AI Model: gemini-3.0-flashChapter 385: The Tide of the Era!On the scarred wreckage of the Moby Dick, the atmosphere strangely shifted from a life-and-death struggle to post-war mutual aid.The doctor of the Red Hair Pirates was skillfully helping Marco treat the wounded, his movements quick and efficient, without the slightest hint of arrogance.On the other side of the deck, Shanks and Ace sat side-by-side on a broken section of the gunwale, each holding a bottle of top-tier fine wine brought from the Red Force.The sea breeze blew past, carrying the salty, metallic scent of blood, also dispersing some of the heavy atmosphere."Drinking with Whitebeard back then was also on this ship..."Shanks spoke first; he took a large gulp of wine, his gaze drifting toward the distance as if he could see that towering man."Things remain, but people change..."He turned his head, looking at the young man beside him who was covered in injuries yet still had stubborn eyes, and praised him sincerely:"Having lost the protection of the world's strongest man, to have guarded Whitebeard's flag until now and led everyone to this point—you've done better than anyone could have imagined."Ace was stunned for a moment, then also took a large gulp of wine. The burning liquid scorched his throat, but it made him feel incredibly clear-headed.He looked at Shanks and bowed his head sincerely."Thank you, Mr. Shanks. Not just for breaking the siege today, but also for the past... for looking after Luffy."His voice was a bit raspy, but one could hear the relief in it."I was once suffocated by hatred and responsibility, but to protect Pops' last family, I had to stand up."Just then, Benn Beckman, with a cigarette in his mouth, walked over silently and handed the latest newspaper to Shanks.Shanks didn't look at it, instead simply pushing the newspaper in front of Ace."We just happened to be passing by and saw this; thought you might want to know."Ace's gaze fell upon the newspaper, his pupils instantly shrinking to pinpoints.The front-page headline was written in a font so terrifyingly large it nearly burst off the page—"Straw Hat Luffy Creates Another Miracle, Defeating the Heavenly Yaksha Donquixote Doflamingo! Revolutionary Army Chief of StaffSabo Returns from the Dead, Inheriting the Power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit!"Sabo!The Tremor-Tremor Fruit!These two terms were like two thunderclaps, exploding violently in his mind.His expression froze, and it was as if his soul had been sucked out; he stared blankly at that line of text, motionless.Time seemed to stand still.One second, two seconds...Suddenly, he let out a suppressed, strange sound that was indistinguishable from crying or laughing.Immediately after, bean-sized tears rolled uncontrollably from his bloodshot eyes, hitting the newspaper and causing circles of ink to bleed out."Pfft... Haha... Hahahahahaha!!!"He slammed a fist into the deck beneath him, and the hard wooden planks shattered on impact.He didn't care at all, simply throwing his head back and laughing loudly. His laughter carried a sob, filled with an indescribable ecstasy and relief."That bastard... that's great... that's wonderful!!!"He haphazardly wiped the tears from his face with the back of his hand, shouting incoherently:"Pops' power... has been inherited by Sabo... Hahaha! This is... truly the best outcome!!!"Shanks watched Ace's complete emotional outburst quietly, not disturbing him, only silently taking another sip of wine.It wasn't until Ace had laughed enough and cried until he was exhausted, his breathing gradually steadying, that Shanks finally spoke. His voice was calm yet possessed a sharp insight that saw through everything."That kid Luffy always manages to trigger miracles."He pointed at the newspaper and analyzed:"He didn't just liberate Dressrosa; more importantly, you and the Revolutionary Army's number two have been reconnected in a way the whole world never expected.""This era is already spinning madly because of him."Hearing this, Ace snapped his head up, the fire in his eyes reigniting.He understood.The Whitebeard Pirates, the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, the Revolutionary Army...These three massive forces, because of the bond between the three brothers, were invisibly linked together.This power was enough to overturn the entire world's landscape.Shanks saw the light reigniting in Ace's eyes, and a knowing smile appeared on his face.He didn't say anything more; some things were already understood without words.He held his wine bottle high, the glass reflecting the dazzling sunlight."To the kid who's about to throw the world into chaos, and to your brothers' reunion—cheers!""Cheers!"Ace also raised his bottle, clinking it heavily against Shanks'.The crisp clinking sound was like the bugle call of a new era.Ace wiped away the last traces of tears, fully recovering from the immense surge of joy and sorrow.He stood up abruptly, looking around at his family members who were equally exhausted but whose eyes had reignited with hope because of this news.He took a deep breath and, using all his strength, let out a heaven-shaking roar."Throw a banquet!!!"This one shout drowned out the waves and the wind.The members of the Whitebeard Pirates were stunned for a moment, then erupted into deafening cheers."To celebrate that bastard Sabo getting Pops' ability! To thank the Red Hair Pirates! And for the fact that we can still fucking stand here and drink!"Ace held the wine bottle high, a more brilliant smile on his face than ever before."Tonight, we drink until we drop!!!""Ohhhhhhhh!!!"The suppressed, tragic atmosphere was completely ignited, and the ecstasy of surviving a disaster instantly swept across the entire deck.The camera slowly pulled back.Two legendary pirate ships representing different eras sat quietly side-by-side on this sea that had just experienced a bloody battle.On the deck, bonfires soared toward the sky, and food and wine were brought out like a flowing river.The sound of music, laughter, and clinking glasses merged into one, dispelling all the gloom.Beside the bonfire, Shanks and Ace clinked glasses again, laughing heartily under the vast, brilliant starry sky.Behind them, the giant wave known as the New Era was surging forward at an unprecedented speed.