The incandescent energy sphere in Takuro's palm seemed to swallow all surrounding light and sound, becoming the sole focus in this shattered world. The destructive Ki contained within it made the very space wail and distort, as if the fabric of reality would be torn apart completely in the next moment.+4
Whitebeard stood directly in front of the glowing orb, his grizzled hair and iconic mustache flailing wildly in the energy's aftershocks. He gripped Murakumogiri tightly with both hands, the milky-white vibration halo condensed on the blade now so dense it was almost solid. It formed an absolute barrier of pure vibration power before him. This was a solemn stance he had not taken in decades of sailing the Grand Line and facing countless powerful foes. From that incandescent sphere, he smelled the long-absent, deadly scent of death.+2
"Don't disappoint me, old man!" Takuro's wild laughter and cold declaration rang out simultaneously as he thrust his fingers forward.
The incandescent energy sphere did not shoot out in a straight line. Instead, with a seemingly slow yet space-traversing, bizarre speed, it rotated and twisted its path, pressing down toward Whitebeard. Wherever it passed, even the residual vibration ripples in space were forcibly smoothed out and annihilated.+1
"Gurararara! Come on, brat!" Whitebeard let out the wildest roar of his life, pouring all his strength, will, and the pride of being a Yonko into this single strike. Murakumogiri, carrying the might to shake the world, fiercely cleaved toward the incandescent nova.+2
Clang—!
It was no longer a simple explosion, but a mixture of a sharp, deafening roar and a dull rumble, like two stars colliding beyond the limits of human hearing. The moment the blade of Murakumogiri touched the incandescent nova, time seemed to freeze for a single frame.+1
Immediately after—
"Crack!"
A faint yet incredibly clear cracking sound, like ice breaking, pierced the eardrums of all observers and struck the hearts of every member of the Whitebeard Pirates. In Whitebeard's disbelieving eyes, his indestructible Supreme Grade blade, his trusted companion throughout a lifetime of battles, began to crack from the tip where it contacted the Ki sphere. These cracks spread rapidly like a spiderweb, visible to the naked eye.+2
Even more terrifying, the pure, ultimate destructive energy contained within the incandescent nova was not completely dispersed. Instead, like a persistent disease, it penetrated layers of vibration defense and fiercely struck Whitebeard's chest.+1
"Ugh... ahhh!" Whitebeard let out a pained and unwilling groan. His robust physique, capable of withstanding heavy cannon fire, seemed fragile before this incomprehensible power. His protective Armament Haki shattered like paper, his white Captain's coat was instantly vaporized, and his solid chest muscles visibly caved in and charred.+2
His massive body, like a kite with its string cut, was swept away by an irresistible force. He flew backward, blood spewing from his mouth in a dazzling crimson arc across the sky.
"Pops!" Marco's eyes were bloodshot. He transformed into his Phoenix form, wanting to rush forward and catch his father, but he was fiercely knocked away by the scattered energy storm. Jozu, Vista, and the others were also blocked, only able to watch as Whitebeard—who in their hearts was like a never-falling god—crashed heavily into the ruins hundreds of meters away. He kicked up a massive cloud of dust, his fate unknown.+1
Murakumogiri, the symbol of the "World's Strongest Man," finally broke into several pieces with a series of crisp cracking sounds after losing the support of its owner's power. It clattered to the ground, echoing the shattered myth of its owner.+3
At the center of the battlefield, the destructive incandescent energy slowly dissipated. The golden aura burning around Takuro also gradually subsided, and he slowly descended to the ground, regaining his composure. He glanced at the ruins and then curled his lip.+1
"The old man's bones are quite tough," Takuro muttered. This was the first time someone had blocked his attack after he got even slightly serious, which earned the old pirate a bit of newfound respect.
Then, he raised his head, his crimson gaze sweeping across the dead silent battlefield. He looked over the stunned Whitebeard Pirates Captains, whose faces were filled with the despair of shattered faith. His voice was not loud, but it was like a final judgment, clearly reaching the ears of every living being watching this battle.
"It seems the title of 'World's Strongest' needs a new owner," he declared.+2
On the Ryugu Palace terrace, King Neptune seemed to have all his strength drained. His massive body swayed, and if not for leaning against the wall, he would have collapsed. All color had drained from his face, and his lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a single word. His previous confident assertion that Whitebeard couldn't possibly lose now felt like a painful slap across his face.+1
Queen Otohime had already collapsed to the ground, tears blurring her vision. She grieved not only for Whitebeard's defeat but also despaired over the complete collapse of her belief in peace. If even a World-Class Power like Whitebeard couldn't stop this man, was there any hope left for Fish-Man Island?+1
At the edge of the battlefield, Marco struggled to his feet. He looked at the ruins shrouded in dust, blue flames flickering unsteadily around him, filled with sorrow and powerlessness. The other Captains were also plunged into immense shock and grief, some even shedding tears. Their invincible father had been defeated, and so thoroughly.
On the deck of the Conqueror, Gion was silent for a long time. She looked at the figure standing alone in the center of the ruins, as if even the deep sea would submit to him, and a storm raged in her heart. Defeating Whitebeard was something even the Marine Headquarters might not achieve with all its might, yet he had done it.+2
"Where is his limit?" she wondered, completely unable to fathom Takuro with common sense.
Nico Robin also took a deep breath. She understood the significance of what Whitebeard represented better than Gion. Takuro's action was not merely defeating a strong individual; it was personally overthrowing the myth of an era. The sky of this sea was about to change completely. However, after thinking about Takuro's previous actions, she slowly calmed down; it almost seemed inevitable.
Takuro didn't care whether Whitebeard was alive or dead. To him, the battle was over, and the outcome was decided. Now it was time to reap the fruits of victory. He slowly walked toward the remaining Whitebeard Pirates.
"Bastard! What do you want to do?" Marco and the others watched Takuro warily, their eyes filled with hatred. Everything was fine when they arrived, but in the blink of an eye, their father was severely injured. How could they remain calm?
Takuro ignored their gazes and spoke with total indifference. "Now, surrender or die?"
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