Chapter 68: Big Mom — An Invitation from Fish-Man Island!

Ace didn’t dare relax for even a moment.

He continued to focus with all his concentration, carefully observing and analyzing every movement Whitebeard made, searching for the best way to respond.

Whitebeard’s attacks came like a raging storm.

Every slash carried deadly intent.

Yet under that overwhelming pressure, Ace found a glimmer of opportunity.

He gradually began adapting to the high-speed rhythm of the battle and started predicting Whitebeard’s next moves.

His heartbeat accelerated.

His blood boiled.

It felt as though his entire body had been set ablaze.

Then, at that very moment, Ace felt a powerful force surge from deep within him.

His eyes became sharper.

His body grew lighter and more agile.

Ace suddenly opened his eyes wide.

A crimson flame ignited within his pupils.

At the same time, Whitebeard’s blade was already closing in on his ear.

The cold gleam of the edge carried unstoppable momentum.

Just as the tip of the blade was about to slice off his ear, Ace shifted his body slightly to the right—

Only a single centimeter.

That tiny movement created a dramatic change.

Whitebeard’s blade swept past his side and crashed downward.

A sharp tearing sound split the air.

But it didn’t touch Ace at all.

Seeing this, Whitebeard burst into hearty laughter.

"Gurarararara!"

His laughter was filled with approval and pride.

It echoed through the training grounds, as if even the surrounding breeze had been infected by his good mood, gently rustling the leaves.

The training continued.

Ace became increasingly comfortable.

Not only could he evade Whitebeard’s attacks, but he had also begun finding opportunities to counterattack.

With every exchange, he could feel himself improving.

The speed of his growth surprised even him.

He knew the reason.

At the brink of life and death, he had awakened the hidden potential buried deep within himself.

And that power was steadily helping him turn the tide.

"Gurarararara!"

"That’s enough for today."

Whitebeard lowered Murakumogiri.

"Tomorrow we’ll begin training your Armament Haki."

Although Ace groaned miserably on the surface, he was deeply grateful to Whitebeard.

Back when Whitebeard’s health had been failing, he hadn’t been able to personally train Ace.

That had always weighed heavily on his mind.

Now, at last, he had the chance to make up for that regret.

And all of this had become possible because of Ron.

Silently, Ace thanked Ron in his heart.

As he watched Whitebeard’s departing figure, he nodded firmly.

As if saying:

"Don’t worry, Pops. I won’t disappoint you."

He understood that this was Whitebeard’s expectation for him.

And now it had become his own promise.

He would train harder.

He would continue growing stronger.

Until one day, he became a great man worthy of standing beside Whitebeard.

The next morning,

When the first rays of sunlight pierced through the mist and gently illuminated every corner of Skypiea, the entire island seemed to awaken with new life.

Golden light blended with the blue sky and drifting white clouds, creating a breathtaking scene.

The air was fresh and clean, carrying the scents of soil and flowers.

It was the kind of morning that made people instinctively take a deep breath and appreciate the rare tranquility.

The Shandians had gathered early.

Today’s task was continuing their search for gold veins.

For them, this mission represented both a challenge and an opportunity.

If they discovered valuable mineral deposits, they could exchange them with Ron and the others for supplies.

Among those rewards were even opportunities to obtain the powers of the gods—Devil Fruits.

Such rewards could dramatically improve their quality of life and strengthen the entire tribe.

Because of that, everyone was filled with excitement and anticipation as they set out.

Meanwhile, Skypiea’s native residents were also busy with their own work.

Some gathered fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure a healthy food supply.

Others repaired houses and cleaned streets, keeping their communities orderly and beautiful.

Some focused on crafting goods or educating children.

Through their various efforts, they maintained and developed the culture and society of the sky island.

Inside the Whitebeard Pirates’ headquarters, however, the atmosphere was far more serious.

All of the Division Commanders had been urgently summoned.

They sat around the spacious meeting hall, their expressions carrying varying degrees of tension and curiosity.

At the center sat Whitebeard.

His expression remained calm and composed, as though everything was already under control.

Only when Ron entered wearing a neatly pressed white lab coat did Whitebeard raise his head slightly.

His gaze softened.

"What happened?"

Ron walked forward and took a seat nearby.

"What’s so urgent?"

Nearby stood Marco, Ace, Jozu, and several other key commanders.

Ron was especially confused.

Based on previous experience, a full commanders’ meeting was only called when something major had occurred.

"Ron, lad."

Whitebeard smiled faintly.

"Perhaps this is actually good news."

Then he glanced toward Marco.

Marco nodded.

"Pops, I’ll explain."

The room immediately fell silent.

Everyone focused their attention on him.

Marco cleared his throat.

"This morning, we received news from Fish-Man Island."

The room grew even quieter.

"One of the Four Emperors, Big Mom, will soon be holding a grand banquet there."

"And she’s specifically invited the Whitebeard Pirates to attend as honored guests."

The moment those words left his mouth, everyone froze.

What kind of joke was that?

Big Mom inviting them as guests?

A commander immediately spoke up.

"Marco, that’s fake, right?"

"Our relationship with Big Mom has never been good. Why would she invite us?"

"Exactly!"

Another commander snorted.

"What is that crazy old hag planning now?"

"An ambush?"

"Hahaha!"

A different commander laughed loudly.

"An ambush would be perfect. We’re short on money anyway!"

"If Pops hadn’t been dealing with his health issues before, we’d have settled accounts with her when she started eyeing Fish-Man Island."

"That’s right!"

"This time we’re definitely going!"

"We need to get our revenge!"

"Exactly!"

The commanders became increasingly agitated.

One after another, they voiced their determination to confront Big Mom.

Nobody could stop them.

Their fists clenched eagerly.

Their eyes burned with fighting spirit.

Many looked ready to charge straight into Totto Land and start a war with the Big Mom Pirates immediately.

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