Peak Power

With a resounding click, the rifts in the atmosphere expanded at a breakneck pace, a spectacle that left all observers in awe.

Amidst the intense tremors, a colossal tidal wave surged forth with unimaginable force, only to burst open like a celestial waterfall, its cascading waters returning to the boundless ocean below.

Sea king, gracefully traversing this region of the sea, found himself abruptly stunned by the shockwave. In an instant, his majestic form disintegrated, staining the sea a deep crimson with his scarlet blood.

The thunderous noise served as an alarming call to all aboard the over forty pirate vessels that had been enshrouded in the night's darkness.

"Pops!"

"What in blazes is happening?"

"Could it be an enemy assault? Have the Marines finally dared to challenge us?"

"How can that be? Even with Marine warships lurking nearby, they wouldn't dare provoke us."

Chaos and anxiety reigned supreme, the voices of the crew members merging into an unsettling cacophony.

The captains and leaders of the Whitebeard Pirate Crew rushed forward to assess the situation.

But even before they could voice their concerns, their eyes were drawn to a solitary figure standing on the bow of the Moby Dick.

A tall and imposing figure, his back turned to the assembly, stood bathed in the ethereal glow of the moonlight. His presence exuded an overwhelming aura that reached out to all who beheld it.

Though they were separated by a significant distance, every captain felt it—their bodies quivered, an icy chill running down their spines.

At that moment, they were not looking at a man; they were staring at an unparalleled beast!

"Oh, old man..."

Marco, with his striking golden, punkish hairstyle and a dagger sheathed at his side, bore the Whitebeard Pirates' emblem on his chest. He couldn't help but break into a cold sweat upon his forehead.

Despite his formidable strength, he was staggered by the sheer presence emanating from the figure before him.

"That aura is incredibly potent. What has happened to the old man?"

Joz, towering, brawny, and dark-skinned, mumbled in astonishment as he looked upon this transformation.

He had initially thought it might be a trick of the mind, but now, it was clear that Whitebeard had indeed undergone a profound change.

"Bista, do you feel it too?"

Bista, sporting a curly black beard and known as the foil, spoke with grave concern.

He had first dismissed it as a mere illusion, but now, there was no denying that the old man had experienced a remarkable transformation.

"Goo la la la~"

Deep laughter resonated from Whitebeard. He tilted his head ever so slightly, revealing his sharp right eye that seemed to penetrate the very souls of those before him.

"Tomorrow, we set our course for Marineford. Ahead of us lie 100,000 elite Marines, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and the Marine Admirals!"

"Sons, tell me... Are you afraid?!"

His words hung in the air, and a profound silence settled over the assembly.

But it didn't take long for a thunderous roar to erupt from the mouths of many captains.

"Pops, how could we be afraid!"

"Ace is our brother, and no matter how formidable the Marines may be, we will rescue him!"

"Yes, we are the Whitebeard Pirates. Anyone who dares to harm Ace shall face the wrath of the Whitebeard Pirates!"

"To Ace's rescue!"

The crowd bellowed in unison.

Whitebeard roared with laughter, then turned abruptly. His towering, robust frame transformed into a shadow under the moonlight, enveloping the entire Moby Dick.

"In that case, let the world bear witness to the fact that we fear nothing when our destiny is put to the test!"

"Well!!!!"