One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

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Within the highest office, the Gorōsei and Kong, the Commander-in-Chief of the World Government, along with Fleet Admiral Sengoku, were engaged in a clandestine meeting.

"So, the general plan is set. Sengoku, we leave the details to you." One of the Gorōsei, clad in flowing white robes and leaning on his sword, addressed Sengoku. The Fleet Admiral nodded, his face grim.

"Consider it done."

A palpable tension in the room eased, the atmosphere relaxing slightly. Another Elder, sipping from his teacup, suddenly spoke, "What's the situation in Sabaody Archipelago? That Straw Hat boy could complicate matters if not handled properly."

The mention of Sabaody Archipelago brought a shift in the room's mood. While Luffy himself wasn't a major threat, the figures looming behind him – Garp and Dragon – possessed immense influence and power.

Many Marine officers owed Garp a debt of gratitude, and Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, was a constant thorn in their side.

"Borsalino has gone there personally," Sengoku said with a wry smile. "I believe he's the only one who can handle this situation…"

The Gorōsei fell silent. Kong, the former Fleet Admiral and current Commander-in-Chief, shook his head. "The worst-case scenario is that Straw Hat escapes. We simply don't have the resources to deal with every small issue right now."

Luffy, with a 300 million berry bounty, was a minor player in their eyes. Yet, he presented a unique challenge, like a prickly hedgehog difficult to handle. Meanwhile, the News Coo delivered newspapers carrying the announcement of Portgas D. Ace's execution across the world.

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The world erupted in an uproar, all eyes turning towards Ace and the Whitebeard Pirates.

The very day the news spread, the sea churned restlessly, mirroring the turbulent currents of anticipation and fear sweeping across the world.

"This is… the beginning of war."

At the Revolutionary Army headquarters.

Koala, clutching a newspaper, rushed into Dragon's office.

Inside, Dragon and Sabo were discussing strategy. Seeing Koala's frantic state, Dragon asked, "What is it, Koala?"

"The Marines… they're making their move against Whitebeard!" Koala stammered, then, her gaze shifting nervously towards Sabo, added, "Portgas D. Ace will be publicly executed in one week…"

"What?!" Sabo's composed demeanor shattered.

Unlike the original story, Sabo had regained his memories earlier, thanks to Ian's intervention, but had yet to reunite with Luffy and Ace. The news of Ace's impending execution struck him like a thunderbolt.

"Calm yourself, Sabo," Dragon said, his voice firm despite his own surprise. He frowned, turning to Koala. "How was this decision reached? The public execution of Ace…"

Dragon was well aware of the bond between Sabo, Ace, and Luffy. He also knew of Ace's lineage, and how Garp treated Ace as his own grandson. The intertwined relationships created a volatile and complex situation.

"Dragon-san…" Sabo stood there, fists clenched, his eyes burning with determination. Even without Dragon's support, he would go to save Ace. Dragon took a deep breath, his gaze meeting Sabo's. "There's no need to rush. We have a week. This situation isn't as simple as it seems. However, someone anticipated this and offered a solution."

"He said our opportunity to challenge the World Government would come. It seems Ace's execution is that catalyst. As your brother and Luffy's, neither Whitebeard, Shanks, nor we will stand idly by…though this means another enemy – the World Government itself."

"The Marines alone have the strength of two Yonko crews. Even with the combined might of three Yonko crews, victory is uncertain. However... With his involvement things become even more…"

"You speak of Ian?"

<><><>

At Marine Headquarters.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow across the room. Garp and Sengoku sat on the floor, locked in discussion, before finally rising and leaving the room.

They descended the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridor, reaching the second floor where the training grounds for the Marine elite training camp were located.

The training grounds were deserted.

Zephyr and his recruits would not participate in the upcoming war. Their mission was to escort the families of high-ranking Marine officers to a nearby island for safety. Zephyr would remain on the island to protect them from any retaliatory attacks by pirates.

"So, you've made your decision…" Garp said with a chuckle.

"Indeed."

Zephyr nodded, his expression calm and relaxed. "This world needs Order. It needs the Marines. It needs the World Government. But…it doesn't need the Celestial Dragons."

His words, if overheard, would have sent shockwaves throughout the world. For a man of Zephyr's stature to utter such a sentiment would spark chaos and unrest.

But Garp wasn't surprised. He chuckled. "It seems this World-Shaking War is a prelude. That man will surely make his move soon."

Garp sighed. Zephyr took a sip of his tea. "That's a matter for another time. Speaking of which…once Luffy hears about Ace, he'll likely try to break into Impel Down…"

"That boy has many good qualities, but he tends to take on more than he can handle…"

"That brat!"

Garp knew Zephyr spoke the truth. Knowing Luffy, the moment he learned of Ace's imprisonment, he would charge headfirst into Impel Down without a second thought. He had even dared to punch a Celestial Dragon. What wouldn't he do for his brother?

"He's careless…" Garp grumbled, shaking his fist in frustration. Zephyr smiled. "You're one to talk. If I recall correctly, you've disregarded Kong's orders more times than I can count."

Garp stood up, gazing towards the vast ocean, his expression unreadable. No one knew what thoughts were swirling in his mind.

"If you're worried, you could go see Ace. You don't have to wait until the execution." Garp nodded slowly, sighing. "Perhaps you're right."

