Chapter 109: A Father's Call, A Hero's Departure
On the pirate island of Hachinosu, a formidable presence sat upon a lavish chair. He was one of the Four Emperors, known far and wide as the "Strongest Man in the World"—Edward Newgate, Whitebeard!
Among his crew, he was affectionately called "Pops" by all.
A regretful voice emanated from the Den Den Mushi: "Pops, I was too slow. I saw the news in today's paper. That bastard Teach has been killed by the new Marine Vice Admiral, the 'Sea King' Jock Ian. Teach's brain really was messed up; he actually killed a Celestial Dragon. This matter... it won't cause trouble for you, will it, Pops?"
The speaker on the other end was none other than the commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' 2nd Division, "Fire Fist" Ace!
Initially, Teach had lurked under Ace's command, waiting for the Dark-Dark Fruit to appear. After Teach attacked and killed a crewmate, Ace, as his former division commander, had set out to sea to hunt him down, despite the crew's attempts to dissuade him. He vowed to clean up the mess for the Whitebeard Pirates and show the world the consequence of betraying one's comrades.
Had Ian not intervened, Ace would have ultimately been defeated by Teach, handed over to the World Government as a tribute, and publicly executed—a move that would have revealed Ace's true identity as the son of the former Pirate King, Gol D. Roger! The Whitebeard Pirates would never have stood idly by, leading them to assault Marine Headquarters to rescue Ace, triggering an unprecedented naval battle recorded in history as the Summit War of Marineford.
Ian's early intervention had, at least for now, delayed or perhaps entirely prevented the outbreak of that top-tier war. Where history would flow from here, no one could say.
"The Marines, looking for trouble with me?" Whitebeard's voice boomed with a deep, rumbling laugh. "Gurararara... I am Whitebeard! Since when have I ever feared the Marines on the open sea?!"
His domineering declaration stirred a wave of excitement among his subordinates present.
"Hahaha! Pops is right! If the Marines dare to come, we'll scare them to death!"
"Brother Ace, just come back already! It's been so long since we had a drink; I miss you!"
"That bastard Teach got what he deserved. Since he's already dead, there's nothing more to be done. Hurry back to Hachinosu and let's have a feast!"
This was the first news Ace had sent back since he began his hunt for Teach. Learning that Ace was safe and sound, all the members of the Whitebeard Pirates breathed a collective sigh of relief.
"Ace..." Whitebeard's voice resonated with paternal authority, "Come home. This matter is over. That young Marine named Jock Ian is about to be deployed to the New World. The seas are becoming unsettled. Return to your family!"
The last time Ace had refused Whitebeard's order was due to extreme circumstances. This time, he had no reason to refuse.
"I understand, Pops. I'll set sail to return immediately," Ace replied, his voice firm yet thoughtful. "I really would like to meet the guy who took down Teach... Ah, forget it. As long as we're on the same sea, there will always be a chance."
…
Two days later, at the Sabaody Archipelago.
A large contingent of stationed Marines gathered to see Ian off. According to regulations, nearly half of the naval soldiers would remain stationed at Sabaody. Only the other half were qualified to follow Ian to the New World. During their time together, many soldiers had been deeply influenced by Ian's unique "concept of justice."
Even though Ian had repeatedly emphasized that a farewell was unnecessary, the soldiers had organized themselves spontaneously and come to the port as one.
"I told you all not to see us off. It's not like we're sailing off into the sunset," Ian said, waving his hands dismissively. "It's just a short trip from here to the entrance of the Red Line, and then we disembark. Don't be so sad. I'll come back to see you all when I have the chance. Remember, listen carefully to the new base commander and continue to maintain order on this island. All of you!"
"Follow the Lieutenant General's order! Everyone, halt!" a squad leader shouted, his voice thick with emotion. "Salute!!"
Shhk! Shhk! Shhk!
Rows of Marines snapped to attention, saluting in unison, their eyes fixed with respect on the "strongest base commander" in their hearts as he was promoted and transferred.
"Everyone, let's shout our motto a few more times!" someone yelled.
"As long as the training doesn't kill you, train until you're dead!"
"Nine thousand eight hundred punches!"
"Nine thousand eight hundred kicks!"
"Only nine thousand eight hundred!"
"Take the treasure and the beauties home!"
"..."
"As long as the training doesn't kill you, train until you're dead!"
"..."
The atmosphere, which had been quite sentimental, instantly shifted. Ian, who had been worried he might get choked up, found the somber mood swept away by the familiar, boisterous chant.
The cadres standing beside Ian smiled. Under his leadership, the Marines of Sabaody had truly embarked on a different path of justice.
Snap!
Ian raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
The Marines fell silent instantly, the area returning to perfect quiet.
"Everyone, please remember this," Ian's voice rang out, clear and powerful. "We are the guardians of order, the final line of defense for these seas! In the face of unknown dangers and vile crimes, do not hesitate to stand up and fight! You are never lone warriors, because I stand behind you! And behind me... are thousands upon thousands more!"
With his final shout, Ian turned towards the sunlight. The cloak on his back fluttered in the wind, the word "JUSTICE" emblazoned upon it, clear and bold.
"Yes, Lieutenant General Ian!!"
"Yes, Lieutenant General Ian!!"
"Yes, Lieutenant General Ian!!"
The thousand-strong chorus shouted as one.
Peacock sniffled, a smile on her face. "What a sentimental guy, our Lieutenant General Ian."
Skylark's eyes were red-rimmed. "Lieutenant General Ian, that was such a handsome speech!"
Nami kept smiling. "This place has really changed so much since I first arrived."
T-Bone wept openly. "Ahhh! Justice will prevail!!"
Speed trembled, overwhelmed. "So... this is such dazzling sunlight!"
…
For the Marines, traveling from the first half of the Grand Line to the waters of the New World was far simpler than it was for the countless pirates.
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