Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors, and his entire pirate fleet versus one hundred thousand elite Marines and the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
That was the scale of the Summit War at Marineford, the single largest and most influential battle in modern history. It was a conflict that dwarfed even the future chaos on Onigashima, where the new generation would challenge two Emperors at once.
That war had countless consequences, but one moment, one declaration, shook the world more than any other. It came from Whitebeard himself in his dying breath:
"THE ONE PIECE... IS REAL!"
With those words, he torched the World Government's entire objective. Just as Gol D. Roger had used the last embers of his life to ignite an era, Whitebeard paid the ultimate price to reignite it, fanning the flames of the Great Pirate Era to a fever pitch that the Marines had fought desperately to suppress.
A romantic end for a king. But a goddamn disaster for the world.
At least, that's how Bai Ye saw it. He had no intention of letting that happen again. The age of pirates couldn't be allowed to surge once more—not for the sake of innocent civilians, and certainly not for the sake of his own grand design.
In his mind, the Battle of Marineford had to happen. But it would not unfold as it did in the history he knew. The goal was no longer just about rescuing Portgas D. Ace or defeating the Navy. On a stage this massive, with the eyes of the world watching, playing out some petty drama of justice versus evil would be a complete waste of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
That's right. After so much time in this world, Bai Ye looked back on the coming war and saw the bigger picture. He had a bolder idea, one born from the unparalleled advantage of knowing what was to come. And he was damn confident he could make it a reality.
But to achieve his grand vision, he first needed to secure all the players.
-----
Back inside the auction house, the crew was reeling from Bai Ye's proposal.
"Are you out of your mind, Bai Ye?!" Usopp yelled, clutching his head in disbelief. "That plan is… it's insane!"
"Yohohoho! How wonderfully audacious!" Brook chortled, tipping his hat. "It sends a shiver down my spine… though I have no spine to shiver! Yohoho!"
"But if we do that," Sanji said, taking a long drag from his cigarette with a smirk, "we'll officially become the number one enemy of the World Government."
"We already declared war on them, didn't we?" Luffy stated simply, cutting through the noise. "What's one more time? It doesn't change a thing."
The other Straw Hats turned to look at their captain.
"Luffy can actually say something so… insightful?!" Chopper exclaimed, his eyes wide.
"Luffy's always been like this," Robin said, resting her chin on her hand with a knowing smile. "He seems simple, but he often sees the heart of the matter more clearly than anyone."
"Forget about Luffy for a second," Nami interjected, her expression serious. "The real question is, can we actually pull off what the Priest is suggesting? This is a lot bigger than shooting down a flag."
"The plan is simple in concept, but its execution requires a specific stage," Law, who had been listening silently, finally spoke up. He eyed Luffy. "Unlike the rest of us Supernovas, Straw Hat-ya has the necessary conditions to make it work."
At that, Law's gaze shifted to Bai Ye. "Don't tell me... you've been setting the stage for this since the East Blue?"
Bai Ye offered only a cryptic smile. "Who knows?"
Though it wasn't a direct answer, in Law's mind, the image of Bai Ye was cemented: a man of meticulous planning and insane recklessness. The truth was, Bai Ye hadn't orchestrated everything. It was a cascade of coincidences. But he was more than willing to use them.
"Mr. Bai Ye," a determined voice cut in. It was Lisa, the young woman from Alabasta. She stood before him, and behind her were the dozens of other slaves Rayleigh had just freed. After hearing the plan, she had grasped the key instantly.
"If this is going to work," she continued, her voice firm, "you'll need our help. For the world to believe it, the victims have to speak for themselves. Isn't that right?"
"That is true," Bai Ye said, impressed by her quick understanding. He nodded. "It's not just for the plan. It's for your own safety. Once you're in the spotlight, they can't make you disappear quietly. Exposure becomes your shield."
The logic was simple but powerful. The former slaves all nodded in agreement. Of course, even without that reasoning, they would have helped their benefactor without a second thought. Only those who have been treated as less than human can truly understand the profound luxury of freedom.
Seeing their resolve, Bai Ye turned to Rayleigh, who was enjoying his drink in the back.
"If I may ask one more thing of you..."
Rayleigh cut him off before he could finish, a grin spreading across his face. "I can already guess what it is. You don't waste any time with pleasantries, do you, boy?" A look of deep appreciation shone in the old pirate's eyes.
Bai Ye gave a respectful bow. "For a legend like you, Uncle Rayleigh, this is nothing more than lifting a finger."
Purupurupuru... Purupurupuru...
The distinct ringing of a Den Den Mushi echoed through the room. It came from Bob, a man who had remained in the background until now. He looked at Bai Ye, his expression urgent. "Mr. Bai Ye. The stage is ready."
Bai Ye's lips curled into a grin. "Then let the show begin."
-----
Outside the auction house, the Navy's cordon had descended into chaos. A new crowd was pushing through the lines, holding not weapons, but Visual Den Den Mushi.
"Out of the way! We're from the World Economic Journal! The Navy has no jurisdiction over the press!"
"That's right, move it! If you cost me the scoop of the century, I'll have your job!"
"The live feed is about to start! I need a front-row angle!"
The reporters were arrogant and relentless, but the Marines were hesitant to act. The WEJ had a complex, cooperative relationship with the World Government itself. As a subsidiary organization, the Navy's hands were tied. They could only watch, confused, as the swarm of journalists took over. What "big news"? What "live broadcast"?
Just as the confusion peaked, an excited shout ripped through the crowd.
"Look! Someone's coming out!"
All cameras swiveled toward the entrance. A figure emerged, calm and composed amidst the chaos.
"It's him! The Vice-Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates! The man they call 'The Priest'!" another reporter screamed, zooming in. "Bai Ye! Bounty: 600 Million Beri!"