With Whitebeard's arrival, the live broadcast on Lodestar Island reached new heights.
It's not just because the Four Emperors of the New World have gathered on Lodestar Island; it's more because of the imminent war between them.
The attacking side is led by the Whitebeard Pirates and their 35 massive ships, while those being attacked include forces like Kaido, Bullet, Shanks, and Charlotte Linlin.
Whitebeard's way of greeting has already been made clear—no matter who's on Lodestar Island, they'll face his indiscriminate assault.
It's evident that, regardless of the outcome, the world's power structure will shift after today.
Just as billions of tons of seawater were crashing down from the sky, a figure shot up from one side of Lodestar Island.
At that moment, Shanks' movement was noticed by many of the strong individuals on Lodestar Island. Though he appeared tiny in comparison to the overwhelming tsunami, the aura rising from him shone like a blazing sun.
Clang…
Shanks drew his sword, Gryphon. The sharp sound of the blade rang out, even overpowering the roar of the tsunami. Flames erupted from Gryphon's cold, gleaming blade.
As Shanks solemnly raised Gryphon, everyone felt a sharp aura gathering around him. In the next instant, Shanks swung his sword in a straight slash.
A terrifying attack formed a blinding white streak in front of him, transforming into a giant slash spanning over a kilometer, tearing a massive rift through the incoming tsunami.
The slash continued forward, crossing the kilometer distance in the blink of an eye before dissipating at the horizon.
The roaring waves bypassed the Red Force through the rift and surged toward the land.
"That old guy Whitebeard is in quite the mood today."
Landing back on the deck, Shanks sheathed Gryphon and muttered as he looked toward the Moby Dick.
He's dealt with Whitebeard before—after aging, Whitebeard rarely fights because the side effects of his Quake-Quake Fruit were something his younger body could withstand, but now, the toll is much greater.
But looking at this situation, Whitebeard seems intent on going all out, leaving no Rouxm for retreat.
"Boss, is Whitebeard really going all in this time?"
Lucky Roux, gnawing on a roasted leg of beef, kept shoveling food into his mouth. For him, eating constantly is a way to store energy for explosive power during battle.
"This is trouble, Shanks."
Beside him, Benn Beckman, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, wore a grave expression.
If before, they had any chance of preventing an all-out clash between the various forces, Whitebeard's intent now leaves no Rouxm for that. If the Red-Haired Pirates intervene, it could escalate into an unprecedented Four Emperors' battle.
Knowing those guys as well as Benn Beckman does, they don't care about maintaining the balance of power; they're only interested in their own gains. If a fight breaks out, intervening might trigger hostility from the others and even lead to a joint attack against them.
The towering tsunami surged toward the coast, crushing everything in its path. Numerous pirate ships docked along the shore were swept up, shredded to pieces, and the pirates who couldn't escape in time were dragged into the waves along with debris.
As the waves receded from the island, what remained was a scene of complete devastation.
"That guy Whitebeard really is insane. That wiped out at least 70% of the pirates on Lodestar Island."
Looking at the footage from one of the surviving surveillance Den Den Mushi, Festa clicked his tongue.
"That's the true strength of that man. Unrestrained, he's a walking disaster. I'm getting excited."
Watching the scene where Whitebeard seemed to have done nothing more than a trivial task, Bullet's eyes burned with fighting spirit. Crushing the bottle in his hand, he got up and headed outside.
"Mama mama… Kaido, looks like Whitebeard's here to settle things with you."
Charlotte Linlin grinned at Kaido with a mocking expression.
"Worororo, that old guy's body is failing. Last time we fought, he was already panting after a short while. Though his short-term combat strength is terrifying, if the fight drags on, he might wear himself out."
Kaido sneered.
In their last battle, if Whitebeard hadn't suddenly unleashed a massive strike that seriously injured him, Kaido was confident he could have dragged Whitebeard to death.
As for teaming up with Bullet to take down Whitebeard, that idea never crossed his mind.
"Is that really the man known as the world's strongest? What terrifying power!"
"Almost all those pirates got wiped out instantly!"
"He can create such a monstrous tsunami singlehandedly. Is that guy even human?"
"The Navy's been dealing with a monster like this?"
"Thank goodness they're in the New World. If they were here, we'd be doomed."
Watching the scene of devastation, many watching the broadcast started discussing. Some were fearful, some despaired, while others secretly felt relieved.
Meanwhile, on the deck of the Moby Dick, the Whitebeard Pirates' captains, led by Marco, were tearfully but joyfully looking at Whitebeard.
"Dad…"
Marco choked up.
"Gurarara, don't make that face, Marco. I'm feeling better than ever right now."
Gripping the naginata he had just driven into the deck, Whitebeard laughed heartily.
Just as the Whitebeard Pirates were about to share a heartfelt moment, a timid voice interrupted.
"Um, could I sit this one out?"
As the voice fell, everyone on the deck, including Whitebeard, turned to look in the direction of the voice.
Suddenly being stared at by so many, especially with Whitebeard among them, even the usually brash Jewelry Bonney was a bit flustered.
"Gurarara, don't worry, young lady. This is my war—you won't be dragged into it."
Whitebeard chuckled, looking at Bonney.
You could say it's thanks to this young lady that he's feeling his peak strength again.
"Bonney, rest assured. We'll stake our lives to ensure no one harms you."
Marco's voice was stern, more so than Whitebeard's.
He clearly understood that Whitebeard's current state was closely tied to Bonney. As long as Bonney is fine, Whitebeard remains in his prime!
And Marco knew better than anyone what a prime Whitebeard signifies.
"What is that old guy Whitebeard up to?"
Crocodile puffed on his cigar, frowning at the distant Moby Dick. He was aware of Whitebeard's health issues and couldn't understand why he was doing this. Was it really just to avenge those so-called "sons" of his?
As Crocodile pondered, he swung a massive sand sword to his side.
"Fufufufu, still as fiery as ever, Crocodile."
Using his strings to dodge the attack, Doflamingo perched on a tree, laughing down at Crocodile.
"Do you want to die, Doflamingo?"
Crocodile's killing intent surged toward Doflamingo.
"Fufufufu, I'm not done enjoying myself yet. How about teaming up? You must realize this battle will reshape the world. Afterward, no one knows what the world's order will be.
The era of these old pirates ruling the seas is ending, and a new era is dawning.
I know your ambition…"
"You're not on my level—maybe as my underling."
Before Doflamingo could finish, Crocodile cut him off coldly.
Just as Doflamingo was about to retort, both men simultaneously looked toward the island's interior.
There, a giant dragon was soaring toward the Moby Dick, and from another direction, an equally terrifying presence was heading the same way.
Kaido and Bullet were on the move.