The Whitebeard Pirates' sudden major movements couldn't be concealed from the World Government. They received intelligence almost immediately.

However, in an effort to ensure Big Mom had a perfect tea party, the Charlotte family made a foolish mistake: They didn't inform Charlotte Linlin of Ace's appearance and simply overlooked the matter.

...

"Big bro, should I wait for you at Sabaody?" Atmos asked.

"Yeah, just stay there. Miro and I will handle things from here," Roy replied.

"I've already received word. Pops is personally taking action," Atmos said, concern in his voice.

"That old man can't sit still. Don't worry, he won't die that easily," Roy chuckled.

"Then I'll wait for you at Sabaody."

"Mm. Trust me, he'll be fine. Besides, Marco and the others are with him."

"Alright, I'll head out first." Atmos turned and left.

"Big bro, who are we waiting for?" Miro asked curiously.

"They're almost here," Roy replied, gazing into the distance.

A Marine battleship was approaching them.

Roy and Miro landed aboard the battleship. At that moment, a man in a green fur coat sensed something and turned toward the door.

Click.

The door opened, and the man grabbed a snow shovel.

Whoosh!

Just as the door opened, he swung it instantly, only to hit a fluffy tail.

"Rude! What kind of man attacks without warning?!" Miro huffed, poking her head out from behind her tail.

"Who are you?!" Dalton demanded.

This was none other than Dalton, King of the Sakura Kingdom.

"It's me, Dalton."

A voice came from behind Miro. Dalton was startled as Miro pulled back her tail to reveal Roy.

"You're… Mr. Roy?" Dalton exclaimed in surprise.

"It's me," Roy nodded.

"Huh? Where's my teacher?"

"Dr. Kureha is resting."

"Who said I was sleeping? For a youthful lady of 141, staying up late is perfectly normal!" Doctor Kureha came down the stairs, holding a bottle of wine.

"Teacher, you're looking younger again," Roy joked.

"You rascal… You've definitely discovered a way to maintain your vitality. Even if it's a bit late, you'll still make it past a hundred easily," Kureha laughed.

"Too bad you didn't tell me earlier, I might've lived even longer," Roy replied.

"Impossible. You didn't have the kind of Haki you do now back then." Kureha shook her head.

"Seems you know everything," Roy said.

"I've traveled the world, seen things you wouldn't believe. But you… You're something else. Your presence is more refined now, though your body's still lacking. If you were physically stronger, your Haki would be unmatched in the world," said Kureha.

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Alright, enough small talk. You, one of the Four Emperors, suddenly visiting us, what's the reason?"

"Indeed, I came to ask something of you."

"Please go on," Dalton said.

"Nothing major. I just need to hitch a ride with you to Mary Geoise." Roy said.

"What?"

"You want to go to Mary Geoise?"

"Are you joking? That's the Holy Land of the Celestial Dragons! As one of the Four Emperors, going there is-" Dalton kept questioning, clearly shocked.

"Don't worry, it's not a big deal. I just want to take a look. I'll enter under your name as a royal escort," Roy explained.

"Kid, you're using us. If you're found out, we'll be in big trouble," Kureha said.

"Every country is allowed to bring guards. I'm now the official escort of the Sakura Kingdom," Roy replied.

"You'd better explain clearly. Why do you want to go to Mary Geoise? Your actions might bring disaster to the Sakura Kingdom." Kureha warned.

"I just want to see it for myself. And maybe… get a look at the so-called 'rulers of the world'." Roy smirked.

"Rulers of the world?" Dalton asked, confused.

"You inherited the position from Drum Kingdom, so you may not know the truth behind the world's structure. Why was the World Government formed? Why are the Celestial Dragons considered 'nobles'? Why does harming one of them mobilize an admiral? Have you ever thought about that?"

"No, never. Ever since I was born, I only knew one thing: Celestial Dragons are nobles of the world and we should fear them," Dalton replied.

"The World Government suddenly appeared 800 years ago. They claim to be the descendants of gods, but in truth, they're just an alliance of 20 nations. So why do they get to call themselves gods?"

"So you mean this 'ruler of the world', you're investigating the Celestial Dragons?"

"Not exactly. Above the Celestial Dragons is someone called Imu, the true sovereign. They're the king of the Celestial Dragons. Possibly even… one of the original rulers from 800 years ago." Roy said.

"That's impossible! No one can live that long!" Dalton was stunned.

At 141, Doctor Kureha was already pushing the limits of human life expectancy. Giants could live up to 400 years.

But the Celestial Dragons were just humans. How could one live 800 years?

This was beyond Dalton's comprehension.

"The truth of the Celestial Dragons is far beyond your imagination. Even the Five Elders have lived for centuries. So their master? It's possible. That's why I need to see for myself. Any other way, and I'd be discovered instantly. It's best to use the name of a kingdom."

"So you chose the Sakura Kingdom to assist you," Kureha said.

"Yes, Teacher."

"You're reckless. If you're exposed, it could be bad."

"I won't be discovered. Once inside, I'll find a place to hide."

"Fine. We didn't bring any guards this time anyway. Just come with us. Once we're in, we'll split up."

"No problem."

Roy and Miro changed into armored guard uniforms and followed Dalton toward the old Marineford.

....

Meanwhile, in Whole Cake, the battle had begun.

Luffy and Ace crashed Charlotte Linlin's tea party. Amid Big Mom's food-induced rage, Luffy barely managed to escape Whole Cake Island.

Ace and Deuce chose to stay behind and cover their retreat.

"Ace!"

"Go ahead. Wait for us in Wano, we'll be there soon." Ace waved.

The Spade Pirates blocked Big Mom's forces. Watching from afar, Luffy and the others were filled with despair, thinking Ace wouldn't survive, especially after facing Big Mom firsthand.

But Ace still gave them a thumbs up.

"Don't worry, Luffy. See you in Wano." Ace turned his back, proudly displaying the Whitebeard Pirates' flag.

Deuce transformed into a phoenix, helping the Straw Hats break through the encirclement.

"See you in Wano, Straw Hat kid." Deuce sent them off, then flew back toward Ace.

...

If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.

[email protected]/DaoistJinzu