Seeing Ace in this state, Vale D. Drake couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Ace and Sabo were forever the same; the moment they heard news of Luffy, they couldn't sit still.
However, he genuinely loved that about them.
Drake proceeded to recount the events of Dressrosa to Ace in detail, emphasizing the growth of Luffy and the Straw Hat crew. He also spoke of how Sabo and Luffy had fought side-by-side against their enemies.
On their way to Alteila Island, Drake and his crew had picked up news regarding the Straw Hats. It aligned closely with the timeline Drake had estimated, with one notable exception: there had been no word of Burgess appearing in Dressrosa.
However, the new Navy Admiral, Fujitora, had still made his appearance. He had performed that same shocking act that left the world gasping, sending tremors through the Navy's high command. Fleet Admiral Akainu had reportedly been so livid his cap barely stayed on his head.
Drake simply smiled at the news. Minor details, he thought. All according to expectations.
But for the others, it was a different story. Ace burst into a fit of excited laughter. No one had expected Sabo and Luffy to appear in Dressrosa at the same time.
It really has been a long time... Luffy. What kind of surprise will you bring us the next time we meet? Ace wondered to himself.
"Ace, what are your plans for later? I'm heading to Totto Land, Whole Cake Island," Drake said as they found a place to sit casually.
Although he wasn't certain of Luffy's exact location at this moment, his ultimate destination was the territory of the Yonko, Big Mom. Whole Cake Island was the stronghold of one of the Four Emperors. Luffy and his crew were heading into a perilous situation alone. While in the original history, Luffy and the others managed to turn danger into safety and made the Straw Hat name ring across the world, it was nonetheless an immense risk.
Moreover, the future had been significantly altered by Drake. If Luffy's slim chance of survival rested in his hands, then...
He had to go!
"Whole Cake Island? The territory of Big Mom?" Ace raised an eyebrow. "Why are you going there?"
"Luffy is heading that way."
Drake explained the situation regarding Sanji to Ace. Listening to the narrative, a look of realization dawned on Ace's face.
"The Vinsmoke Family... I see. With Luffy's personality, he would definitely go," Ace said, nodding slowly. A memory surfaced of his previous encounter with the Straw Hat crew. Sanji—he certainly remembered him. He had even lit a cigarette for Sanji once...
"Exactly. He'll go without a second thought," Drake agreed with a knowing smile.
"I'll leave Luffy to you then. With you there, I can rest easy; after all, that is Big Mom of the Four Emperors we're talking about." Ace paused, then shook his head with a laugh. "Hahaha, but then again, the Luffy of today isn't that little crybaby who used to follow me around anymore."
Drake joined in the laughter. He knew Ace's concern for Luffy wasn't just coddling; it had become a lifelong habit. Even if his mind acknowledged that Luffy no longer needed such constant protection, his subconscious still worried.
"I'm going to Wano Country!"
Ace's eyes shone with hope, and a heartfelt smile spread across his face. "Of course, before that, I must restore the Whitebeard Pirates to their former glory. The Blackbeard Pirates no longer have a reason to exist!"
"Good!" Drake laughed heartily. "After my business is done, Luffy and I will head to Wano as well."
"By the way, Ace, Luffy's target is Kaido of the Beasts! You aren't planning on stealing his opponent, are you?" Drake teased. He knew that Ace had wanted to move against the Beast Pirates for a long time.
Before joining the Whitebeard Pirates, Ace had visited Wano and made a vital promise to a little girl named Tama. He had promised to turn Wano into a country where everyone could eat their fill! Given Ace's current strength, he finally possessed the power to fulfill that vow. He had originally intended to head straight for Wano, but the civilians there—and that girl—couldn't afford to wait much longer.
He had passed through Ge Isle with the intent of reaching Wano as quickly as possible. However, when his crew faced a total war, he had no choice but to let that girl wait a little longer in that hellish place.
Now, he had to go. But before that, he had to organize the affairs of the Whitebeard fleet and reclaim the territories stolen by Blackbeard—places where many people were undoubtedly suffering.
"Luffy..." Hearing that Luffy's target was Kaido, Ace was momentarily stunned, then he laughed. Since their goals aligned, fighting side-by-side once more sounded appropriate.
"How are everyone's injuries?" Ace turned to address the gathered Commanders.
"We're fine," Marco replied with a cheerful shake of his head. He understood Ace's intent. Now that Blackbeard was dead, their minor wounds wouldn't hinder them. They had to reclaim their lost territories immediately! They needed to send a message to the other Emperors who had encroached on their lands.
"Right! Ace, when do we move? We've been suppressed for so long that the world thinks the Whitebeard Pirates are finished."
"This time, we must show the whole world that we are still the Emperors of the sea!"
"Exactly! We can't wait any longer. Rest can wait until the job is done!" Vista added, nodding emphatically.
"Good! Then we depart immediately!" Ace decided decisively. He turned back to Drake. "Drake, you should get moving as well."
"Actually, I think Kenshin and I will be enough for my trip," Drake said after a moment's thought. "Locke, Bell, Ann, and Kuzan—you four should go with Ace."
Reclaiming territory was a massive undertaking. Many of the Whitebeard Commanders were currently injured, meaning they weren't at full strength. Having his crew along would ensure things went smoothly. Furthermore, Drake only intended to safely bring Luffy back; he wasn't looking for a total war with Big Mom. With his and Kenshin's strength, they were more than capable.
Having Kuzan go with Ace would be a massive asset. Even if he didn't lift a finger, simply having a former Admiral standing there would provide an incredible deterrent against other pirates. Drake had no worries whatsoever about Kuzan turning on them.
Ace glanced at Drake and nodded with a smile. "Alright. Let's do it that way!"
"Every injured member of the Whitebeard Pirates stays behind. We don't need excessive numbers for this."
"Jozu, Marco, you two stay as well," Ace said, looking at the eager-to-fight pair.
"What? No way, Ace, we—" Marco and Jozu were caught off guard and started waving their hands in protest. But when they saw the serious expression on Ace's face, they realized he wasn't joking.
After a moment of silence, Marco spoke. "Understood. We'll leave the front to you." Jozu wanted to argue, but seeing Marco's grave expression, he sighed and agreed.
Seeing their reluctance, Ace smiled. "Jozu, we need you here." He picked up Qing'er from his shoulder and handed her to Jozu. Taking the girl, Jozu's expression softened, and he nodded heavily to Ace.
Ace's lips curled into a slight smirk. He turned abruptly and waved a hand.
"Whitebeard Pirates, move out!"