One Piece: SSS-Rank Haki at Age Seventeen

Several days after the Paramount War…

As people with keen curiosity began digging into the truth behind the battle, the hidden details of the war were gradually uncovered. The news quickly spread across the seas.

The revelation was like a massive bomb, turning the entire world upside down.

Countless people were left in shock.

The Five Elders, the highest authority of the world, had personally descended upon Marineford, only to be forced back when "Four Emperor" Monkey D. Luffy transformed into a giant.

The World's Strongest Man, Edward Newgate (Whitebeard), had fought alone against the three Admirals, the Hero of the Marines, and the Fleet Admiral.

And "Red-Haired" Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, had boldly stepped into Marineford to end the war.

After this battle, the world finally understood the terrifying power of the Four Emperors of the New World.

Even hearing about it was enough to make people tremble—especially those who had witnessed the tragedy of Marineford firsthand.

Countless pirates set sail, hoping to join one of the Four Emperors.

Without even realizing it, the Straw Hat Pirates had also gained a massive following.

Yet the man at the center of the storm—

Monkey D. Luffy

—had disappeared completely.

No news of him could be found.

New World — Sphinx Island

Lush green trees covered the island.

Birds sang among the grass, and the air was fresh under bright sunlight.

Yet today, the island had gathered several major figures.

The remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates,

the Red-Haired Pirates,

and Sabo.

A grave stood near the edge of the island.

Beside it lay the Supreme Grade Blade Murakumogiri, buried as a tribute.

Whitebeard's captain's cloak fluttered gently in the wind.

"Red-Hair… thank you for everything."

Marco the Phoenix spoke sincerely.

If Shanks hadn't appeared, their losses might have been catastrophic—even total annihilation.

And Shanks had also recovered Whitebeard's body for them.

That alone was an enormous debt of gratitude.

"You don't need to thank me," Shanks replied quietly.

"Even as an enemy, Whitebeard was someone worthy of respect."

"Perhaps Sengoku felt the same way."

Shanks closed his eyes slightly.

He had witnessed Whitebeard at the height of his power.

And now… he had witnessed his end.

Time truly spared no one.

"By the way, Marco… what are you planning to do next?"

"Since Whitebeard's death, the New World has fallen into complete chaos."

Marco looked slightly awkward.

Then he smiled and glanced toward a figure standing near the cliff.

"That's not something I can decide."

Shanks followed his gaze and immediately understood.

"…I see."

"Well then, I'll be going."

"Take care."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the Red Force slowly sailed toward the horizon.

Leaning against the railing, Shanks watched the island glowing under the setting sun.

After a long moment, he sighed.

"It seems… the legend of the Whitebeard Pirates will continue."

Beside him, Benn Beckman approached with a cigarette in his mouth.

"So… how is he?"

"The son of your captain."

Shanks looked at him in surprise.

"What do you mean 'how is he'?"

"The only man I've ever believed in…"

"has always been just one person."

Then he glared at Beckman with mock resentment.

"You didn't seriously think I was the type to hedge my bets on two people, did you?"

"Cough—!"

Beckman nearly choked on his smoke.

He pulled out Luffy's bounty poster and spoke seriously.

"You know what this means, right?"

Shanks took the poster and examined it carefully.

Then he burst out laughing.

"Hahaha!"

"A Four Emperor, huh? Not bad at all!"

Then he shouted:

"Alright, everyone! Time for a banquet!!"

"YEAH!!"

Watching his endlessly cheerful crewmates, Beckman shook his head helplessly.

"Leave some alcohol for me too!"

Sphinx Island

"Pull yourself together, Ace."

Sabo sat beside Portgas D. Ace, handing him a bottle of beer.

Ace took it, his expression blank.

"Sabo…"

"If I hadn't been so stubborn… do you think Pops would still be alive?"

Tears welled up in his eyes.

"Ace!"

Sabo grabbed his shoulders and stared straight into his eyes.

"Because you were his family… Whitebeard was willing to risk his life to save you."

"That's exactly why you have to stand up again!"

"You have to fulfill Whitebeard's will!"

"…Pops' will?"

The emptiness in Ace's eyes slowly faded.

A faint light returned.

"You're right…"

"I still have family to protect."

"Luffy… you… Marco…"

"You're all my family."

At that moment, Marco walked over.

"Then let's start a banquet."

"To celebrate the rebirth of the Whitebeard Pirates!"

Ace turned and looked at the familiar faces around him.

"Ace! Come over here!"

"Let's raise a toast to Pops!"

"Ace!!"

"Ace!!"

Night soon fell.

Bonfires lit up the island.

Large pirates lay sprawled across the ground, drunk and laughing.

Ace and Marco sat facing each other, clinking their cups.

"Ace…"

"From now on, you'll lead us forward."

Ace's hand froze.

"No… it shouldn't be me."

"The most suitable person is you, Marco!"

"In seniority, you were among the first to follow Pops."

"In strength, you're far stronger than me."

"No."

Marco cut him off.

"I've already reached my limit."

"But you… are only just beginning."

"Only you can lead the Whitebeard Pirates back to glory."

Marco understood his own limits clearly.

No matter how hard he tried, he could never stand on the same stage as Shanks, Kaido, or Big Mom.

But Ace could.

He had the talent.

This world was cruel.

Ten years of effort from an ordinary person might still pale in comparison to a single moment of awakening from a true monster.

Some people spent their entire lives unable to reach the level of an Admiral.

For others—

Admiral was merely the starting point.

Ace looked deeply at Marco.

After a long breath, he nodded.

"…Alright."

"I accept."

"But you must become my vice-captain."

"If I ever make mistakes, you must guide me."

Marco raised his cup.

"Deal."

Clink.

"Deal."

From that day on—

Portgas D. Ace carried the banner of Whitebeard.

He would protect everyone he cherished.

Amazon Lily — Kuja Palace

Inside a luxurious palace.

Luffy lay unconscious on a soft pink bed.

"It's already been three days…"

"Why hasn't Luffy woken up yet?"

A cool hand gently poked his elastic cheek.

Boa Hancock leaned beside him.

Instead of her usual cheongsam, she wore a light crimson robe.

She gazed at him tenderly.

Her eyes slowly drifted toward Luffy's lips.

Her resolve began collapsing rapidly.

"…It's already happened several times."

"One more time won't matter…"

During the days Luffy had been unconscious…

Hancock had clearly been struggling to control herself.

But now—

She leaned down.

Her long hair fell softly over her shoulders as she pressed her lips against his.

Awkward.

Yet passionate.

At that exact moment—

Luffy's eyelashes trembled.

Then his eyes slowly opened.

He stared blankly at the scene before him.

Luffy: "…???"

PS: I've been releasing chapters daily . Honestly, it hurts seeing almost no support on Patreon after all that work.If you're enjoying the fic, even a little, supporting me would mean a lot. It helps a student stay independent .

complete fic (all chapters ) are already up on Patreon → /Chakraflow789

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