บท 329: 328 War Aftermath, Responsibility
Marco and Katakuri find themselves in the same precarious situation, like candle flames flickering in the wind.
Even without considering Armament Haki, they wouldn't be able to withstand a normal punch at this point. Their previous clash had drained all their strength.
This is mainly because Marco used this trick for the first time and didn't know its full extent. His attack was driven by pure desperation and madness.
As a respondent, Katakuri had to match Marco's madness with his own, leading to the current situation.
Katakuri approached Marco step by step, while Marco kept his gaze fixed on him.
As Katakuri drew near, Marco suddenly stepped forward, unleashing a punch he had been preparing, striking Katakuri squarely.
Marco punched Katakuri abdomen. This blow instantly made Katakuri lose his ability to move. He had exhausted his strength just by enduring the pain and supporting himself without falling.
But Marco continued to punch again. This time, Katakuri was unable to support it, and the whole person fell straight down.
As Katakuri fell to the ground, Marco too instantly relaxed, lying out on his back and panting heavily.
"Man, that was tougher than I thought,"
Marco said, a hint of fear in his voice. If Katakuri had been the one to strike first, Marco might have been the one on the ground now.
The battle lasted so long, and the victory was still so close, something Marco hadn't anticipated initially.
"It looks like it's over"
Whitebeard remarked. After instructing his crew to take Marco and Katakuri back, everyone needed a well-deserved rest following the intense battle between the emperors' teams.
So, Whitebeard decided not to leave Bluff Island immediately. Instead, he allowed everyone to rest for half a day while attending to casualties and recruitment efforts.
At the makeshift base camp, Whitebeard sat at the top with Benjamin by his side. Below them were the division commander and captain of the pirate fleet.
While there wasn't an opportunity for a grand celebration on the island, Whitebeard was still determined to lift everyone's spirits.
Despite the casualties in the battle, they had managed to eliminate a Four Emperors' pirate crew. As a result, most of them began to feel joyous, celebrating with drinks and merriment.
Whitebeard felt a slight sense of relief seeing the lively atmosphere below. However, as the captain of this large family, he still needed to deal with some certain matters.
"Benjamin, do we have the casualty statistics ready?"
Whitebeard asked in a hushed tone.
"The statistics are ready, Oyaji. In this battle, we lost three fleet captains, with 24 captains and commanders injured. We also had over 300 ordinary crew members killed, more than 1,000 lightly injured, and over 500 seriously injured"
"Thankfully, our commanders remain intact, with only a few sustaining minor injuries. As for the Big Mom Pirates, approximately 1,500 were killed, 3,500 surrendered, and over 1,000 refused to surrender and are currently under temporary prison."
"The ones who refused to surrender were mostly core members of the Big Mom Pirates. Some even tried to escape by jumping into the sea during the chaos, but their numbers were few"
After Benjamin finished the report, Whitebeard nodded in acknowledgment. Then, he asked, "Benjamin, what are your thoughts on this battle?"
"What do I think?"
Benjamin was slightly surprised. He didn't expect Whitebeard to ask him this question suddenly.
"Our losses are much smaller compared to theirs, so I'd consider it a victory overall,"
Benjamin replied.
"Do you know any of the ones who died?" Whitebeard inquired.
"Yes," Benjamin replied solemnly.
"Well, that's the nature of war. Regardless of the victor, death is inevitable,"
Whitebeard remarked with a somber tone.
Whitebeard asked because he could sense Benjamin's sadness. Despite their small losses compared to the Big Mom Pirates, it was still a significant victory.
Despite the victory, Benjamin couldn't find joy in the moment. While everyone else celebrated, he remained at Whitebeard's side, continuing to work diligently.
"I understand, Oyaji. But as the chief of staff of the Whitebeard Pirates, I won't let you shoulder everything alone,"
Benjamin replied earnestly.
"What's this all of a sudden?"
Whitebeard asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Oyaji, I can tell you're feeling down. Don't think I haven't noticed," Benjamin said gently.
"You're quite perceptive, my boy. But as your father, I'm accustomed to life's ups and downs. No need to worry about comforting me. Guurarara!"
Seeing a junior willing to shoulder such responsibility, Whitebeard couldn't help but laughed . Yet, he admired Benjamin's sense of responsibility even more.
Despite being born as a mere Marine soldier, Benjamin possesses a level of maturity and insight that some may never get in their lifetime.
"It seems giving you the Dark Fruit at the start wasn't a mistake after all. Having someone like you as the chief of staff puts my mind at ease," Whitebeard remarked.
With the addition of the six main commanders, the Close Guard, Whitebeard division commanders, and fleet captains, along with those who surrendered and will be incorporated later, the Whitebeard Pirates have greatly expanded their strength after this battle.
"Speaking of the Dark Fruit, Oyaji, I've made some progress lately and had some unexpected gains,"
Benjamin said with a hint of pride.
"Oh? What's the catch?" Whitebeard inquired with curiosity.
Benjamin smiled and remained silent, but a sense of calmness emanated from him. Shortly after, a wave of Conqueror's Haki emanated from his body.
The sudden wave of Conqueror's Haki shocked many present, but those who remained seated and continued drinking were mostly capable commanders or captains.
However, when Benjamin released his Conqueror's Haki, others stopped what they were doing and turned their attention towards him.
"Conqueror's Haki, have you awakened?"
Whitebeard asked with a smile, showing no surprise on his face, which seemed rather unusual.
"Oyaji, did you already know about it? Did Marco mention it?"
Benjamin asked, curious.
"Marco, he hasn't woken up yet"
Whitebeard said.
Benjamin agreed, acknowledging that Marco was still in recovery, much like the other injured people.
"You're wondering why I'm not surprised, right? Well, it's because I believe you're the kind of person with that aptitude, so it didn't come as a surprise to me,"
Whitebeard explained, understanding Benjamin's thoughts.
"Oyaji, I consider myself really fortunate to have met you,"
Benjamin said sincerely, his eyes glistening with emotion.
"Alright, go join them for a drink,"
Whitebeard said with a smile, giving Benjamin a pat on the shoulder.
.
.
TO BE CONTINUED
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