The dark clouds shrouding the sky had dispersed after that terrifying clash.
Sunlight shone down, making the rippling sea dazzlingly bright. White vapor rose, veiling these waters in mist.
"That kid actually fought Captain Kaido to a draw!"
"How is that possible? Doesn't that mean he's as strong as one of the Four Emperors?"
"After that old man died, the Whitebeard Pirates actually produced another powerhouse-Fire Fist Ace!"
"Unbelievable. If Whitebeard were still alive, with him at their side, who on this Grand Line could stand against them?"
The Kaido Pirates were stunned. Many stared at the man wreathed in flames, their hearts churning.
They still remembered how, just a year ago, he had been the spark that ignited that war-a young man saved only because Whitebeard sacrificed his life and River defected from the Navy.
Yet today, he had fought their captain, Kaido of the Beasts, one of the Four Emperors, to a standstill.
The two sides disengaged. The Kaido Pirates' fleet turned around and began to withdraw.
The Whitebeard Pirates did not pursue them. They had achieved their goal in this battle, preserving their dignity as an Emperor's crew, while Ace had become a new Emperor!
"Hahahaha! The enemy's retreating!"
"Ace, well done!"
"We're still the Whitebeard Pirates, the crew that stands at the pinnacle of the world!"
"No one can take away Whitebeard's glory!"
Cheers rang out from the Whitebeard Pirates. At that moment, every member of the crew felt invigorated.
When Ace returned to the Moby Dick, Marco, Diamond Jozu, Vista the Flower Sword, and the others greeted him with hugs and cheers.
"A feast! A feast! Let's have a feast!"
"Let's celebrate the Whitebeard Pirates' victory and how strong Ace has become!"
"Hahahahaha!"
Peals of laughter rose from the Whitebeard Pirates' fleet, echoing across the