The Ancient Promise to Maintain World Balance

"Gurararara..." Whitebeard laughed. "You're still too green, brat!"

Aokiji rose from the ground and dusted himself off. "To be honest, if you were in your prime, I really wouldn't stand a chance." His tone remained calm. "But you're no longer the Whitebeard you once were."

"Oh?" Whitebeard's gaze sharpened. "Then let me see how much you've improved over the years!"

The two clashed again, and terrifying energy shockwaves sent towering waves surging across the surrounding sea. Part of the island had already sunk beneath the waves from their battle, but neither powerhouse cared, wholly focused on attacking and defending against the other.

However, just as the battle reached a stalemate, the "Voidbringer" at the center of the island suddenly activated! An invisible pulse of energy spread outward, enveloping the entire island.

Whitebeard immediately sensed something was wrong. His Tremor-Tremor Fruit ability was noticeably affected, and the force of his quakes weakened drastically.

"So this is the 'Voidbringer'..." Whitebeard frowned slightly. "It really does have some bite."

Seeing this, Aokiji's assault became even fiercer. He knew this was his best opportunity. "Sorry, Whitebeard. You can't win this battle."

Suppressed by the "Voidbringer," the battle gradually turned against Whitebeard. Even though he barely held on through his years of combat experience and powerful Haki, his stamina was draining rapidly, and his breathing grew heavier and heavier.

Yet at that critical moment, Aokiji suddenly slowed his assault and said quietly, "Do you know the truth about the Sealing Weapons? They weren't created for war..."

Those words exploded in Whitebeard's heart like a thunderbolt. His movements faltered slightly, and a complicated emotion flashed through his eyes.

"How much... do you know?" Whitebeard asked in a low voice.

"Enough to know how absurd all this is," Aokiji replied. "The World Government fears not only the