Sabaody Archipelago had been untouched by the flames of war.
With the families who had fled from Marine Headquarters and people from all over who had gathered to watch the battle, the place was even livelier than usual.
A dozen or so ships approached in a grand procession across the nearby sea.
Whitebeard's body lay on the bow deck of the Going Merry, with several figures standing nearby.
At the bow, Luffy asked them, "Are you guys coming ashore, Pineapple-Head?"
"Better not. This place is too close to Headquarters."
Marco shook his head, his voice low. "Just to be safe, we won't dock. We'll send a few people ashore to buy supplies, then head straight back to the New World."
It was clear how downcast he was. The entire Whitebeard Pirates stood with their heads bowed, their hearts heavy.
The gloomy sky only added to the sorrow.
They had been through so much that day, and Whitebeard's death had dealt them a terrible blow.
Jozu carefully lifted Whitebeard onto his back, nodded to Lina to show his gratitude, then turned and left the Going Merry.
"Thank you for bringing Pops' body back to us."
Marco stepped forward with several of the other commanders and bowed to Lina as well. Then he looked up at Luffy and said, "We owe you a lot for helping us this time. Otherwise, I'm afraid Ace would have..."
"He used to talk about you, his little brother, all the time. Now that I've finally met you, you're just as he described."
At that, Marco managed a faint smile. "We owe you a favor. If you ever need anything in the New World, just ask."
"Ah, you don't have to," Luffy said with a big grin. "We were going to save Ace anyway. He's my brother."