Whitebeard watched this scene, a meaningful glint flashing through his eyes.
A mere Marine colonel had actually managed to remain standing beneath his Conqueror's Haki.
He had even awakened Conqueror's Haki in the depths of despair.
This sea was truly becoming more and more interesting...
"Gurararara—!"
At that thought, Whitebeard suddenly burst into laughter.
His laughter shook the dark tide, making the entire harbor tremble.
The boldness and tyranny of an Emperor of the Sea from the old era pressed outward without restraint.
"Very good."
"Very good!!!"
A red gleam flashed in Newgate's eyes as the aura of an Emperor of the Sea fully blossomed.
A terrifying pressure surged like an overturning raging sea, cracking the harbor's stone slabs inch by inch.
The Marines who had only just managed to steady themselves turned pale again.
Even the pirates being held along the shore trembled beneath that aura.
This was Whitebeard.
Even if he acknowledged Smoker's backbone.
Even if he had seen Karma's crimes.
His flag still could not be trampled by the Marines before everyone.
Because behind that flag stood not only Karma, but countless people who survived by relying on Whitebeard's name, as well as the dignity of the entire Whitebeard Pirates.
"But—"
Whitebeard tightened his grip on Murakumogiri, the veins on his thick arms bulging slightly.
"My flag."
"Isn't so easy to trample—!!!"
His voice rolled like thunder, slamming fiercely into everyone's ears.
He took a step forward.
Boom!
The ground suddenly sank.
Cracks spread from beneath his feet, ripping across the harbor like a spiderweb.
"Let this old man see."
"Just how long the Marines Rock chose can keep standing—!!!"
As his words fell.
The commanders behind Whitebeard moved at the same time.
Marco's arms transformed into wings of Blue Flames as he shot into the sky.