Whitebeard's final quake-infused slash had shattered Good's arms.
Akainu, Kizaru, and Momousagi all realized the truth in that moment—
The Marines had lost.
They simply didn't have the power to take on two Yonko at once.
Whitebeard, meanwhile, wore a much more relaxed expression.
He'd wounded Good several times now and felt this strange, mysterious new Admiral had nothing else hidden up his sleeve.
Even though he was injured, Good was still standing tall.
Whitebeard didn't mock him.
He'd always respected the strong.
This fight may have ended in Good's loss, but in his heart, Whitebeard already acknowledged the man.
That said, keeping all three Admirals here was still unrealistic.
Even if the Marines were on the backfoot, they could fight desperately.
And if Marine HQ sent reinforcements, things could get out of hand quickly.
So Whitebeard planted his naginata into the ground and called out:
"This fight no longer has any meaning! Reckless brat—you're not yet qualified to challenge me!"
"As long as the Marines release Shiki, I'll treat this battle as if it never happened. And as for you—if you want to challenge me again someday, I'll be waiting!"
The Marines were stunned.
Whitebeard was offering a deal? A truce?
Akainu's face darkened. He looked like a predator ready to snap—but he couldn't argue.
He couldn't beat Whitebeard. That was a fact.
Then, nearby, Shanks raised his voice.
He sheathed Gryphon and calmly added:
"He's right. Continuing this battle will benefit no one—not you, not us."
"We might just make things easier for others. As long as you release Shiki, we'll leave too."
Akainu's fists clenched tight.
This was against everything he believed in.
To let a pirate go?
Absolute Justice wouldn't allow it.
But Kizaru glanced sideways at him and said plainly:
"Akainu… Aokiji's out on mission. HQ doesn't have anyone else they can send."
"Even with the fastest warships, help won't be here in time. This is the best outcome we'll get."
Akainu growled.
But deep down, he knew it too.
Without backup, pressing on would mean certain death.
It was the best deal they'd get.
He finally let out a cold snort.
Kizaru inwardly sighed in relief—Akainu had agreed.
It was over.
And Kizaru trusted the word of Whitebeard and Shanks.
Had it been Kaido or Big Mom, he'd worry about betrayal. But these two?
They were men of honor.
Kizaru looked up at the warship where Momousagi stood watch over Shiki.
"Momousagi. Release him."
He then turned to Good, who was still badly injured.
"That's enough, Good. This mission's failed—but the Fleet Admiral won't blame you."
After all, Good had fought spectacularly.
Up on the ship, Momousagi didn't hesitate.
At this point, trading one relic of the old era to secure three Admirals and her own safe retreat…
It wasn't a bad deal.
Shiki was overjoyed, laughing maniacally:
"Hurry up and untie me already!!"
But then—
"STOP!!"
A voice rang out.
Everyone turned.
Good.
Bloodied. Arms mangled. Still standing.
His voice boomed across the battlefield:
"This is my first mission as an Admiral. Assigned directly by the Fleet Admiral himself—HOW COULD I FAIL IT?!"
He stared up at Momousagi, face resolute.
"If you release Shiki—I'LL PUNCH YOU!!"
Momousagi froze mid-motion.
She wasn't sure what to do.
Knowing Good… he might really do it.
Shiki, now moments from being freed, was furious.
"Good! You bastard! If this keeps going, one of your Admirals is gonna DIE!"
"You've already lost! Take the deal and get out while you still can!"
But Good's response boomed like a declaration:
"The best outcome—for me—is dragging your pointy-headed self back to Impel Down!"
Then he glared at Whitebeard and Shanks:
"Neither of you are allowed to approach each other—step back immediately!"
The Yonko and their commanders all raised their eyebrows.
"…This brat's got a mouth."
"Not bold—just dumb."
"Youthful arrogance… not taking the chance we gave him."
Akainu and Kizaru shared a look.
Good… was still being stubborn.
Still that one-track-minded lunatic.
But then—
Everyone's attention snapped back.
Good's arms… were healing.
The bloodied flesh squirmed. The shattered bones knit together.
He stood straighter, rolling his newly restored shoulders—though his breathing was ragged.
Surrounding pirates scoffed.
"So what? You're still not beating Pops."
Whitebeard sneered too.
"Brat. Just give it up and leave with some dignity."
"You can't win."
But Good smiled brightly.
"Says who?"
He raised his fists—now completely healed.
"I'm not letting two Yonko rendezvous under my watch. That was the Fleet Admiral's order."
And then… a shimmering halo appeared around his fists.
At first, no one reacted.
But as it pulsed—
—everyone froze.
"…Wait. That's… That's the Gura Gura no Mi?!?!"
(End of Chapter)
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