Chapter 77: Starting a Live Broadcast for the World!

"Buzz!"

In a corner of the venue, several beautiful figures suddenly materialized, each clutching image-transmitting bugs enveloped in a mysterious light.

"Buzz!"

The mysterious light surged instantly.

"Marine Headquarters! Sabaody Archipelago! Mariejois! East Blue! Alabasta!"

As Ace passed by, the bugs he influenced transformed into video bugs, broadcasting everything happening there.

Meanwhile, Nami and others intensified their efforts with their bugs, extending their influence to more bugs worldwide.

"West Blue, North Blue, South Blue, Grand Line, New World..."

Countless bugs worldwide, influenced by Ace's fully unlocked observation field, began broadcasting the scene simultaneously.

In the New World, among the Whitebeard Pirates:

"Buzz!"

A bug vibrated violently, projecting an image.

"Dad, what's this?!"

Marco was shocked by the image and turned to Whitebeard.

"It seems the bug was forced to display this by some unknown means. Didn't a similar incident occur in Alabasta during our investigation?"

Whitebeard chuckled as he looked at the screen.

"So, the one behind this is..."

Marco suddenly looked up and saw a figure seated before the Celestial Dragons.

"Portgas D. Ace, I've seen him," Whitebeard said, his interest piqued.

"If it caught his attention, this broadcast is likely spreading worldwide. Quite a stir, Portgas D. Ace," Whitebeard mused with intense curiosity.

"Though I don't know how he did it, what exactly is he aiming to achieve with such a bold move?"

Whitebeard's eyes gleamed with keen interest.

"Approaching Sabaody Archipelago, the Red Hair Pirates are about to arrive."

"Huh?" The red-haired man stared at a bug, which promptly played a video, freezing him in place.

"A bug forced to play a video? Just like the Alabasta incident," Beckman observed, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

"Portgas D... Ace?" His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the imposing figure confronting the embarrassed Celestial Dragons. A slight smile touched his lips.

"Finally, we meet," he muttered.

"See what he's up to, forcing such broadcasts," the redhead remarked lightly.

"That damn Joker, just kill him next time. He's completely lost control over that kid's whereabouts. How long until I get there?"

On a mountainside, Kaido sat cross-legged, roaring angrily.

"Hmm?"

Kaido frowned as a bug on his body, connected to Doflamingo, suddenly displayed an image.

"Saobaody Archipelago..."

Staring at the image, Kaido sensed something and his eyes flashed with intensity.

In the East Blue, at Windmill Village:

"Ace! It's Ace!"

Luffy shouted upon seeing the bug Ace had left behind, tears welling in his eyes.

"Ace, you brat! Are you alright?"

Dadan looked at Ace's back, her eyes moist with emotion.

At the Revolutionary Army Headquarters:

"Chief, look! It's my brother, Ace!"

Sabo pointed proudly at the figure shown on the bug's screen, his face filled with pride.

Despite years apart, he recognized his brother's back immediately.

"Portgas D... Ace?" Dragon's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Not just Sabo's brother, but also my son, Monkey D. Luffy's brother. He wants both Sabo and Luffy to be his right hands. Quite a charismatic man," Dragon remarked, contemplating Ace's actions.

"In Alabasta, something similar happened before, but this broadcast's scope seems broader than a single country."

Dragon looked out the window, his expression shocked.

"What does Portgas D. Ace aim to achieve with such a bold move?" he pondered.

"Who knows, but whatever Ace intends must be significant and righteous," Sabo chuckled.

"Yeah?"

Dragon recalled Sabo's words after regaining his memories, a smile spreading across his face.

"Let's see what Ace wants to proclaim to the world."

In Alabasta:

"Your Majesty, this is..."

Jaka stared at the bug's playback, his face filled with shock.

"Ah, just like before. Let's see what grand plan Ace has this time," Cobra said, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.

Ace had previously used this method to expose Crocodile's misdeeds and save Alabasta, leaving a lasting impression on Vivi.

Cobra glanced at the figure holding the bug in the corner of the image, a satisfied smile gracing his lips.

In the Holy Land, Mariejois:

"Why? How can it affect us here?" Saint Saturn's face darkened as he watched the unexpected broadcast.

