Whitebeard, captain of Whitebeard's Pirates that Acebelongs to. He is one of the powerful Four Emperors who reign over the last half of the Grand Line, and is said to have the "power to destroy the world." An all-out melee between both forces breaks out, and powerful fighters clash all over Marineford.
During the chaos, Luffy arrives in Marineford with the prisoners of Impel Down who he escaped with after infiltrating the prison to save Ace. He dashes across the battlefield to free his brother, fearing not even the likes of Whitebeard. Luffy progresses, facing powerful enemies, without letting Ace's worried voice stop him. He's badly wounded, but gets enough help that he finally arrives at the gallows where Ace is.