The New World entrance, the mysterious waters of Fish-Man Island, were currently filled with a dense atmosphere of battle.
Shichibukai Jinbe, a burly blue Fishman, stood steadily on the sea, his gaze like a torch, blocking the path of Spade Pirates Captain Portgas D. Ace.
"Shichibukai Jinbe, my target isn't you! Don't stop me!"
Flames raged around Ace, their scorching heat seemingly igniting the surrounding air. His eyes were resolute yet tinged with urgency as he stared intently at Jinbe, shouting loudly.
The burning flames were not only a manifestation of his Mera Mera no Mi ability but also a concretization of his inner persistence and desire—he wholeheartedly wanted to challenge Whitebeard and prove his strength.
"I can't let a murderous brat like you meet Pops. Although I'm not a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, they have shown us great kindness, so I will be your opponent!"
Jinbe stood his ground, his posture tall, his tone steady and firm.
He knew that Ace's impulsiveness at this moment could lead to unpredictable consequences. To protect Whitebeard and repay his kindness, he resolutely chose to stand up and block this young and impetuous pirate.
As soon as he finished speaking, Ace said no more and instantly unleashed a Fire Fist, the scorching flames hurtling towards Jinbe like a meteor.
Jinbe showed no weakness, quickly employing Fishman Karate, and thus a fierce battle between the two commenced.
The seawater churned violently under the aftermath of their battle, explosions reverberated one after another, and the entire Fish-Man Island seemed to tremble slightly under the pressure of this fight.
This battle lasted for five days and five nights, with both sides giving their all, unleashing an endless stream of moves, fighting from the ground to the air, and then from the air to the ground, with neither gaining a clear advantage.
Finally, Ace and Jinbe both exhausted their stamina, collapsing to the ground, utterly fatigued, and this world-shaking battle temporarily drew to a close.
Just as everyone thought the battle was over and breathed a slight sigh of relief, a huge three-masted ship resembling a whale slowly appeared in their sight.
At the bow of the ship, a tall figure with a crescent-shaped white mustache, so imposing he seemed to hold up the sky, appeared before everyone.
"It's over! It's the Whitebeard Pirates! Whitebeard himself is here!"
Deuce, the Spade Pirates' Vice Captain, recognized the newcomer at a glance, his face instantly turning pale, his body trembling uncontrollably.
He knew very well that the enormous figure before him was one of the Four Emperors, Whitebeard, whose renown alone could strike fear into countless pirates, a being who stood at the pinnacle of the pirate world.
"Burning Net!" Ace struggled to his feet, propping up his weary body.
He exerted all his strength to activate his Mera Mera no Mi ability, and a massive net of flames quickly formed between him and his Spade Pirates crew members behind him, separating them.
"Captain!"
"Captain Ace, what are you doing!"
The Spade Pirates crew members looked at the wall of fire in shock, shouting one after another, their eyes filled with worry and confusion.
"You guys, escape!" Ace stared intently at Whitebeard, his eyes filled with both unwillingness and determination.
He had only one thought in his mind: even if it cost him his life, he had to protect his crew.
"What? Kid, weren't you going to challenge me? Why are you retreating now?"
Whitebeard looked down at Ace, his voice deep and powerful, with a hint of playfulness.
"Let my companions leave. In exchange, I won't run. After all, you are my target!"
Ace clenched his fists tightly, gasping for breath, every word he spoke seeming extremely difficult, but his tone was incredibly firm.
"Kuhahahahaha! Interesting kid. Although you're arrogant, what if I agree?"
Whitebeard burst into laughter, his booming laugh reverberating throughout the entire sea.
He stood his ground, quietly watching Ace, seemingly appreciating the young pirate's courage and persistence.
Having received Whitebeard's consent, Ace bent his legs and charged towards Whitebeard like an arrow released from a bowstring.
However, the immense gap in strength was revealed at this moment. Whitebeard didn't even move an inch; with just a gentle wave, Ace was sent crashing heavily to the ground again, like a kite with a broken string.
"Cough, cough, is this the man who once contended with that man? Too strong."
Ace lay on the ground, his face full of dejection and despair. He couldn't understand how, after so many years of effort and countless hardships, he couldn't even budge Whitebeard's subordinates, let alone Whitebeard himself. He felt like a complete and utter failure, a clown.
"Have you given up, kid? Don't you think it's too much of a pity to die like this now?"
Whitebeard looked at the stubborn young man before him, a hint of appreciation for talent rising in his heart, his tone carrying a touch of concern.
"I haven't surpassed that man yet! I won't die!"
A powerful will supported Ace as he struggled to his feet again, but his body swayed precariously, making it difficult to stand steadily, yet the fighting spirit in his eyes had not extinguished.
"It seems you haven't had enough. How about bearing my name and galloping freely across this great sea! Be my son!"
Whitebeard squatted down, extending his large hand, speaking sincerely.
Ace's pupils instantly constricted, and a surge of anger welled up in his heart. Just as he was about to retort loudly, he suddenly felt a dizzying sensation, his vision went black, and he fainted.
"Marco, come and take him for treatment." Whitebeard looked at the unconscious Ace, awkwardly scratching his head, then shouted towards the Moby Dick.
Immediately after, a figure with flaming wings and a yellow pineapple-like hairstyle flew down. It was Marco.