Everything Roger did was for his goal, or rather, his ideal. No matter how much the world hated him, he always understood what needed to be done.
In Aether's mories, Roger and Rouge behaved like carefree youths whenever they were together. Those monts were filled with genuine happiness.
At the ti of their parting, Rouge could have used herself and Ace as reasons to make Roger stay, allowing him to spend his final days in peace. But she chose not to. Instead, she quietly supported every decision he made.
Now, Whitebeard stood in a similar position to Roger back then. His body had already been ravaged by illness, and during this war, he had pushed himself far beyond his limits. With both factors combined, his body was nearing complete collapse.
Even if he managed to return to his ship and receive treatnt, he would not have much ti left. His final days would likely be spent lying in bed, waiting for death.
But that was not the kind of end Whitebeard wanted.
A ruler of the seas, a pirate who had sailed for decades, he refused to quietly await death. More importantly, he would never allow his children to sacrifice themselves just to save him.
Aether understood his intentions clearly. However, not all of his children could grasp it, especially those who were young, impulsive, and driven by emotion.
Ace, pinned to the ground, struggled violently as he roared,
"Let go, let go! You have no idea how important Pops is to !"
Aether did not move.
He knew that in the original course of events, Ace's emotional recklessness was exactly what led to his death.
Only when Ace's voice began to crack with tears did Aether grab his shoulders and lift him up. Their eyes t, so similar in intensity, though Ace's face was now streaked with tears and snot.
Aether spoke in a steady, heavy tone.
"Portgas D. Ace, I do not care how important Whitebeard is to you. Neither do I care about your feelings. I only know that your recklessness will waste his intentions and make his death aningless. On the sea, the power to choose cos from strength. Right now, you don't even have the right to choose."
Without hesitation, Aether tossed Ace into Marco's arms.
"Marco, you understand what Whitebeard ans. So what will you do? Are you going to act like a rebellious child too? Take this reckless fool with you."
Marco closed his eyes, his expression filled with pain. Even so, he did not release his grip on Ace.
After a mont, he opened his eyes again, now filled with resolve.
"Whitebeard Pirates, follow Pops' orders. We are retreating."
Though grief filled their faces, the pirates obeyed. They began withdrawing toward their ships, unwilling to let their captain's sacrifice go to waste.
At that mont, Aether heard the system's voice in his mind.
S-Class figures have generated surprise, experience increased by 43,431.
A and B-rank figures have generated surprise, experience increased by 113,797.
C and D-rank figures have generated surprise, experience increased by 293,231.
Whitebeard's revelation about Roger had been broadcast by Buggy's group during their retreat. The truth, which contradicted what the public had always believed, stirred intense reactions among viewers across the world.
This was likely the final surge of experience from the Marineford War.
Aether's gaze shifted toward the remaining Pacifistas. Around twenty of them still stood, each capable of unleashing devastating beams that could heavily injure the retreating pirates.
He turned slightly and spoke,
"Rayleigh, help deal with those tal scraps."
Rayleigh drew his sword and turned without hesitation. As he walked away, he left behind a simple remark,
"Don't push yourself too hard. Be careful."
Aether smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. I'm not planning to die here."
As the Whitebeard Pirates withdrew, Sengoku's expression darkened. His original plan had been to eliminate Whitebeard and trap the remaining pirates.
"All long-range units, fire. Do not let them escape easily."
The Marines who could still fight imdiately followed the order. They fired without pause, ignoring the wounded scattered across the battlefield.
The pirates carried their injured with them as they retreated. In contrast, the Marines had yet to begin large-scale rescue efforts, leaving many of their own to die where they lay.
At that mont, Garp approached Sengoku, his clothes tattered.
"You're late," Sengoku said.
"I was injured by Roger and need rest. Also, the wounded need imdiate treatnt."
Sengoku frowned. He clearly did not believe Garp, but after a brief hesitation, he chose to prioritize the wounded.
Pursuing the pirates might expand their victory, but it would co at the cost of countless Marine lives. In the end, Sengoku refused to cross that line.
Garp, now seated cross-legged, stared silently at Ace and Luffy as they retreated. Then his gaze shifted to Whitebeard.
Whitebeard was steadily approaching death.
Even under the combined attacks of Kizaru and Aokiji, his body continued to move as if it felt nothing. He still wielded his Murakumogiri, blocking any Marine who attempted to advance.
Suddenly, the weapon slipped from his grasp.
Whitebeard clenched both fists, gathering the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. He slamd them into the ground, sending violent shockwaves in all directions. Marines were blasted away, and so were swallowed by the cracks splitting open beneath them.
Dust filled the battlefield.
From within the haze, Whitebeard's voice rang out again. It was still loud, but no longer carried the sa overwhelming vigor.
"After I die, the territories under my protection will be in danger. Most of those people are just ordinary civilians trying to live peaceful lives. I want you to take my place and protect them."
Aether was montarily stunned.
This was not a simple request.
Accepting it ant inheriting not only influence, but also countless conflicts. Other forces would inevitably target those territories. It was both an opportunity and a heavy burden.
Whitebeard continued,
"I'm counting on you."
Aether remained silent for a mont, watching as Whitebeard continued to fight despite his failing body.
Even at the end, his concern was not for himself, but for his family and the innocent people under his protection.
Newgate truly was different from other pirates. From the very beginning, his goal had never been power or wealth, but family.
Once he died, the New World would fall into chaos. Countless pirates would rush in like scavengers, eager to seize territory. The lands he had protected would suffer the most.
Figures like Kaido and Big Mom ruled through fear and exploitation. Compared to them, Whitebeard had been a shield.
After a brief mont of thought, Aether finally spoke,
"I will protect them as best as I can. But I won't make promises beyond that."
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