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Time passed slowly.
The sky grew dark.
Under the soft moonlight, countless pebbles suddenly fell heavily from high above, cracking the soil and sending up layers of ripples.
One of the larger stones landed firmly next to the warship at sea.
"Akira-sama, I'll take them and leave first."
"Don't worry, I'll arrange for them to be sent on a mission in the coming days, where they'll meet their end at sea."
"Brother Muzan, I'll personally explain everything to the Instructors and ensure they train him well, so he can be freed as soon as possible."
Graeme respectfully requested instructions, and upon seeing Akira nod in agreement, he turned around and left, leading Muzan away.
The other CP0 agents, who had also been brought back by the colorful boat, immediately followed.
"Now, I can finally act freely with the Marines."
Akira watched the warship slowly disappear from sight and couldn't help but let out a long breath.
Once CP0 is completely under control, it means the Five Elders' access to information about the outside world is also fully controlled.
From now on, everything they see and hear will be what Akira allows them to know.
If Akira doesn't want them to, they'll never find out, unless they go to Mariejois or hear it from another source.
This situation will help him complete his second ultimate mission.
"It's time to go back."
Akira took out the Eternal Pose, and after confirming the direction of Marineford, he immediately stepped onto the air using Moonwalk, swiftly heading off with light steps.
Marineford.
Fleet Admiral's Residence.
When Akira entered, he immediately spotted Stella guarding the courtyard.
"Akira-sama, you're finally back!"
Stella was pacing anxiously, but the moment she saw Akira, her eyes lit up. She rushed over, grabbed him, and led him inside.
"Sister Rouge has given birth, come quickly and see her."
"Hmm? When did this happen?"
Akira's eyes widened slightly—this news truly caught him off guard.
Even though he had mentally prepared for this to happen within the next couple of days, he didn't expect that after just stepping out and returning, the matter had already been settled.
Rouge had given birth, which meant Ace, who had emperor potential, was finally born.
"Earlier today," Stella replied.
"Is Rouge okay?" Akira asked.
In the original timeline, Rouge died from complications after giving birth to Ace. Though he had created a massive butterfly effect due to his actions, changing the world in unpredictable ways, he still worried about the worst-case scenario.
But the next second, Stella's words brought him immediate relief.
"Both mother and child are safe, and the delivery went smoothly. Thankfully, you arranged in advance for a team from the Sabaody Archipelago, so everything was handled perfectly."
"The nurse said Sister Rouge is in great health, and the baby is strong as well."
"For someone like her, giving birth was much easier compared to ordinary women, with no life-threatening risks."
While chatting, the two of them arrived at the house where Rouge was staying.
"Can I go in now?" Akira asked.
"Of course. Sister Rouge has already woken up after resting this afternoon," Stella replied with a smile, nodding repeatedly. She carefully pushed the door open, allowing Akira to step inside.
On the bed, Rouge was wrapped in a quilt, holding the baby in her arms, her face full of tenderness and maternal love. She was so focused on the baby that she didn't even notice the door opening.
It wasn't until Akira stood directly in front of her that she realized he was there.
"Akira-sama, you're back," Rouge said, looking up. Her eyes suddenly brightened with joy, and she tried to sit up straight.
"Don't move," Akira quickly stopped her. Even though he wasn't the most sensitive person, he knew that after giving birth, what mothers needed most was rest and to avoid moving too much.
Even in a world of pirates, where logic doesn't always apply, there was no need to push the already pale and weak Rouge beyond her limits.
"Thank you, sir," Rouge said softly, leaning back on her pillow. She then gently lifted the baby in her arms and asked, a little hesitantly, "Do you... want to hold him?"
Akira didn't hesitate.
He was quite curious about Ace. The baby's large, sparkling eyes had been fixed on Akira the moment he walked in, not looking away once. Plus, the child was calm, not crying or fussing, which left a good first impression.
"Is this Ace?" Akira asked as he held the tiny infant in his broad left hand, using the index finger of his right hand to gently touch Ace's cheek. "He's got great eyes. His features are very similar to yours, Rouge. He's going to be a handsome man when he grows up."
Rouge had been watching Akira's expression closely, and after seeing that he seemed only curious and not at all disturbed by Ace's appearance, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She wouldn't dare say it aloud, but the blood running through Ace's veins was that of Gol D. Roger—the man who, by sparking the Pirate Era, brought suffering to countless people around the world. Rouge had worried that Akira might have an issue with the boy because of this.
But, to her relief, Akira was merely curious and surprised by little Ace's appearance.
"I think so too," Rouge quickly replied, then softly added, "Sir, his name isn't just Ace—it's Qin Ace."
Akira, still teasing little Ace, noticed the mixture of expectation and worry on Rouge's face. He understood why she felt the need to clarify the name.
"Yes, Qin Ace, my adopted son," Akira said with a smile. "Raising Ace to become the most powerful Marine will be your greatest achievement."
After returning little Ace carefully to Rouge's arms, Akira gently patted her head. "As long as I'm here, he won't be judged for Roger's legacy," he promised.
Rouge's eyes filled with gratitude, and she nodded without hesitation. "Thank you, Akira-sama. Please rest assured, when Ace grows up, he'll become the most loyal soldier, just as you wish, and dedicate everything to justice."
Akira smiled and replied, "Good, now get some rest. Don't overthink things."
With that, he withdrew his hand and turned to leave.
Now that he was sure both Rouge and Ace were fine, there was no need to stay longer and disrupt their rest. Plus, after fighting all day, Akira needed a shower—his entire body felt sticky and uncomfortable.