Whitebeard's Old Illness Attacked

Chapter 235: Whitebeard's Old Illness Attacked

Even Marco, known as the Phoenix, took Sengoku's punch head-on and suffered a tremendous shock. Blood spurted from his body, and he felt excruciating pain in his back. Fortunately, Marco managed to use his body to completely block Sengoku's attack.

Otherwise, if Sengoku's punch had landed on Ace, he would have been killed on the spot! Seeing Ace in such a perilous situation, everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Marco..."

First Vista, Little Oars Jr., Jimbei, and Diamond Jozu came to the rescue. Then Whitebeard and Marco returned once again. This made Ace feel an overwhelming sense of self-blame for himself. For putting the entire Whitebeard Pirates in such a dangerous situation.

Was it really worth it?

Was his life worth so much sacrifice from everyone?

"Ace..."

Marco clenched his teeth, enduring the intense pain in his body. He curled up and enveloped Ace's body in a ball of light blue flames. However, even Marco couldn't break Ace free from the seastone handcuffs. All he could do for now was to hold him tightly.

Boom!

With a muffled sound, Marco and Ace crashed into the ground, creating a deep pit as smoke and dust billowed up. Sengoku gritted his teeth.

"Pirate brat!"

Although he knew deep down that Ace was the grandson of his best friend Garp, he was also the blood of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King. And with Ace's strength, if he were to leave Marineford, he would undoubtedly take over Whitebeard's position.

What's even more terrifying is his ability to gather countless strong pirates in the sea under his leadership to form a new Pirate King. This was Sengoku's greatest concern.

Although Whitebeard had the power to destroy the world, he was old and seriously ill. Even without this major war, Whitebeard's life expectancy was limited. On the other hand, Ace—

If he wasn't eliminated now, he would become the most formidable pirate on the sea. Realizing this, Sengoku's murderous intent grew. His narrowed eyes focused on the smoke ahead, regardless of whether he could see Ace's exact position. Once again, he swung his arm.

Boom!

The smoke covering the square was forcefully blown away by Sengoku, revealing the scene below. However, what Sengoku never anticipated was underneath the dissipating smoke, there was only a half-meter-deep crater.

Ace and Marco had disappeared.

"Gone? Damn it!"

Veins bulged on Sengoku's forehead, but he couldn't retract the released power at all. In an instant, a translucent dome crashed down to the ground, unleashing an incredibly violent shockwave.

The already large pit in the square expanded several times over. Witnessing the unleashed power of Sengoku, everyone present gasped in awe.

"Is this... Sengoku's strength?"

"Indeed, what terrifying power!"

"Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Daibutsu.."

The pirates exchanged amazed remarks. It was at this moment that they suddenly remembered—although Sengoku was known as the Wise General, his combat power was equally terrifying. In his younger days, he had engaged in countless battles with Whitebeard.

Even now, Sengoku was undeniably one of the most powerful Marines in this war. As they marveled at Sengoku's power, they also felt an unprecedented sense of relief. Despite all the twists and turns, Ace had been successfully rescued!

"But... where is Ace?"

"Captain Marco!"

The pirates quickly scanned the area, searching for Ace and Marco's whereabouts. In reality, it wasn't someone else who had assisted Ace at that critical moment. It was his brother, Straw Hat Luffy.

Although Luffy had been defeated by Solo earlier, his indomitable willpower allowed him to rise again. When he saw Ace and Marco crashing into the ground, he extended his rubbery arm even further to pull them out from the smoke.

"Ace!"

Looking at Ace, Luffy's emotions surged. Finally, Ace had been rescued from the clutches of the Marines!

"Luffy..."

Ace turned his gaze and realized that the one who had saved him in that critical moment was none other than his brother, Luffy. Tears welled up in his eyes.

At the moment, Ace was unable to break free from the seastone handcuffs. His body weakened, rendering him unable to activate his Devil Fruit powers or even fend off an average Marine.

It was Marco who quickly assessed their situation. Admiral Kizaru was already locked onto them, ready to strike, and Sengoku had his eyes fixed on them as well.

Countless Marine Vice Admirals were eager to claim Ace's head and make their mark. Now, it wasn't the time to dwell on the past.

"We need to get out of here quickly."

Marco took a deep breath and turned to Ace and Luffy. Ace and Luffy exchanged determined looks and nodded. Marco was right, now was not the time for reminiscing.

At the same time, the members of the Whitebeard Pirates found the key to unlocking the seastone handcuffs and rushed towards Ace. They were determined to open the seastone keyhole for him.

Even with the seastone handcuffs, as long as they understood the mechanism, there was a way to release them. However, what Marco, Ace, and Luffy never expected was when they turned around, preparing to escape beyond Sengoku's reach, they witnessed Solo slicing through the air, effortlessly tearing through the shockwave caused by Whitebeard.

The intense flames transformed into a fiery dragon that opened its jaws and clamped down on Whitebeard.

The scorching heat tormented every inch of his skin, making him feel an unprecedented burning sensation.

This Marine boy was incredibly strong.

Whitebeard clenched his teeth, trying to endure the pain and dissipate Solo's flames. But at that moment, his heart reached its limit. His vision suddenly blurred.

"It's happening at this time."

Whitebeard gritted his teeth, attempting to withstand the flames and regain his balance. Yet, his body couldn't hold on any longer.

Thud!

Whitebeard dropped to one knee. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

"Damn it..."

Seeing this, Solo swiftly approached, gripping his blade tightly with one hand. Whitebeard was undoubtedly a pirate worthy of respect. But at the same time, in this era, there was no ship that could carry him.

Even a great legend would eventually come to an end.

"It's over, Whitebeard."

Solo spoke in a low voice, channeling his energy. With one hand, he swung his blade down.