The vast deck fell into a heavy silence.
Facing the upcoming battle with Marine Headquarters, the Whitebeard Pirates had already resolved to risk everything.
But in a life-or-death struggle, who wouldn't want even the slightest edge?
"No. I think the presence of the Beasts Pirates might actually put us at a disadvantage," Marco suddenly spoke, breaking his silence.
"Don't forget—Kaido loves nothing more than exploiting openings and stabbing people in the back."
"If the Beasts Pirates were involved, we'd have to hold something back just to guard against him."
"Now that the battlefield is split, we can fight with no distractions. That's actually a good thing."
A good thing?
Everyone was stunned.
They hadn't expected Marco to say something like that.
But after thinking it through, they couldn't refute his logic.
"Wahahaha! Marco's right. Better to rely on the blade in your own hand than count on others!"
Whitebeard gripped his naginata tightly and laughed heartily as he strode toward a nearby sake barrel.
He reached out and grabbed it with one hand, then said in a deep voice:
"Everyone, this time it's your old man being selfish. But drink this pre-battle sake—it's my toast to you all!"
His words were few, but they struck like thunder, shaking everyone to their core.
As Whitebeard raised the barrel and drank deeply, the captains and commanders—who had still been hesitant—were suddenly overcome with emotion. Faces flushed, they grabbed their cups and downed the sake in unison.
A thunderous cheer erupted:
"To Pops! We'll bring Ace back alive!"
Their voices echoed across the deck.
Whitebeard tightened his grip on his naginata.
At his age, he knew his own condition well.
He had no certainty of victory in this war.
But this response—from his sons—was more than enough.
"Everyone, move out. Stick to the plan." Whitebeard gave the order.
"Aye, Pops!"
Diamond Jozu and the other commanders responded in unison and dispersed under Whitebeard's gaze.
But just a few steps away, a hoarse voice called out behind them, making them freeze:
"Thank you… my sons."
Many paused, about to turn around—but Marco spoke up:
"Pops doesn't want to see you look back. Don't turn around. Let's go."
Jozu and the others stiffened again. They didn't understand why Marco said that.
But they obeyed. Without hesitation, they resumed walking.
No one knew how much time passed.
Soon, only Marco and Whitebeard remained on the deck.
Watching the ships fade into the distance, Marco looked at the solemn expression on Whitebeard's face. After a long silence, he asked:
"Pops… have you made up your mind? Are you really going to do it?"
Whitebeard nodded silently, released his grip on the naginata, took a swig of sake, and sighed.
"That brat's words were harsh… but not wrong. Times are changing. It's not that I abandoned the era—it's that the era has left me behind."
"If that time comes, Marco, remember what I said. You're the only one who won't act on impulse."
"Now go. If possible… I truly hope you can carry the burden I leave behind."
Marco's sake cup cracked slightly in his hand. He clenched his fist several times before finally letting out a bitter smile and turning to leave.
As Whitebeard's right-hand man, he knew his Devil Fruit and Haki were well-developed.
But to inherit the title of Emperor, one needed more than strength—one needed the presence of a true king, and mastery of Advanced Conqueror's Haki.
That alone disqualified him.
And that was why—if the Whitebeard Pirates were to survive—Ace's existence was essential.
As Marco disappeared from the deck, Whitebeard looked down at the crumpled letter in his hand, then raised his eyes to the distant sky.
Meanwhile, in another part of the New World, a swarm of pirate ships surged through the Osla Sea like a plague of locusts.
Seeing the massive fleet, pirates and merchants along the route turned pale.
Especially when they spotted the enormous flagship at the front—flying the banner of the Beasts Pirates.
It was like a bucket of ice water poured over their heads.
Shivering, they fled in panic.
Only a few reckless souls dared to linger, slowly turning their ships around or raising telescopes to peer at the approaching behemoth.
After all, Kaido of the Beasts was one of the Four Emperors. Curiosity was inevitable.
But the moment they caught a glimpse of Kaido's back through their scopes—
He suddenly turned, face twisted with fury, and roared as he swung his massive kanabo:
"Thunder Bagua!"
BOOM!
A pirate standing behind Kaido didn't even have time to react.
The kanabo, crackling with lightning, smashed into his face.
He was launched like a cannonball, tearing through the sea—hurtling straight toward the ships that had dared to spy on Kaido.
The sudden outburst left the onlookers pale with terror.
They had only wanted a peek—and nearly paid with their lives.
BOOM!
A storm of lightning exploded across the sea.
Waves surged, smashing every ship within hundreds of meters to pieces.
Watching Kaido seethe with rage, the pirates on his deck instinctively shrank back, quietly edging away.
"Boss Kaido," Queen said with a nervous laugh, "you've already knocked out dozens of our own men on this trip. At this rate, we'll lose a few crews before the war even starts!"
"Hmph! Trash is trash. Let them die!" Kaido slammed his kanabo onto the deck, roaring:
"But that brat—does he think I'm some insect?"
"He not only agreed to split the battlefield, he even refused reinforcements. Is he underestimating me, Kaido—or overestimating himself?"