Marco arrived with the remaining Division Captains, followed by over twenty captains from allied pirate crews. Every one of them had co to take part in deciding the future of the Whitebeard Pirates' territory, even though their opinions were far from unified.
So were pragmatic, willing to temporarily fall under Aether's banner to survive the current crisis. Others were driven by loyalty and ideals, preferring to uphold the na of the Whitebeard Pirates and face the coming hardships on their own, even if it ant surrendering large portions of their territory.
Despite their differences, they all understood one thing clearly. Without Aether's support, Whitebeard's forr domain would inevitably be swallowed by other powers.
The most imdiate threat was the Blackbeard Pirates, who were rapidly expanding and in urgent need of territory. Among the Yonko, Whitebeard had once controlled the largest and richest domain, far exceeding that of Shanks.
Taking everything into account, and after learning that Aether possessed an item capable of reviving the dead, the Whitebeard remnants reached a rare and unified decision.
They wanted their Pops back.
If more ti had passed, this unity might have crumbled. Ti had a way of eroding even the strongest bonds. But it had only been two days since the Marineford War, and the pain of loss was still fresh.
The atmosphere was heavy.
Sensing the gravity of the discussion, Shanks tactfully withdrew with his crew. Though he had once sailed under Gol D. Roger, he now stood as a captain of his own era.
Boa Hancock also chose to leave. As the empress of Amazon Lily and soone closely tied to Aether, it was not her place to interfere in such negotiations.
Once the room was cleared, Aether glanced at Silvers Rayleigh beside him with a faint smile.
"Rayleigh, aren't you going to step out as well?"
Rayleigh raised his glass, amusent in his eyes. "You will co asking for my help anyway. If you really want gone, I can leave and enjoy a quieter life."
Aether let out a short laugh. "I was joking. It is better to have you here."
He then turned his attention back to the group before him. His gaze sharpened.
All the division commanders were present except the fallen. Portgas D. Ace stood among them, his expression conflicted, avoiding Aether's eyes.
Of the subordinate crews, most had sent representatives even if they could not attend personally. Only three crews had completely withdrawn, unwilling to cooperate. Among them was Squard of the Maelstrom Spider Pirates, whose resentnt toward Roger's legacy still lingered.
Seated around a large, hastily prepared table, Aether spoke first.
"I gave my word to Edward Newgate that I would protect his territory. I intend to keep that promise. Whatever you decide, speak freely. Whether you stay or leave, everything can be discussed."
Before Marco could respond, Whitey Bay spoke up.
"Can I call you Aether? You told Marco the sa."
"You may."
Aether studied her briefly. Even after decades, she retained a striking presence. Her sharp eyes suggested she was not speaking without purpose.
"Do you still have that dicine that restores youth?"
"I do."
Her question drew a few quiet reactions, but she continued without pause.
"Then what about items that can bring soone back to life? If you do not have one now, can you obtain one in the future?"
The room fell silent.
Aether narrowed his eyes slightly. She had gone straight to the heart of the matter.
"I do not have one at the mont. The only one is in Ace's possession. However, I do have a way to obtain more. As for how long it will take, I cannot guarantee."
A ripple passed through the room. Even Rayleigh showed a hint of curiosity.
Whitey Bay exchanged glances with Marco and the others. The answer was not perfect, but it was enough.
Marco stepped forward.
"If we want to bring Pops back, what price must we pay?"
There was no point in circling the issue. They needed results.
Aether tapped his fingers lightly against the table, the soft rhythm filling the silence.
He had not originally planned to take in the Whitebeard remnants. But the existence of the resurrection item had changed things.
Their strength, their numbers, and their influence were exactly what he needed to stabilize such a vast territory.
Without unity, they would scatter and lose their cohesion, becoming just another set of pirate crews struggling through the New World.
Aether stopped tapping and looked directly at Marco.
"I will be direct. Are you willing to sail under my flag?"
The room erupted into discussion.
Even though they had anticipated this, hearing it stated so plainly made it harder to accept.
Marco's eyes dimd slightly. He had expected this outco.
Whitebeard was gone. As the one who bore the greatest responsibility, he could not afford hesitation.
"It is not impossible," Marco said slowly. "But we have our own conditions."
The negotiation continued.
Voices rose and fell as both sides laid out their terms. Even Rayleigh joined in, ensuring Aether's interests were protected.
Hours passed.
By the ti the moonlight spread across the island, the eting had co to an end.
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