Chapter 12 : All are Family!

[The conversation between the two continued, and Luffy revealed the secret that Marineford's execution of Ace was going to happen sooner than expected.]

[The Whitebeard Pirates were all taken aback by this revelation!]

Shock also reverberated throughout the world. The inhabitants of the Pirate World found it hard to believe their eyes.

The fact that a young boy with a straw hat could hold an equal conversation with one of the Four Emperors, Whitebeard, was truly unbelievable.

But Luffy didn't share this astonishment!

Meanwhile, on one of the boats, Shanks laughed heartily, knowing that Luffy's attitude was one that Whitebeard would approve of!

After all, did anyone really think that Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors, was easygoing?

[The battle rages on!]

[Confronted by formidable adversaries, Luffy's gaze was resolute as he fearlessly charged toward the execution platform!]

[Despite the attempts of Kizaru, Moria, Hawkeye, and others to halt Luffy's progress, they were all thwarted by the intervention of Jinbei and his companions!]

[Ace, from the execution platform, looked at Luffy rushing towards him. He cried out and yelled to Luffy, "My adventures are mine alone! You have no right to interfere!"]

[However, only Luffy's unwavering cry echoed back to him.]

["I'm... your brother!"]

[Being your younger brother, I can't stand by and watch my older brother being executed!]

[Because I am your younger brother, I'm willing to sacrifice my life to save you!]

[Your life is more important than mine!]

In the world of Hokage, Sasuke trembled, his teeth clenched as childhood memories flooded his mind.

There was a time when he had a bond like that too.

Somewhere within a cave, Itachi lowered his head slightly, his gaze clouded.

"Mr. Itachi, does it hurt? Do you miss your brother?" Kisame inquired with a grin while stirring the bonfire.

Itachi lifted his head, his expression unchanged. "I was just considering how far he has come with his Sharingan. Did he disappoint me?"

"Really? Mr. Itachi, you're quite cold-hearted," Kisame chuckled, as if he had already anticipated this response.

In the world of pirates,

Whitebeard nodded, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

After watching the video, he had made up his mind. First, he would rescue Ace, and then he would turn to Luffy. He intended to take them both under his wing.

With Luffy's assistance, the chances of success were considerably higher!

As for Garp... well, it was best not to dwell on that for now.

[The scene continues]

[Inspired by Luffy's bravery, Whitebeard issued orders for his crew to support Luffy wholeheartedly. He also assigned Marco to provide comprehensive protection for Luffy!]

[At this moment, Luffy was knocked down by Smoker. However, Empress Boa Hancock came to Luffy's rescue just in time.]

[Simultaneously, she extracted a key from her sleeves and handed it to Luffy.]

[It was the key to Ace's handcuffs!]

[Elsewhere, Ivan learned that the bear had been transformed into PX-0, losing its consciousness and forcing him into a battle with the orge.]

[Luffy pressed on, but his path was blocked once again, this time by Hawkeye!]

[After a few exchanges, Luffy sustained injuries. Jinbei, who rushed over to help, was also knocked into the sea!]

[Hawkeye gazed at the determined young man, his eyes devoid of both joy and anger.]

[Then, he swung his black blade once more!]

[In the midst of his attack, Luffy abruptly halted. In the crucial moment of his first awakening, he bent down to evade the strike.]

[At that instant, the surrounding space turned bleak, and an abyss-like black sword energy erupted from the dark blade.]

[Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of dread pervaded the area, causing nearby pirates to tremble, their faces frozen in terror.]

[The atmosphere shifted...]

[In a matter of seconds that felt like an eternity, the environment returned to its original state.]

[However, the colossal wave, hundreds of meters high, which had transformed into an ice sculpture in the distance, disintegrated with a single slash.]

This sight left Zaraki Kenpachi in awe!

In the world of Samurai Deeper Kyo, Mibu Kyoshiro's eyes widened. He closed them, meticulously recalling the sword strike he had just witnessed.

In the Hokage's world, Might Guy mused thoughtfully, "Is it a Kenjutsu that combines 'intent' and 'strength'?"

In the world of pirates,

"Is this the power of the Strongest Swordsman's strike!" Zoro's eyes glittered, his blood boiling with excitement!

[In the midst of all this, the fifth division captain, Vista, engaged in combat with Hawkeye!]

[Luffy continued his advance towards Ace, protected by the efforts of his allies!]

[Seeing this, Sengoku decided to halt the live broadcast, intending to execute Ace immediately and activate the surrounding walls.]

[Yet, due to the interference of the clown Buggy and his live Den Den Mushi, one screen remained active, and the broadcast persisted.]

[The camera then shifted back to Whitebeard.]

[A bald and rather unattractive man stepped forward. It was Squard, who had been missing for a long time. He was also one of Whitebeard's "sons."]

[Before Whitebeard could express his joy at Squard's return, the latter plunged a blade into Whitebeard's chest!]

This shocking scene reverberated throughout the world!

The screen indicated that Squard was one of Whitebeard's sons, so why had he attacked his own father?

Betrayal!?

Inside the Whitebeard Pirates, confusion and turmoil abounded!

At this moment, as Akainu had yet to contact Squard, he remained unaware of his actions. Squard found himself surrounded by a group of enemies!

For the first time, Marco's expression turned furious, and the blue flames surrounding his body danced with intensity!

"Dad, let me take care of this traitor!!" he shouted.

Whitebeard shook his head, remaining silent.

[Memories appeared on the screen!]

[It was revealed that Squard's pirate crew had been destroyed by Roger in the past. Fueled by his hatred for Roger, he was deceived by Akainu!]

[Akainu cunningly manipulated Squard, implying that Whitebeard would trade the lives of all his crew members for Ace's safety.]

"Is this the so-called righteous Marine?" Naruto's expression twisted in disgust!

Among the Whitebeard Pirates, the flames around Marco extinguished, and he yelled, "Idiot! Fool!"

As anger consumed Luffy, he felt his body swell with intense emotion.

Pirates everywhere were abuzz with discussion.

"This Red Dog (Akainu) is truly wicked!"

"Hehe, the Marines are exactly like this. That's why I've chosen the pirate path!"

On a weathered white pirate ship, Akainu hung his head, his face obscured in shadow.

"In the face of absolute justice, I've done nothing wrong!"

...

Just when everyone anticipated Whitebeard's retaliation, an unexpected turn of events unfolded.

[Rather than attacking Squard, Whitebeard embraced him with his massive arms.]

[Squard, who had prepared himself to die, lifted his head in disbelief.]

[Sweat glistened on Whitebeard's face, and his golden eyes, so rarely displaying tender affection, held firm as he spoke,]

["Squard."]

["Even if you've acted foolishly..."]

["I still love you, my son."]

["It's not just Ace who is special."]

["You are all my family!"]