Prelude to an Era Running Wild
New World, Palm Island.
This was an island whose outline closely resembled a palm, and it fell under the rule of one of the Four Emperors, Whitebeard.
Many of the island's residents were highly skilled craftsmen capable of producing all kinds of exquisite handicrafts. They usually paid a certain amount of their crafts as protection money to the Whitebeard Pirates.
The white Moby Dick, with its white whale figurehead, lay quietly docked at the harbor pier.
Whitebeard sat upright in a broad chair, an IV drip hanging from his body. Holding a barrel of wine, he drank alone while wearing a contemplative expression, as though lost in thought.
Marco emerged from the cabin and stood beside Whitebeard, his expression grave as he said,
"Pops, I've just contacted the forty-three captains of the allied fleet. They've all agreed to come with us to rescue Ace.
They're currently making their way to Fish-Man Island from islands all over the place..."
Upon hearing that, Whitebeard immediately set down his wine barrel and instructed,
"Make sure they travel separately. Don't let them all gather together and draw the Marines' attention."
"Don't worry! I specifically emphasized that they mustn't let the Marines discover their movements in advance!" Marco nodded.
As for whether it was worth mobilizing the entire Whitebeard Pirates to rescue Ace at Marine Headquarters, none of the Whitebeard Pirates had the slightest objection.
Once someone boarded Whitebeard's ship, they became family. This was something Whitebeard Newgate had personally demonstrated to his crew for decades. Many of them had received kindness from Pops Whitebeard and were willing to give their lives for him.
That was right! Most of them were risking their lives out of loyalty to Whitebeard Newgate, not simply because of Ace.
"How did things go