#52 The Navy's Declaration

Five days after Blackbeard and his crew left Saraca Island, as the rumors about the shocking incident were spiraling out of control, the Navy finally issued a stern report:

"According to our investigation, the Saraca Island incident was caused by a clash between pirates."

"A large-scale battle broke out on the island for unknown reasons, with each pirate having different wounds and causes of death."

"There were many attackers, clearly pirates from different factions."

"The rumors of ghosts, drained corpses, and secret Navy involvement are all false. Everyone died at the hands of other 'people,' not some supernatural force."

"The disappearance of Celestial Dragon Saint Larcher is still under investigation. Anyone spreading false information about the Navy or World Government will be suspected of being involved in the Celestial Dragon incident."

Just as Carlo and Blackbeard predicted, the chaotic pirate recruitment led to pirates fighting each other. The official investigation could only conclude this way.

Even CP0 couldn't solve this mess!

The Navy's announcement highlighted the fact that the Celestial Dragon was still missing and warned against spreading false rumors. The Navy was serious, showing they wouldn't tolerate any more slander.

This tactic worked well. The conspiracy theories about the Navy decreased significantly, and the rumors subsided.

No one wanted to be falsely accused of the Celestial Dragon's disappearance. The pressure from the Navy and World Government, along with bounty hunters and rival pirates, was too great.

Although some continued to suggest the Navy staged the event, the situation was much calmer than before.

Meanwhile, in the New World, the Whitebeard Pirates were also paying attention to the two major incidents happening in the first half of the Grand Line.

In a secluded sea in the New World, the massive Moby Dick was anchored. This was Whitebeard Pirates' territory.

"Gurararara, those kids sure are causing trouble," Whitebeard laughed, sitting on his giant throne on the deck, drinking while connected to various IV drips.

He had just finished a call and now knew about the "Celestial Dragon Disappearance" and "Saraca Island Incident," relayed by his informants.

Though based in the New World, Whitebeard had a well-established intelligence network.

He didn't care much about these incidents. The Navy and World Government's troubles were a cause for celebration.

"Father!" a voice shouted from the sky. Marco descended with his blue flame wings, landing before Whitebeard.

"We have news about Ace!"

"About twenty days ago, Ace entered the first half of the Grand Line and went to Sabaody Archipelago, where the Celestial Dragon incident occurred."

"He was stuck there for over half a month but managed to hide from the Navy."

"Our informants found his trail just as the Navy lifted the blockade. He escaped again!"

Marco sighed, explaining the situation to Whitebeard. They had just found Ace, but he slipped away again.

"That stubborn kid…," Whitebeard sighed. "I have a bad feeling about this. Marco, do we know where Ace is heading next?"

"We didn't have any clues, but suddenly, the Saraca Island incident happened. It seems Ace might be heading there…"

"That's not good," Whitebeard muttered, his frown deepening. His bad feeling grew stronger.

"Since Teach escaped and Ace chased him, I've had a bad feeling. These recent events are too coincidental. Ace chased Teach to the Grand Line, and then the Celestial Dragon and Saraca incidents happened."

"There shouldn't be a connection, right…?"

"Father, you mean…?" Marco's eyes widened in disbelief. "Could all these events be Teach's doing?"

"How could he have such power? We've known him for years better than anyone!"