Although it wasn't explicitly stated, judging from the two news reports, it's certain that Blackbeard captured Ace and handed him over to the Navy, which is how he obtained the position of Shichibukai!
It was just that at the time this was considered "internal strife among pirates," and the World Government, for the sake of face, did not explicitly state that this was the reason, but rather vaguely portrayed it as if "the Shichibukai captured Whitebeard's captain."
Suddenly, the sea was once again in turmoil!
Over the past year, due to some "accidents" involving three of the Four Emperors, the New World has only been peaceful for the previous three years—especially Shanks, who suddenly... took down quite a few Great Pirate!
Unfortunately, because he lost an arm, everyone seems to think that he's the easiest of the "Four Emperors" to mess with?
Now, the real showdown begins. If the previous events were merely about turmoil in the New World, then now the Navy is about to launch a war that will truly change the entire landscape of the ocean.
If it had been carried out secretly, that would have been one thing...
Such a public announcement, especially with the execution taking place in the Mid-Naval Command, was undoubtedly intended to force Whitebeard to appear and engage in a decisive battle with the Navy!
The fact that naval branches around the world have begun to mobilize personnel undoubtedly proves this point.
It is conceivable that, regardless of the outcome, this battle will completely alter the landscape of the ocean.
Sig could imagine why the World Government agreed; it was because Sengoku had patted his chest and assured the Five Elders...
It's no wonder that in the original work, Sengoku resigned and stepped down from his post simply because the navy "did not win decisively."
There was no other way; without a written pledge, the World Government, whose main target was the Revolutionary Army, would never agree to Sengoku's "outlandish" strategic plan!
They insisted on launching a war that was not in line with the grand strategy, but failed to achieve complete success, resulting in heavy casualties for the navy itself, and even... creating an even more troublesome enemy!
The Warring Sengoku period deserves to be blamed for this.
However, at this moment on the high seas, no one can predict the outcome of this battle.
Despite his confidence, Sengoku still issued the order to assemble the Shichibukai due to the intervention of the World Government...
Meanwhile, the first half of the Grand Line is quite "lively" as the naval branches in various regions are mobilizing their elite forces to Marineford. In addition, the New World is also quite "lively" as the affiliated pirate crews of the Whitebeard Grand Fleet are gathering on the Moby Dick!
For a moment, the sea became calm.
After all, nobody wants to provoke the assembled Marines or the Whitebeard Pirates at this time...
Except for Kaido!
After losing Wano Country and splitting with the forces affiliated with Dressrosa, Kaido's territory was far smaller than that of Whitebeard and Big Mom, which made him anxious.
Seeing that Whitebeard might be the last person to return, they naturally wanted to get something from Whitebeard.
Same...
BigMom shared the same idea, and the two were already prepared, deploying their troops in Whitebeard's territory.
The difference is that Kaido will take a bite out of Whitebeard no matter what, while Big Mom only plans to launch a large-scale invasion if Whitebeard doesn't return.
If Whitebeard had rescued his son and brought him back...
Big Mom then decided to try a different approach, such as "arranging a marriage" —Whitebeard's outburst clearly indicated Ace's status as his successor.
BigMom is even using photos of captains like Marco and Jozu to choose the best ones for her daughters.
This has caused Whitebeard's sons to keep sneezing lately, giving them the feeling that someone is watching them!
Meanwhile, the Straw Hat Pirates, favored by Shanks, were still engaged in a chase with the "Thunder God Pirates"...
Previously on Sky Island, the Straw Hat Pirates and Enkidu had a feud, resulting in a chase that took them all the way from Sky Island to Water 7.
For some reason, Enkidu and Lucas seem to get along very poorly...
However, just as the "Sea God Pilgrimage" occurred in Water 7, the lurking CP9 also set their sights on the Thunder God Pirates ' "Sky King," seemingly discovering something extraordinary from this flying ship, and thus attacked the Thunder God Pirates.
This indirectly led to the Straw Hat Pirates and Thor's crew joining forces, resulting in a major battle in Water 7, where CP9 ultimately suffered a heavy loss.
Franky, who had already changed his name, should have recognized Teacher Tom's handwriting on the Sky King, and thus joined the Thunder God Pirates.
Because preparations for the Paramount War were already underway, the World Government and the Navy were not distracted for the time being...
Luffy also heard about Ace's situation and insisted on going to rescue Ace.
Eun-ki, who had previously owed a favor, now agreed to help.
"Marshal, the other Shichibukai have also accepted the assembly order and are on their way," Brannu reported as he entered the conference room.
At this moment, besides Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru, Garp, and Kuma were also present in the conference room.
"Okay, I understand. Have the warship that went to pick them up keep in touch with headquarters." Sengoku clearly didn't trust the Shichibukai of the Shichibukai, at least not the ones other than Kuma.
"Yes!"
After Brannu left, He couldn't help but say, "I didn't expect those troublemakers to be so cooperative this time?"
"Ha, I don't think they're scared because Jinbe was removed from the Shichibukai!" Sengoku clearly wasn't reassured.
At this moment, Vice Admiral Tsuru glanced at the expressionless Kuma and said, "Only bear... and Hawk Eyes, barely half a believable one."
Crunch, crunch— Garp is eating senbei (rice crackers).
"Mihawk? That man, I wonder what he's thinking." Sengoku shook his head as he spoke, seemingly unwilling to give Hawk Eyes even a "half-hearted" opinion.
Crunch, crunch— Garp continued eating senbei.
"As for the other five, it goes without saying. It would be good if one or two of them could help and the others wouldn't cause trouble... What a pity." Vice Admiral Tsuru regretted that the World Government was going to issue the Shichibukai assembly order, determined to concentrate the strength of the Navy and the Shichibukai to fight Whitebeard together, and the Navy had no room to refuse.
After all, the World Government was not originally in favor of this war!
Crunch, crunch— Garp is still eating senbei.
"Garp, you..." Sengoku had just started to speak when Garp stood up, then said with a smile, "You guys use your brains, I'll just provide the physical strength."
After saying that, he got up and left the conference room.
Sengoku and Tsuru remained silent for a moment, Kuma... was even less likely to utter a sound.
The Paramount War was orchestrated by Sengoku, but the execution of Ace was not.
Whether or not he is publicly executed, Ace is destined to die, because the World Government already knows Ace's true identity and cannot simply keep him locked up in Impel Down.
Sengoku only suggested the time and place, and... wanted to take advantage of the situation.
After a moment of silence, He Xian broke the silence, saying, "However... putting aside the other four troublemakers we know better, we must be extra careful with that newcomer, Teach!"