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Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Straw Hats’ Dream Realized! Marco Trembles with Emotion!

"Straw Hats——"

"The Dream Journey Begins!!!"

As the ten core members of the Straw Hat crew, along with Yamato, Carrot, Marco, Izou, Nekomamushi, Inuarashi, Kid, Killer, Law, and Bepo—

a total of twenty people—gathered atop the mountain peak…

Suddenly, in the void above them, six massive golden characters appeared:

"Straw Hats' Dream Journey!!!"

The moment these words appeared—

Other than the still-recovering Zoro, the other 18 present all turned their gazes to the one familiar, carefree figure…

Straw Hat Luffy.

"As expected—it's you again, Straw Hat brat!"

Eustass Kid's forehead pulsed with rage.

"Straw Hat, what have you done this time?"

Trafalgar Law's face darkened as well.

"Luffy…"

"What exactly did you do this time?"

"What is going on?!"

"All of this… is it because of you again, you idiot captain?!"

"Luffy, you moron! What did you pull off this time?!"

Usopp, Chopper, Sanji, and Nami all glared furiously at their captain.

They had long grown used to the bizarre stunts their idiotic leader pulled—

but this time felt even more extreme.

"Ah?"

Luffy tilted his head, innocent as ever.

"I don't know anything! Wasn't me!"

"Stop lying! And tell us, are you really Luffy?!"

Nami rolled up her sleeves, ready to deliver a good smack.

"Yohohohoho!"

"Let's not act rashly just yet!"

Brook and Franky quickly stepped in to mediate.

"Everyone—look! There's more writing in the sky!"

Jinbe pointed up.

"The date: September 16th, Sea Circle Year 1520."

Robin read the words one by one aloud.

"Ha ha!!!"

The moment the date appeared—

Everyone in the crowd went silent, frozen.

Every single face was overtaken by disbelief and shock.

"Sea Circle 1520? That's... two years ago?!"

"This year should be 1522! Even the month and day don't match!"

They looked at each other in confusion.

"Wait, wait—Marco, isn't September 1520...?"

Izou seemed to recall something and looked over at Marco.

"Yeah... there's no mistake. I'll never forget that time. One week from now, it's…"

Marco's voice trailed off.

A hazy expression overtook him, followed by a flash of pain across his face.

That day, one week from now, was the true disaster for the Whitebeard Pirates.

Even though two years had passed...

That day's memories were still burned into his mind.

One by one, his comrades fell…

Until finally, even the old man…

"Marco, Izou... you okay?"

Nekomamushi asked, puzzled.

"September two years ago… don't tell me..."

Robin frowned, the realization dawning on her.

And sure enough—

In the next moment, new golden text appeared in the sky:

[Countdown: 7 days until the public execution of Fire Fist Ace, 2nd Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates]

[Main Mission: Head to Marineford atop the summit battlefield and assist Straw Hat Luffy in rescuing Fire Fist Ace]

[Note: This is a parallel timeline from two years ago, triggered by Straw Hat Luffy...]

[Side Mission 1: ???]

[Side Mission 2: ???]

[Complete all missions to return to your original timeline and continue your journey]

[Let the Phone Booth support every dream—until they become reality!]

As everyone read the instructions floating in the sky…

A heavy silence fell over the summit of Oden Castle.

No one spoke for a long time.

Then—

"Ace! Two years ago! I really… I really get another chance?!"

"Another chance… to save Ace?!"

Luffy suddenly leapt three feet into the air, his eyes red with emotion.

"I'm going! I have to go! This time, I will save Ace! No matter what!!"

He repeated it over and over.

In his mind, the tragic memory of the Summit War resurfaced—

Ace shielding him with his life…

And then, being consumed by molten magma.

Tears streamed down Luffy's face uncontrollably.

"Luffy…"

This time, none of the Straw Hats scolded him.

Even the fierce-tempered Nami looked at Luffy with deep sympathy.

Only Jinbe had actually stood by Luffy's side during the original Summit War.

But the rest of them had all read the news.

They knew just how heartbroken Luffy had been.

And now...

"Luffy, let's go together—to Marineford!"

At some point, the gravely wounded Zoro opened his eyes.

Though his voice was weak, it carried a firm conviction.

"I couldn't help two years ago… but this time, let me fight by your side!"

Sanji declared solemnly.

"Me too!"

Usopp raised his hand.

"Count me in too!"

Chopper chimed in.

"We're no longer the same crew we were two years ago. Even on that legendary battlefield, I—General Franky—will definitely be useful!"

Franky patted his giant robot proudly.

"Yohohohoho! The ultimate battlefield! A perfect stage for the Soul King to perform!"

Brook removed his top hat and bowed like a true gentleman.

"I'm… I'm a member of the Fifth Emperor's crew now! A future Pirate King's crew! I fear nothing!"

Nami took a deep breath, her confidence unwavering.

"Looks like we'll need to take care of each other then."

Robin smiled.

If she had never joined the crew, she'd never dream of setting foot in Marineford.

But now… with these friends by her side—

there was nothing to fear.

All nine Straw Hats voiced their resolve.

Only Jinbe had yet to speak.

When all eyes turned to him, they noticed—

Even this stoic fishman had teary eyes.

Nami and Robin were taken aback.

Of course—Jinbe had lived through the Summit War.

And not just him.

Marco and Izou were there too.

They were Whitebeard's crew—his family.

This was their chance—

Their chance to return to that fateful battlefield…

To change fate itself.

Marco, Izou, and Jinbe were no less moved than the Straw Hats.

"We can really go back?"

Izou's hand trembled.

"We definitely can."

Marco nodded firmly.

"The Summit War... two years ago!"

Inuarashi took a deep breath.

"Old cat, I'm going! You in, meow?"

Nekomamushi grinned.

"Who do you think I am?! I'm a Whitebeard Pirate too!"

Inuarashi said proudly.

"We're going! No matter what!"

A cheerful shout rang out from a girl.

Everyone turned—

"I'm coming too! I have to! I'll help save Ace at the Summit War!"

Yamato declared.

"Woohoo!"

Nami cheered.

"That's reassuring!"

Usopp and Chopper were delighted.

"Thank you!"

Marco and Izou expressed their heartfelt gratitude.

They knew just how strong Yamato was.

With her on their side, their chances of changing fate increased dramatically.

"No need to thank me. Ace was my friend too."

Yamato smiled, waving them off.

"So, shall we depart now, everyone?"

Carrot asked excitedly.

"Let's wait a little longer," Marco said, now calm and focused.

"Before that—we need a proper plan."

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