They had stringent security measures here; bugs shouldn't be able to eavesdrop.

Yet here they were, forced to display images against all odds.

"Similar to Alabasta and the bug incident in Mariejois... is this Portgas D. Ace's doing? What does he intend?" Saint Peter glared at the figure's back in the image with brooding eyes.

"The one who fell is a Rothswald family son, correct? The location should be Sabaody Archipelago. How did Portgas D. Ace breach our security layers to broadcast this scene?"

Saint Mar's expression turned icy.

"Cut off the broadcast signal immediately!" Saint Warcury barked.

"It's not possible right now. We're working on a solution. Deploy the Marines swiftly. No matter Ace's intentions, he mustn't succeed!" Saint Nusjuro slammed his sword into the ground.

"Naval Headquarters!"

"This... this is!"

In the Shichibukai conference room, Sengoku's eyes widened as he saw the sudden image.

"It's the same broadcast as Alabasta! Portgas D. Ace!"

Sengoku's gaze fixed on the figure standing near the fallen Celestial Dragons, his forehead beading with cold sweat.

"Damn it! He's targeting the Celestial Dragons! Are we too late again? How did he bypass our security net and appear in Sabaody Archipelago like this?!"

Sengoku seethed with frustration.

"..."

The bear's eyes gleamed.

"Hehehehe."

Moria grinned. Was the grand event about to unfold?

"Damn it, Portgas D. Ace! Here, in my auction house?!" Doflamingo trembled at the familiar yet unsettling scene.

"Why is Portgas D. Ace here in my auction house?! And that guy, a Celestial Dragon! What does Portgas D. Ace intend by showing this?!" Doflamingo's eyes burned with unease.

"Entei..."

Hancock's usually composed expression contorted with shock.

"Is that man Portgas D. Ace?"

Hancock stared at the figure standing boldly before the Celestial Dragons, her beautiful eyes flashing with intrigue.

The playback screen flickered violently...

Has the scope of influence reached its limit?"

The red glow of Observation Haki faded from Ace's eyes.

Ace had meticulously prepared these bugs for a long time.

Since the inception of today's plan, he had used his Field of Understanding to augment the bugs' capabilities continuously.

It was this ongoing enhancement that now enabled these bugs to influence such a vast array of devices worldwide, projecting this image across the globe within his fully unlocked observation field.

Yet, it remained somewhat unrealistic to expect every corner of the world to be reached simultaneously.

After all, many regions lacked telecommunication infrastructure altogether.

In Oda's original narrative, the plight of ordinary people often took a backseat to the adventures of Luffy and others. However, even through sparse descriptions, the prevalent themes of war and hunger in this world were palpable.

Phone bugs were prevalent among major pirates, governmental bodies, and in more developed regions affiliated with the World Government.

However, numerous small islands and regions embroiled in conflict lacked such luxuries as telephones.

Nonetheless, the impact of Ace's broadcast was substantial.

From the Four Seas to the Grand Line and the New World, to the Naval Headquarters and Mariejois—

This scene was visible in the world's most critical areas.

As for the remaining regions and those without telephones, Ace knew that Morgans, the president of the World Economic News Agency, would ensure this momentous news was disseminated far and wide.

Indeed, as Ace anticipated, Morgans was already ecstatically heralding this groundbreaking news to the world.

"Crack!"

The unmistakable sound of a bullet being chambered filled the tense air.

Charles defiantly raised his pistol, his foolish countenance contorted with rage.

"You insolent wretch! How dare you address us as Celestial Dragons, you insignificant fool!"

"Boom!"

Before Charros could finish his tirade, a massive boulder struck his body with a deafening impact, shattering his protective bubble hood instantly.

His eyes rolled back, a gush of blood escaping his lips as he crashed heavily onto the ground, eerily silent.

"You talk too much nonsense, garbage."

Ace's gaze remained unmoved as he observed the blood pooling around Charlos, staining the ground crimson.

No flicker of emotion crossed his eyes, only a steely resolve.

"!!!"

Wide-eyed horror gripped everyone in the auction house as they witnessed a Celestial Dragon being physically assaulted.

Even Disco, the auction's host, stood dumbfounded before succumbing to outright fear.

