As the news of Ace's capture and Siren's abduction spread, it reached farther and deeper into the Grand Line than anyone could have anticipated. From hidden enclaves to bustling towns, the ripple of impending chaos was undeniable. The world was preparing for a storm unlike any before, and those who would play a role in it began to stir.
...
Marco:
The salty spray of the ocean was refreshing against Marco's skin, though his body still screamed with pain. Leaning heavily on the ship's railing, he stared at the horizon, his mind a maelstrom of guilt and determination.
"Hey," Cricket's gruff voice snapped him from his thoughts. The older man approached, his boots thudding against the deck. "You need to stop pushing yourself. You won't do anyone any good if you collapse before we get there."
Marco glanced at him, his lips set in a grim line. "I can't sit still. Ace is in Blackbeard's hands, and Siren... she's—" His voice broke slightly, and he swallowed hard.
Cricket sighed, his face softening. "I get it. You think you've lost them both. But listen to me, kid." He clapped a hand on Marco's shoulder. "Not everything's lost. Not yet. You're the Phoenix. You rise from the ashes. And if anyone can pull this off, it's you."
Marco closed his eyes, nodding. "Thanks, old man. I just... I hope they're holding on."
"Hope's a powerful thing," Cricket said with a small smile. "And you've got more allies than you realize. Word's spreading faster than wildfire. The Grand Line's buzzing, Marco. People are rallying."
...
Koala:
In a quiet village on the outskirts of the Grand Line, a small group of revolutionaries gathered in a shadowy tavern. Among them was Koala, her face set with determination as she relayed Sabo's message.
"Ace is captured, and Siren is with Big Mom," she said. "Sabo wants us to prepare to move. We need to be ready to strike at Marineford or anywhere else the World Government makes its move."
One of the revolutionaries, a tall man with scars crisscrossing his face, leaned forward. "Marineford, huh? That's suicide."
Koala's gaze didn't waver. "Then we'll die fighting for something that matters. This isn't just about Ace. If the Marines succeed, they'll tighten their grip on everyone."
The man nodded slowly. "All right. We're with you."
...
Luffy:
The Thousand Sunny raced forward, every member of the Straw Hat crew pushing themselves to the limit. Luffy stood at the helm, gripping the vivre card tightly as it disintegrated bit by bit.
"Faster!" he shouted. "We have to get there before it's too late!"
"Captain," Robin's calm voice broke through the tension. "We might not be alone in this fight."
Luffy turned to her, confused. "What do you mean?"
Robin held up a piece of parchment. "A message from an old friend of yours. Jinbe."
Nami's eyes widened. "Jinbe? What does he want?"
Robin smiled faintly. "He says he's heard of Ace's capture and Siren's situation. He's rallying the Fish-Man forces. They're coming to help."
Luffy's grin spread wide. "Jinbe's coming? That's awesome! Let's go meet him!"
...
Shanks:
On a distant island, Red-Haired Shanks sat at a table, a newspaper in his hand. The headline screamed the news:"Portgas D. Ace Captured—Execution Scheduled!"
Shanks' jaw tightened as he passed the paper to Benn Beckman. "They're playing a dangerous game," he muttered.
"What do you want to do?" Beckman asked, his tone cautious.
Shanks stared at the horizon, his expression unreadable. "Ace is Roger's son and Luffy's brother. And Whitebeard's not going to take this lying down. But there's more at stake than just one life. If this spirals out of control..."
Beckman nodded. "The whole world will be watching."
Shanks stood, gripping his sword. "I'll be watching too. Let's make sure this storm doesn't destroy everything."
Half an hour later a seagul brought Whitebeard's message and Shanks stopped wasting time.
...
Siren:
Siren sat in the corner of her cell, her wrists bound with seastone cuffs. The room was damp and cold, but her heart felt even heavier. She closed her eyes, feeling the faint flicker of life within her—a small, steady heartbeat.
Her thoughts churned with grief and guilt.Marco... Ace... I'm so sorry. I should've told you. If only I knew sooner.Tears slid down her cheeks as she clutched the faint glow of her shell necklace, the only thing she had left of Marco.
The sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, and Smoothie's tall figure appeared. "Still sulking, I see."
Siren glared at her. "Go to hell."
Smoothie chuckled. "I've already claimed a piece of it, thanks." She leaned against the doorframe. "Your men are scattering like leaves in the wind. Big Mom's going to crush them if they come."
"They'll come," Siren said quietly, though her voice carried a steely edge. "Marco, Ace, Luffy... they'll come. And they'll stop you."
Smoothie smirked. "We'll see. For now, you're mine to keep."
As she left, Siren exhaled shakily, her resolve hardening.I'll protect you,she thought, her hand drifting to her abdomen.No matter what, I'll protect you.
...