One Piece: Curse of Immortality

(T/N: Please consider reviewing this Fanfic, Thanks and appreciate all who support me)

(T/N: Enjoy!!)

<><><><><><>

"Sabo!?" 

"He's still alive!?" Words filled with disbelief escaped Ace's lips as his eyes locked onto the man before him. 

He couldn't even determine if the man was saying it was true—because if it was, it was terrifying. 

It meant this man knew far more about him than expected, even the intricate bond he shared with his sworn brothers. 

"Just as I said, the answer depends on your choice!" 

"From this moment on, if you become a Marine, you will learn whether your brother, Sabo, is alive." 

Arashi shook his head, smiling as he spoke. His gaze fell on Ace, observing the changes in his expression. 

Clearly, the mention of Sabo had shaken the man before him. 

"Sabo has been dead for years. How could you possibly have any news about him?" 

Taking a deep breath, Ace asked with a heavy expression. 

He had seen it with his own eyes—his sworn brother perished under the bombardment, consumed by raging flames. 

Yet, the man before him didn't answer. He simply smiled at Ace, making his heart feel even heavier. Could it be… Sabo was truly still alive?

"The choice is in your hands, Ace!" 

"All I can do is give you another path on the road that has already been set for you." Arashi sighed lightly. 

Hearing this, Ace remained silent for a moment before suddenly laughing. 

"Since when did you start sounding like some kind of fortune teller, believing in fate?" Arashi smiled faintly, staring at him. 

"You're right." 

"I don't believe in fate. Even if such a thing does exist, I have fought tooth and nail to gain this strength so I can break free from it!" 

He paused slightly, his voice carrying a distant tone.

"So, consider this the choice I'm offering you!" Ace fell into silence. 

A simple choice, yet it made him hesitate. "I need time!" he finally sighed. 

Deciding this in such a short time felt impossible. 

Choosing between the possibility of finding his sworn brother and the future path ahead was a dilemma. Arashi nodded slightly. 

Over the next two days, Ace seemed to be trying to integrate into Marine life, though he never explicitly promised to join. 

He had a brief sparring session with Kuina, realizing how formidable she was. 

With her swordsmanship and Haki alone, she could suppress him—the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. 

Following that, Ace sought guidance from Smoker and Buggy. They also possessed a powerful mastery of Haki, reinforcing his realisation. 

"It seems like all of his subordinates place great emphasis on Haki training and that... might be the key to his dominance over the world." 

Ace's eyes flickered. Ever since obtaining the Flame-Flame Fruit, he had immersed himself in its power—

Its destructive force and wide-ranging abilities—while neglecting the training of Haki. Watching Arashi ahead of him, a trace of gratitude surfaced in Ace's eyes. 

In the past two days, though Arashi hadn't explicitly taught him anything, what he had learned was invaluable—knowledge that would shape his path to becoming stronger. 

"I want to know the truth about Sabo." 

"Tell me, Is he alive or not?" After a brief hesitation, Ace stepped forward and respectfully addressed the tall figure before him. 

"Oh? Are you willing to join the Marines?" Arashi asked calmly. 

"I won't lie to you, for now, I have no intention of becoming a Marine—not until I've captured Teach." 

"So, can you tell me about Sabo? I just want to know whether he is alive or dead." Ace spoke with a deep voice. 

"You're making this difficult for me, Ace." Arashi sighed suddenly, turning around to face him. 

"I appreciate your honesty. But I am a man who values deals, and the information about Sabo is part of my deal with you."

"If you refuse to join the Marines, I cannot tell you anything about Sabo." 

"Unless—" Arashi paused, his tone carrying a subtle hint of opportunity. 

"Unless what?" Ace asked immediately.

"Unless you agree to become a Marine recruit under my command starting today!" Arashi sighed. 

Ace froze, his face filled with confusion. 

This man deliberately used every possible method to lure him into the Marines, even leveraging Sabo's whereabouts as bait. But why?

Even if this man deeply cared about him—like Grandpa Garp—why was he going to such lengths? 

Why was it so important for him to have a Marine identity? What was the true reason behind this? 

Ace couldn't figure it out, nor did he want to dwell on it for too long. "A Marine recruit, huh?" 

"I agree!" After a brief hesitation, he responded in a firm voice. 

Then, he saw the man before him smile and exhale a sigh of relief. "Good! You finally made the right choice!"

With a faint smile, Arashi spoke with deep emotion. "As I said earlier, I am a man who values deals." 

"In the past, I had a deal with your father, and now, the information about Sabo is the deal between you and me." 

