As the clamor of voices faded away with the sea breeze.
For a moment, countless eyes in the area turned in unison toward Whitebeard, who sat upon his throne with medical equipment embedded all over his body.
Looking at Whitebeard resting with his eyes closed, and the IV machine beside him beeping incessantly.
Everyone present could not help but feel their hearts sink.
More and more things had happened during this period.
Whitebeard had not joined the battle, spending most of his time standing aside and watching.
However, as time passed, the severe strain the Tremor-Tremor Fruit placed on his body had gradually become apparent.
It was precisely for this reason that the commanders had been so invested upon learning that Laugh Tale, the final island, had appeared.
Their only wish was to place Whitebeard upon the throne of the Pirate King while he was still alive.
"Enough, stop arguing. I know you are all thinking of me." Whitebeard abruptly opened his eyes, determination surfacing on his face.
With a flick of his right hand, he tore off the medical equipment hanging from his body.
Then he grabbed the enormous naginata lodged behind him and suddenly rose to his feet.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, he strode toward the bow.
"My sons, I may be old, but that does not mean my strength has weakened, nor has my ambition faded. Since Laugh Tale, the final island marked on the nautical chart, is just one step away, there is no need for us to keep wasting time here and let others beat us to it." Whitebeard suddenly stopped, his eyes flashing as he spoke in a voice like thunder.
"We do not need to regard these petty fools as opponents. The only ones worthy of being called opponents are those people."
"Pops