One Piece: Surrounded at Marineford? Just kidding!

Chapter 231: Ace's Thoughts!

Upon hearing Chen Ye's question, Whitebeard was about to answer, but upon hearing Ace's name, his taut, weathered face gradually softened.

He leaned back, his massive body causing the chair back to creak.

A slight smile of approval appeared on his lips.

"Gulalalalala"

The white-bearded man let out a low laugh, no longer the earth-shattering laugh of the harbor.

In that laughter was the undisguised pride of an old father talking about his mentally challenged son.

"Oh, that brat Ace."

"Under the guidance of that old man Rayleigh, I have indeed become stronger."

Rayleigh.

Chen Ye picked up the wine pot on the table, poured himself a glass of wine, took a sip, and felt the spicy liquid slide down his throat.

"That's wonderful. Entrusting him to Rayleigh's guidance was definitely the right decision. With Rayleigh's strength and experience, plus that kid's comprehension, his strength will surely improve by leaps and bounds. But..."

He put down his wine glass and glanced across the captain's cabin.

Joz, Vista, and several core captains were all present.

The only thing missing was that young figure wearing an orange cowboy hat who would suddenly fall asleep while eating.

"But why can't I see him?"

Chenye's Observation Haki had silently covered the entire sea area, extending to the neighboring islands.

He didn't sense the presence of that Flame Boy.

"I didn't sense him nearby. Given his personality, shouldn't he be at the forefront in a situation like this?"

The white-bearded man leaned back, shifting to a more comfortable position, and patted the armrest with his huge hand.

"That kid specifically contacted me before."

The white-bearded man's eyes were warm.

He said he wanted to spend more time with his younger brother.

"Want to spend a little more time with Straw Hat Boy?"

Chen Ye nodded.

That brother-obsessed guy probably cherished the bond between brothers more than anyone else after the Marineford War.

"That's right."

The white-bearded man grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Moreover, Ace felt that following that Straw Hat Luffy would definitely bring a lot of trouble and fights along the way."

For him, this was a rare opportunity for spiritual practice.

At this point, the white-bearded man's smile faded.

His face held a deeper, more somber expression.

It is the joy and respect one feels when watching a fledgling eagle decide to soar through the sky alone.

"And that kid swore to me on the Den Den Mushi."

Whitebeard's voice was deep and powerful, mimicking Ace's tone.

He said, "Dad, I no longer want to be just your son who is protected by you."

I want to see a wider world and challenge stronger opponents. I'll return when my strength truly matches the title of 'Four Emperors,' and when I can truly stand by your side and share your burdens!

His words were full of respect and pride for Ace's choice.

The captain's cabin was quiet.

The team captains all smiled.

Bista leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

"That guy, he's always so stubborn. But that's definitely something he'd say."

"Do you want to be worthy of the title of 'Four Emperors'?"

After listening, Chen Ye gently stroked the rim of the wine glass with his fingers.

The image of Ace's expression when he said those words flashed before his eyes.

An indomitable flame burned in those black eyes.

That was Portgas D. Ace, or rather Gol D. Ace, with pride in his bones.

"Hmm, this kid's got some interesting qualities."

Chen Ye spoke softly, a smile curving his lips.

The sound of waves crashing against the hull, the shouts of the crew in the distance, and the crackling of the burning oil lamp.

All those sounds disappeared.

Chen Ye's consciousness broke free.

It would be good to follow Luffy.

His eyes were dark, and deep within his pupils lay the intersection of the past and the future.

Ace has now forged his own path.

No longer cursed by bloodline, nor bound by fate.

In that case

An evil thought took root in Chenye's mind.

"At the right time, we could let Roger go and meet him."

Let that Pirate King see for himself what an outstanding man his son has grown into.

Let's have a father-son reunion that transcends time and even life and death.

Ah, that scene must be spectacular.

This will be a huge surprise he has prepared for Fire Fist Ace in the future.

After all, Ace had a deep-seated attachment to Roger.

The one who tied the knot must untie it.

But now is not the time.

Chen Ye blinked.

He buried that evil thought deep in his heart again.

The playfulness in his eyes faded, replaced by calmness and sharpness.

He then looked up, his gaze refocusing on the white-bearded man's face.

"Dad, is the Navy making any big moves with the World Government?"

Is this targeting us?

Upon hearing this, a hint of doubt flashed across Whitebeard's brows and eyes.

"No, and what's really strange is that..."

"During the two years you were away, the Navy and the World Government were surprisingly well-behaved."

"There was neither a targeted encirclement or suppression against us, nor any large-scale mobilization. I have no idea what kind of conspiracy those guys are plotting."

This unusual calm is very strange.

Chen Ye nodded; this was indeed not in line with the World Government's usual practices.

Then he asked the most pressing question.

"Dad, have you made any progress on this volcanic eruption?"

The moment Chen Ye uttered that question, the previously relaxed family atmosphere in the captain's cabin vanished instantly.

The warmth and pride I felt just moments ago vanished without a trace.

The deathly silence before the crisis.

The lighthearted topic has come to an end.

The crisis discussion has officially begun.

The issue of life and death has been brought to the forefront.

The white-bearded man's face darkened.

He transformed back into the emperor who ruled the new world, his expression solemn and dignified in the face of unknown threats.

His two crescent-shaped white beards trembled slightly, and his brows furrowed into a deep frown.

The problem is far more difficult than we imagined.

blah blah blah

The white-bearded man unconsciously extended his finger and tapped the armrest of the seat.

A dull thud echoed in the deathly silent captain's cabin.

Every strike hit a nerve with everyone.

Marco the Phoenix, Jozu the Diamond, and Vista the Flower.

The team leaders all put on a serious expression.

They stood tall, their eyes fixed intently on the center.

They all knew.

The ensuing conversation was no longer a casual chat between father and son.

This is a war conference.

Every single word could determine the very survival of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Even the fate of the entire new world.

Chen Ye did not urge him.

His gaze fell on the New World map spread out on the table.

On the nautical chart, several islands circled in red stand out starkly.

That's the location of the recent unusual disaster.

His eyes were unfathomable.

But he needed to hear first how many clues this "strongest man" who had traversed the seas for decades had gathered.

The white-bearded man stopped tapping.

This is the beginning.