His gaze sharpened as he fixed his eyes on Ace. "Believe me, both of these deals will have a major impact on your life." 

Ace froze, his expression turning serious. Within those words, Arashi had revealed something about that man. 

"Is Sabo… really alive?" Ace's voice trembled. Although his instincts had already guessed the answer, he needed to hear it.

"Sabo is indeed still alive." Arashi nodded. In an instant, visible excitement and joy flashed in Ace's eyes. 

"That year, after being hit by the Celestial Dragons' cannon fire, someone rescued him." 

"But as a result, he lost his memories—forgetting everything from his past, including you." Arashi's words made Ace tremble as he clenched his fists tightly. 

"So that's what happened! No wonder! No wonder all these years, I never heard a single word about him—"

Sabo never came looking for them! Then, with deep sincerity, Ace bowed in gratitude before the man before him. 

"Thank you, Uncle Arashi!" Arashi smiled slightly. 

"Given your current status, this is all I can tell you for now." 

"But if you truly become a Marine one day, I will tell you exactly where he is and much more." 

Another temptation, one Ace couldn't resist. He wanted to accept it outright and go searching for his brother. 

However, after a moment of contemplation, he sighed heavily.

Unfortunately, he wasn't ready yet. "At the very least, I need to capture Teach first!" 

"A man who betrays his comrades and attacks his own family—I will never forgive!" Ace gritted his teeth. 

This was why he had set out alone into the first half of the Grand Line. Later that evening, Ace jumped off the ship. 

Of course, he never told Arashi—he simply vanished without a word. 

Sitting in his chair at the ship's bow, Arashi, having seen Ace's departure, closed his eyes. Yet, he made no move to stop him.

"Master, Ace left a letter." Kuina approached with the letter in hand. Arashi opened his eyes, reaching out to take it. 

As he skimmed through its contents, a smile surfaced on his face. "What a stubborn brat!" 

In the letter, Ace had poured out his emotions about reuniting with Arashi, expressing his excitement about briefly becoming a Marine recruit. 

"Thank you for reminding me of my original dream. Yet, I feel guilty for not being able to remain by your side under this identity." 

"Because, I carry a far greater promise on my shoulders. I can never forget the kindness Pops has shown me and Teach's betrayal is something I can never forgive!" 

"I promise you—once I have settled this matter and repaid my debt to Pops, I will return to your side, even if it's just as a nameless Marine!" 

"Thank you for your love and guidance. Even after all these years, I know that in your eyes, I am still that little boy learning to walk. I saw the love and care in your eyes..."

Words have the power to express what humans cannot convey through speech or are too hesitant to say aloud. 

This is a heartfelt letter filled with deep emotions, written by a junior to his elder, expressing his thoughts like a son to a father. 

After finishing the letter, Arashi's expression was complex as he took a long breath. For a while, he said nothing. 

Until a certain moment, Kuina vaguely heard their teacher mutter in a subtle voice toward the sea. 

"Since you are now under my command! Then I will be the one to break your fate!" After a brief pause,

A resolute and decisive voice followed. "When this war ends. You and I will usher in a brand-new era!" 

On the morning of the second day after Ace's departure, Fleet Admiral Sengoku sat in Marineford, frowning as he dialled the Den Den Mushi in his hand. 

"Buru buru buru!" As he listened to the dial tone, Sengoku tapped his index finger on the desk, feeling somewhat impatient. 

This was one of the few communication frequencies recently detected from Arashi's ship through Marine intelligence. 

Suddenly, the dial tone ceased, and a voice came from the other side.

"West Blue Branch, Marine Rear Admiral, Crocodile speaking." 

"Go ahead." The hoarse voice, carrying an inexplicable discomfort, made Sengoku pause momentarily. 

Crocodile? If his guess was correct, he had already issued the order to revoke Crocodile's Warlord status and have him captured and sent to Impel Down. 

Yet, now, Crocodile was on the other end of the call. 

This indicated a shift in identity and, at the same time, confirmed that Arashi, who had recently left Impel Down, had already begun his moves. 

"A Rear Admiral? So, it seems you are carrying out a mission that brat secretly arranged." Sengoku spoke in a deep voice. 

"Hand the Den Den Mushi to Arashi." After a slight pause, he took a deep breath. "It's time we resumed a conversation that has been delayed for more than ten years."

Holding the Den Den Mushi, Crocodile glanced at Arashi, who seemed to be resting before him. 

The latter slowly opened his eyes and nodded. Then, the Den Den Mushi was placed in front of him. 