"Goodness, Celestial Dragons being assaulted to this extent?!"

"Portgas D. Ace, how audacious," Rayleigh chuckled as he watched the scene unfold.

Ace's actions evoked memories of a bygone era, reminiscent of battles fought in the Valley of the Gods.

Nostalgia gleamed in Rayleigh's eyes.

"Did he just attack a Celestial Dragon?"

Observation Haki captured Ace's actions, leaving Rayleigh in awe.

"It seems he's not merely attacking them," Rayleigh mused, retrieving a phone bug.

"Rayleigh! Is Ace with you? He's really gone and done it. The entire world is broadcasting him assaulting Celestial Dragons. Just like what he did during the Alabasta incident. What he said about changing the world from now on... turns out, this is what he meant. It's absolutely mad!" Shakky's voice crackled through the phone bug.

"Isn't that right?" Rayleigh grinned, his eyes reflecting both shock and amusement.

Since Ace's departure, Shakky couldn't wait to inform him of Ace's visit to "Shakky's Rip-off Bar."

Rayleigh had been intensely curious about this rapidly rising newcomer who had ascended to become the Fifth Emperor of the Sea within a year of setting sail.

Little did he expect Ace to possess such unrestrained freedom.

This freedom and ease reminded Rayleigh of his departed friend, Gol D. Roger.

No, we weren't so crazy back then, were we? Roger.

Watching Ace from afar, Rayleigh's smile widened.

"To broadcast this worldwide..."

Fujitora's shocked gaze pivoted sharply towards Ace.

"How audacious! Portgas D. Ace, is he prepared to unravel the entire world order? Could it be that the dice he rolled, the destiny he sought, truly leads to this man?"

"!!!"

At that moment, Ace turned around, revealing his handsome face to the world.

Across the globe, countless people gasped in disbelief.

Celestial Dragons, beaten to the brink of life and death, their fate uncertain?!

"Gurrrra! How dare you, Portgas D. Ace!" Whitebeard roared as he watched the scene unfold, sensing Ace's presence through the screen with Haki and bursting into laughter.

"To think he would publicly beat Celestial Dragons to the point where their lives hang in the balance," Marco muttered, trembling as he beheld the scene.

Marco had thoroughly confirmed that every territory under the Whitebeard Pirates' domain, even Fish-Man Island, was witnessing the same shocking footage.

It was unprecedented for Celestial Dragons to be so openly attacked and left in limbo worldwide!

These were Celestial Dragons—the very epitome of privilege and inviolability as portrayed by the World Government to the entire world.

Encounters with Celestial Dragons mandated kneeling and deferential greetings from ordinary people, under threat of Marine Admirals' wrath.

But now, before the eyes of the world, they were being openly and brutally assaulted by Portgas D. Ace, defying centuries of history.

Marco struggled to find words to describe his emotions.

"Reflecting on it now, this global broadcast is more than just a mere assault on Celestial Dragons. Portgas D. Ace has done something neither Roger nor I ever dared," Whitebeard exclaimed with laughter.

Memories flickered in his eyes.

Meanwhile, beside him, Marco's expression remained awestruck.

Was this audacious attack on Celestial Dragons merely a prelude to something greater?

Red-Haired Pirates.

"Huh, so he's made his move, Portgas D. Ace," Beckman remarked, exhaling a puff of smoke as his eyes narrowed in thought.

"Hmm? Any ideas on what Portgas D. Ace is planning?" the red-haired man queried, curiosity piqued.

"It's speculation, but judging from the Alabasta incident and now this, Portgas D. Ace is no ordinary pirate," Beckman mused, his eyes gleaming with insight.

"Oh?"

The red-haired captain's gaze sharpened.

"I suspect he sees himself as more than just a pirate," Beckman continued, exhaling another puff of smoke.

"More than just a pirate? Now that's intriguing. I'm increasingly curious about you, Portgas D. Ace!" the red-haired captain murmured before his mouth widened into a full-fledged grin.

"Should we head straight to Sabaody Archipelago?" Beckman inquired.

"No, let Portgas D. Ace finish whatever he's set out to do. I'm keen to see his next move," the red-haired captain replied calmly. "Let's eliminate any obstacles preemptively."

