After spending years in the world of One Piece, Jack no longer saw its people as mere two-dimensional characters from an anime. To him, they were real—flesh and blood, bound by their own convictions and struggles.
"Then what exactly do you intend to do?" Garp asked, his voice laced with frustration. "Don't forget, we are the navy, and he is a pirate!"
"But Ace is my sworn brother!" Jack shot back, unable to suppress his emotions.
Garp shook his head. "And what? Do you plan to storm Impel Down and break him out? Don't be foolish. That would accomplish nothing except getting yourself locked up alongside him."
Jack clenched his fists but remained silent. He knew Garp was right.
"What about you, sensei?" he asked after a pause.
Garp's gaze hardened. "I am a marine. I have dedicated my entire life to the navy."
A long sigh escaped Jack's lips. After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke. "I understand. I just want to see Ace one last time. After that, I won't take part in this war."
Garp studied him for a brief moment before nodding. "Go."
Jack didn't hesitate. Turning on his heel, he headed straight for the port, where Lena was already waiting, having prepared everything for his departure.
Before long, he passed through the Gate of Justice and arrived at Impel Down. There, he was greeted by the formidable prison warden, Magellan.
Jack wasted no time. "I'll be straightforward. Ace is my brother, and I want to see him one last time. Don't worry—I won't try anything else."
Magellan studied him for a moment before giving a firm nod. "Understood. But I will accompany you."
Jack nodded and followed Magellan. He understood that the warden was likely acting under orders from Fleet Admiral Sengoku, instructed to keep an eye on him. Otherwise, as a Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral, he wouldn't warrant such personal attention from Magellan, whose authority was comparable to that of a Vice Admiral.
As they descended to Level Six, Jack caught sight of several familiar faces—pirates he had personally captured and sent here. Among them were Crocodile, the former Warlord of the Sea, and Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea.
Upon reaching their destination, Jack glanced at the Den Den Mushi monitoring the cells and smirked.
"Warden Magellan, you're not planning to eavesdrop on a private conversation between brothers, are you?"
Magellan sighed and shook his head. "I'll wait in the passage. Just don't take too long." With that, he turned and walked away.
Jack stepped forward and peered into the dimly lit cell. "Ace…" he called out, his expression grim.
Ace looked up and, despite his predicament, greeted him with a smile. "Oh? Jack, long time no see."
Jack exhaled, shaking his head. "Yeah… it's been a while." His tone grew heavier. "Why didn't you listen to me back then?"
He was referring to his warning—his plea—for Ace not to chase after Teach.
Ace chuckled, leaning back against the cold stone wall. "The old man asked me the same thing when he came to see me."
Jack knew exactly who he meant—Garp. The old marine had always wanted Ace to join the navy to keep him safe from the fate that now awaited him.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku plans to execute you tomorrow." Jack's voice was steady, though he knew Ace wasn't afraid of death.
"Is that so?" Ace smiled, unfazed. "Looks like we won't be sharing another drink."
From childhood, Ace had always struggled with the feeling that his very existence was a mistake. He had spent his life searching for people who truly accepted him—until he found Whitebeard, the man who treated him as a son.
Jack fell silent for a moment before finally speaking. "I can't help you." His fists clenched at his sides. "I may not be a by-the-book marine, but you're a pirate. And even if your worst crime is running off without paying for meals, I don't have the strength to protect you."
Ace chuckled lightly. "I know, bro. Thanks anyway."
"No, you don't know." Jack lifted his gaze, his eyes locking onto Ace's. "I have no family. You, and Sensei—you're the only ones I have. That's why I'll handle this my way."
For the first time, Ace's easygoing demeanor faltered. "What are you planning? Jack, don't do anything reckless!"
Jack exhaled slowly. "You don't have to worry about a thing. Just listen to me. Luffy—he's on his way. He's the one destined to change everything. He'll save you." His voice hardened. "When the moment comes, don't hesitate—just escape. Promise me."
Ace frowned. "What? What are you talking about?"
"You don't need to understand everything. Just promise me." Jack's stare was unwavering.
Ace hesitated but, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity in Jack's eyes, he nodded. "Alright… I promise."
Satisfied, Jack gave a slight nod before shifting his gaze toward Jinbe, who had been silently watching the exchange.
"Jack-san!" Jinbei greeted him, his voice carrying a hint of embarrassment.
Jack had warned him about this situation before. Yet, when the navy summoned him, Jinbei still went to Marineford, believing that if he feigned cooperation, he could turn against them during the battle and help Ace and Whitebeard. However, things hadn't gone as planned—he had been arrested the moment he arrived, stripped of any chance to act.
