The Shichibukai had always numbered seven, yet only six had shown up today. The one missing was Blackbeard, who had recently risen to prominence by capturing Ace.
On the execution platform, Sengoku frowned as well.
He glanced at Garp beside him and asked quietly, "Where's Teach?"
A messenger reported that he had set out long ago.
Garp said nothing. His brow only furrowed more deeply.
Huang Yuan, standing before the platform, idly swung his legs and leaned close to Mu Chen's ear. "Mu Chen, it seems one black rat is missing from your people!"
"Perhaps he didn't dare come."
Mu Chen's Blood Eyes did not shift as he answered indifferently.
Mu Chen naturally knew that Blackbeard should have been at Impel Down by now.
Only Sakazuki snorted. "Hmph. Whether he comes or not, it's just one less piece of trash. It changes nothing."
Yet they all knew that Blackbeard had earned great merit by capturing Ace. By all rights, he should have been the most eager to show off today. Why had he chosen to be absent?
At that moment, Sengoku turned toward Ace on the cross. "Ace Portgas D., I have a question for you."
"Ace, who is your father?"
Sengoku's voice suddenly rose, carrying through the broadcast Den Den Mushi to every corner. The square instantly fell silent, and even those before the projected broadcasts held their breath.
It was an abrupt question. With the three Admirals and the Shichibukai present to guard the scene, could there be something unusual about Ace's background?
"What's going on?"
"Wasn't Ace's father Whitebeard?"
"Yeah, why would Fleet Admiral Sengoku suddenly ask that?"
"No, something's wrong!"
"To bring out the three Admirals and the Shichibukai, Ace's father must be someone even more formidable than Whitebeard. But who could possibly be stronger than