While he would see Ace at the execution, it would be under the worst possible circumstances. He wanted to speak to his grandson, to offer words of comfort and support.

Garp visited Impel Down, met with Ace, and returned to Marine Headquarters.

<><><>

In the New World, Shanks' Territory.

A red-haired pirate ship sailed through a raging storm. "Captain! Captain! You were right! Ace was defeated by Blackbeard and captured by the Marines!"

"This is huge! Whitebeard won't let them execute his son! The biggest war of this era is about to begin!" The core members of the Red Hair Pirates exclaimed in shock and excitement.

"Shanks, the balance of power is about to shatter. What will you do?" Benn Beckman asked, taking a deep drag from his cigarette.

Shanks smiled ruefully.

"What should we do? Just sit back and watch the Marines and Whitebeard destroy each other?" Another officer asked.

Shanks took a long swig from his flask, then stood up abruptly. "How can we stand idly by during such a monumental conflict?"

He spread his arms wide, unleashing his Conqueror's Haki, filling the air with his awe-inspiring presence. His crew looked at him with reverence.

"Let's start the greatest war the world has ever seen!"

His thoughts drifted back to his meeting with Whitebeard, shortly after Ace had left to pursue Blackbeard.

"I've fought countless battles, bearing countless scars. Yet, the only wound that still aches is this one on my left eye."

"Inflicted by your crewmate, Blackbeard. I wasn't careless. You understand what I mean, Whitebeard." Shanks pointed to the three scars on his left eye. "That man is biding his time, not vying for a captain's position or seeking fame. He's hiding in the shadow of your reputation, gathering strength. Eventually, he'll aim for the top. He will come for your place."

Whitebeard's expression remained unchanged, a flicker of anger in his eyes. "And what do you want me to do about it? That's what matters."

"Stop Ace. He's young, yet already the commander of your second division. He's strong, I know that. But this isn't the time for them to clash. Tell him to leave Teach alone." Shanks spoke with a serious tone.

"Gurararara! That snot-nosed brat has grown quite bold. Teach committed an unforgivable crime, breaking the ironclad rule: never harm your crewmates!"

"Anyone who sails under my flag, no matter how foolish, is my son. Where do the souls of my slain children go? It's my responsibility to teach that scoundrel Teach that loyalty is a line that cannot be crossed!" Whitebeard's voice boomed, shaking the very sea around them.

"You're a hundred years too early to lecture me, brat!" Whitebeard roared, standing up abruptly. The clash of Emperors began, the sky itself splitting under the force of their confrontation.

For Whitebeard, his crew was his family, his reason for living. He knew Blackbeard's true nature, yet he had clung to the hope of redeeming him through loyalty and compassion. He had failed.

Yes. he, a "brat," had no right to lecture Whitebeard.

A heavy tension settled over the sea.

Time ticked by relentlessly.

Four days remained until the public execution of Portgas D. Ace, commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' second division.

"Pops, Squard, Doma, Little Oars Jr… everyone's fired up to rescue Ace! The fastest ships are already nearing the Red Line!" Jozu reported with a grin.

"Gurararara… Good Boys, aren't they?" Whitebeard laughed heartily, but his heart was heavy.

"We can't fall behind!" Vista said with a smile. Marco, the first division commander, opened his mouth to speak, his face etched with worry.

Following the recent incident in Wano, Whitebeard had clashed with Big Mom and Kaido for hours. While he had repelled them, the battles had taken a toll on his already ailing body. He would need years to fully recover, even with the restorative properties of Ian's sake, which had completely healed both him and Shanks.

But now, they faced an even greater threat: the Marines. They wouldn't miss this opportunity to strike.

As Shanks had warned, the balance of power had shifted. Zephyr had returned to Marine Headquarters.

"What's wrong, Marco? Do you doubt my strength?" Whitebeard asked.

"Pops, to me you're the strongest, of course. I was just wondering if we should contact Hiyori and the others. The samurai could be a valuable asset, and Shanks… he knew Roger. Perhaps…" Marco trailed off as Whitebeard interrupted him with a wave of his hand.

"No need. This is a war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines. There's no reason to drag Wano into it." Whitebeard's voice was firm.

"But…"

"Enough. However, I do have a favor to ask of Hiyori." Whitebeard conceded.

"Send a message to Wano. While we're at war with the Marines, ask them to keep an eye on our territory. We can't afford any opportunistic attacks from our rivals. That's enough to ask of them."

Whitebeard sighed. Perhaps it was the bonds of friendship and loyalty. He had been close to Roger and Oden, and now, Ace and Hiyori…

"Aye, Pops." Marco, his shoulders slumped slightly, turned to leave. He knew Hiyori would never allow Ace to die without a fight.

"I'll go with you, Marco."

A feminine voice called out as a figure hurried after Marco. Whitebeard was reminded of Oden and Toki. He had hoped to enjoy some peace and quiet in his old age, but fate had other plans.

In the New World, two Emperors were on the move.

The actions of the two remaining Yonko sent ripples throughout the world, turning the rising tide of anticipation into a raging storm.

The world was on the brink of chaos. The Marines, the World Government, the Revolutionary Army, the Yonko, the Warlords… the most powerful forces in the world were all making their moves, converging on the impending war at Marineford.

The greatest battle since the beginning of the Great Pirate Era was about to begin.

...

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