Whitebeard looked at him, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes.
He paused before continuing, "Good boy, I have a task for you."
"Old man, tell me."
"On the day of the Marineford War, no matter what happens, you must lead your brothers and Ace in a timely retreat."
"Don't worry about me. Just make sure most of you can leave alive."
Whitebeard's tone was grave. He knew he could not place all his hopes on Mu Chen. What if he truly died?
That was why he wanted his sons to retreat in time.
Marco immediately understood his father's intentions. His eyes reddened at once.
"Dad, this is an order. You must do it. Only if you survive will the Whitebeard Pirates have hope of rebuilding."
"I understand, Dad. I'll definitely lead the brothers to safety."
Marco looked at Whitebeard, his lips moving slightly. In the end, he simply nodded.
Whitebeard nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Go out first. Let me have some time alone."
Marco rose to his feet, gave Whitebeard a deep bow, then turned and left the cabin.
Watching Marco's lonely back, Whitebeard let out a soft sigh. He knew this decision would hurt many people, but he had no other choice.
He picked up the wine gourd from the table, poured himself a cup, and drained it beneath the moon outside the window.
"Roger, I hope I'm doing the right thing."
Three days later, the banquet hall of Totto Land's Whole Cake Chateau was filled with a cloyingly sweet scent.
Charlotte Linlin sat upon a massive cream throne, holding a strawberry cake bigger than her head, her face smeared with grease.
Not long after, Perospero picked up the letter and went straight to Charlotte Linlin.
"Mother, it's a letter from Whitebeard. He wants to join forces