A group of Marines held Jinbe down with several iron chains.
Fujitora kept Rayleigh occupied.
Ryokugyu and Kizaru continued clearing out the other pirates.
Rayleigh's appearance in this war had caught Sengoku and the others completely off guard. Though Whitebeard was already wounded, his terrifying strength still couldn't be underestimated. If he and Rayleigh joined forces, the Marines would be put at a severe disadvantage.
Sengoku immediately ordered, "Everyone, take Whitebeard's head! Fujitora, keep Rayleigh occupied. Kizaru, Ryokugyu, help Fujitora."
At his command, the Marines immediately unleashed a dense barrage of cannon fire on Whitebeard.
Several Marines thrust their blades at Whitebeard.
His physical condition left him temporarily unable to defend himself, and their blades struck home.
The Whitebeard Pirates' faces filled with worry, and they grew frantic.
Seeing Whitebeard wounded again, Rayleigh shouted, "Newgate, hang in there! I'll be right over!"
Just as he was about to move toward Whitebeard, Ryokugyu and Kizaru arrived, joining Fujitora to surround him.
"Worry about yourself first. Don't let a few youngsters finish you off." Having recovered a little strength, Whitebeard raised Murakumogiri, his face haggard. "You think these small fry can kill me so easily? I don't need your help. I'm Whitebeard!"
With that, he slashed outward, sending the Marines surrounding him flying with a single swing.
The Marines were badly frightened.
Under immense pressure, Sengoku said, "Don't back down! Whitebeard is already wounded!"
Whitebeard laughed. "Wounded, am I? Ha, what a joke. You think this is enough to kill me? I know exactly what it would mean if I died from something like this. So listen well. Until I've seen a bright future for my sons, I absolutely cannot die. Isn't that right, Ace?"
On the Execution Platform, Ace's heart clenched as he watched the gravely wounded Whitebeard standing in the