In his eyes, a sudden flash of Ultimate Observation Haki shimmered.

Naval Headquarters.

"Damn it! He's actually done it! Portgas D. Ace! You're going to plunge the world into chaos!" Sengoku bellowed, watching the broadcast with clenched teeth and cold sweat beading on his forehead.

For centuries, Celestial Dragons had never faced unnatural deaths under the World Government's strict protection.

Their perceived divinity and privileges were maintained by rules that ensured any transgression was met with swift, severe retribution.

But now, Portgas D. Ace had shattered these rules before the eyes of the entire world.

This audacious act demanded a response from Naval Headquarters—war with Portgas D. Ace seemed inevitable.

Sengoku had planned to manage the conflict, restraining his forces until the encounter between Ace and the likes of Kaido or the red-haired man came to a head.

Yet, now all his plans lay in tatters.

Portgas D. Ace had caught Naval Headquarters off guard.

What were his intentions with such madness? What did he hope to achieve?

"Fufufufu, broadcasting Celestial Dragons' defeat to the world—truly exhilarating," Doflamingo chuckled, despite the chaos unfolding in his auction house.

Though Celestial Dragons had been assaulted in his domain, Doflamingo harbored no worries about the fallout.

Once a Celestial Dragon himself, he retained some privileges, despite his father's folly that had stripped him of nobility.

Seeing Charros lying helpless, Doflamingo felt a twisted satisfaction.

The concept of Celestial Dragons had always been a sore spot for him.

Even if he were to slay his own father and return to Mariejois with his head, he could never reclaim his lost status.

Now, witnessing Celestial Dragons publicly beaten by Portgas D. Ace, Doflamingo's heart swelled with morbid joy.

Furthermore, Naval Headquarters and their Shichibukai had convened to prevent a potential clash between Ace and figures like Kaido or the red-haired man.

Yet here was Portgas D. Ace, brazenly assaulting Celestial Dragons before the entire world, upending their carefully laid plans.

"He truly is audacious, Portgas D. Ace," Doflamingo remarked, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's.

Publicly attacking Celestial Dragons, without regard for their lives, was an act of unparalleled madness.

Even by the standards of Haki users, he was unmatched in audacity.

"..."

Kuma's eyes were hidden behind sunglasses, his expression unreadable. Yet, his hands clenched tighter around his chest, revealing his deep contemplation.

"That's truly insane, Ace."

Moria's lips twitched slightly.

Despite knowing the extent of this man's Haki abilities, witnessing Ace openly challenge Celestial Dragons to the point of uncertain life or death before the entire world exceeded Moria's expectations.

Most troubling to Moria was the potential fallout for Perona. Would she too be branded a criminal by the World Government for this?

Moria gritted his teeth, resolved to rapidly increase his strength. His current power was insufficient to protect Perona, who remained in the middle of a treacherous Storm.

"!!!"

In the conference room, one figure's expression mirrored the shock rippling through the world: Boa Hancock.

Known as the most beautiful woman in the world, Hancock covered her red lips with a trembling hand, her eyes wide with horror at the unfolding scene.

Portgas D. Ace, brazenly assaulting a Celestial Dragon before the entire world, had shattered a lifelong shadow in her heart.

Despite ascending to become the empress of Amazon Lily and earning the title of "Pirate Empress," Celestial Dragons remained her deepest fear.

When she first heard Ace Affected the Holy Land, employing Conqueror's Haki to incapacitate Celestial Dragons, Hancock's resolve to never return to that place wavered.

She had come to verify the truth herself, the truth now laid bare before her eyes.

Portgas D. Ace had not only defied but desecrated the inviolable image the World Government had painstakingly crafted around Celestial Dragons.

That there existed individuals bold enough to challenge Celestial Dragons was no longer in question. That they would do so on a global stage left Hancock with tears welling in her eyes.

Sengoku, sensing the disturbance in the Pirate Queen's composure, had no time to address it. For what unfolded on the screen next would shock Sengoku, Whitebeard, Red-Haired Shanks, Kaido, Big Mom, Hancock, all the Shichibukai, Dragon, and indeed, the entire world.

It would also leave the Five Elders more furious than ever before.