji's presence and furrowed his brow. After thinking it over, he remembered that this event should be part of the story: Aokiji having a private conversation with Robin.
However, with his interference at Enies Lobby, Ryu wasn't sure if Aokiji would still spare Robin. Just to be safe, he decided to check it out. When he arrived, though, he found only Robin there—Aokiji was already gone.
"Was that Admiral Aokiji just now?" Ryu asked, noticing Robin's unsettled expression.
Robin nodded. "Yes. What are you doing back here?"
"I came over hoping to get some food, but then I sensed Aokiji's presence and wanted to make sure he wasn't giving you any trouble," Ryu replied directly.
"Thanks, but he didn't plan to make a move," Robin said, regaining her composure.
"In that case, let's head back. You don't want to miss the party," Ryu smiled, refraining from asking what she and Aokiji had discussed.
Meanwhile, somewhere on a remote island in the Grand Line, Blackbeard had just read about Luffy's actions in the newspaper.
"Looks like they broke into Enies Lobby. His bounty will skyrocket," Van Augur, the Blackbeard Pirates' sniper, remarked quietly.
"That means the Sea Train, and Water 7 must be close, Captain," Lafitte, the crew's navigator, added with a sly grin.
"It's fate that he entered our range," Augur mused, "It's just unfortunate for him."
"Captain, let's go!" Burgess, the crew's helmsman, roared excitedly.
"Of course. Men, let's prepare to set sail!" Blackbeard said enthusiastically, raising his voice.
But a different voice interrupted him.
"Hold on, Teach. You've made me search all over for you," said Ace, who was seated on the rooftop, gazing down at Blackbeard with a calm expression.
"Oh, Captain Ace!" Blackbeard greeted him with a grin, apparently pleased.
Although Luffy was Blackbeard's first target, he wouldn't turn down the opportunity to confront Ace if it came his way.
"Don't call me that. 'Captain' is a title reserved for those who respect it. I see you're quite the 'captain' now yourself—'Captain' of the Blackbeard Pirates, Marshall D. Teach," Ace replied with a stony expression.
"Good to see you too, Ace! What's the matter? How did you find me here?" Blackbeard asked, still smiling.
His main concern was Whitebeard hunting him down personally, as he had no chance against his former captain.
"Enough talk, Teach. You know why I'm here," Ace said, fixing him with an intense stare.
"Alright, then let me say one thing: Ace, join me. Let's conquer the world together. I've laid out my plans carefully. The era of Whitebeard is over. I'll be the Pirate King! First, I'll take down that Straw Hat kid who broke into Enies Lobby. He's in Water 7 right now, and I'll deliver him to the government," Blackbeard said, his eyes gleaming with a mad ambition.
"What? Straw Hat?" Ace interrupted, surprised.
"Yeah, Monkey D. Luffy," Blackbeard replied earnestly.
"You've got some nerve. That's my brother," Ace said calmly, adjusting his hat.
As soon as he spoke, a gunshot rang out, and a bullet passed through his body, which immediately ignited into flames. Thanks to his Flame-Flame Fruit powers, the physical bullet didn't harm him.
Before he could react, Burgess attacked from behind, hurling a small building in his direction.
"Stop, Burgess, Augur!" Blackbeard shouted, alarmed.
But Ace didn't give them a chance.
"Fire Gun!"
"Flame Ring!"
"Fire Pillar!"
Ace's relentless fire attacks not only nullified their offensive but countered with a powerful backlash.
"You fools, don't attack on your own. You're no match for him yet!" Blackbeard scolded his defeated crew.
"Fire Fist!"
Before they could exchange any more words, Ace launched another fiery strike.
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