Chapter 24: Rescue, Dismantle, Slaughter
Bubu Wang left the room where the Seven Warlords were gathered and continued his reconnaissance within the Marine base. Soon, he found another noteworthy room. It was pitch black inside, with over a dozen figures either standing or sitting. Based on their attire, Su Xiao determined they were all Contractors.
"Everyone, no need to keep the lights off, right? Making this place all dark and gloomy. And you two, that's enough. Those who flaunt their love die fast. Haven't you heard that?"
With a *click*, the lights in the room came on. The speaker was a man in a black combat suit, reeking of gunpowder.
"Hey, I'm talking to you two."
The combat suit man frowned. Following his gaze, one could see a couple kissing passionately on a single sofa, their hands reaching into each other's clothes, completely oblivious to everyone else.
"Black Moon, they're jealous."
The woman sitting on her lover's lap spoke. She wore purple eyeshadow, while her partner had black eyeshadow.
"It's only human nature. Jealousy makes people ugly."
The man named Black Moon spoke. The woman sitting on his lap, wearing purple eyeshadow, was called Flower Shadow.
The combat suit man's gaze turned hostile, but then he laughed and taunted, "I'm curious about one thing. If one of you dies, how long will the other last?"
"If you're jealous, just say so. Why spout such bullshit?"
Black Moon wasn't angered and continued kissing Flower Shadow.
"I hope one of you dies soon."
Maybe annoyed by the sight, the combat suit man turned off the lights again. The others in the room remained silent, which was why the lights were off in the first place. Out of sight, out of mind. This couple was strong, quite famous among the Fifth Rank.
After Bubu Wang took photos of everyone in the room, he trotted happily to continue his reconnaissance on the upper floors.
Inside the submarine ship, Su Xiao put down the military computer and found a flat spot to rest.
While Su Xiao was recuperating, preparing to participate in the Paramount War, Bubu Wang inside Marine Headquarters was having a blast. He had already infiltrated the underground cell where Ace was imprisoned. At least five hundred elite Marines, five Marine Rear Admirals, and two Vice Admirals were guarding the area.
"Have you had dinner?"
Garp sat cross-legged in front of Ace's cell, his expression unreadable—whether sadness or disappointment.
"..."
Only faint breathing came from the dark cell.
"This might be your last meal. There probably won't be breakfast tomorrow."
After saying this, Garp looked even older.
"My hands are cuffed. I can't eat my last meal like a dog, can I?"
Ace's weak voice came from the cell. Bubu Wang, who had been feeling solemn due to the sad atmosphere, almost got angry when he heard this. If he could talk, he would definitely ask Ace, "What discrimination do you have against dogs?!"
"Is that so... Ah..."
Garp stood up and reached his arm into the cell.
"Mr. Garp."
A Marine Rear Admiral quickly stepped forward.
"I'm just feeding my grandson dinner. What's..."
"Mr. Garp, there's nothing to be done."
Hearing this, Garp's hand froze. After a moment of thought, he stood up.
"Blumer, I'm counting on you."
Leaving these words, Garp walked out of the underground prison.
...
The morning sun slowly rose from the horizon. There were 3 hours and 17 minutes left until the public execution.
Tap, tap, tap...
Footsteps echoed in an upward underground passage. Ace, his arms bound behind him with shackles, walked up the steps step by step. Behind him were two expressionless guards from Impel Down.
On the square in front of Marine Headquarters, countless Marines had gathered, tens of thousands. A Marine officer standing on a high platform took a deep breath.
"Don't let your guard down! No matter what happens, there are only three hours left. Then everything will be over!"
The officer's shout echoed across half the port.
"ROAR!"
A thunderous roar erupted from the crowd.
The square behind the port was filled with Marines. Further back, on the slightly elevated inner port, stood the five Shichibukai. From Moria's expression, it was clear he was annoyed at having to stand there three hours early.
Beyond the Shichibukai, tens of thousands more Marines filled the inner port, followed by several Giant Vice Admirals. Further back stood the towering execution platform.
On a viewing platform level with the execution platform, below Marine Headquarters, three seats were arranged. Marine Admiral Akainu sat on one. From a Marine's perspective, Akainu was hardworking and dutiful, though his style was iron-fisted.
If the Whitebeard Pirates attacked from the outer port, they would have to endure a hail of cannonballs just to land.
Reporters from all over the world were watching Marineford. Because of Ace's public execution, Den Den Mushi were broadcasting it live on the nearby Sabaody Archipelago.
Sabaody Archipelago, District 66. This was a Marine garrison, but today it was open to all reporters.
On an open field, several screens were set up, with reporters standing below. Judging by their expressions, they seemed more nervous than the Marines at Marineford.
At Marineford, on the towering execution platform, Ace knelt with his arms cuffed behind him with Seastone handcuffs. Chains connected the cuffs to the platform on either side, forcing him to remain kneeling with his head bowed.
Sengoku, in his full Marine uniform, stood beside Ace, his posture straight. His next words would be known to the entire world, so he appeared very serious.
"Ace, state your father's name."
Sengoku held a Den Den Mushi flat in his hand, letting his voice spread across the entire square.
At the same time, half a kilometer from the port, underwater, inside the submarine ship, Su Xiao opened his military computer and connected to Bubu Wang's surveillance device. As soon as the image appeared on the screen, he felt something was off. The angle was too high.
"Bubu, where are you?"
Perhaps because Su Xiao's voice was sudden, the image on the screen shook slightly. Soon, Su Xiao saw two legs clad in pristine white Marine trousers, standing straight. As the angle moved up, Su Xiao saw Sengoku's old face, no more than three meters from the lens.
"Get away from the execution platform."
Su Xiao really hadn't expected Bubu Wang to be right on the execution platform, less than five meters from Ace.
There was still some time before the Whitebeard Pirates appeared. Taking this opportunity, Su Xiao checked his mission list. This main mission was somewhat special.
[Main Mission (Optional)]
Mission 1: Rescue Portgas D. Ace.
Difficulty: Lv.48
Reward: Soul Severing Shadow Stone (Incomplete) × 1.
Time Limit: 5 hours.
Penalty: Forced Execution.
...
Mission 2: Dismantle the Blackbeard Pirates.
Difficulty: Lv.46
Reward: Golden Attribute Point × 1.
Time Limit: 12 hours.
Penalty: Forced Execution.
...
Mission 3: Kill a Marine officer of Vice Admiral rank or higher.
Difficulty: Lv.40 ~ Lv.47
Reward: Determined by mission completion.
Time Limit: 6 hours.
Penalty: Forced Execution.
...
Mission 4: Kill Whitebeard, Edward Newgate.
Difficulty: Lv.48
Reward: Growth-type Equipment Chest.
Time Limit: 6 hours.
Penalty: Forced Execution.
...
[Tip: Among the Main Missions (Optional) × 4, completing only one is sufficient to exempt you from the forced execution penalty caused by failing the other three main missions.]
Su Xiao closed the mission list. This time, four main missions appeared simultaneously, and the rewards were increasingly generous.