The Strongest Dragon of the Tiger, Dragon, and Phoenix

"Boom!!!"

Ace's punch was blocked by Gu Sheng with one hand. Countless flames erupted into blazing waves that swept in every direction. The tall Gu Sheng and the shorter Ace formed a stark contrast.

"Bang!"

The azure flames began to recede. Whitebeard seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep, his breathing relatively calm. As his entire body fell, Gu Sheng caught him with one hand.

"Jozu!"

Gu Sheng pushed Whitebeard toward the towering Jozu. Then he seized Ace's fist and used his Armament Haki to force him back into his original form.

"Ace, take Pops back. From now on, the Whitebeard Pirates are in your hands."

Gu Sheng suddenly tapped Ace's forehead with his other hand. A point of red light flickered, and Ace froze in place. "Don't be so headstrong anymore. If you run into danger in the future, don't recklessly fight to the death. Only by staying alive can you solve the problem.

Now, take everyone and leave! I'll stay behind and cover you!!!"

"Marco!"

Gu Sheng released Ace's fist. Ace spoke blankly, his voice trembling. He desperately wanted to say that he would stay too, but Gu Sheng had already given him no chance.

"Vista, Squard, have each of you lead the forces from Headquarters and the various pirate crews in retreat. I'll hold back the enemy here."

Gu Sheng made his decision then and there. The chaos caused by Whitebeard's unconsciousness had already subsided, and anyone with even a little sense knew why Gu Sheng was doing this!

Whitebeard had always been stubborn. If he hadn't fallen unconscious, he would certainly have chosen to stay behind and fight to the very end. And no one in the Whitebeard Pirates could sway his decision—not Jozu, not Vista, not Ace, not Marco. No one!

"I understand!"

Vista