Everyone on the battlefield was shaken by Whitebeard Edward's attack. Nearly every eye was drawn to him.
The smoke in the middle quickly cleared, revealing what lay behind it.
Whitebeard's Murakumogiri was pressed hard against the dark mist released by Blackbeard.
Blackbeard's feet had sunk into the ground, swallowed up to mid-calf. His whole body trembled uncontrollably, and blood kept spilling from the corners of his mouth.
He looked as though he were just a little shy of breaking.
But he was only a little shy!
"Gah!"
The stalemate lasted less than a second before Whitebeard spat out blood.
That last attack had sent his insides churning. His spleen had ruptured under the strain, and blood poured from his mouth.
The blood on the ground was nearly enough to form a small puddle.
But Blackbeard had clearly yet to recover, and even though he saw this perfect opportunity, he couldn't attack.
Poison Snake and Shiryu of the Rain, both concealed nearby, struck without hesitation.
Whitebeard tried to dodge, but his legs could barely keep him upright.
Still, he avoided a fatal wound. The attack meant to pierce his heart shifted to his chest, missing it slightly, and the long sword ran straight through him.
It was an almost fatal attack.
But the pain jolted Whitebeard's body back to life. He regained his strength and punched Shiryu of the Rain, sending him flying.
After that blow, however, Whitebeard Edward was nearly spent. He could barely stand, and had to drive Murakumogiri into the ground to keep his balance.
The three Admirals—Sakazuki and the others—eased off their attacks on the Whitebeard Pirates and focused more of their attention on Whitebeard.
After all, the head of Whitebeard was worth far more than that of someone with an evil bloodline.
This man was the