[Pirate 1: I say, don't treat Garp as an ordinary Vice Admiral! His strength isn't something Akainu alone can resist.]
[Pirate 2: After all, he's the one who defeated that legendary figure.]
[Pirate 3: Is Garp really that powerful?]
[Pirate 4: In my opinion, the Sky Screen will eventually show Garp's battle that made him famous. You'll know then.]
The conversation between these pirates piqued most people's curiosity, but only for a moment.
Their attention remained mostly on the Sky Screen video.
〖"It seems I need to deal with the traitor first."
Akainu looked at Jinbe blocking his way and spoke with deep meaning.
Just then, the Whitebeard Pirates' Marco and Vista suddenly shouted for Jinbe to get down.
They then charged out, blocking Akainu's attack and even leaving slash wounds on him.〗
[Pirate 1: Strange! How did Marco and the others break free? Weren't they restrained by Seastone handcuffs?]
[Pirate 2: It's Mr. 3! He used his ability to create a key, unlocking the Seastone handcuffs and freeing Marco and the others!]
[Pirate 3: I see! So this Mr. 3 is quite capable! It seems every time Straw Hat is saved, it's because of his help!]
[Pirate 4: Seems insignificant, but unexpectedly played a major role!]
[Mr. 3: Not at all, not at all. I really didn't do much.]
Mr. 3 modestly replied.
Meanwhile, the video continued playing the subsequent developments.
〖Seeing the two charge out, Akainu wasn't angry but spoke calmly:
"You Whitebeard Pirates are truly annoying. Can't you see Fire Fist Ace is beyond saving? I don't think I need to finish him off."
Meanwhile, the severely wounded Ace lay on Luffy's shoulder, speaking weakly.
"Sorry... Luffy... Even though you... fought so hard... for me... I still... couldn't escape... I'm really sorry."
"What nonsense are you talking? Stop saying things like that! Someone, anyone, please help Ace! Someone save Ace!" Luffy shouted at the people around him, terrified that something would happen to Ace.
The Whitebeard Pirates' doctor rushed forward upon seeing this. But after examining Ace's wound, he lowered his head in despair, unable to say anything.
"Luffy... it's no use... My internal organs are all burned away."
Seeing Luffy's distraught state, Ace whispered consolation in his ear.
Luffy couldn't accept this reality. He looked at Emporio Ivankov.
"Impossible! How can this be? Right! Iva-chan! That thing! Inject Ace with that! You saved me like that before! Please, save Ace too! Please!"
"Straw Hat Boy..."
Ivankov couldn't bear it.
"Ace-boy's situation is different from yours... He's already..."
"Liar!"
Luffy cut him off, not wanting to hear more.
He turned to Ace and shouted, "Didn't we make a promise? Didn't you tell me you would absolutely not die? Ace! You have to keep your word!"
Looking at the despairing Luffy before him, Ace smiled apologetically.
"If I had never met you and Sabo... If Sabo hadn't had that accident... If I didn't have a worrisome little brother like you... I might not have even wanted to live.
Oh, right... If you ever see Dadan again someday, give her my regards. I don't know why... but even that guy is someone I miss at this final moment.
It's a pity I have one regret... I won't be able to see you achieve your dream. But I believe you can do it... because you're my little brother. It's like the vow we made that day... So actually, my life has no regrets.
I no longer have the strength for everyone to hear my voice. Luffy, you must help me tell everyone what I say next.
Pops, everyone, and Luffy... For loving someone as hopeless as me, someone who inherited demonic blood... such deep affection... I am truly grateful."
After saying these words, the faint light in Ace's eyes completely faded, and his whole body collapsed to the ground.〗
["Ding. Famous Scene 〈Such Deep Affection, I Am Truly Grateful〉 playback completed. Subsequent content will be shown as an extra before the next famous scene is played. Stay tuned."]
[Pirate 1: So Fire Fist Ace died just like that. The bloodline of Pirate King Roger ultimately met an untimely end.]
[Pirate 2: In the end, despite the Whitebeard Pirates paying such a heavy price, the mission to rescue Fire Fist Ace still failed.]
[Pirate 3: I wonder what happened to Whitebeard afterward. I don't know when the next Sky Screen video will play. Really something to look forward to.]
[Fire Fist Ace: Pops, Luffy, and everyone... The words that Ace in the video said are what I want to say. All along, I've been truly grateful for your deep affection. But because of my willfulness, you had to bear such a heavy cost... I really...]
[Whitebeard Edward Newgate: Ace, there's no need for such words between father and son. For me, having a son like you is an immense honor.]
[Straw Hat Luffy: Ace, you say I'm worrisome, but clearly, you're the one who's more worrisome! But no matter what, you're my brother! I absolutely won't stand by and watch you in danger!]
[Marco the Phoenix: Ace, save the sentimental words. This time, we definitely won't let anything happen to you.]
[Diamond Jozu: Right, Ace! This time the outcome will definitely be different from the video! You will definitely leave Marineford safely with us!]
[Squard: And me, Ace! I understand now! Roger is Roger, you are you. I won't transfer my hatred for Roger onto you anymore. This time, I will rescue you together with Pops and the others!]
[Whitebeard Pirates 14th Division Commander Speed Jil: Ace, wait for us! This time, we will definitely not fail!]
[Whitebeard Pirates 7th Division Commander Rakuyo: Ace, this time, if that Red Mut* bastard slanders Pops again, you have to stay calm!]
[Whitebeard Pirates 16th Division Commander Izo: Actually, if I heard it, I'd probably react the same way Ace did. This time, if Red Mut* says that again, let's all attack together! Let's see how he resists then!]
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
In the prison cell, Ace looked at the messages from the Whitebeard Pirates members on the Sky Screen, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Everyone... How am I worthy of this..."