Chapter 57: Ace is Rescued

"Ace!!"

But at this moment, a terrifying aura instantly spread throughout Marineford.

Luffy's [Conqueror's Haki] awakened.

Although Whitebeard no longer suffered from an additional injury by his own son, he wasn't in good condition to begin with.

But he was taking things more seriously by the second.

Seeing that Whitebeard’s attacks were steadily growing stronger, Aokiji and Kizaru didn't push too hard to support Sakazuki.

While the other members of the Whitebeard Pirates were all facing the Marines with full firepower.

Crocodile was the most unlucky.

Because of the rain, his logia elementalization became much less effective.

Next was Gecko Moria, who had been taking beatings along the way, with Jinbei landing several hits on him.

The situation was chaotic beyond measure.

It was normal for Yonko-level battles to last for days and nights, just like the legendary fights between Uchiha Madara and the First Hokage.

Only by finding unexpected opportunities could one defeat their enemies.

Now, Whitebeard's body might stiffen from time to time, but there was no problem at all when it came to fighting.

However, an unexpected opportunity still appeared, and it was Luffy.

Escorted by the Whitebeard Pirates, he was finally close to the execution platform.

Meanwhile, Blackbeard's crew had regrouped.

With Catarina Devon dying, they no longer dared to separate.

They felt they would be picked off one by one by that powerful and terrifying man.

Yami wasn't in any hurry and would occasionally use the massive clouds in the sky to discharge electricity, harassing Blackbeard and his crew.

Blackbeard’s goal was Whitebeard.

If he wanted to realize his ambition, he had to obtain the power of the [Gura-Gura no Mi].

For someone like him, he would never miss this opportunity.

So Yami simply needed to keep watch over Blackbeard while ensuring the three remaining subordinates around him didn't escape.

When Blackbeard made his move against Whitebeard, those people would be left alone, and then he would strike.

As a hunter, he had the patience to continue waiting.

He only knew part of the [Yami-Yami no Mi's] abilities. Who knew what other powers it possessed? It was better to be cautious.

"This is ridiculous…"

Although Yami already knew the plot, when he saw Luffy using the wax key made by Mr. 3 to release Ace, he still couldn't help but complain.

'Good grief, Sengoku is just gathering up Aura on the sidelines, never making a serious move, right?'

'And Kizaru, he's fast to hit ordinary pirates with his lasers, but he can't be bothered to properly target Luffy?'

'Except for Sakazuki, everyone else saw the [Conqueror's Haki] and just... let it slide…'

"My sons, retreat!"

Whitebeard was overjoyed as well.

"You're dreaming!"

Sakazuki, who had been fighting desperately, never imagined things would take this direction.

It had been such a perfect plan; how did it turn out like this? The prisoner had actually been freed…

That was a location guarded by two of the Navy's top forces.

A Marine hero? An Admiral?

Sakazuki was already cursing internally.

"[Dai Funka]"

A massive lava fist struck directly at Whitebeard.

"Gurararara"

Bang

Whitebeard was so elated that he charged up a punch with his other hand and struck back directly.

The shattered air isolated the heat of the lava.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

But suddenly, Whitebeard grabbed at his chest.

His strength suddenly gave out.

He couldn't resist Sakazuki's attack, and his entire body was directly hit by the lava fist, sent flying like a cannonball.

"Pops!"

Ace rushed over at that moment.

He blocked Sakazuki from pursuing Whitebeard.

At the same time, Aokiji froze Diamond Jozu and rushed directly toward Whitebeard.

Kuzan had let Luffy pass, but he wouldn't let the Whitebeard Pirates escape.

Only Kizaru continued his leisurely approach, taking his time.

But Kuzan, who had just rushed forward, was immediately sent flying back. A shockwave swept over the surrounding Marines, who were charging forward.

"Frozen brat, you're a hundred years too early to defeat me…"

Whitebeard, who stood up again, spoke with overwhelming dominance.

"Marco, lead everyone in retreat, I'll cover the rear!"

Whitebeard then gave his orders.

When he came here, he had been prepared to die.

Ace was his chosen successor, and he would lead Marco and the others forward on their path.

Even if he had come to Marine Headquarters, he had to stay and buy time for Ace and the others to escape.

“Pops!”

When Marco heard this command, he immediately understood what was happening and couldn't help but feel shocked.

He was still handcuffed with seastone.

Although he wasn't strong enough to break free, he still retained certain close-combat capabilities.

"There is no ship in the new era that can carry me."

"It's up to all of you to inherit my legacy and continue forward."

Whitebeard shouted with tremendous pride.

With such a group of sons, he would die without regrets.

However, while Whitebeard was speaking, Sakazuki was still desperately thinking of ways to turn the situation around.

Ace's strength was definitely no match for his own, but he wasn't an opponent who could be eliminated quickly.

After knocking Ace away with one punch, he wanted to kill that other bearer of an extremely evil bloodline, Straw Hat Luffy.

But when he tried to pursue, he found that Straw Hat Luffy was running toward the Whitebeard Pirates.

****

‘With such a small change, there shouldn't be any major problems.’

After confirming that Luffy had run into a group of Whitebeard Pirates elites, Yami stopped using [genjutsu] to control Luffy.

This guy didn't want to run away after completing his mission.

Yami then had directly controlled Luffy with an illusion and made him flee.

Now that Luffy was physically and mentally exhausted, coupled with his inexperienced Haki, which he hadn't mastered at all, it was extremely easy for the current Yami to control him.

"Damn it!"

Sakazuki could only curse angrily, then continue thinking of ways to mount a comeback.

****

‘Whitebeard is at the end of his rope.’

‘Before you die, old man, you should help me eliminate Blackbeard.’

Although Yami admired Whitebeard, he had no interest in risking his life to save the man.

If the timing hadn't been just right, he wouldn't have saved Luffy and resolved Ace's situation.

Most likely, Ace would take action against Blackbeard later.