【One Piece】Dawn in the Darkness

Chapter 502 Information about the New World

"Not long after we vandalized Marineford, Fleet Admiral Sengoku stepped down from his position. He recommended Aokiji as the next Fleet Admiral, but the World Government gave Akainu the advantage because more people recommended him."

Lucci explained, "But Aokiji, who was recommended, strongly opposed Akainu becoming Fleet Admiral, so the two admirals had a ten-day duel, and Akainu was the ultimate winner."

"Is Aokiji dead?" Luffy asked while tearing at the bone-in flesh on his hand.

"Both of them were seriously injured." Jinbe continued, "Even the cold-blooded Akainu showed leniency towards his former comrade who was unable to stand up... Aokiji, unwilling to serve under Akainu, left the Navy."

“Akainu is…” Sanji glanced at Lucci.

"That's the guy who defeated you?" Unlike Sanji's concerns, Lucci smiled and nudged Lucci. "How does it feel to be defeated by a Marine?"

“I’m sure I can beat him if we face him again.” Lucci glared at Qi with dissatisfaction. This guy reminded him of what Akainu had told him back then.

“That’s right, we can definitely defeat him if we face him again!” Luffy nodded in agreement with Lucci’s words.

“We’ve given him the perfect revenge.” Ace grinned and put his arm around Lucci’s shoulder.

"To fill the vacancies of two admirals, the World Government adopted a strategy that gave the Navy unexpected strength," Jinbe continued.

"Among the events that have occurred in the New World in the past two years, the two biggest changes are that the Marine Headquarters, led by Sakazuki, has become a more powerful force of justice, and the Blackbeard Pirates."

Luffy looked at Ace and Lucci and said, "Blackbeard? Wasn't that the guy you were chasing back then?"

"Yeah, that bastard is running around like a rat in the New World right now!" Ace said angrily. "Every time we chase after him, he escapes."

"He is capturing Devil Fruit users all over the New World. For some reason, he seems to have a way of killing Devil Fruit users and taking their abilities for himself. There are rumors that all of his subordinates are Devil Fruit users with powerful Devil Fruits."

Lucci explained, "This is probably one of the reasons why he was able to get the news in time every time we were about to approach the island where he was located."

"Another piece of news is that Old Man's health hasn't been very good these past two years." Lucci glanced at Ace and continued, "Old Man clearly wants to pass the Whitebeard Pirates on to Ace and then retire."

Ace pursed his lips and remained silent. The night Lucci formally announced his departure from the Whitebeard Pirates, his father had spoken to them about this matter. Although he knew that his father's decision at that time was most likely an attempt to persuade Lucci to stay.

But he also knew clearly that his father really had this plan, otherwise he wouldn't have said it. And he wasn't ready yet, nor was he sure what to do, especially... Ace glanced at Lucci, especially since Lucci had already left the Whitebeard Pirates. He needed time to think.

"It seems the New World is about to face a great upheaval." Jinbe sighed, looking at Luffy. "Anyway... hey, Luffy, are you even listening to us?!"

Jinbe, looking at Luffy who was completely absorbed in his food, exclaimed incredulously, "What we're talking about now is important information!"

"We're just listening," Qi said with a smile, trying to reassure them.

"You're the captain, Luffy!" Jinbe shouted, displeased.

“Yes, it’s alright, Jinbe. We’ll take care of things,” Sanji said with a smile.

"Isn't the captain just someone who doesn't have to listen to what people say?" Chopper asked innocently.

Ace laughed. Luffy's crew really knows that guy.

"Lucci, the sweets from Fishman Island are amazing! They're even better than meat!" Luffy excitedly shared, holding up the cake in his hand. "Try them!"

"Snacks? Who wants those? That's for kids." Ace said dismissively, arms crossed. But as soon as he finished speaking, he saw Lucci take the dessert Luffy offered him and immediately protested, "Lucci, are you a kid?!"

"Doesn't Ace want it?" Luffy asked, handing the dessert to Ace with a puzzled look.

Lucci raised an eyebrow. "You really don't want it?"

"You two are so lame," Ace muttered, but his hand honestly took the food from Luffy's hand.

"It might be a little too sweet," Qi reminded Lucci, looking at the pastry in his hand. Luffy had given it to him at the banquet, and Luffy really liked it, but it might be a little too sweet for Lucci, especially since he doesn't like sweets.

"Oh, oh." Lucci nodded and tried a little of the dessert Luffy gave him. It was alright, just a bit sweet. When Luffy wasn't looking, Lucci quickly stuffed the rest into Ace's hands.

Ace stared in shock at the dessert that was being handed to him; Lucci hadn't eaten the food Luffy had given him.

“I think you’d really enjoy it,” Lucci said with a grin, seeing Ace’s surprised expression. “I wouldn’t mind sharing mine with you.”

Ace glanced at Lucci speechlessly; it was obvious that this guy didn't want to eat it.

"Let's go back to our room!" Luffy jumped up from the floor after finishing the food on his plate. "There's still a lot of food left in the room!"

"You're still not full?" Usopp complained, already too full to move.

"No!" Luffy grinned.

……

"Waaaaah~~ Mr. Luffy, are you really leaving?" Shirahoshi cried, looking at Luffy in her arms. "We've become friends, let's stay at least one more day... no, a week, no, a year would be great!!"

"You've been crying the whole time, you coward!" Luffy retorted.

"I'm sorry... I promise I won't cry so much anymore."

"Ace, are you staying here to wait for Dad and the others?" Lucci asked Ace.

“You’ve already asked me once,” Ace said helplessly, then grinned at Lucci, his eyes serious. “Or are you saying you can’t bear to part with me and want to come back to Whitebeard with me!”

“You’re overthinking it,” Lucci retorted, then said seriously, “Anyway, don’t be as reckless as before, Marco will…”

“I understand.” Ace chuckled, interrupting Lucci’s worries. “I won’t be so reckless now, especially since you three idiot brothers still need me to take care of you.”

"What are you saying!" Lucci glared at Ace, annoyed. "I've been the one taking care of you all along."

"Okay, I really don't feel comfortable without you playing pranks with me anymore," Ace said with a grin, pulling Lucci into a tight hug. "If you want to come back, you're always welcome!"

"Hey, Ace!" Luffy suddenly pounced on them and hugged them tightly, grinning, "Come with us to the New World!"

“I won’t join you,” Ace said directly, then reached out and ruffled Luffy’s hair. “I’m the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, I’m there, and I have no other intentions.”