Everyone was looking forward to the execution of a notorious criminal who had committed countless heinous crimes—one of them being the pirate king's son. However, someone interfered.
To everyone's surprise, Nezuko's body started absorbing Ace, then suddenly disappeared. In an instant, he was gone, nowhere to be seen. Most were shocked and could not comprehend what had just happened.
The war started because one side wanted to save him and the other side wanted to kill him. But what's with the sudden disappearance? Was that it? Is this really the end? Who won the war? Where did Ace go? Where did the destroyer send the pirate's son?
Or perhaps Nezuko's intentions weren't about saving Ace but rather killing him?
In an infinite place decorated with foreign traditional interiors, Ace has been falling for quite a while now. Maybe he's been falling for too long and hitting these goddamn pillars; he lost track of time. His back is getting numb, and he knows he probably gained a few bruises. There are so many Ace-shaped dents and holes in the shoji doors now. He could've used his devil fruit to get this over with and burn everything, but his cuffs are still there.
"Am I in Wano?"
That's ridiculous! He shook his head.
Ace had enough and finally used one of his hands to grab one of the structure's polished floors.
"Where am I?"
The place was dimly lit with lanterns. The structure moves like some sort of advanced technology. He is currently upside down, but this place defies the laws of gravity. Their architecture reminds him so much of Wano.
It was silent. The only thing that he can hear is the structures moving and the occasional sounds of biwa. Sounds of wood creaking and squeaking. An eerie ambience surrounds the place too. It's kind of creepy.
Strum. An instrument was played. Ace was moved to another place.
"Hello." A feminine voice spoke from behind. It was almost like a whisper. It gave Ace goosebumps.
"AAAAAAAH—" Ace lets out a harsh scream. He even almost threw a punch, only to realize that he was aiming for a girl.
Sitting on a zabuton, her hair covered most of her face. She was holding a biwa in one hand and a bachi in the other. The aura she had was rather dark and gloomy, but Ace can't sense any murderous intention.
"There is no need to scream. I cannot hurt you."
'Cannot?' Ace raised an eyebrow.
"Who are you? What is this place?! I need to go back!"
"This is Nezuko's sacred palace." Strum.
They were moved to another place. Ace fell to the ground, and the biwa lady maintained sitting on the ceiling. He fell on his feet with a loud thud.
"Sacred palace?"
This place? Nezuko owns this? How many devil fruits did she eat? First, a fire fruit similar to him; now, a house-house kind of fruit.
"You can call me Nakime. I came from the memory of the previous owner. I am not real, and her subconscious only allowed me to exist because I know how to control this place. If she finds out who I am, she will find a replacement soon."
Ace did not understand anything she said other than the fact that she can control this place. That's so cool. Although this place is a bit nauseating.
"Then can you send me back to Marineford?"
"It is not time yet."
"Listen! I need to go back. Right now." Who knows what's happening back there! Ace can't bear to relax here when his comrades and pops are dying in the war.
