Better Than Ever Before

Suddenly, Xia Le spoke slowly.

Ace's head shot up, hope rising in his eyes.

"From now on, you'll need to cooperate fully with my plan!"

"That way, there might still be a chance for you and the Whitebeard Pirates to survive."

His expression solemn, Xia Le gazed at him and spoke softly.

Ace took a deep breath, his expression grave. He stared into Xia Le's eyes, then nodded firmly.

At this point, he had no choice but to trust him.

Time passed.

The Thunderer sailed through the Gate of Justice and slowly docked at the Inner Bay harbor.

Xia Le stepped down from the bow. Behind him, Ace hung his head, his face hidden from view, while the towering Kuma brought up the rear.

When the three stepped off the warship, the officer stationed there glanced at Ace, and his expression changed drastically.

"Fire Fist Ace!!"

Then he looked nervously at Xia Le, who was walking in front.

"Admiral Xia Le, we have Seastone Shackles here!"

Xia Le looked up, his brow furrowing. "Are you worried that a mere Fire Fist Ace could escape from me?" he asked coldly.

The officer's expression changed, and he hurriedly said, "N-no, that's not what I meant, sir!"

"Then keep your mouth shut!"

Xia Le's voice was icy.

Then he strode past the officer.

Ace followed behind him without a word.

In the blink of an eye, the three were already far away.

Only then did the officer let out a long breath. He slowly straightened up and nervously wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Admiral Xia Le's presence is overwhelming!"

"But with him here, even the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division Commander doesn't dare resist at all."

"He's incredible!"

Inside the Headquarters Building.

Sengoku soon received a report, and his expression immediately turned