Marco, still in the air, instantly understood Whitebeard's intentions.
"Pops!"
"I'm still too weak!"
Watching Whitebeard vanish from his sight in the distance, unwilling tears streamed from Marco's eyes.
He hated it. He hated how weak he still was. Ever since the Whitebeard Pirates had come to rule the seas, his strength had improved painfully slowly.
In truth, he was not the only one in this situation. The others were the same.
After Roger died and Golden Lion cut off his own legs to escape Impel Down, no one on the seas dared to provoke the Whitebeard Pirates anymore.
And the true overlords of the seas—the Navy—had been overwhelmed by the arrival of the Great Age of Pirates, leaving them with no time for anything else. Their influence in the New World had steadily weakened, and under Whitebeard's protection, the Whitebeard Pirates had completely lost all threats.
Although newcomers came to challenge the Whitebeard Pirates every year, could they truly pose any real danger? Life had become far too comfortable.
Even the renowned Red Hair Pirates and Baroque Pirates of recent years did not dare to openly contend with the Whitebeard Pirates. There were only minor skirmishes.
The last time Marco had fought a truly meaningful battle was several years ago, when he and Ryan had gone to Mary Geoise and fought Sengoku alongside Ryan and the others in Water 7.
If I make it back safely this time, I'll definitely work hard to improve my strength! Marco silently swore to himself.
The other division commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates had similar thoughts.
"If I'm still alive after this war, maybe I should go out and train for a while!"
Vista in particular watched as Hawkeye, who had once been no stronger than him, surpassed him in just a few