One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 156: Boiling Point

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"Whitebeard..." Sengoku glowered at the approaching figure.

Whitebeard, a slight smirk playing on his lips, stood unyielding. Facing the full might of Marine Headquarters, he exuded the indomitable spirit of a man who had ruled the seas for two eras. His presence commanded respect.

"My beloved son... I hope he's alright."

Ace, teeth clenched, struggled to contain his emotions as he called out to Whitebeard and his crew.

"Pops... everyone... I was the one who ignored your warnings and ran off on my own. Why didn't you just let me die?"

Thatch, the 4th division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, had obtained the Dark-Dark Fruit, a power Blackbeard craved. Driven by avarice, Blackbeard murdered Thatch, stole the fruit, and betrayed the Whitebeard Pirates.

Teach, as a member of Ace's 2nd division, had ignited Ace's fury. Disregarding the consequences and Whitebeard's pleas, Ace had recklessly pursued Blackbeard, ultimately suffering defeat and capture by the Marines.

"No, it was my decision to let you go."

True to the original story, Whitebeard shouldered the blame for Ace's actions. In his eyes, Ace was his son, his family. As long as he didn't harm his crewmates like Blackbeard, Whitebeard would accept any of his choices. His commanders shared the same sentiment. Despite Ace's impulsiveness leading to the current crisis, they still considered him one of their own.

"You heard him too, Marco."

"Yeah, I heard. You've been through a lot, Ace." Marco, the 1st division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, affirmed.

"Anyone on these seas should know what happens when you mess with our crew." Vista, the 5th division commander, renowned for his flower swordsmanship, flashed a confident smile. "We won't let anyone who harmed you get away, Ace."

"Ace, we're coming for you!"

"Prepare to die, Marines!"

The commanders' voices boomed, their battle cries echoing across the battlefield. The tension reached fever pitch. Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman, stood silently observing.

No one could discern his thoughts, and few dared to meet his gaze. Even the most formidable fighters trembled before his piercing stare. His eyes, usually as still as water, flickered with a hint of intrigue as they settled upon Whitebeard.

Whitebeard knew the odds were stacked against him. His health was failing, and he faced the entire might of Marine Headquarters. Yet, he had come without hesitation. He was Whitebeard, after all.

"Gurararara!"

Facing the overwhelming Marine forces, Whitebeard showed no fear, only an unwavering resolve and the domineering aura of a true king.

Age had weathered his body, but not his spirit, His heart.

As Whitebeard's laughter reverberated, an invisible pressure, a kingly aura distinct from Conqueror's Haki, washed over the battlefield, unsettling even the most hardened Marines. Whitebeard slammed his bisento into the ground, then crossed his arms and abruptly thrust them outwards. The air crackled and shattered like glass.

The force of the shockwave sent many stumbling, their faces contorted in fear.

"What was that? The air itself cracked?"

"The water level... it's acting strange!"

As the Marines watched in apprehension, the sea surrounding Marineford began to recede rapidly, creating an ominous atmosphere of impending doom.