The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

All the power of a naval admiral, all the hegemony of the G-10, all the blueprints for a new era... vanished in an instant.

Because of the most primal and fervent desire deep within my heart, a desire that transcends all political calculations and lust for power.

Simply put, a fierce and exhilarating battle, where everyone gave their all, was once again ruthlessly shattered.

Whitebeard looked at the distraught Gern and a complex smile appeared on his tired face.

The smile contained understanding, regret, and a hint of relief.

"Kurarara..." Whitebeard's laughter was a little hoarse. "Gern, I'm sorry..."

This apology carries so many meanings.

Perhaps it was because they felt apologetic for not being able to give Gern what he desired—a victory decided purely by life and death.

Perhaps it was a pity that, as a representative of the old era, I couldn't accompany him any further.

Perhaps reversing time and returning to the past is just a pipe dream.

The peach-colored flames could restore his peak power, but they could not truly reverse the predetermined outcome.

In other words, Whitebeard had a chance, he had a chance, at the moment when Gorn lost his composure upon seeing him revert to his aged state.

He could have easily suppressed his domineering aura, and even used the remaining life force within him to seize this fleeting opportunity.

Break through the battlefield and achieve his initial goal!

But he didn't.

Facing Gern, the man who wanted to fight him to the death.

He chose to continue demonstrating what it means to be the 'strongest', right up to the very last moment.

Because he is Edward Newgate, the Whitebeard!

This man, who roamed the seas his entire life, never knew the word "betrayal" or "escape" in his dictionary!

Whether it was facing 'The World' in God Valley back then, or facing Roger later, or now facing Gern...

He will fight to the very end, displaying the most perfect and powerful demeanor!

"Whitebeard..."

Whitebeard slowly raised his hand, as if to pat Gorn on the shoulder, but the hand eventually fell limply to the ground.

“Gern, don’t look back… times are always changing.”

"Actually, you are already the 'strongest'."

"That guy, Golden Lion... told me about it when he came to me."

When you recruit him, tell him...

You are not Lox... You will face the 'world'.

“Kurara…” Whitebeard chuckled, his gaze falling on the black sword, Hachiko, that had fallen to the ground.

"Perhaps... it was destined from the moment you possessed that knife!"

“But…Gern, what Skye didn’t tell you is…the ‘world’ itself is not terrifying.”

“Lox’s defeat…I witnessed it.” He seemed to be recalling, “That thing pierced him, he resisted, but…”

But I can't be sure... what the reason is...

Perhaps it's because he's too sentimental and loyal...

This statement is quite meaningful, as if it points out some fatal weakness.

Finally, Whitebeard's gaze refocused on Gern's face.

"In short, when facing 'it'... you can't lose!"

"Why……"

“Because…” Whitebeard said, enunciating each word clearly.

"You are too powerful, Gern."

"If you lose, you'll end up like Lox..."

"It's really...really...no one can stop you now."

After speaking, a sense of relief and calm replaced his expression on the white-bearded face. His body began to sway slightly, and his breath was as faint as a candle flickering in the wind.

"The remnants of the old era... this is all that's left behind..."

His voice trailed off, his gaze slowly shifting from Gern to the direction of the execution platform.

He saw it, and with Luffy's help, the flame reignited, and with all his might, he took a step forward.

"The remaining time... well..."

"Just give it back to me... Gern."

.......

In the center of the plaza, Ace broke free of the seastone shackles thanks to Luffy and the others' desperate struggle, and gained his freedom!

Just as Ace was panting heavily, his body still bearing the marks of battle and exhaustion, anxiously searching for the figure he cared about and admired most...

He saw it.

A tall, white-bearded figure had appeared silently before him, seemingly out of nowhere.

No longer stern, but with an unprecedented fatherly kindness and tranquility, she smiled as she looked at him.

The deafening shouts of battle, the clashing of weapons, and the cheers all seemed to fade away at that moment.

“Ace…”

“Tell me…to be your father…”

Am I... qualified?

This question wasn't just directed at Ace.

