The battle between Red-Haired Shanks and Whitebeard was earth-shattering.
The members of the Whitebeard Pirates experienced firsthand the overwhelming power of a Yonko up close. No one could tell who had won or lost the fight.
However, Shanks failed to achieve his goal, as Whitebeard resolutely chose to head to Marineford to save Ace.
This outcome ignited the fighting spirit of the entire crew. Even though they knew the dangers ahead, not a single one of them would retreat for the sake of their family.
Soon, the news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the world within a day. In no time, everyone knew that the Whitebeard Pirates were heading to Marineford.
Although many had speculated that Whitebeard would go to Marineford even before the news broke, the confirmation still left people in shock. It meant that on the day of the execution, a clash between a Yonko and the Marines was inevitable.
The impact of this battle could potentially alter the course of the world landscape.
Inside the captain quarters on the Whitebeard Pirates' ship. Whitebeard, who had clashed with Shanks the day before, sat at a table with his arms crossed, seemingly waiting for something.
In front of him was a barrel of sake and a large bowl.
The seat opposite him was empty, but a small sake bowl was placed there as well.
Yet, in the next moment, something eerie happened.
A bald man suddenly appeared in the previously empty seat.
"With your body in this state, you still want to act tough? What am I supposed to say to you!"
As he spoke, Bob picked up the fine wine placed in the middle. He poured a bowl for Whitebeard and then one for himself, his tone slightly annoyed.
The news of Whitebeard clash with Shanks had already spread the day before.
After learning of it, Bob had informed Whitebeard of his arrival.
"Gurararara! My body is still as strong as ever!"
"That brat couldn't possibly pose any threat to me!" Whitebeard laughed heartily, lifting the sake bowl in front of him and downing it in one go.
"Cough, cough~"
However, the moment the strong liquor hit his throat, a fit of violent coughing erupted, and Whitebeard's chest heaved intensely.
His words were meant for Bob, but in his previous confrontation with Shanks, Whitebeard had already felt the strain on his body.
Old injuries combined with his advanced age had left him far from fully recovered.
"Hmph~ Then how do you explain this coughing?"
Bob rolled his eyes and shook his head. He then pulled a bag from his pocket and tossed it to Whitebeard.
"Make sure to get your IVs on time! And cut back on the drinking. After that bowl, no more!"
Hearing this, Whitebeard chuckled.
He opened the bag and frowned—it contained the same IV fluids he had been using before.
"These things give me a headache!"
"Damn it! I went through a lot of trouble to get these for you!"
"That Crocus guy gives me a hard look every time I visit him!"
Bob was furious seeing Whitebeard look of disdain.
He had worked tirelessly for Whitebeard health, yet Whitebeard seemed to take it all for granted. Over the years, as Whitebeard grew older, his body had steadily declined.
Bob had been deeply concerned about this.
After scouring the world, Bob found no miraculous treasures that could preserve youth.
He could only place his hopes on doctors.
Thus, through Brook introduction, Bob swallowed his pride and went to Twin Cape to seek out the ship doctor of the Roger Pirates, Crocus.
After much persuasion, Crocus finally prepared these potions for Whitebeard. Regular and measured infusions each day would gradually heal old wounds and restore his spirit to what it was years ago.
However, the prerequisite was to avoid drinking alcohol, especially hard liquor.
"If it were up to me, I'd slap that guy!" Whitebeard grumbled. "What kind of quack doctor is he? This stuff is completely useless!"
With that, he reached out to grab the wine barrel to fill his bowl.
"Slap!"
But the next second, Bob swatted Whitebeard hand away.
In his heart, Bob thought 'Is it really his problem? Clearly, you're the one not taking care of your body!'
Out loud, he said "You should drink less!"
Seeing that Bob was stopping him from drinking again, Whitebeard face fell.
"Making me quit drinking is like asking for my life right now!"
For someone who cherished alcohol as much as life itself, being forced to quit at this moment felt unbearable.
Whitebeard believed that without these potions, just one day without drinking would leave him bedridden.
"Sigh!"
Hearing this, Bob sighed and released Whitebeard arm.
He knew that getting Whitebeard to quit drinking was as difficult as scaling the heavens—no, even harder.
Faced with this old friend, Bob was utterly helpless.
"Gurararara!"
Seeing Bob relent, Whitebeard laughed heartily.
Over the years, it was only in Bob presence that Whitebeard could feel genuine joy. Watching Whitebeard triumphant expression, Bob shook his head.
"The public execution date for Ace has been set!"
Doflamingo had already obtained this information from the World Government. In truth, this news would have been released eventually, but it was only disclosed the day before the execution.
The World Government feared that announcing the execution date too early would allow rebel forces to gather prematurely.
Hearing Bob words, Whitebeard who had been joking just moments ago immediately turned serious.
"When?"
"Five days from now" Bob replied gravely.
"Good. I'll arrange all necessary preparations during this time. The forty-six affiliated pirate crews will launch a direct assault on Marineford!"
With that, Whitebeard set down his wine bowl, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"Do you think our chances are good?" Taking a small sip from his bowl, Bob looked at Whitebeard and said.
"It's not a matter of good or bad—they're slim."
Whitebeard shook his head and sighed.
He was well aware of the Marine combat strength. Not to mention the old faces, the current Marine Admirals—Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru—were all in their prime.
That alone would be enough to give him a hard time and with his advanced age, his combat power had significantly declined compared to his peak.
This battle would be extremely tough... But even so, Whitebeard would not abandon his family. Because this was the unwavering principle he had upheld since founding his pirate crew.
"You didn't count me in, did you?" Bob raised an eyebrow and said, then extended his right hand.
"After all, we've been brothers for decades!"
"Don't forget, you're still registered in my alliance!"
Hearing this, Whitebeard was momentarily stunned, then broke into a foolish grin.
Looking at Bob fist in mid-air, he met it with his own fist, as large as a sandbag.
Two fists, one big and one small, collided under the light.
This scene.
Was just like back on the Rocks ship.
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