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"Looking for Ace?!"
Hearing that the Beast Pirates wanted to find Ace, the Commanders' expressions suddenly darkened. They didn't think the Beast Pirates looking for Ace would be for anything good.
Moreover, they knew Ace had once been to Wano Country.
Clearly, the Beast Pirates were here to kill Ace!
Ace must not be allowed to fall into danger!
Daichi let out a soft exclamation, his face showing surprise.
"Do you know Ace?"
"Of course we do!"
The Commanders picked up their weapons, ready for battle.
"Ace is our comrade!"
"He is now the Commander of the 2nd Division of our Whitebeard Pirates!"
"Give up, there's no way we're handing Ace over to you!"
The Commanders surrounded Daichi and his companions.
"Pay-Pay!"
"Understood!"
Seeing this, Ulti and Page One immediately transformed, and two great ancient beasts guarded Daichi on his left and right sides!
A battle was about to erupt.
"Wait a minute!"
Daichi frowned slightly: "When did Ace join the Whitebeard Pirates, and even become the Commander of the 2nd Division? You wouldn't be intentionally deceiving me to protect him, would you?"
"We're not that bored."
Marco explained coldly: "Ace joined us three months ago, and his appointment as Commander was just decided today."
"Do I look like an idiot to you?!"
Daichi's gaze turned cold.
"If Fire Fist Ace joined the Whitebeard Pirates, such a big event should have spread throughout the world by now, how could there be no news at all!"
"This…"
Marco was speechless.
Given Ace's fame, that was indeed the case.
He couldn't very well explain that Ace had been beaten on the ship for nearly three months and only recently became an official member.
It was too embarrassing.
As a family member, he had to protect Ace's reputation!
"Not earlier, not later, but precisely when our Beast Pirates came looking for Ace, Ace became the Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."
Daichi mocked him without mercy.
"If your Whitebeard Pirates really want Fire Fist Ace so badly, just say so. We are all pirates. There's no need to be so fake."
"We didn't lie to you!"
The Commanders' expressions were grim.
The timing was indeed a bit too coincidental. If the Beast Pirates had arrived a few days later, they could have justifiably protected Ace.
The current situation made it seem somewhat like they were bullying others, but the opponent was the Beast Pirates, who were not easy to bully. A slight misstep could easily trigger a war.
Now they had a vast enterprise. They were no longer just a single ship of people venturing into the world, able to start a war without any reservations.
Just as both sides were at loggerheads, a commotion broke out behind them.
"Get out of the way, this is my business!"
Ace's voice came from behind!
The Commanders' expressions changed slightly.
What they least wanted to see now was Ace encountering the Beast Pirates. Although they trusted Ace's strength, they didn't want Ace to be in danger.
Ace was too young and easily impulsive!
Soon.
Ace squeezed through the crowd, stood beside Marco, and looking at the burly man he least wanted to see, his hands and feet instantly went cold.
It really was this devil!
He had thought about hiding on the ship, but his pride as a man wouldn't allow him to do so, let alone let his comrades bear the risk for him.
If he died, he died!
No, it was worse than death!
The thought of tomorrow morning's newspaper publishing that Fire Fist Ace, Commander of the Whitebeard 2nd Division, committed suicide out of shame for debt, made his heart turn to ashes.
Sorry, Whitebeard.
Farewell, comrades.
Ace walked forward like a zombie, coming before Daichi.
"Daichi."
"Ace."
Daichi looked down at Ace.
"You are Whitebeard's Commander now?"
"That's right."
Ace slowly nodded.
Although he had tried to refuse, his comrades wouldn't allow it.
Besides, he wanted to be a Commander!
"Daichi, I didn't—"
"Slap!"
Daichi's thick, powerful hand pulled Ace into a hug, cutting off Ace's words.
Huh?!
Daichi hugged Ace like a bear, laughing loudly.
"Brother Ace, I missed you so much!"
"Huh?"
Ace was completely bewildered.
The Commanders were also bewildered!
What was happening in this scene?
Daichi released Ace, placed his hand on Ace's head, and looked at the Commanders: "Commanders, allow me to formally introduce myself, my name is Daichi!"
"My apologies for the offense just now!"
"After all, Brother Ace is my beloved friend and brother, so I had to confirm if you truly considered him a comrade."
"I am truly grateful for your care of this kid!"
This person and Ace are brothers?
Marco and the others were dumbfounded.
No, this twist is too big!
They were just preparing for a fight to the death!
Also, how do you two look like brothers? You don't resemble each other at all!
"What are you standing there for!"
Daichi slapped Ace hard.
"Speak, you brat!"
"Uh, oh, oh!"
Ace finally reacted, and pressured by Daichi's oppressive might, he grudgingly bowed and apologized to his comrades.
What kind of brotherly nonsense.
He was clearly a malicious creditor!
If it weren't for Daichi showing no ill will towards his comrades, he wouldn't have complied even if it meant exposing himself.
"Sorry for the misunderstanding, Daichi is my Big Brother!"
"...."
The Commanders exchanged glances.
Is it true?
But Ace, why do you look a bit timid?
"Hahahahaha."
Daichi vigorously ruffled Ace's hair, explaining with a laugh: "Ace and I became friends through a fight in Wano Country, and then we drank the cup of brotherhood. This kid got beaten by me quite a bit, so he's a little afraid of me."
"So that's how it is."
The Commanders suddenly understood.
Now they could understand. Becoming friends after a battle was common, especially among pirates. Ace also joined them after challenging them.
Wait!
This guy defeated Ace?
The Commanders reacted, and the way they looked at Daichi changed.
They had personally witnessed Ace's strength. Although he was still very young, Ace was truly strong!
This muscular giant is even stronger than Ace?
Really?
The Commanders exchanged glances, eager for action.
Daichi looked at their expressions and smilingly suggested: "My main purpose in coming here was to check on Ace's situation. Now that I see he's doing well, I can rest assured."
"Thank you again for taking care of Ace!"
"How about this, I'll treat you to drinks!"
"Ace, go call all your shipmates, and all you Commanders, please do me this favor!"
This favor, they had to grant!
Marco smiled: "Since you are Ace's brother, we won't refuse, but Brother Daichi, you are a guest from afar, how can we let you pay? We will treat you to these drinks!"
"No! No!"
Daichi repeatedly waved his hands, patting his chest loudly: "If you argue with me about this, then I'll be unhappy! All expenses today must be paid by me, Daichi!"
"..."
The Commanders exchanged helpless glances.
Not only did he care for his brother, but he was also so generous and lavish with his spending. Treating them to drinks was no small sum.
He was truly impossible to dislike!
"Brothers, let's feast!"
"Oh, oh, oh!!!"