Big Shot After Big Shot

"Sabo!"

The billowing smoke cleared.

Luffy scrambled to his feet, his face alight with excitement.

Ace was the same.

Sabo really was still alive.

"Ace, Luffy, long time no see!"

Sabo held down his hat with one hand and looked at Ace and Luffy with a radiant smile.

"Sabo!"

Luffy dashed over and clung to Sabo like an octopus, sobbing loudly.

Ace did the same, spreading his arms and pulling them both into an embrace.

It was a touching sight.

"Now's not the time to celebrate."

Marco landed on the ground, somewhat speechless, and warily watched Baccarat and Ivankov in the air. They still hadn't driven off their two powerful enemies, so this was hardly the time for a long-awaited reunion.

Then Marco nodded to Veiled Night Jade.

A greeting, of sorts.

Apparently, Marco knew Veiled Night Jade. After all, she had once been the second-in-command of the Explosion Pirates, so they must have crossed paths.

He just didn't know how she'd survived that war against the Richest Group and even ended up with the Revolutionary Army.

Whatever the case,

they were allies for now.

With the Revolutionary Army joining them, their odds had greatly improved. They should be able to get through this crisis safely.

The only worry was that another big shot might show up.

"We'll talk later!"

Sabo broke free of Ace and Luffy's embrace, his eyes a little red.

But as Marco had reminded them, this wasn't the time to celebrate their reunion.

"I've met with the two of you before. As far as I know, the Emperor promised our leader he'd spare the Straw Hat Pirates for now!"

Sabo spoke calmly and firmly.

His choice of words was deliberate.

He didn't call Gaia the Golden Emperor, but used the title favored within the Revolutionary Army.