Rumble!
Thunder rang out, echoing above everyone's heads.
Aboard the Moby Dick.
Whitebeard wore a solemn expression, his eyes fixed ahead. He suddenly raised the naginata in his hand, then slammed it down on the deck.
Thud!
A muffled sound rang out, and the enormous ship seemed to rock slightly.
A ripple spread outward.
"Time to set sail."
"My sons!"
His aged, deep voice carried far, far into the distance.
The entire sea fell into absolute silence. The rolling waters froze, and even the lightning in the heavens seemed to vanish at those two brief sentences.
Even the majesty of the sea and sky could not rival the old man Whitebeard as he stood at the bow, gazing out over the ocean.
Whoooo!
An eerie howl rose as a strong wind swept over everyone's heads, fluttering their clothes.
From different angles, the changes in every commander's expression aboard the Moby Dick were plain to see.
Their faces visibly grew solemn, yet excitement, exhilaration, and other emotions mingled with that gravity.
Suddenly.
"Roar!!"
A surging chorus swept in from every direction, from the distant seas.
"Storm Marineford and rescue Commander Ace!"
The first roaring cry thundered across the silent sea, raising the curtain on this great war.
"Storm Marineford and rescue Commander Ace!!"
Voices rolled in like a tsunami.
"Show the Marines what the Whitebeard Pirates can do!"
"Whitebeard is number one in the world!"
"Pops is the strongest!"
"The Whitebeard Pirates are the strongest! Our dignity will never be violated!"
"If the Marines dare challenge us head-on, we'll show them exactly what keeps us standing at the summit of the world!"
"..."
Shouts rose one after another across the sea, shaking the entire sky.
"The boys are in high spirits!"
Standing at the bow, Whitebeard listened to the thunderous voices