Whitebeard had not fallen.
But at this moment, the morale across the entire battlefield truly collapsed.
In the direction of the harbor, every member of the Whitebeard Pirates felt as if an invisible hand had gripped their hearts.
They stared wide-eyed at the massive figure in the center of the island, swaying yet still standing.
"Pops..."
"He's hurt?"
"It's more than an injury!"
"He was pierced through!"
"Impossible!"
"That's Pops!!!"
Panic spread through the pirate lines like a rising tide.
Even though Whitebeard was still standing, even though he still held Murakumogiri.
Those horrifying wounds, his steadily weakening presence, and the rapidly fading pressure of his Conqueror's Haki forced everyone to acknowledge—
Even the world's strongest man could be beaten to the brink of death.
Thunder gathered around Rock once more.
Purple-black arcs of electricity extended from his palm, entwined with black-red Conqueror's Haki lightning as they gradually formed a savage Lightning Spear.
The spearhead pointed downward, its killing intent locked onto Whitebeard.
Whitebeard struggled to raise Murakumogiri.
His face was covered in blood.
The wound along the side of his head was horrifying, blood dripping continuously down his cheek and chin.
Yet he still bared his teeth in a laugh.
"Gurararara..."
"You want to kill me..."
"Then come and try it—!!!"
Marco, Jozu, and Vista charged toward the center of the island at the same time.
"Pops—!!!"
But in the next instant, lightning surged.
Enel was covered in blood as the phantom of the White Tiger roared into existence again, blocking Marco's path.
"Don't even think about getting through!"
"I'm your opponent!"
On the other side.
Jozu roared as he smashed through the ruins, only to be knocked off course by a single palm strike from Kuma. His enormous diamond body crashed into the shattered docks again.
Vista forced