Steel Bone Kong's words plunged the room into deep silence.
The exhaustion on Sengoku's face seemed to deepen in that moment—he looked even older than before.
He knew all too well what kind of people the Five Elders were.
For a long time, Sengoku said nothing.
So long, in fact, that Kong thought he might abandon the idea altogether.
"Do what you can."
Sengoku gazed out the window at the ruined remains of Marineford.
"Commander Kong… the times have changed."
"A 'justice' that relies solely on iron fists and slaughter no longer fits this era."
"And you and I both know—the Navy's true purpose isn't to act as the guard dogs of the Celestial Dragons, nor to uphold the rule of the World Government."
"We exist to protect the innocent people across this vast sea."
He slowly stood and walked to the window, looking down at the Marines below who were clearing rubble and carrying the bodies of their fallen comrades.
Their every movement was steeped in grief and numbness.
"If Kuzan becomes Fleet Admiral, I believe the Navy's reputation among the people will rise greatly."
"A Navy with warmth and boundaries is the only one that can truly win the people's hearts."
"Not like Sakazuki—who uses fear and brutality to push everyone into opposition."
"That kind of justice only alienates the people."
Every word Sengoku spoke struck like a hammer to the heart.
Steel Bone Kong opened his mouth—but no words came out.
He had no rebuttal.
Because everything Sengoku said was true.
But what's right… isn't always what's possible.
Because this world… has never been one of reason.
"...I'll try my best to negotiate with the Five Elders."
Steel Bone Kong could only offer a helpless promise.
Sengoku didn't turn back. He merely nodded lightly.
The two men stood there in silence—
One looking out over the ruins,
The other gazing at an old friend.
In the air lingered a feeling known as powerlessness.
Meanwhile—
New World, Grand Line.
The Moby Dick sailed swiftly across the sea.
Whitebeard sat atop his massive personal throne, watching his sons laughing and roughhousing on the deck. Despite his age, his face still held a wide, genuine smile.
His gaze swept across the ship—then settled on a figure sitting alone at the edge of the deck, staring into the distant sea.
"Gurararara…"
Whitebeard let out his iconic booming laugh.
"Lucian, my boy!"
He shouted loudly.
In an instant, all eyes turned to Lucian.
Lucian turned around, a faint look of confusion on his face.
"Pops? What's wrong?"
Whitebeard set his gourd of sake down with a heavy thud.
"Kid, I'm getting old."
"This war opened my eyes to a lot of things."
"This era… no longer belongs to me."
"I've decided—I'm going to pass the title of captain of the Whitebeard Pirates to you!"
BOOM—!
His words hit like a bomb exploding in everyone's minds!
Marco, Jozu, Vista…
Every division commander froze!
Their first reaction was pure shock!
Shock that Pops… would even think of stepping down!
None of them had ever dared to imagine it!
To them, Whitebeard was an unshakable pillar—a monument that would never fall.
But after the shock faded, and they had time to process the declaration, their hearts unexpectedly calmed when they looked at Lucian.
If it were Lucian…
It wouldn't be unacceptable.
No.
It felt… inevitable.
The man who single-handedly turned the tide of the Marineford War.
The man with a bounty of 7.5 billion, surpassing the Pirate King Gol D. Roger.
The man who became the Sun God and beat the Five Elders to a pulp.
Who else could possibly be worthy of inheriting the title of captain of the Whitebeard Pirates?
"Yeah! Lucian!"
Marco was the first to react, shouting with emotion.
"Pops really isn't what he used to be! This family needs a new pillar!"
"You're the best candidate for the next captain!"
"That's right!" Diamond Jozu added in his booming voice. "Your strength and bounty are unmatched on the sea! No one else fits the role!"
"We all acknowledge you!" Vista chimed in.
In moments, every division commander voiced their support, filled with hope and conviction.
In their eyes, Lucian becoming captain wasn't just acceptable—it was the ideal outcome.
The Whitebeard Pirates wouldn't weaken with Whitebeard's retirement—instead, they'd rise to unprecedented glory under Lucian's lead!
However—
Amid all the support and expectation—
Lucian simply shook his head lightly and waved his hand.
"Pops, captains… thank you for the sentiment."
"But I'm not interested in your position."
"...What?!"
Everyone was stunned.
Not interested?
This was the seat of a Yonko!
A throne ruling the New World!
A dream most pirates spend their whole lives chasing—and Lucian said he wasn't interested?!
"Lucian, you…" Marco was speechless.
"Then who do you think should take the position?"
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Lucian's lips.
"Pops, you should leave that position to Ace."
"Ace?"
The crowd froze again.
"When that kid returns from training with Mr. Rayleigh, his strength will skyrocket."
Lucian's voice was filled with confidence.
"After that, Pops—you can personally train him for a while. Pass on your Will, your battle experience—everything."
"With that kid's talent, and the Flame-Flame Fruit's power..."
"He'll sit firmly in the Yonko seat."
After hearing Lucian's words, everyone fell silent.
They had to admit—his reasoning was sound.
Ace's talent was undeniable.
As the son of Gol D. Roger, his potential was immeasurable.
And if he were to be trained by both Rayleigh and Whitebeard—two living legends—his future would be beyond comprehension.
However…
A question lingered in everyone's hearts.
Eventually, Marco couldn't hold it in and voiced what they were all thinking.
"Lucian…"
He looked utterly confused.
"You're not even interested in being a Yonko…"
"Then what are you interested in?"
It was the question on everyone's mind.
All eyes locked on Lucian, awaiting his answer.
Indeed—
If the Yonko throne meant nothing to him…
What was this man's ambition?
What did he seek?
Raftel?
The legendary treasure One Piece?
Under their watchful gaze, Lucian slowly turned back to stare at the vast, endless sea.
After a long pause—
He turned to face them once more, a profound smile forming on his face.
"Maybe…"
His voice was soft—
But it carried a force powerful enough to shake the world.
"I'm a little interested in overthrowing the World Government."