The execution plaza fell silent as Fleet Admiral Sengoku revealed Ace's true identity.
"About two years ago, when you took your mother's surname and rapidly rose to prominence as captain of the Spade Pirates, we finally realized-the bloodline of Roger had not died out!"
Everyone watching the broadcast around the world was shaken by this staggering revelation.
Over the past four years, however, the New Generation Characters had emerged.
Bondrewd, in particular, had been so absurdly outrageous in his two and a half years on the scene that people's threshold for a Major Incident had gradually risen.
There had been the psychological shock of the God Eater Incident in Gold City, followed by the recent sensation surrounding Enies Lobby's destruction.
The revelation that Ace was the Pirate King's son was shocking, certainly, but not all that frightening.
Even Roger's highest bounty had nearly been doubled by Bondrewd.
On the raised platform at the foremost defensive line, four Shichibukai stood in a row: the Empress, Flashlight, Kuma, and Hawk-Eye.
At this revelation, they all turned toward the Execution Platform.
Seeing that they were all interested, Flashlight had no intention of being the odd one out, so he turned to look as well.
"To think he's that man's descendant."
Kuma looked at Ace, recalling the God Valley Incident with a touch of wistfulness.
Come to think of it, Roger had been one of his benefactors, too.
"Bear, even you get sentimental?"
Hawk-Eye looked every inch the traditional peerless master, exuding effortless cool in every movement and word.
Hawk-Eye and Kuma had little connection, and neither was much of a talker.
Hearing that tone from Kuma, the so-called Tyrant, surprised him a little.
When Kuma kept a straight face, he was certainly imposing.
"Life is unpredictable. That's all."
With his height advantage, Kuma