63. Go To The Bottom Of The Sea For Me, Akainu

Boom boom boom. A massive shockwave erupted over Marineford, tearing through the sky with terrifying force. The battle between Whitebeard and Garp commanded everyone's attention on the battlefield.

Their clash is not about speed but sheer brute strength. Whitebeard, the man with unrivalled destructive power, faces off against Garp, who has mastered armed Conqueror's Haki to its pinnacle. Each confrontation is a display of raw violence, shaking the ground and sending shockwaves rippling through the air.

"Are those two old men really in their seventies or eighties?" Some observers marvel at the ferocity of their battle, a testament to the strength of the bygone era they hail from.

Meanwhile, Shusui and Sandai Kitetsu hold off Yoru as Hawkeye and Zoro close in. Their duel is less about life and death and more about the exchange of swordsmanship between two skilled practitioners.

Zoro and Hawkeye's fight is relaxed compared to the intensity of other battles. Both fighters respect each other's skills and understand the significance of their duel in holding back a Grand Line powerhouse.

As they exchange blows, Zoro reflects on the courage and passion displayed by Whitebeard and Garp, despite their advanced age. Their resilience and bravery put the younger generation to shame.

Hawkeye explains to Zoro that, in their prime, Garp and Whitebeard stood alongside Gol D. Roger, the King of the Pirates. Their current display of courage is not surprising, considering their legendary status.

Hawkeye recalls Gol D. Roger's execution twenty years ago, where the pirate king's courage left a lasting impression on him and everyone present.

Amidst the chaos, the clash of their blades echoes through the battlefield, a testament to the strength and determination of two legendary figures.

Boom!

The clash between Garp's fist and Whitebeard's long sword reverberates across Marineford.

"Is that all you've got, Garp? Are your fists that weak?" Whitebeard taunts, gripping his naginata tightly with both hands. The blade emits a white halo, a combination of Sword Wave, Haki, and the power of the Shock Fruit.

Boom! Whitebeard unleashes a relentless barrage of strikes, each blow creating countless atmospheric cracks that spread like spider webs across Marineford. The ground quakes, the sea churns, and the sky splits open as if the world is coming to an end.

This is the strength of the world's strongest man, Whitebeard. Despite Garp's formidable abilities, he's unable to overpower Whitebeard in his current state. Yet, Whitebeard's laughter belies the pain he feels, his body on the brink of collapse.

But he pushes through, driven by his willpower and pride. "Wait for me, Ace," he vows, his gaze unwavering. With his Haki-infused eyes, he locks onto his target, exuding a terrifying aura.

"I am Whitebeard!" he roars, his long sword unleashing devastation upon devastation. The air shatters before him, cracks spreading like a fractured mirror across the battlefield. Marineford trembles violently as if it's being dismantled piece by piece.

The distant sea level looms ominously, threatening to engulf Marineford if not for Aokiji's intervention. His massive ice barrier prevents a tsunami from inundating the island, but the towering waves still inspire fear in all who behold them.

The symbol of Marine justice, Naval Headquarters, is in danger of being swallowed by the rising sea. The ground cracks widen into chasms, revealing the water below.

In this moment, Whitebeard's will surpasses his frail body, unleashing a strength reminiscent of his prime. Desperate cries fill the air as the battlefield trembles under the force of his onslaught.

Garp, too, is battered by Whitebeard's relentless assault, blood staining his figure as he struggles to rise from the rubble. He's astonished by the power Whitebeard wields, far beyond what his current condition should allow.

It's clear that Whitebeard is fighting with everything he has, his last burst of vitality fueling his ferocious attacks. This battle isn't about victory or defeat—it's about leaving a mark on history, even if it costs him his life.

For Whitebeard, this battlefield is his final resting place. He's accepted his fate, embracing his role as a relic of the old era in the face of the new generation represented by the Straw Hat crew.

With a defiant roar, Whitebeard proclaims the dawn of a new era, urging Garp to open his eyes to the changing tide. His words carry the weight of history, inspiring both pirates and Marines alike.

As his voice echoes across the battlefield, it leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who hear it. Whitebeard's legacy, heavy with the history of the old era, propels the ship of the new era forward, even as his own journey nears its end.

A glint appeared in the corner of Rayleigh's eye as if he could see their glorious past in Whitebeard's resolute voice.

"Dad," Ace sobbed uncontrollably on the execution platform, his head bowed in despair. Sengoku, beside him, clenched his teeth in frustration.

Garp's entry into the battle, coupled with Whitebeard's rallying cry, instantly turned the tide of the entire battlefield. Sengoku felt a heavy realization settle in his heart, darkening his gaze.

Rayleigh, drawing his long knife, pointed it squarely at Aokiji, exuding an aura of determination and strength that was impossible to ignore. His voice, heavy with the weight of an era, echoed loudly.

Aokiji, taken aback by Rayleigh's sudden assertiveness, felt a surge of confusion. He couldn't match Rayleigh's sharpness or Whitebeard's heroic resolve. Garp's earlier intervention had stirred doubts in Aokiji's mind, not just about justice but about the very nature of pirates and their motivations.

Meanwhile, Whitebeard, ever perceptive, knew the true turning point of the battle. It wasn't with them, nor with Roronoa or Blackfoot Sanji. The real catalyst was none other than the Straw Hat kid, brimming with boundless potential.

"Come on, Straw Hat," Whitebeard called out despite coughing up blood and feeling the strain on his heart. His laughter rang out defiantly, a testament to his unwavering spirit.

"Save Ace!" Luffy's cry echoed across the battlefield.

"Got it, Whitebeard," Luffy responded, his voice resonating with determination.

"Gommu Gommu no, Giant!" With a tremendous roar, Luffy transformed into a colossal figure, towering over the entire battlefield.

"Lie down, Akainu!" Luffy's voice thundered as he unleashed his attack, "Gomu Gomu no Giant Gatling!"

His fist enveloped in flames and imbued with Haki, descended upon Akainu with overwhelming force.

"Straw Hat Kid!" Akainu's voice boomed, surrounded by swirling magma.

With a mighty roar, their clash erupted, shattering the sky and sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield.

As the two clashed with unparalleled ferocity, Luffy pushed himself to his limits, blood pumping from his body. But he pressed on, his determination unyielding as he continued to unleash his barrage of attacks.

The ground trembled beneath their feet as the impact reverberated across Marineford. The sheer force of Luffy's attack had pierced through the island, creating a massive crater that revealed the sea below.

Hawkeye, witnessing the spectacle, couldn't help but feel a sense of understanding towards his friend's choice. Shanks had entrusted Luffy with something profound, and now it was clear why.

Kizaru, descending from the sky, acknowledged the terrifying power of the Straw Hat Boy. He had seen firsthand the potential Luffy possessed, especially when utilizing his Gear Fifth ability. Sakazuki's defeat at Luffy's hands only confirmed Kizaru's suspicions about the young pirate's strength.

The battlefield had shifted, the balance disrupted by Luffy's overwhelming power. As the dust settled and the echoes of the clash faded, Marineford stood witness to the aftermath of the Straw Hat Kid's devastating blow.

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