"It's been a long time, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!" Arashi chuckled. 

"It has been a long time indeed! But what puzzles and disappoints me is that after leaving Impel Down, the first thing you did was not return to Marine Headquarters." Sengoku spoke in a deep voice. 

"It has been over ten years! Many things in this world have changed. There is much I must handle. I'm sure you understand."

Arashi sighed. 

"Hmph! The people who once served under you were indeed troublesome and special cases. So, what exactly is Crocodile's true identity?" Sengoku asked coldly. 

"Him? Just an undercover agent. I simply didn't expect that an agent infiltrating the pirate world would rise to the rank of a renowned Warlord of the Sea." 

"That did surprise me a little." Arashi said with a smile. 

"He had better be exactly as you claim—an undercover Marine agent!" Sengoku replied coldly. 

"Haha, you can rest assured, Fleet Admiral Sengoku." Arashi chuckled and glanced at Crocodile, whose face showed no reaction.

"The fact that one of the Seven Warlords, Crocodile, was a Marine spy—if this information were to spread, it would shake the world." 

"I'm curious, besides him, how many other baits have you cast into this world?" Sengoku suddenly shifted the conversation, asking with interest. 

"Back then, I did unknowingly cast a few lines. But how many of those fish still obey orders today, I'm not entirely sure. That requires further confirmation." Arashi sighed. 

A figure flashed through his mind, causing his eyes to narrow slightly. "Oh?" 

"Now I'm curious! Besides, we should get to the main topic." Sengoku's tone grew serious. 

Arashi listened quietly. He knew the esteemed Fleet Admiral wouldn't seek him out for small talk.

"I believe this era has become somewhat unfamiliar to you. The Seven Warlords of the Sea, renowned worldwide." 

"The Four Emperors of the New World. And an unprecedented number of pirates flooding the seas." 

"For the Marines, this is the most dangerous and pressure-filled era!" Taking a deep breath, Sengoku's tone became grave. 

"Recently, after deliberation within Marine Headquarters, we have decided to launch a significant operation!" 

Arashi raised an eyebrow, a glint flashing in his eyes. "Oh? I'm listening." 

"This is a plan targeting the Four Emperors, one that could potentially shake the entire world and disrupt the current balance of power!" 

"In my vision, this will ignite an unprecedented war in this era!" 

"We!" 

"May have to gather elite forces from all over the world to participate in this war."

Sengoku's voice carried an unmistakable seriousness and killing intent through the Den Den Mushi. 

"You're planning to strike at the Four Emperors?" Arashi asked with a faint smile. 

"It seems you have already grasped the situation of the world." Sengoku nodded. 

"That's right. The Marine's attention is now focused on the most dominant and powerful of the Four Emperors—the Whitebeard Pirates!" 

"We have devised strategic plans targeting the Whitebeard Pirates." He paused briefly. 

"If the plan succeeds! The Whitebeard Pirates will be completely wiped from existence, and the prestige of the Marines will reach an unprecedented height!" 

"This will create an unparalleled advantage for the next successor of Marine leadership!" As Sengoku spoke, his breath became slightly hurried, and excitement and anticipation were evident in his words. 

The Fleet Admiral was already envisioning the future.

"You intend to take on the Whitebeard Pirates?" Arashi murmured. 

His tone and expression remained unchanged. In contrast, those around him, silently listening to this conversation, reacted with shock. 

Crocodile's pupils shrank, his face filled with disbelief. Fisher Tiger was stunned, while Smoker and Buggy trembled slightly. 

The Baroque Works members were collectively frozen in place, clad in Marine cadet uniforms and undergoing training. 

What had they just heard? A terrifying plan that would shake the entire world had just reached their ears. 

The Marines were going to take action against the Whitebeard Pirates?!

"Yes, this is a bold plan! Initially, I was hesitant, but after you walked out of Impel Down." 

"I became certain of it!" Sengoku's voice was firm and resolute. 

"With you on board, our chances of victory against the Whitebeard Pirates will skyrocket!" 

At these words, Arashi remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. 

"So, how do you plan to execute this operation? Or rather, how do you intend to ignite this war?" "What will serve as the fuse?" Sengoku took a deep breath. 

"Our eyes are set on the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates—Fire Fist Ace." 

"We believe that, given his identity and hidden background, there is a high likelihood that Whitebeard will come to rescue him, stepping right into the trap we have prepared." 

"With that, we will hold an absolute geographical advantage!"

Arashi's face remained expressionless. "Ace, huh? But do you understand his relationship with Garp-sensei?" 

