In another stretch of sea, in the opposite direction.
Lively cheers rang out incessantly over the water, where countless pirate ships spread out as far as the eye could see.
The skull flags flying atop their masts bore white crescent-shaped mustaches. They belonged to the Whitebeard Pirates.
Fighting Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, to a draw was certainly worth celebrating.
Aboard the Moby Dick, Ace was surrounded by Marco, Jozu, Vista, and the others, who kept clinking cups with him.
Ever since leaving his uncle River, Ace had continued to grow stronger. He had fully integrated all the power he had gained, and today, he had finally shown it.
This also meant the Whitebeard Pirates would enjoy a temporary peace. With this battle, he had stabilized the turmoil surrounding them.
The balance between the Four Emperors at sea would remain unchanged, settling into a curious equilibrium.
"Hahahaha! Drink up, Ace!"
"You're drinking until you drop today!"
"You fought Kaido to a draw, Ace! You'll be a new Emperor soon!"
"Pops would be thrilled if he heard this!"
Listening to everyone around him, Ace held up a bowl of liquor and laughed heartily.
"Come on, drink! Pops will definitely hear about it."
With that, he tilted his head back and drained the bowl.
Another burst of laughter followed.
After an unknown amount of time, a tense-looking figure suddenly pushed through the crowd and came up to Ace.
"Captain Ace, big news!"
Seeing all the officers flushed from drinking, the crewman took a deep breath and shouted.
"Hm?"
Ace turned his head, looking puzzled.
"What is it?"
"Big news! Our people just received word that Kaido's fleet ran into River's ship while retreating!"
"The two sides are clashing now, and a full-scale battle could break out at any moment!"
The crewman's