Clang~
Clang~
The clinking of chains rang out.
With massive chains binding his hands and feet, Ace slowly walked toward the stairs.
Two executioners escorted him on either side.
Usually lively and cheerful, he now wore a rather gloomy expression.
He stopped and looked up at the seemingly endless stairs.
These must be the stairs to true hell, he guessed.
He could not help recalling the promise he had made with Luffy and Sabo as a child.
He remembered Dadan's stubborn words, Garp's Fist of Love, and Lott's strictness.
"Keep moving. Don't stop!" one of his escorts said.
At those words, Ace slowly lifted his foot and stepped onto the stairs.
Tap~ Clang~
Tap~ Clang~
The footsteps and the scrape of chains across the floor sounded particularly grating in the silent passage.
Every step brought him closer to heaven.
Creak~
As a door opened, the enormous Execution Platform slowly came into view before the three of them.
The plaza was packed with Marines, and beneath the Execution Platform stood three figures with an intensely oppressive presence.
Even the air was thick with the atmosphere of war.
"Don't linger. Keep moving."
Tap~ Rattle~
Tap~ Rattle~
The two executioners escorted Ace onto the Execution Platform, then bent down to fasten his chains.
Every Marine below looked somewhat horrified at the sight of him.
Gulp~
Gulp~
The sound of swallowing rose one after another.
"That's Golden Emperor Ace! The man who could become the spark for a world-shaking war!!"
"He's Golden Emperor Ace! He's also the culprit who holds the world's fate in his hands!"
"He's the reason we've gathered here."
"That's a man who influences the course of this world!"
Meanwhile, the scene of Ace being escorted onto the Execution Platform was broadcast live around the world.
At Shakky's Rip-off Bar