"Buzz~"
As a blinding white light burst forth, a vast surge of power spread outward.
Before the panicked members of the Whitebeard Pirates on the ship could even rush forward, their eyes rolled back and they collapsed one after another.
"Old Man!!!"
Led by Marco, the division commanders raised their arms to shield their eyes, forcing themselves forward against the pressure to support their captain.
But the moment they took a step, a violent shockwave pushed them back, leaving them unable to advance even an inch.
Everyone was frantic with worry about their captain's condition, yet their strength simply didn't allow them to participate in a battle of this level.
When the white light faded and their vision finally cleared, they saw that the Moby Dick was already heavily damaged. The massive bow of the ship had completely disappeared.
Whitebeard supported himself with his naginata, half-kneeling in a shattered corner of the deck. Crimson blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. He stared straight ahead, trying to say something, but suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"Old Man!"
"Old Man, how are you?!"
"..."
Seeing Whitebeard seriously injured, the commanders were all shocked. They rushed forward and surrounded him protectively.
Marco immediately used his ability to heal him, while the others angrily drew their weapons, their gazes fixed vigilantly on Leno.
Opposite them, Leno stood suspended in the air. His golden vertical pupils locked onto Whitebeard, killing intent blazing in his eyes.
"The strongest man known for his righteousness… is this all you've got?"
Leno's lips curled downward, his voice dripping with mockery.
The crimson blade in his hand released a blood-red mist that spread around him. The almost tangible killing intent surged outward like waves.
This time, he was truly furious. He had never expected his sincerity to be repaid with betrayal.
That shameless old bastard. He had once even liked the man, thinking he was a decent fellow.
Now it seemed pirates were still pirates after all. No matter what, the treachery and despicable nature buried in their bones would never change.
Since the old man couldn't recognize his own actions, then today he would make him wake up.
As the thought crossed his mind, black-purple lightning arcs began dancing along Leno's blade again. The terrifying pressure caused the surrounding crimson mist to churn violently.
Seeing that Leno was about to attack again, Jinbe's expression changed drastically. In a flash, he appeared in front of everyone, his face filled with urgency as he looked ahead.
"Mr. Leno, this is a misunderstanding. Pops was just anxious and worried about Vista…"
"Jinbe!"
Leno raised his hand and cut him off. Pointing the blade directly at Whitebeard, he shouted sternly:
"You saw what happened. And you still call this a misunderstanding?!"
"In a fair fight, he attacked my crew!"
As he spoke, Leno's gaze swept across everyone like a blade. His voice carried unmistakable killing intent.
"Have you… forgotten the rules of the sea?"
"This… this…"
Jinbe was at a loss for words. His expression held urgency, apology, and helplessness.
This matter truly was the Whitebeard Pirates' fault. Their captain had gone back on his word.
But as a son, how could he criticize his own father? And Whitebeard had acted out of concern for his comrades.
Yet the Leno before him was also the savior of Fish-Man Island. Leaving aside everything else, saving the princess of the Ryugu Kingdom alone was enough for Jinbe to remain eternally grateful.
He had no choice.
If he didn't step forward now—or if someone else stepped forward instead—the situation might spiral completely out of control.
"M-Mr. Leno… could you, for the sake of this old fishman's face… let this matter…"
Jinbe's cheeks flushed slightly as he spoke. His eyes lowered, unable to meet Leno's gaze.
He knew very well that once these words left his mouth, the small bond he had finally built with Leno would disappear completely.
But he had no choice.
He simply couldn't stand by and watch the Whitebeard Pirates fall apart.
Sure enough, the moment the words left his mouth, Leno's eyes narrowed.
He turned to Jinbe, his voice calm and cold.
"Are you sure?"
"...Y-Yes… I'm sure!"
Jinbe's body trembled. He immediately bowed deeply, his voice shaking as he replied.
Even though he felt sorry toward Leno, the companions behind him were his family.
After receiving the confirmation, the aura around Leno instantly receded.
His calm gaze swept across everyone present.
Looking at their angry and complicated expressions, he sneered inwardly. His figure then transformed into a streak of lightning and vanished, leaving only a single sentence echoing in everyone's ears.
"Take care of yourselves."
"..."
After Leno disappeared, the commanders remained silent, exchanging glances without saying a word.
Whitebeard slowly opened his eyes. He looked at the ruined ship, then at his silent sons, and let out a long sigh. His figure seemed to stoop noticeably.
He felt regret now.
Or rather, he had regretted it the moment he attacked.
He shouldn't have provoked such a terrifying enemy for the sake of the crew.
For some reason, he had simply lost control of himself at the time.
Now it was too late to say anything.
All he could hope was that the next leader of the crew might someday repair their relationship with the man.
His gaze fell on Ace, then swept across everyone before he spoke in a deep voice.
"Sorry… this time, it was my impulsiveness."
"Paps…"
"Old Man, what are you saying?"
"Yeah, Oyaji, how could this be your fault?"
"..."
Hearing their father admit his mistake in front of everyone, the commanders became flustered.
In the end, the blame lay with them, his sons, for being incapable and causing their father to lose face.
Jozu and the newly awakened Vista both knelt to the ground, repeatedly bowing their heads to Whitebeard while tears streamed down their faces.
"I'm sorry, Father. It's all our fault. If we hadn't lost…"
Whitebeard looked at his many sons, smiling gently. He waved his hand helplessly.
"Alright, enough about this matter. Go handle the aftermath."
As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward the destroyed bow of the ship, and he finally gained a clear understanding of Leno's strength.
With a quiet sigh in his heart, he turned toward the somewhat silent Jinbe and said softly:
"Sorry, Jinbe. I made things difficult for you…"
"Paps, please don't say that! This is what I should do!"
Jinbe was flustered and uneasy. Hearing Whitebeard apologize made the small resentment in his heart disappear instantly.
This was still the father he admired—the one who had devoted everything to his sons.
Just as this touching scene between father and sons unfolded, a large, dark, fat man among the unconscious Whitebeard Pirates quietly opened his eyes.
The battle earlier had confirmed one thing for him.
Their father… was truly old now.
His ambition lacked only one final piece.
Once that piece was obtained…
As if thinking of something, the big fat man's mouth slowly split into a grin.
…
…