The Shichibukai

Chapter 193: The Shichibukai

"I..."

Indeed, would his old man not come to rescue him? How could that be possible?

Without even thinking, Ace knew that his old man would never abandon any family member. It was precisely because of this that he had broken his promise and joined the Whitebeard Pirates. To him, that place felt more like home. Ace couldn't believe that his old man wouldn't come for him.

But how many people would have to die just for his sake? How many people on that battlefield, between the Marines and the pirates, would have to die? All for the sake of saving him!

"This... it's just not worth it!" Ace said.

"It's precisely because of that that he's Whitebeard!" Rodney said. 

"Because he is confident that he will come, Fleet Admiral Sengoku has prepared thoroughly. He has withdrawn the Marine forces, recalled Admiral Aokiji and Admiral Akainu from their positions, stationed them to protect Marineford, and summoned us Shichibukai."

It could be said that for this battle, Admiral Sengoku was well-prepared. Sometimes, the person who knows you best can be your enemy. Admiral Sengoku knew how much Whitebeard valued his family, and for that reason, he had prepared for war.

"It's done," Sister Slug said as she finished healing Jinbe's injuries.

"Mr. Rodney, could you please help heal Mr. Ace's injuries as well?" Jinbe asked.

"No, he brought this upon himself, and he'll be leaving soon, while you might not. I don't want Fleet Admiral Sengoku to pick a fight with me before the war. Let him handle it himself. Ace, I'll see you in a week," Rodney said. With that, he didn't head towards the exit but instead approached Count Red's location.

Count Red, Patrick Redfield was once a notorious pirate during the time of Gol D. Roger, known as the "Solitary Red" or "Count Red." He had been captured by Garp and imprisoned in Impel Down. Though he was now in his twilight years after several decades of imprisonment, traces of his former strength were still visible.

Upon seeing Rodney's arrival, Count Red raised an eyebrow and said, "What's the matter?"

Rodney smiled and replied, "There's someone on my territory, or rather, someone I've prepared for. He's a skeleton, a member of the Rumbar Pirates named Brook. I heard you know him."

Count Red fell silent for a moment. "A skeleton? Brook?"

"Yes, he consumed the Revive-Revive Fruit and returned from the afterlife, but because he returned too late, his original body had decayed, leaving only his skeleton. Now, he works as a music teacher and takes care of the children on my territory."

"I see," Count Red murmured. "Brook, huh?"

"He's well-suited for it," Count Red said with a faint smile. Pursuing the Rumbar Pirates and, more specifically, Brook had been his goal when he ventured out to sea. Now, hearing that his former idol was still alive, Count Red felt a sense of joy and anticipation. However, escaping from Impel Down...

In the past twenty years, only one person had managed to leave this place—Shiki the Golden Lion. And even he had to sacrifice his own legs to escape. Considering Rodney didn't possess a Devil Fruit power, escaping successfully would be a challenge, and even if he did, facing that poisonous man outside would still be a problem. In fact, he might not even leave unharmed, or perhaps not leave at all.

With a mysterious smile, Rodney said, "We'll meet again, Count Red. Brook and I will be waiting for you in Avalon."

"Avalon..."

Count Red wanted to ask more, but he saw that Rodney had already left. The young man's figure was filled with vigor, and Count Red chuckled softly. 

"Youth is truly wonderful."

"Ace, we'll meet again in Marineford," Rodney waved his hand and left. The gates of Impel Down closed behind him. Karp watched him go and grinned. 

"Rodney, didn't you say you wanted to teach that brat a lesson?"

"He's just like you, stubborn and unyielding. Besides, Ace is heavily injured. If I go too hard on him, there's a risk of killing him. I'm not confident in handling your punches, you know!" Rodney laughed.

"Haha, you're being too modest, kid! Your growth rate has exceeded my expectations by far!" Garp laughed heartily and playfully punched Rodney's head.

"Haha, that was a good hit," Rodney said, rubbing his head. The old man just wanted to vent some frustration for his grandson, knowing that he had been picking on the brat. In the past, Rodney had been a fan of Brook, so Karp decided to take his side.

The two of them left Impel Down and returned to the marine ship, setting course for Marineford. The round trip would take two days, leaving them with five days until the Shichibukai would gather.

Among the remaining Shichibukai were Dracule Mihawk, Donquixote Doflamingo, Rodney, Bartholomew Kuma, and the incoming Empress Boa Hancock. Rodney knew that Hancock would likely be accompanied by Luffy as well, who was on his way to Marineford.

Whether Luffy arrived or not, Hancock wouldn't help anyone except for him. Her presence was solely due to Luffy, and she was here for him. Rodney couldn't help but think that if only Luffy possessed even one-tenth of Sanji's emotional intelligence, in ten months, Garp might become a great-grandfather.

…

"Hehehe, Rodney, what are your thoughts on facing the Whitebeard Pirates again this time?" Doflamingo asked as he donned his flashy flamingo-patterned coat.

Rodney rested his legs on the table and replied, "What's there to say? We'll just do our thing. After all, you're not actually going to fight; you'll just be floating around."

"Hehehe, among the Shichibukai, how many of us are actually going to fight? You're probably the only one," Doflamingo laughed.

"Haha, who can say for sure what will happen on the battlefield? People always have some anticipation; it's what makes life interesting." 

Rodney propped his legs on the table and said, "This is a significant event that will change the world's balance. It's a shame not to get involved!"

"What role do you plan to play in all this, Rodney?"

"Of course, I'll be a participant. Are you just going to be a spectator?"

"Naturally, I won't put myself in harm's way."

"In that case, let's just be witnesses together." 

Rodney raised his glass, and for once, the two of them didn't argue. They clinked glasses and drank.

The two of them relaxed in the top-tier suite prepared by the Marines, enjoying drinks and conversation. At that moment, someone entered the room. 

This individual wore a hat and had sharp, eagle-like yellow eyes, a short beard, a crimson-patterned shirt, a black overcoat, and a bare chest, displaying a cross pendant and carrying a large black sword on his back.

This newcomer exuded a commanding presence, and his eyes were as sharp as blades, sending shivers down one's spine.

Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman. The massive sword on his back was one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Swords, known as the world's strongest Black Sword, Yoru!