"Boom!!"
"Crackle, crackle!!"
Just as the Marines were about to catch up to the retreating pirates, a powerful and overwhelming force swept through Marine Headquarters like a raging tidal wave.
This force was like an unshakable mountain, impossible to surpass. It was also like an endless ocean, filling everyone with awe and fear.
The already dark sky became even heavier and more oppressive, as if the end of the world had arrived.
Black and red lightning streaked across the battlefield like giant, furious serpents, twisting and turning as they unleashed their terrifying power.
Every time the lightning flashed, the entire battlefield shook, striking fear into the hearts of those who witnessed it.
The Marines who had been chasing the pirates suddenly found themselves under an unbearable pressure.
Lower-ranking soldiers couldn't withstand the force and collapsed one by one, eyes rolling back as they lost consciousness.
Even the battle-hardened Marine officers, who were usually fearless, felt their scalps tingle, their hearts gripped by fear and unease.
Even the three Admirals widened their eyes in shock, staring at the scene before them in disbelief.
Whose Conqueror's Haki was this?!
"Stop this war!"
A voice like rolling thunder shook the battlefield, making the entire world tremble.
"Too many innocent lives have already been lost. Your goals have been achieved—there is no need for more pointless killing!"
Another powerful voice followed, filled with undeniable authority and determination, echoing across the sky.
In that instant, every single person turned to look in the direction of the voice.
Through the lingering mist, a massive and imposing pirate ship slowly came into view.
"It's… it's the Red-Haired Pirates!"
Someone shouted in shock, their voice like a spark igniting the already tense atmosphere.
At that moment, everyone understood who had arrived. They also knew exactly whose Conqueror's Haki had just swept through Marineford.
"Red-Haired!!!"
When Akainu saw the approaching ship, his face darkened instantly, like storm clouds gathering before a raging tempest.
Kizaru and Aokiji widened their eyes in shock, their faces filled with disbelief. Sengoku's expression grew even more serious, his brows tightly furrowed as if he were carrying an enormous weight on his shoulders.
Before the arrival of the Red-Haired Pirates, Garp had seemed somewhat absent-minded, perhaps even hoping to slack off during the battle.
But now, with another powerful force on the level of the Four Emperors entering the battlefield, he knew he could no longer stand aside.
The legendary Marine had no choice but to step forward, standing alongside his comrades to face the crisis at hand.
Meanwhile, the retreating forces were overjoyed to see the new arrival. Rayleigh let out a sigh of relief—Shanks had finally made it.
For the members of the Whitebeard Pirates, their emotions were incredibly complicated. The memory of Shanks stopping Ace from chasing Blackbeard was still fresh in their minds.
But now, things had completely changed.
They had fallen so far that they now needed their former rival to come and save them.
As everyone stood frozen for a moment, the Red-Haired Pirates' ship had already reached the shore. The entire crew disembarked together, walking toward the Marines with steady, unwavering steps.
Their faces were cold and serious, exuding an overwhelming presence that sent chills down the spines of all who faced them.
As the Red-Haired Pirates approached, an almost suffocating pressure filled the air. It was as if an enormous weight had been placed on the Marines' chests, making it difficult to breathe.
"Vice-Captain Rayleigh, sorry for being late..." Shanks spoke in a calm voice as he stopped beside Rayleigh, his gaze heavy as he surveyed the scene before him.
Rayleigh shook his head. "This was Whitebeard's decision. From the moment he came to Marineford, he never intended to leave alive."
His words struck everyone like a hammer, especially the members of the Whitebeard Pirates. They lowered their heads, their eyes filled with sorrow and unshed tears.
Shanks silently looked toward the center of the battlefield. Even in death, Whitebeard's figure still radiated an unparalleled aura.
A deep sigh rose in Shanks' heart—he couldn't help but mourn Whitebeard's passing.
"If anyone still wants to continue this fight, come on—I'll take you on," Shanks declared coldly, his sharp gaze locking onto Sengoku. "What do you say, Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
"Red-Haired..." Akainu's magma bubbled and surged, but he still turned his eyes toward Sengoku, waiting for his response.
Sengoku, still in his Great Buddha form, remained silent as he stared at Shanks. A few seconds later, he slowly withdrew from his transformed state.
Seeing this, Akainu also pulled back his powers.
"Leave Whitebeard's funeral to us. The whole world has already seen this war, and I won't allow anyone to disgrace his death." Shanks' voice was firm and unyielding.
The moment he said this, many of the Marines under Akainu's command tensed up.
To them, true victory meant taking Whitebeard's head and putting it on display. Letting the pirates take his body away felt like it was tarnishing the Marine's triumph.
"Stand down!"
Sengoku's sudden command stopped the restless Marines in their tracks.
"I'll leave it to you, Red-Haired."
Sengoku's gaze fell on Shanks, his expression cold and unreadable.
Shanks looked back at Sengoku without any emotion on his face. "Thank you."
His voice was calm and steady, as if he had expected this outcome all along.
Hearing Sengoku's words, the tense members of the Whitebeard Pirates finally started to relax. Without wasting any time, they moved quickly toward Whitebeard's body.
"Pops!"
"Waaahhh!"
"Pops, we're taking you back to the New World!"
The Whitebeard Pirates ran to their captain's side, their tears falling like rain.
They gathered around Whitebeard's body, pouring their emotions into this final farewell, showing their deepest respect and grief for the man who had led them.
The division commanders carefully lifted Whitebeard's body, ensuring that he would be given the dignity and rest he deserved.
"Treat the wounded immediately!"
Sengoku's voice rang out again, breaking the silence of the battlefield.
His order spread quickly, and both Marines and pirates alike began tending to the injured without hesitation.
"This war... is over!"
Sengoku's declaration was loud and clear, like the tolling of a great bell, shaking everyone to their core.
At that moment, both Marines and pirates felt an overwhelming wave of emotions rise within them.
The end of the war meant life could go on. They had finally survived this brutal battle.
Joy and sorrow intertwined, painting a complex yet real picture.
As soon as Sengoku's announcement ended, countless medics in white coats rushed onto the battlefield, searching for and treating every wounded person in need of help.
The pirates did the same.
Every ship doctor worked as hard as they could, doing their best to save their injured crewmates.
They cared for each life, hoping everyone could make it back to the New World together.
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