#1492 - Chapter 1502: The Battle of Mariner

A deafening boom echoed as the earth shuddered violently, as if a terrible earthquake had struck.

Akainu was blasted directly into the earth's depths by Whitebeard's earth-shattering punch, the sheer force causing the surrounding ground to collapse into a massive crater.

Simultaneously, the overwhelmingly powerful tremor rapidly spread outwards like ripples.

Napoleon, caught within the attack's range, had no time to react and was sent flying backward by the terrifying force, a mouthful of blood involuntarily erupting from his lips.

Whitebeard's strength was immense, each strike delivered with his full might, the force of his attacks often uncontrollable, leading to collateral damage and harm to innocents.

"Akainu!"

Witnessing the heart-stopping scene unfold, Sengoku's heart leaped, a chill creeping up his spine.

Before he could react, he suddenly noticed Garp charging towards Whitebeard from behind like a ferocious tiger.

Garp's eyes gleamed with a piercing cold light, his entire being enveloped in a dense aura of Conqueror's Haki.

With a thunderous roar, he clenched his right fist, unleashing a devastating force as he mercilessly slammed it into Whitebeard's back.

Caught off guard by Garp's sudden and ferocious assault, Whitebeard was clearly unprepared.

Although he sensed the danger, he had just exerted all his power to attack Akainu, leaving him with no time to defend himself.

A muffled thud echoed as Garp's fist, laden with terrifying power, connected squarely with Whitebeard's back.

In an instant, an unparalleled fist force pierced through Whitebeard's body, tearing straight through his chest.

"Pfft!"

Struck by such a devastating blow, Whitebeard could no longer support his immense frame, a torrent of blood erupting from his mouth as he flew backward like a kite with a severed string.

His towering figure crashed heavily beside Napoleon, sending debris and dust flying.

"Whitebeard!"

Napoleon's eyes widened, staring at the fallen Whitebeard in utter shock.

He saw the horrifying hole in Whitebeard's chest and the gruesome wounds covering his body, and a wave of intense shock and disbelief washed over him.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

A series of heavy, violent coughs suddenly erupted, Whitebeard clutching his chest tightly, as if an uncontrollable force was rampaging within him.

Each cough sounded as if it would shake his very lungs and heart out of his chest, stirring pity and concern in those who heard it.

"Pops!"

Marco and the others cast concerned glances in his direction.

Their eyes were filled with worry as they watched the once mighty and invincible pirate king, now tormented by illness, causing them immense anxiety.

However, Whitebeard was consumed by his violent coughing, unable to heed their calls and inquiries.

Not only was Whitebeard covered in wounds, with gruesome injuries constantly oozing blood, but the chronic illness that had been lurking within him suddenly flared up.

This undoubtedly added insult to injury to his already weakened state.

"This is bad, Pops' illness is acting up!"

The sharp-eyed Marco immediately noticed the signs, his heart sinking as he realized the situation had become dire.

"What do we do? Pops' body..."

The burly Jozu also panicked, his eyes wide with worry for Pops' health.

"Hey, Whitebeard, are you alright?"

Napoleon, who had finally snapped out of his daze from Whitebeard's shocking injuries, hurriedly asked.

However, the only response he received was Whitebeard's continued, violent coughing.

After a long while, Whitebeard's racing heart gradually calmed, and his coughing subsided slightly.

He slowly straightened up, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, then tilted his head slightly, glancing at Napoleon beside him.

"Cough, cough! Getting old, this body's no good anymore!"

Whitebeard shook his head with a wry smile, a hint of helplessness and self-deprecation in his tone.

Despite the torment of his illness, his resolute eyes still gleamed with an indomitable light.

After saying those words, Whitebeard endured the discomfort and slowly stood up.

He turned to look into the distance, where Garp was helping the injured Akainu to his feet with difficulty.

Seeing this, Napoleon followed Whitebeard's gaze.

Akainu was covered in blood from head to toe, the blood seeming to merge with the molten magma surging around his body, creating a gruesome scene.

His face was contorted with rage as he glared at Whitebeard in the distance, his eyes flashing with endless murderous intent.

Just then, Whitebeard unexpectedly spoke, "Thank you, kid!"

This was clearly a thank you to Napoleon beside him, because it was Napoleon who had controlled the weapons and successfully rescued Ace and Luffy at the critical moment.

Facing Whitebeard's question, Napoleon did not turn his head, but replied in a firm tone, "I don't know, but if Grandpa said it could, then it definitely will!"

After receiving this answer, Whitebeard seemed to have made a major decision.

Without hesitation, he opened the bottle and poured the entire potion into his mouth.

However, the moment Whitebeard pulled out the bottle containing the deep blue potion, Garp and Akainu, who had been closely monitoring the situation, had their expressions change drastically.

Akainu muttered to himself with a puzzled look, "What exactly is that thing?" Garp, standing beside him, frowned and said in a deep voice, "Whatever it is, it's definitely not something good!"