It contains the essence of the world's strongest man's innermost thoughts.

The final inquiry into his role as a "father," "family member," and "home" throughout his life.

He shook the world and had countless "sons," but at the moment his life came to an end...

What he most wanted to know was an answer, a simple answer to the "family" he longed for.

Upon hearing Whitebeard's question, Ace seemed to realize something, his whole body trembled violently, and tears streamed down his face.

Without any hesitation, he used all his strength to shout at the top of his lungs.

Of course!!!

After shouting, he fell heavily to his knees with a thud, digging his hands into the ground and pressing his forehead against the cold floor.

"He is the most qualified father!!!"

"Always!!!"

Hearing this heartfelt and unreserved answer, a satisfied smile appeared on the white-bearded man's face.

"Kula la la la..." A relieved smile slowly echoed, eventually returning to calm.

Immediately afterwards, Whitebeard used all his remaining strength to suddenly raise his head.

Facing this chaotic battlefield, facing the world that would be completely changed by his passing.

He could say no more; the renewed aging had taken its toll on his body, transferring the injuries from his battle with Gern to his current state. He couldn't arrange anything more...

So… he decided to issue that final, earth-shattering declaration.

"One Piece—is real!!!"

This roar, like a final thunderclap, rolled across every corner of Marineford, drowning out all the fighting and shouts.

It was clearly transmitted to the ears of everyone on the battlefield, and through the still-connected video Den Den Mushi, it reached every corner of the world!

"Forgive me, my sons, this is the end for me!"

"What a long journey!"

And also, little brat Gern, actually back in the West Sea, I really wanted you to be my son, kuralala…”

The heartfelt words fell.

Edward Newgate, with his white beard, closed his eyes.

He ultimately did not fall, like a resting lion.

He left his era, his concerns, and his final advice to the new era.

He ultimately failed to touch his beloved son with his own hands, but at the finish line

He received the answer he had longed for most in his life, and the most perfect answer.

He brought his legendary life to a close as a dutiful father.

Thus, Whitebeard died in battle.

Chapter 469 I, the Golden Lion, am still here.

Whitebeard died in battle.

This brief message swept through the entire Marineford.

In the distance, the chaotic battle between Shanks, Kaido, and the two Marine Admirals was abruptly halted by this sudden turn of events.

"Hmm..."

Kaido stood there, gazing at the still-standing, lifeless, imposing body in Marineford Square in the distance, his expression somber.

He no longer roared, nor did he attempt to breach the navy's defenses.

Because in his eyes, the one who fell was no longer "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate.

That was back in the distant era of Lox, when he, this reckless newcomer, was beaten and bruised, someone would silently toss him a jug of wine.

In the midst of the chaotic looting, it was the elder brother who shielded him from a fatal sneak attack with his broad back...

The tides of time have swept away too much; they see each other as rivals and enemies, vying for the throne of the sea emperor.

But at this moment, as the candle of life goes out, something that had been buried deep within surfaced.

At this moment, Shanks noticed the change in Kaido's aura, stepped forward with his sword, and spoke in a deep voice.

"Kaido, please don't..."

"Redheads!!!"

A suppressed growl interrupted Shanks' words.

Kaido turned around and stared intently at Shanks.

At this moment, his eyes no longer held any calculation of the battle situation, nor any desire for slaughter.

Instead, it was filled with a pure, chilling killing intent!

"Say one more word..." Kaido gripped the Eight-Section Ring tightly, speaking each word with deliberation.

"There are only two of us here, and only one of us can survive."

Do you dare?

No longer a game of power and checks and balances between the Four Emperors

Instead, it abandoned all considerations of interests and went straight to the most primal... life-or-death invitation!

Faced with Kaido's utterly reckless madness fueled by Whitebeard's death, Shanks's words caught in his throat.

He tightened his grip on Griffin's hand, met Kaido's murderous gaze, and fell into a very brief silence.

Does he dare?

No, he wouldn't dare.

At least not now.

He is not like Kaido, who can act recklessly and on impulse.