Chapter 344: Chapter 344: Ace Inherits!
Chapter 344: Ace Inherits!
Ryuunosuke was silent for a moment after hearing Ace’s words.
Whitebeard wanting Ace to inherit the Whitebeard Pirates? That didn’t surprise him in the slightest.
After all, Whitebeard knew Ace’s lineage.
As the son of Gol D. Roger—Whitebeard’s greatest rival—it made perfect sense for Edward Newgate to place his hopes on Ace. It was poetic, in a way. Fitting. And beyond bloodlines, Ace had the strength to match. He wielded all three forms of Haki—Observation, Armament, and even Conqueror’s.
Not to mention, Ace was his little brother.
The younger brother of Ryuunosuke, the captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates.
With identity, strength, heritage, and character on his side—what more could anyone want from a successor?
Honestly, Ryuunosuke would have found it strange if Whitebeard had chosen anyone else.
But the look on Ace’s face said it all.
He wasn’t excited. He wasn’t proud. He was troubled.
"Brother... why aren’t you saying anything?" Ace asked nervously. "Do you also think it’s... outrageous?"
"Outrageous?" Ryuunosuke blinked, then grinned. "Not at all. I think it’s completely reasonable."
He crossed his arms.
"If anything, I’m wondering why you’re not thrilled about it. Don’t tell me... you lack confidence?"
Ryuunosuke’s smile turned teasing. "If you’re not sure, why don’t you just quit the Whitebeard Pirates and join the Dragon Hunter Pirates? You can start from the bottom. I’ve got nothing to inherit, but I’ve got plenty of work."
Ace chuckled awkwardly but still looked uncertain.
"When I joined the Whitebeard Pirates... I was just some rookie," Ace muttered. "Marco’s been with Pops since the beginning. He’s the First Division Commander. I’m just the Second..."
He trailed off.
Ryuunosuke immediately understood. Ace wasn’t worried about leading—he was worried about deserving to lead.
Ace respected Marco. Admired him, even. And most importantly, he felt like he was cutting in line.
"Marco... the others... they were there long before me. I feel like I’d be stealing something if I accepted this," Ace confessed. "And honestly, I don’t know if I’m ready. I couldn’t even keep the Spade Pirates in check when I first set out..."
His voice faltered.
Ryuunosuke didn’t interrupt.
Sometimes, doubts were best spoken aloud before they could be crushed.
"I didn’t come here to run away," Ace said after a pause. "I came to ask you... what should I do?"
Ryuunosuke finally leaned forward and looked Ace in the eye.
"Ace," he said seriously, "let me ask you something. Do you really think the others can lead the Whitebeard Pirates better than you?"
Ace opened his mouth—but no words came out.
"You’re thinking about Marco, right?" Ryuunosuke continued.
Ace slowly nodded.
"Listen," Ryuunosuke said, voice calm but firm. "Marco’s been around forever. He’s strong. Smart. Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit user. On paper, he’s perfect."
Ace nodded again.
"But he’s not fit to be captain."
That made Ace blink. "What?"
"I said—he’s not fit to be captain."
"...Why?" Ace asked, eyes narrowing, though not in anger—only confusion.
Ryuunosuke smiled faintly.
That was the reaction he was hoping for.
Ace hadn’t denied it. He was seeking clarity, not conflict.
"Because he’s the ship’s doctor."
"Huh?"
"Marco is more of a caretaker than a leader. His instinct is to heal, not command. He thinks about how to save his crewmates, not how to lead them into uncharted waters. That’s not a flaw, but it limits him."
Ryuunosuke continued.
"Second, Marco doesn’t have the fire to push the Whitebeard Pirates forward. He maintains. He protects. But a captain needs to drive the crew, not just guide them."
"Third—" He looked Ace dead in the eyes. "—I just don’t think he’s the right one."
Ace frowned. "That’s... subjective."
"Of course it is," Ryuunosuke replied with a smirk. "And do you know why I feel that way?"
"...Why?"
"Because you’re my little brother," Ryuunosuke said, his voice filled with conviction. "And as your big brother, I’ll support you, no matter what. I don’t care if the whole world disagrees."
Ace froze.
A strange warmth spread across his chest.
That was it.
That was the piece he had been missing.
Whitebeard hadn’t chosen him just because of Roger. Or even because of his strength.
He had chosen Ace because if Ace inherited the Whitebeard Pirates... then the Dragon Hunter Pirates—led by Ryuunosuke—would stand with them without hesitation.
It was a strategic choice. A family choice.
If Marco inherited the crew, Ryuunosuke might help as a favor—but that would be the end of it.
But with Ace?
They would become one of the strongest allied forces on the sea.
Ryuunosuke leaned back. "That’s why I gave you that third reason. Because you matter. And Whitebeard knew that."
Ace exhaled, a slow, deep breath.
"...I get it now," he said quietly.
"I..."
GUUUGUUUGUGU...
Ace’s stomach rumbled again.
"Let’s start with food, yeah?" came Kuina’s voice as she and Akame arrived carrying trays.
"We figured this talk would go long," Akame added with a wink.
"Thanks, sisters-in-law!" Ace grinned brightly and dug in like a starving animal.
He hadn’t eaten or slept properly for days. The weight of Whitebeard’s offer had been gnawing at him like a parasite.
Now that the burden was gone, it was like a switch flipped in his stomach.
Huff...
Before long, halfway through his meal, Ace slumped over the table—fast asleep, crumbs still on his cheek.
"Eh?" Kuina blinked.
"He’s out?" Akame chuckled.
Ryuunosuke waved a hand lazily. "He does that. Let him sleep."
He looked down at Ace with a small smile.
The storm in his brother’s heart had finally passed.
And now... it was time to head for the Sabaody Archipelago.
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