"Looking for Ace?!"
The commanders' expressions darkened instantly upon hearing the Beasts Pirates were after Ace. They knew nothing good could come from the Beasts seeking him out.
Moreover, they were aware that Ace had once been to Wano Country.
Clearly, the Beasts were here to kill Ace!
They couldn't let Ace fall into danger!
Gurd let out a surprised sound, his face showing astonishment.
"Do you actually know Ace?"
"Of course we do!"
The commanders raised their weapons, standing ready for battle.
"Ace is our comrade!"
"He's now the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"Give it up! There's no way we're handing Ace over to you!"
The commanders surrounded Gurd and his group.
"Page One!"
"Got it!"
Ulti and Page One immediately transformed, two Ancient Giant Beasts standing guard on either side of Gurd!
A battle was imminent.
"Wait a minute!"
Gurd frowned slightly. "When did Ace join the Whitebeard Pirates and become the Second Division Commander? You're not just making this up to protect him, are you?"
"We're not that bored."
Marco coldly explained, "Ace joined us three months ago. His promotion to commander was decided just today."
"Do I look like an idiot to you?!"
Gurd's gaze turned icy.
"If Fire Fist Ace had joined the Whitebeard Pirates, news of such a major event would've spread everywhere by now! How could there be no word of it at all?"
"Well..."
Marco hesitated.
Given Ace's reputation, that was indeed the case.
He couldn't very well explain that Ace had been getting beaten up on the ship for nearly three months before finally being accepted as an official member.
It was too embarrassing.
As family, he had to protect Ace's dignity!
"Not earlier, not later—just when we, the Beasts, come looking for Ace, he suddenly becomes a commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."
Gurd didn't hold back his mockery.
"If you Whitebeard Pirates wanted Fire Fist Ace so badly, you could've just said so. We're all pirates here—no need to be so hypocritical."
"We're not lying to you!"
The commanders' expressions soured.
The timing was indeed unfortunate. Had the Beasts arrived just a few days later, they could've rightfully protected Ace.
As things stood, it almost seemed like they were bullying others with their influence—but the Beasts Pirates weren't an easy target. A single misstep could easily spark a war.
Now that they had a vast organization to manage, they couldn't recklessly start fights like they had in the past when it was just a single ship sailing the seas.
Just as tensions reached their peak, a commotion broke out from the rear.
"Move! This is my business!"
Ace's voice rang out from behind.
The commanders' faces fell.
The last thing they wanted right now was for Ace to face the Beasts Pirates. Though they had faith in his strength, they didn't want him taking unnecessary risks.
Ace was still young—too prone to recklessness!
Soon, Ace pushed through the crowd and stood beside Marco, his body freezing at the sight of the towering man before him—the one he least wanted to see.
It really was this devil!
He'd considered hiding on the ship, but his pride as a man wouldn't allow it. He couldn't let his comrades shoulder the danger for him.
So be it—death awaited him.
No… something worse than death!
The thought of tomorrow's newspaper headlines—"Whitebeard's Second Division Commander, Fire Fist Ace, Commits Suicide Out of Shame Over Debts"—filled him with despair.
Forgive me, Pops.
Farewell, comrades.
Like a man walking to his doom, Ace stepped forward and stood before Gurd.
"Gurd."
"Ace."
Gurd looked down at Ace.
"So you're a commander under Whitebeard now?"
"That's right."
Ace nodded slowly.
Although he had tried to decline, his crewmates wouldn't allow it.
Besides, he wanted to be a commander!
"Gurd, I didn't—"
Thwack!
Gurd's massive, powerful arm wrapped around Ace in a bear hug, cutting off his words.
Huh?!
Gurd embraced Ace tightly, laughing heartily.
"Little brother Ace, I've missed you so much!"
"Eh?"
Ace was completely dumbfounded.
The commanders were equally stunned!
What was happening here?
Gurd released Ace and pressed his head down to face the commanders. "Commanders, let me formally introduce myself—I am Groudon Gud!"
"My apologies for the earlier offense!"
"But you see, Ace here is my beloved kin, my sworn brother. I had to make sure you truly accepted him as one of your own."
"Thank you all for looking after this kid. I'm truly grateful!"
This man was Ace's brother?
Marco and the others were speechless.
Wait, this twist was way too sudden!
They had been ready to fight to the death just moments ago!
And how exactly were the two of you brothers? You didn't look anything alike!
"What are you standing around for?!"
Gurd gave Ace a firm slap on the back.
"Say something, you brat!"
"Uh, oh, right!"
Finally snapping out of it, Ace reluctantly bowed under Gurd's oppressive aura and apologized to his crewmates.
What kind of bullshit brother was this?
More like a ruthless debt collector!
If not for the fact that Gurd seemed to mean no harm to his crewmates, Ace would rather self-destruct than submit.
"Sorry for the misunderstanding, everyone. Gurd is my older brother."
"..."
The commanders exchanged glances.
Was this for real?
But Ace, why do you look so intimidated?!
"Hahahaha!"
Gurd ruffled Ace's hair vigorously, laughing as he explained. "Ace and I met in Wano Country—fought first, then bonded. We drank the Oath of Brotherhood Sake. I might've beaten him up a few too many times, so he's a little scared of me."
"So that's how it is."
The commanders nodded in understanding.
That made sense. Becoming friends after a fight was common, especially among Pirates. Ace had joined them the same way after challenging them.
Wait a minute!
This guy had defeated Ace?
The commanders' expressions shifted as they processed this.
They had witnessed Ace's strength firsthand. Though still young, he was incredibly powerful!
And this muscular giant was even stronger?
Seriously?
The commanders exchanged eager glances, itching for a challenge.
Noticing their expressions, Gurd grinned and proposed, "I came here mainly to check on Ace. Now that I see he's doing well, I'm at ease."
"Once again, thank you all for taking care of Ace!"
"How about this—let me treat you all to drinks!"
"Ace, go call all your crewmates, and commanders, you must honor me with your presence tonight!"
They couldn't refuse this offer.
Marco smiled. "Since you're Ace's brother, we won't decline. But Brother Gurd, you're our guest. How could we let you pay? The drinks are on us!"
"No! No way!"
Gurd waved his hands emphatically, thumping his chest. "If you argue about this, I'll be upset. Tonight's expenses are on me, Groudon Gud!"
"..."
The captains exchanged helpless glances.
Not only was he concerned about his younger brother, but he was also so generous with his spending. After all, treating them to drinks was no small expense.
It was impossible to dislike him!
"Brothers, let's start the feast!"
"Whoo-hoo!!"
Originally planned to launch this week, but due to making it onto the Sanjiang list, the release has been postponed to the first of next month. Thanks for your understanding.
(End of chapter)