Sengoku hesitated for a moment before sighing. "From a Marine's standpoint, I believe he will understand."

"Well then." Arashi's voice grew heavier as he spoke. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, are you aware of his connection to me?"

Sengoku's pupils contracted. "Ace… What does he have to do with you, brat?"

Arashi smiled slightly, organizing his words before speaking softly. "Back then, I was the one who sent him to Teacher Garp."

"And just recently, I took him under my command. Right now, Ace is already a Marine recruit under my command!"

Hearing this through the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku clenched his fists, momentarily speechless.

Ace had ties to Arashi all along? Even more outrageous—unbelievable—was that this brat had taken him in!

The last living bloodline of the Pirate King… was now a Marine recruit? Was there such an absurd thing in this world?

"You… you brat—!" Sengoku was at a loss for words. He didn't even know what to say.

"But I fully support your plan." At that moment, laughter came through the Den Den Mushi.

"This era is far too chaotic!" A chilling coldness seeped through the Den Den Mushi, sending a shiver down Sengoku's spine.

He immediately perked up and listened intently. "Even in the era of Roger and Golden Lion, things weren't like this."

"The Marines' leniency and concessions will never earn the pirates' understanding and Whitebeard…" 

As you said, Fleet Admiral Sengoku is the best breakthrough to end this chaotic era and shatter the balance!"

The voice echoed in Sengoku's ears. He took a deep breath before speaking solemnly. "Then… what about Ace?" 

Arashi's expression remained unchanged. "The course of an era will not halt for the sake of one man."

"In the grand tide of history, an individual is nothing more than a speck of dust beneath its wheels."

Sengoku's voice grew heavy. "You're using him to lure out Whitebeard?"

Arashi chuckled, shaking his head. "Do you really think I am that heartless?"

"Then what do you intend to do?" Sengoku frowned in confusion.

"I simply saw his fate unfold before me." Arashi sighed softly.

At this point, the two had reached an unspoken understanding. Both had achieved the results they sought. Sengoku felt a thrill of excitement.

The biggest challenge in this war wasn't Whitebeard's overwhelming power. It was convincing Arashi to participate.

After all, within the Marines, only he had once fought the world's strongest man.

With time, Whitebeard had aged. But Arashi remained in his prime—strong, sharp, and at his peak. This alone foretold the likely outcome when war finally erupted.

Meanwhile, after hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Arashi narrowed his eyes slightly.

There was no doubt—Sengoku, as the Fleet Admiral, had identified the perfect weak point of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Among the Four Emperors, Kaido, Big Mom, and even the seemingly impenetrable Red-Haired Pirates were all relatively young, still at their strongest.

Only Whitebeard—the man once hailed as the world's strongest—slowly faded with time.

The mighty lion had aged. When the world's strongest man grew old, could he remain number one?

If the Marines were willing to pay the price, they could take down this Emperor's crew.

This would also send a massive shockwave worldwide, striking fear into the countless rising pirate forces.

Even if Arashi were to choose, he too would have set his sights on Whitebeard. As for Ace's personal feelings…

Just as he had said, the changing of an era wouldn't stop for a single individual.

In the grand scheme of history, one person's fate was nothing more than dust beneath the wheels.

Arashi's gaze was fixed upon the entire world. One day later, Mock Town. A strange little boat slowly approached the shore.

A tall figure, cloaked in a hood and coat, stepped off, quickly vanishing into the streets.

Those who brushed past him only caught a glimpse—golden short hair peeking out from beneath the hood and makeup reminiscent of a clown.

Silently, the figure weaved through the bustling streets. The passersby seemed completely unaware of his presence, unable to hear even a whisper about him.

Moments later, he stopped at the entrance of a courtyard.

"So this is the place?"

He muttered to himself, slowly lifting his head. Beneath the hood, a cold, sinister smile appeared on his face.

"It's been a long time…"

"Doflamingo!!"

At the same time, in the waters near Mock Town—

"Zehahaha! If we capture that brat, our plan will have the perfect start! The one with a bounty of 100 million—Monkey D. Luffy!"

On a massive raft made of giant logs, a burly man laughed heartily. Behind him, a sniper had already aimed, and his rifle locked onto the distant figure of a young man with a straw hat.

But just then—

A Marine battleship suddenly entered their sights.

"Teach! A Marine ship is approaching!"

(T/N: There is a new novel called Naruto: The Strongest. Come check out and continue to support me)

If you want to support me, join my patr**on. Have 10 advanced Chapters for you guys.

patr**n.com/saitamablast > OP:COI NOVEL TIER