Jack sighed. "You reckless idiot… Forget it. Since you're already here, I need you to do me a favor."
Jinbei straightened, his expression serious. "Say the word. I won't fail this time."
Jack's gaze sharpened. "Did you know that Ace and I have a younger brother?"
Jinbei blinked in surprise. "Straw Hat Luffy?"
"That's right." Jack nodded. "From what I've heard, as soon as Luffy found out Ace had been captured, he set off immediately. When the time comes, I need you to protect him."
Jinbei's eyes widened. "He's coming here? To Impel Down?"
Even for someone as experienced as Jinbei, it was hard to believe. This was the world's most heavily guarded prison, hidden beneath the deep sea. He had heard of Luffy—an impulsive, spirited young pirate with a bounty over 100 million. But he was still just a rookie who had only played around in the first half of the Grand Line. He had no idea of the horrors that awaited him in the New World, let alone the fortress that was Impel Down.
Jack's voice was firm. "You don't need to understand everything. Just protect him. He'll lead you to rescue Ace. Once you succeed, no matter what happens, take them both and get out—immediately. Even if Whitebeard is under siege, don't hesitate. Just go."
"Huh?" Jinbei stared at Jack, utterly baffled. He couldn't help but wonder if Jack was out of his mind.
Luffy? Rescue them? Then go to Marineford to save Ace? Just who did Jack think Luffy was? Some kind of unstoppable powerhouse? Even Whitebeard himself wasn't certain of victory in this war—so where was Jack getting the confidence to claim that Straw Hat Luffy could pull it off?
Jinbei clenched his fists, taking a deep breath. "Understood."
But Jack didn't bother explaining further. Instead, his gaze shifted to the man standing nearby—Crocodile, the infamous Sand Crocodile.
At that moment, Crocodile was watching Jack as well. He had overheard snippets of the conversation and caught the mention of a familiar name—Straw Hat Luffy. That brat had been the one to nearly defeat him back in Alabasta.
Jack turned back to Jinbei. "One more thing—aside from Crocodile, tell Luffy not to free anyone else from the sixth floor. Those prisoners are far too dangerous. If they're let loose, it'll create a disaster."
Jinbei, still reeling from shock, nodded absentmindedly. "Ah? Oh… Got it!"
Crocodile chuckled darkly. "Do you seriously think that Straw Hat kid has what it takes to make it down here?" His voice dripped with disdain.
Jack met his gaze and replied calmly, "He defeated you, didn't he?"
Crocodile's expression darkened. "I underestimated him. If I hadn't let my guard down, do you really think that rubber brat could have beaten me?" he snapped.
Jack remained unfazed. "But he did defeat you."
"Tch!" Crocodile scoffed, irritation flashing across his face. "Even if that's true, he still won't make it past the layers of security and reach the sixth floor. As a marine, you should understand what kind of fortress Impel Down really is."
His words were laced with skepticism, but beneath them was a grudging acknowledgment—because deep down, even he knew that the seas had a way of birthing the unexpected.
"At least he defeated you." Jack repeated, his voice calm yet firm.
Crocodile scowled. He had no comeback for that, and his irritation was evident as he turned away, deliberately ignoring Jack.
Jack, however, wasn't done. "So, if Luffy manages to reach the sixth floor, how about this—you protect him until he escapes from Marineford?"
Crocodile sneered. "Oh? You expect me to protect that brat? Keep dreaming! If it weren't for him, I—"
"If it weren't for Luffy," Jack cut him off, "you'd be crippled and rotting in here permanently."
Crocodile stiffened, his sharp gaze locking onto Jack. "So it was you… You were pulling the strings behind the scenes." His voice was low and dangerous. "Mark my words—when I get out of here, you'll regret it."
With that, he closed his eyes, refusing to acknowledge Jack any further.
Jack simply smirked and let it slide. He turned back to Ace, his expression softening. "Brother, I swear—I will save you. Whitebeard is already on his way. Your crewmates are fighting for you. Don't just sit here and give up. Seize any chance to escape."
Then, after a brief pause, he added, "Also… I have news about Sabo."
Ace's eyes widened in shock. "What? Who did you just say?" His voice wavered, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard.
Jack smiled knowingly. "Sabo isn't dead, Ace. He was rescued, but whatever happened that day caused him to lose his memory. So, get out of here. Help Luffy bring him back."
For the first time, Jack saw the fire return to Ace's eyes. Gone was the defeated man resigned to his fate—in his place stood a brother who had just been given something worth fighting for.
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