Seeing Ace Again

He did not return to Hachinosu. Instead, he headed straight for Whitebeard's territory.

He had two reasons for coming. First, he wanted to visit the venerable old pirate. Second, he urgently needed to ask Vegapunk about a crucial matter concerning the Ancient Weapons.

He cut through the waves of the boundless ocean.

His unique Ripple perception let him sense the faintest things a thousand meters away. Relying on his hazy memory of the map, he soon located Whitebeard's territory.

Soldiers still patrolled Whitebeard's island from time to time, but their guard seemed remarkably lax. They chatted cheerfully, their faces relaxed, as though they had temporarily forgotten the dangers beyond the island.

Swain considered this. Whitebeard's injuries must have improved considerably. Otherwise, his men wouldn't be so relaxed. A pirate with a fearsome reputation—especially a legend like Whitebeard, who had dominated an era—could make those around him feel secure.

Perhaps they believed few would dare attack while Whitebeard's name protected them.

"Who goes there?" a guard barked, shattering the quiet.

"It's Swain, one of the Four Emperors!" someone cried in terror. The shout caused an instant uproar.

The remaining guards hurried over at the sound. They had never expected to see this legendary figure here, yet there he was, stepping ashore. They raised their weapons and aimed them at him.

"W-what are you doing here?" the guard captain asked, his voice trembling. Though he served one of the Four Emperors, he had barely seen his own captain, Whitebeard, more than a handful of times. Now another Emperor stood before him in the flesh, and fear surged through him.

Swain smiled calmly. "Is this how you treat a guest?"

"A guest?" The guard captain frowned, baffled.

But a guest should not have come this way. This was part of the island's defensive