As the cheers and applause for the two brothers echo around them, many people, even those who were initially opposed, cannot help but feel deeply moved by their story. Despite their differing positions, there is an undeniable emotional impact that transcends the boundaries of ideology.
However, their celebration is short-lived as they realize that they have reached the conclusion of the fourth question, and the next one awaits them—the death of Ace.
This signifies that the brothers, who have just overcome countless obstacles to attain their freedom, will soon face their final moment of separation, forever divided by life and death.
If they were previously rejoicing at the fact that they share the bloodline of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, now their expressions are filled with sympathy.
The current happiness of Ace and Luffy captured in the footage will soon turn into profound sadness. Many people can no longer bear to continue watching.
It feels as though they are following a drama series, experiencing the initial excitement of a heartfelt bond between brothers, only to suddenly face a tragic twist where the protagonist dies. It is a scenario that can be overwhelming.
The members of the Whitebeard Pirates have gloomy expressions, fully aware that what lies ahead is something they never wished to witness in their lifetime.
The outcome of the Summit War may turn out to be even worse than they had imagined.
In the footage, after Ace is rescued, Whitebeard realizes that it is time to depart. He activates his abilities to break through the ice and pushes the Moby Dick onto the sea, ordering the members of the Whitebeard Pirates to board immediately.
Meanwhile, he decides to stay behind and act as their rearguard.
In this moment, as they witness Whitebeard resolutely sacrificing himself, both in the footage and in reality, the members of the Whitebeard Pirates cannot help but burst into tears. Tears stream down their faces.
"Pops!"
"How could this happen?!"
"We can't be without you, Pops!"
...
At this moment, no one feels a heavier burden than Ace. He never imagined that his death would result in such a turn of events. He had thought that his own demise would be the conclusion of the Summit War. However, the current situation weighs on him tenfold. His heart is heavy because his own father, Whitebeard, has decided to sacrifice himself.
Ace grits his teeth, tasting the faint metallic tang of blood in his mouth, but he feels nothing. It is all his fault. If he hadn't been captured, so many of his brothers wouldn't have been killed, and his father wouldn't have given his life.
It's all his fault!
Overwhelmed by a profound sense of guilt, Ace feels the weight on his shoulders. In that moment, a hand rests on his head.
Ace lifts his head and finds Whitebeard looking down at him.
"Pops."
"Ace, there's no need to feel guilty. Protecting family is what a father should do, isn't it? If I can't even protect my family, then what's the point of me, Whitebeard, being alive? You are all my most beloved sons!" Whitebeard says with a smile.
"Pops!" The members of the Whitebeard Pirates can't help but shed tears upon hearing Whitebeard's words.
Even the marines at Marine Headquarters can't help but feel a sense of respect for this man. Although he is a pirate, at least he is the most loyal and caring pirate they have ever seen in their lives.
Unfortunately, this is the enemy.
Many people around the world have been deeply moved by the strong atmosphere of the Whitebeard Pirates. There are even those who harbor thoughts of joining the Whitebeard Pirates, feeling that their lives would be complete under the command of such a legendary man.
---
In the footage, Ace understands his father's determination and is willing to follow his father's orders. He suddenly lowers his head to express his final respect to Whitebeard.
However, Whitebeard interrupts him, saying, "Ace, you don't need to say anything... Ace, tell me one thing... Do you regret... having me as your father?"
Both in the footage and in reality, Ace loudly declares, "Of course not!"
The air is filled with Whitebeard's joyful laughter, "Gurarara..."
The scene shifts, and Luffy, Ace, and Ivankov are fleeing towards the Moby Dick.
However, a man with a magma fist attacks them.
It's Admiral Akainu!
Watching Ace trying to escape, Akainu mocks him and declares Whitebeard as the loser of this era, demeaning him and his legacy.
This stops Ace in his tracks. He cannot tolerate anyone mocking his father.
However, everyone can tell that Akainu is intentionally provoking Ace, trying to make him engage in battle.
But Ace, who had just bid farewell to Whitebeard with great pain, reaches the peak of his anger upon hearing these derogatory remarks about his father. He cannot bear to see Whitebeard, who stayed behind to save him, being insulted like this.
Enraged, Ace charges straight at Akainu. Their fire and magma fists clash, but Ace is no match for Akainu.
As a Logia user with the power of the Flame-Flame Fruit, Ace gets burned.
At the same time, Luffy, who is already at his limit, sees Ace injured and tries to go to his aid but collapses due to exhaustion.
Just then, Akainu, who was initially fighting Ace, suddenly changes direction and throws a punch towards Luffy.
Being completely weakened, Luffy is unable to react. He can only watch helplessly as Akainu's molten fist comes towards him.
In this critical moment, a figure stands in front of Luffy.
________
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