Chapter 31: Whitebeard's Severe Injuries

Garp stood there, listening to Ace's heartfelt confession in the footage, tears streaming down his once resolute face.

"My father, my brother... and my comrades... they are all falling one by one, covered in blood! But I can't help but feel... happy as tears flow down my face."

Ace fell to his knees, bowing his head deeply as tears continued to fall from his forehead. "Even in this situation... I don't want to die."

Whether it was Garp in the footage or the real Garp, both closed their eyes, consumed by deep sorrow and self-blame.

What made Garp even more distraught was the realization that if such a situation were to occur in reality, he would probably... be forced to simply watch...

The images on the screen were not just mere footage for Garp; they were a grim prophecy, something he had dreaded and understood might happen.

Why... why did you become a pirate, Ace? Why didn't you just become a Marine like me and Dad... Garp winced in pain, his face filled with regret, regretting not guiding Ace in the right direction when he was younger.

...

The atmosphere grew somber due to Ace's weeping and Garp's silence.

However, the scene suddenly shifted, and Whitebeard, who was engaged in a fierce battle with Akainu, coughed up a mouthful of blood.

The concerns of the Whitebeard Pirates finally materialized. The earlier severe injury to Whitebeard's chest had worsened due to his battle with Akainu.

The crew of the Whitebeard Pirates grew increasingly worried as their captain's condition deteriorated.

Upon seeing their captain coughing up blood, the members of the Whitebeard Pirates immediately rushed to his aid.

However, Marco, who was flying over to help, was intercepted by Kizaru, and Diamond Jozu, who was attempting to come to the rescue, was frozen by Aokiji.

And in the midst of their interference, Akainu, who had been waiting for an opportunity to deliver a fatal blow to Whitebeard, made his move.

Seizing the chance when Whitebeard's condition worsened and he coughed up blood, Akainu transformed his right hand into lava and aimed a direct punch at the wound on Whitebeard's chest, intending to further damage him and crush him completely.

The lava fist struck Whitebeard's chest, and even through the screen, everyone could feel the scorching heat of the punch.

How could this be?!

The members of the Whitebeard Pirates were stunned witnessing this scene. How could their strongest father figure be defeated just like that? What happened to his earlier injury?!

They were already furious upon hearing that Ace would be killed by Sengoku here, but could it be that even their captain would meet his end at Akainu's hands?!

Anxiety and paleness covered their faces. If this was the future that awaited them, what would become of the Whitebeard Pirates?

Observing the battle between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines atop the battlefield, Big Mom and Kaido, who had entertained thoughts of expanding their own ambitions, reconsidered their plans.

Indeed, the Marines remained the same formidable force. They were not an entity that could be easily overcome. Even someone like Whitebeard could only be reduced to such a state. There was no need for them to meddle with this unyielding behemoth. After all, they were just a group of pirates, content with looting and indulgence. As for overthrowing the World Government and defeating the Marines, they would leave that to others to worry about.

However, they had never expected the Whitebeard Pirates to suffer such a devastating defeat in front of the Marines.

Whitebeard has been severely injured by Akainu, and his commanders, Marco of the First Division and Jozu of the Third Division, are no match for Kizaru and Aokiji, respectively. The rest of the crew is powerless as well.

The Whitebeard Pirates are destined for defeat.

Big Mom and Kaido, on the other hand, are quite delighted. With Whitebeard stepping into this muddy water on their behalf, they can relax and enjoy the show.

Furthermore, if the war on the summit does occur in the future, the Whitebeard Pirates, after this battle, will undoubtedly be greatly weakened. Their territories will be up for grabs, and Big Mom and Kaido's eyes are filled with greed.

"First come, first served..." Kaido and Big Mom's eyes gleam with avarice.

On the other hand, the situation is a relief for the Marines. With the victory in the summit war, they can uphold their reputation. It also demonstrates the strength of the Marines and serves as a deterrent to the petty criminals.

With this realization, Sengoku actually finds the live broadcast of this quiz show not entirely troublesome. The Marines have showcased their power to the entire world without deploying a single soldier.

The entire world!

What better way to promote the righteousness of the Marines?

This is the justice he desires, the justice that rules the world. If he can possess such means within the hands of the Marines, it would be even better.

---

In the footage, Akainu's strike lands, attempting to take advantage of Whitebeard's weakened state. Immediately, Sengoku orders everyone to take Whitebeard's life.

However, even with his injuries, Whitebeard remains Whitebeard. He charges forward, and all the Marine commanders who approach him are sent flying by his might.

A resounding roar echoes through the air: "I am Whitebeard!"

As his words fade, Whitebeard stands alone, covered in blood, with a massive hole in his chest, the wound cauterized by the heat. Yet, even in this state, he stands like a war god, towering in his presence.

The surrounding Marines hesitate to approach after witnessing this scene for a long time.

________

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