Chapter 67: Blackbeard Pirates?! Eradicating the Future Threat!
Whitebeard's words echoed across the ruined bay of Marineford.
Everyone (pirates and Marines alike) felt the tragic weight of the legendary emperor's resolve.
Even many Marines couldn't help but feel a trace of respect for the dying giant.
Only Fleet Admiral Sengoku's face twisted with bitterness.
He knew Whitebeard too well.
This was exactly the man's style… but something felt off.
Whitebeard wanted to die here, yes. But Sengoku smelled another motive.
Is he… trying to pull a Roger?!
"Senior Whitebeard, if the new era has no ship for you — then build one."
"The coming age will be nothing like you expect. Live, and see how magnificent it becomes!"
Rok refused to let the old man throw his life away.
At that moment,
Ace (eyes shining with tears and joy after recognizing Sabo) arrived with Luffy and Sabo in tow.
Aokiji tried to intercept, but Marco in phoenix form blocked him.
"Pops, don't talk nonsense! If anyone's staying behind, it's us!"
Ace's voice cracked as he saw the terrible wounds on Whitebeard's body.
"Ace. This isn't the time for your tantrums."
"Compared to Rok, you're still too impulsive. Go. That's an order."
Whitebeard was happy to see Ace alive, but the disappointment in his eyes was clear.
Ace's greatest strength was also his fatal flaw.
"Senior, talk of a last stand is premature. The three Admirals are one thing — but a new enemy just showed up."
Rok smirked coldly and turned toward the harbor.
A certain ship had just docked.
The Blackbeard Pirates.
Perfect timing.
Rok had hoped to avoid them, but fate clearly had other plans.
Good.
Because Marshall D. Teach was one name Rok had zero intention of letting walk away today.
Especially after remembering what this bastard might do to Hancock in the future.
"Teach?!"
Whitebeard and Ace followed Rok's gaze.
Their faces instantly darkened.
Everyone knew who truly started this war.
Blackbeard had wounded both sides, then broke out Impel Down's worst monsters to profit from the chaos.
To Ace, Teach was now the person he hated most in the world.
To Whitebeard… he was the greatest shame his family had ever borne.
"Marco — protect Pops and begin the retreat!"
"Luffy, Ace, Sabo — come with me. We're ending the Blackbeard Pirates right now."
Rok didn't hesitate.
Red-Hair Shanks would arrive soon — timeline said so.
Rok had no desire to make an enemy of that monster today.
So before Shanks showed up to play peacemaker, Blackbeard and his crew were going to disappear.
As for the Marines — if Whitebeard's group could hold out until Red-Hair arrived, escape was almost guaranteed.
"Rok, don't be reckless! Leave now!"
"You just blew up Headquarters. The World Government is furious. The real guardians of the Celestial Dragons might already be on their way!"
Whitebeard tried one last time to stop him.
If they delayed any longer, even he might not be able to buy them time.
"Don't worry, Senior. I've got everything under control."
Rok grinned.
Thanks to Eternal Shackles, he had real-time intel from Saint Shalria herself.
The Five Elders had considered sending the God's Knights, but the Knights were currently tied up with critical duties elsewhere.
Once they learned Shalria was safe, they dropped the idea.
Only a few extra CP-0 agents were dispatched.
Rok wasn't worried.
"Ace, you're strong — but the one who kills Teach is me."
Ace declared, burning with vengeance.
"Hey! I know that Blackbeard guy too! I'm gonna be the one to finish him!"
Luffy butted in, earning an eye-roll from both Ace and Sabo.
"Haha, Luffy, just stay behind me this time."
Sabo, memories fully restored, ruffled Luffy's hat with a fond smile.
Meanwhile,
Blackbeard saw Ace charging straight at him and nearly laughed himself sick.
He had been complaining the Marines hadn't hurt Whitebeard enough.
Now his "dear captain" was delivering himself gift-wrapped!
With Ace as a hostage, the Gura Gura no Mi was basically his!
"Zehahaha! Still alive, Ace?"
"Oh? Straw Hat Luffy too? And two random nobodies?"
"You brought this pathetic squad to die? Zehahahaha!"
Teach laughed arrogantly, completely ignoring the storm heading his way.
Until —
KRA-BOOOOOOOM!!!!!
A thunderclap loud enough to shatter the heavens exploded above him.
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