Invite the Empress to Join the Crew

Whoosh... whoosh... whoosh!

As Murakumogiri spun through the air, Jiang Lin's actions seized the attention of everyone present.

Jiang Lin had asked Ace, a man marked for death, to become his crewmate. The implications were enough to set imaginations running wild.

"D! You're not taking anyone away today!"

Standing on the Execution Platform, Sengoku made his position clear. He was the highest-ranking man present. He represented the honor of the Marines and the World Government. He could not ignore Jiang Lin's open challenge.

"Hahaha... that's what I'd expect... what I'd expect..."

Garp's gaze moved between Jiang Lin, Luffy, and Ace. A broad smile appeared on his tear-streaked face.

"D! Are you declaring war on the World Government? What a terrifying young man!"

Kizaru directed Marine Soldiers to attack the pirates while staring toward Jiang Lin in astonishment.

"Jiang Lin!"

Shock appeared on Luffy's face as he stood beside Jiang Lin. He had never expected Jiang Lin to say something like that. It would help them rescue Ace, but... why did it still feel a little strange?

"Jiang Lin!"

The Empress stared at Jiang Lin in disbelief. She had never expected him to be so bold as to invite Ace, a condemned prisoner, to join him right in front of the Fleet Admiral and three Admirals from Marine Headquarters.

Jiang Lin had blatantly snubbed Marine Headquarters. After this, he would likely become a priority target for the Marines. That could hardly be good for his future.

"Pfft! But I suppose... it makes no difference for him now!"

As the Empress thought about it, she realized Jiang Lin was already locked in a fight to the death with the World Government and Marine Headquarters.

Jiang Lin's potential was too great for any faction to dismiss, and of them all, Marine Headquarters and the World Government were surely the ones most eager to eliminate him.

Whether or not Jiang Lin had done this today, the Marines would certainly move to capture him once the war at Marineford ended.

So no matter how far Jiang Lin went, it was almost to be expected.

"Whoa... did the Pirate Empress just smile? Has she fallen for someone? She was looking right where I'm standing. Does that mean... I'm going to be her husband?"

One Marine Soldier turned toward Boa Hancock with a lovestruck look after seeing her smile. Many others had the same thought. When Boa Hancock saw the crowd of infatuated Marine Soldiers before her, she raised her hands and formed a large heart.

"So... I was right!"

That was the last thought those Marine Soldiers had before they turned to stone. Reality was not nearly so kind. The Empress might fall for a man, but that man would never be one of them.

"Empress, what are you doing?"

Seeing so many Marine Soldiers beside him petrified, Vice Admiral Momonga turned to question the Empress angrily.

"They dared to have improper thoughts about me. Surely everyone will forgive me for what I did. After all, I'm beautiful beyond compare!"

Boa Hancock pointed one finger toward the ground and tilted her head so far back that she seemed to "look" at Vice Admiral Momonga with utter disdain.

"Whoa... there it is! The Empress's look of absolute contempt."

At her words, even more Marine Soldiers turned toward her, openly lovestruck. Their faces as they looked at the Empress were so besotted that it was plain to see.

"Hmph! I hope you won't disregard the safety of Amazon Lily."

Vice Admiral Momonga gave a cold snort and turned back toward Jiang Lin.

At the center of everyone's attention, Jiang Lin had only looked at one person from beginning to end—Ace!

"I... I..."

Ace's gaze kept shifting between Whitebeard and Jiang Lin. Ever since he had accepted Whitebeard as his Pops, he had held only one goal in his heart: to help Whitebeard claim the throne.

But Jiang Lin's appearance had stirred a trace of doubt in Ace, and that doubt had only grown stronger after Whitebeard acknowledged him.

"I understand. Maybe now isn't the best time to invite a crewmate. You can decide after I rescue you!"

Jiang Lin smiled and shook his head. The Marine Soldiers immediately let out a collective sigh of relief. None of them dared imagine what might happen if Jiang Lin kept pressing the matter.

If Ace agreed to Jiang Lin's request, Sengoku would be furious. And once Sengoku lost his temper, the fighting—and the war's consequences—might spiral completely out of control.

"Garp, I hope you won't hold back when the time comes."

Sengoku shot Garp a pointed look. Jiang Lin had stopped trying to recruit Ace, but he remained their highest-priority enemy. And someone like Garp, who had no Devil Fruit ability, was clearly the best choice to deal with him.

"Heh! What fine young men."

Garp gave a dry laugh, neither agreeing nor refusing. He offered Sengoku no clear answer.

"How interesting, D! I hope I get to fight you again someday when you're at full strength!"

Cold air poured off Aokiji. His eyes burned with fighting spirit as he looked at Jiang Lin.

"D!"

After catching Murakumogiri when Jiang Lin threw it back, Whitebeard said nothing more. He had already "said" everything he wanted to when he threw it. More words would mean nothing now.

He didn't keep pushing? That's right. This is hardly the time to recruit crewmates. He's only just gained Whitebeard's approval. If he takes the Pirate King's son aboard too, he could make an enemy of everyone.

The anxiety on the Empress's face finally eased when Jiang Lin let the matter drop. She had been afraid he would dig in his heels. If he had, he might truly have turned the whole world against him.

As the Empress held a hand to her chest and marveled at what had happened, a Yellow Lightning rushed to her side amid startled cries. A familiar scent reached her on the stirring air.

"Boa Hancock! How about joining my crew?"

Jiang Lin emerged from the yellow flash and extended his right hand to the Empress. Not only she, but even Sengoku in the distance was stunned speechless.

"Huh..."

Cries of astonishment rang out across Marineford, the Sabaody Archipelago, and every corner of the world.