The entire sky seemed to tremble.
Vibrations—something that usually could only be felt—were now clearly visible to everyone.
That small patch of sky above Marineford was truly shuddering violently!
And the overwhelming seismic force instantly descended upon the airborne Marines.
Those with weaker strength were instantly shattered into pieces.
Even the stronger ones were slammed back to the ground as if struck by an invisible giant hand—
Crashing down with brutal force.
Torrents of blood splattered across the earth, painting large swathes of the battlefield in vivid crimson.
This sudden turn of events left the Marines below wide-eyed in shock!
Those capable of using the Rokushiki (Six Powers) techniques were no weaklings.
Anyone below Vice Admiral rank either died on the spot or was left severely wounded.
Even those who survived instantly lost consciousness.
And more importantly—
What kind of power was this?!
It could even make the sky tremble!
Above them, the heavens rippled violently, shaking with unprecedented intensity.
Was this really something a human could achieve?
The Marines’ eyes trembled, their expressions grim.
His face had already paled with terror.
He had wanted to flee earlier—
But never found the chance.
Now, just as they were about to retreat—
Whitebeard had once again shown him the meaning of horror!
Just moments ago, a Rear Admiral had leaped into the air right in front of him.
That Rear Admiral had even saved him when he froze in shock.
That Rear Admiral had been reduced to a fine mist, coating Koby’s entire body.
Blood smeared across his face, his body drenched in scarlet.
And this—only deepened the fear in his heart.
His terror of Whitebeard had reached its absolute peak.
That man was too strong.
If this continues, everyone will die!
This place—will be completely annihilated!
Koby’s entire body trembled as he stared at Whitebeard’s towering figure.
At the battlefield drenched in blood.
His eyes brimming with fear, his dread of Whitebeard at its limit—
He steeled himself and made a decision that would change his life forever.
If a monster like that unleashed the full extent of his power in his final moments, barely anyone here would survive!
’I have to stop this!’
’I have to make everyone stop!’
’Make them—let him go!’
Koby’s fearful gaze gradually hardened into resolve.
His violently shaking body was forcibly steadied by sheer will.
’I will—save everyone!’
If Akainu—currently lying severely wounded, as if every bone in his body had been shattered—heard Koby’s thoughts...
He’d probably want to roast the boy in magma for a good, long while...
Meanwhile, the pirates who had been forcibly carried away by Shiki finally snapped out of their daze.
Why were they all suddenly taken away?!
Why was he left behind alone?!
In an instant, they all realized the truth—
Pops wanted them all to escape safely!
To ensure they could leave unharmed!
Would come at an unimaginable cost!
And now, that cost was clear!
Ace screamed, his face twisted with desperation.
"Pops! Why?! Why won’t you let us fight with you?!"
"Let me down! I can still fight! So what if my legs are broken?! I can still kill!"
The entire crew erupted in panic.
Ace even started undoing his pants—
And seeing this, the others followed suit!
Even if they had to fight naked, they would stand with Pops to the end!
Their father had already done so much for them!
How could they let him face Marineford alone now?!
If things continued —
The live broadcast would soon turn into an R-rated horror show.
"I’d like to see who dares!"
A blade’s edge flashed—
And in an instant, Ace’s hand, which had been loosening his belt, was severed!
The crew gasped in shock.
Following the voice, they saw Shiki glaring at them sternly.
"What the hell?! Let me go! Pops needs my protection!"
Jozu, unshaken, roared right back at Shiki with reckless defiance.
Others opened their mouths to join in—
But Shiki vanished from sight.
He was right in front of Jozu.
A fist shrouded in Conqueror’s Haki-infused Armament smashed straight into Jozu’s eye socket.
A dull impact echoed, followed by the sound of shattering bone.
Jozu’s head snapped back as diamond fragments scattered everywhere.
Then—his head lolled forward.
Out cold on the spot.
Ah, youth—so quick to fall asleep.
"I’ll only say this once! I’m in a hurry to clock out! Anyone else who causes trouble—will taste my blades next!"
Shiki brandished Oto and Kogarashi menacingly.
The glint of Armament Haki on the blades made the crew gulp.
Even Jozu had been knocked out in one punch.
None of them were tougher than him.
Better not push their luck.
Even if they tried to resist, they wouldn’t get far.
Shiki wouldn’t even give them time to strip—
He’d just relieve them of their heads first.
And then strip everything below the neck for them.
Helpless, the crew could only watch the battlefield below, praying that Pops had another plan—
And wasn’t truly sacrificing himself for their safety.
Sengoku and the others didn’t pursue.
If they tried, Whitebeard would stop them with everything he had.
And Shiki above them wasn’t just idling either.
Chasing now would be... complicated.
The main reason was that Whitebeard had chosen to stay.
Especially one as powerful as him—
Would have an even greater impact than executing Ace.
Sengoku and the others let it be.
The Marines had already regrouped, surrounding Whitebeard completely.
At the forefront stood the top-tier fighters.
Zephyr cracked his knuckles.
Even he had been forced to land earlier—
Any further, and he’d have been injured.
That single quake-powered strike had been terrifying.
Beside him stood Kizaru, his face bruised and swollen.
Shiki had a habit of aiming for the face—
He’d even knocked out a few of Kizaru’s teeth.
Aokiji remained expressionless.
Kong’s face was stern.
And Sengoku, in his golden Buddha form, stared at Whitebeard—who stood calmly, bisento in hand.
"Have you made your resolve, Whitebeard?!"
As he spoke, a glowing sphere of energy began forming in his palm, growing brighter by the second.
The other Admirals and top fighters also gathered their strength, preparing to strike.
All it would take was one order—
And Whitebeard would fall in a storm of blood.
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