Sengoku looked toward the plaza expressionlessly before announcing, "Due to special circumstances, the execution will be brought forward and carried out immediately!"
The moment those words left his mouth, the battlefield erupted once again.
The execution was being brought forward?
Akainu furrowed his brows and looked at Sengoku in confusion.
Sengoku simply ignored Akainu's gaze.
Bringing the execution forward meant giving up the hostage.
That way, the Whitebeard Pirates could advance or retreat freely, without any restraints.
Not only that, but they would also be unable to keep Shanks there.
Victor looked at Sengoku, seemingly wanting an explanation as well.
However, Sengoku ignored him too.
In fact, Victor knew why Sengoku was doing this.
Because Sengoku wanted to end the war.
More precisely, it was not Sengoku who wanted to end the war, but the Gorosei.
If Ace were still alive, Shanks would certainly have to stay behind to rescue him.
Shanks, Roger, and Whitebeard all followed the same path.
They all wanted to be righteous, heroic men.
That was part of Shanks's image.
But did the World Government really want to kill Shanks?
Obviously, they did not.
Sure enough, just as expected.
At the same time, this also proved something.
Shanks's identity was extraordinary. He was definitely not merely one of the Four Emperors.
Perhaps he was a Celestial Dragon—and one whom Imu valued highly at that.
If it had been Doflamingo instead, then so be it if he died.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, two executioners carrying sharp blades stood behind Ace.
"Old man!"
At that moment, Ace shouted toward Whitebeard.
Ace's face was already covered in tears.
He was not afraid. He did not fear death.
His face held only gratitude.
With snot and tears smeared across his face, Ace shouted, "Meeting you and becoming your son was