While Kizaru was tied down by Loa and unable to break free, the slaughter continued in the bay at Marine Headquarters.
Every moment, more than ten lives were lost. War was a grinning demon, reaching out its claws to devour one living soul after another.
Oars Jr. had fallen to Aokiji's Ice Age. Frozen into a statue at the Bay Port, with barely any blood spilled, he could not carve a path to survival for his comrades behind him as he had in the original story.
Ace had cried himself hoarse before the slaughter even began. When he saw Fujitora kick Luffy away, he broke down completely.
"Luffy! Pops! I'm begging you, leave!"
"Demon blood runs through my veins! Don't let anyone else die for me!"
Ace pressed his forehead to the ground and bit his lip. Soon, his tears had soaked the wooden boards beneath him.
"Ace! Hold on a little longer! Wait for me!"
Even with Fujitora holding back, Luffy was already covered in wounds. Gal had gravely injured him just a week ago, leaving his organs exposed. Now sheer willpower was the only thing keeping him on his feet. If that resolve gave out, he might never stand again.
"Get out of my way!"
Clang!
Luffy forced Fujitora back with a punch and shouted, "We're brothers! We shared a cup of sake and swore to become the Pirate King!"
"Luffy..."
Looking at that familiar figure, Ace suddenly realized he could no longer see through his foolish little brother. The boy who used to trail after him crying and ask him to stand up to bullies had become so brave Ace could scarcely bear to watch.
At the rear of the battlefield, Whitebeard stood calmly, watching the two sides clash. He narrowed his eyes slightly and turned his