One Piece, Volume 58

Chapter 563
Everyone is shocked as they watched Squard stab Whitebeard in the chest. As the events are broadcasted to the whole world via Den Den Mushi, an angry Marco steps in and pushes Squard to the ground. Squard explain the reasons for his actions saying that Whitebeard made a deal with the world government, sparing his life, Ace's and the rest of Whitebeard's crew while the life of his allies would be in danger of getting killed. Furthermore, Squard seems to hold a grudge against Gol D. Roger for decimating his comrades years ago and that having Whitebeard befriend Ace was already betrayal on his part. He then loudly shouts his observation saying that the marines are only attacking the allies and not Whitebeard himself. To complicate things even more, the walls of ice Aokiji created at the beginning of the battle is trapping all the pirates in the bay. As Whitebeard's allies begin doubting Whitebeard himself, Aokiji freezes Buggy and his Impel Down crewmates and the whole world is left questioning whether this was planned from the start. Soon after there's an order to raise the siege wall. Crocodile then comments on how weak Whitebeard has become saying that Whitebeard was stronger back then. Marco, trying to figure out the entire mess comments on how Whitebeard should've been able to dodge it however his health is also lacking.

Finally Whitebeard breaks his silence saying that Squard was a foolish son, however no matter how foolish he was he still loves him and bends down to hug him. Whitebeard asked Squard who managed to turn his loyalty against him and Squard replies by saying a member of the rebel faction said that if he managed to kill Whitebeard then his crew would be spared. Whitebeard being able to instantly infer it was Akainu tells Squard to not hate Ace for being Roger's son but to be friends with him since he has done nothing bad to Squard. Also he comments that Ace is not the only special person and that everyone in his "family" was special.

Whitebeard praises Sengoku's highly deceptive strategy saying he's still got the ideas to be an elite strategist. To reassure his crew and allies that Whitebeard did not sell out his children, he destroys the two ice walls blocking the way earlier so that the pirates can have an escape route. His allies now convinced that he did not sell them out are now happy after knowing the truth and Whitebeard makes a final statement before jumping off his ship and joining the fray himself. Sengoku yells to get ready as the worlds strongest man begins his attack!

Chapter 564
As Whitebeard charges into battle, all of his crew and allies follow behind and open a path for him. One of the Decalvan Brothers comments on how hard it must be for Squard to have been tricked and to be responsible for stabbing Whitebeard, causing Whitebeard's allies to scream that they'll never forgive the Marines. As Squard wallows in grief of his own sins, Marco asks him if just crying will help set things right and that he should go and repay his debt.

Luffy, musing on how strong Whitebeard must be, continues to run head-long towards the execution platform. Ivankov notes that all of the Marines are retreating into the plaza. While Jinbe agrees that it is worrisome, he states that there's no time to think, as Whitebeard is on the move.

John Giant then appears on the front line, ready to stop Whitebeard and his crew as his and Whitebeard's weapons. Whitebeard then surprises the giant by causing an earthquake so massive, that the entire island tilts to one side. As the Marines panic, Doflamingo laughs about how insane Whitebeard is, while Hancock continues to care only for Luffy's safety. Whitebeard then delivers a quake-imbued punch to John Giant's chest, defeating him.

As onlookers wonder why the quakes aren't effecting the execution platform, they see that the three admirals are somehow holding it together, as the three banter about how it's each other's fault that the wall is not up yet. As the pirates finally make it towards the city, dozens of walls shoot up from the ground, blocking their path. As much as the pirates try to attack it, the wall will not budge. Cannons emerge from the walls, preparing to fire. However, one wall near the front remains open; Oars' body is blocking the wall's path, and his blood has interfered with the system. Although the situation is not ideal, Sengoku commands Akainu to attack anyway; Akainu then uses Ryūsei Kazan, causing a storm of flaming fists to rain down upon the pirates.

Chapter 565
Back at the Sabaody Archipelago, reporters and bystanders are complaining about the video feed getting cut. They barrage the stationed Marines with questions, asking if Whitebeard and the Marines really made a bargain and if Whitebeard sold out his allies. Eustass Kid and crew decide to leave since the show is over. The other Supernovas, all alive and well on Sabaody, comment on the situation.

Meanwhile, Akainu's attack is wreaking havoc on the pirates, destroying all their footing. Moby Dick is struck down in the attack, and is completely destroyed. As the sea water begins to turn to magma, the cannons from within the iron wall begin firing at the pirates, restraining them at the center of the enclosure. Whitebeard attempts to use his Gura Gura no Mi powers to smash through a section of the wall, but the blow only dents it.

Seeings as everything is going according to plan, Sengoku announces that it is time to execute Ace. The pirates decide that to reach Ace they need to travel over Little Oars Jr. As Ivankov and Jinbe look for Luffy, they see that he is recklessly running through the path with the other pirates, and is forced back by an explosion. Ivankov berates Luffy, stating that the one path through would be the most guarded. As Jinbe and Ivankov wonder how they will manage to pass through, Luffy asks a favor of Jinbe.

Oars Jr. surprisingly rises, having been awakened by the blast. As the Marines all aim at him, preparing to finish him off, a pillar of water flies through the sky, soaring over the gap in the wall and landing right in front of the execution platform. From the water emerges Luffy, wielding a mast from one of the ships in his hands. Standing right before Luffy, the admirals all comment on Luffy's boldness. Luffy tries to strike the admirals with the mast, but Aokiji freezes it. He then uses Gomu Gomu no Stamp Gatling, which shatters the frozen mass.

Whitebeard notes how Luffy's recklessness is just like Ace's. He commands Oars Jr. to stay there and stay safe, and commands Jozu to prepare their trump card and their men to prepare to charge at the plaza.

Chapter 566
As the admirals dodge the projectiles formed from the frozen mast, Luffy activates Gear Second, hoping to make a straight dash for Ace. However, Kizaru easily catches up to him and knocks him aside with a kick at light-speed.

Up on the execution platform, the guards are about to execute Ace. However, they are blown back by an unknown force, which is revealed to be an attack by none other than Crocodile. While Sengoku wonders why Crocodile would aid his own enemy, the former Shichibukai notes that he only did it because he did not want to see the Marines be satisfied. Suddenly, taking everyone by surprise, Crocodile's head comes flying off of his body. Doflamingo, standing behind Crocodile, says that he is jealous that he had decided to side with Whitebeard instead of him. Forming his head back onto his body, Crocodile responds that he is not teaming up with anyone and attacks Doflamingo.

Meanwhile, Luffy has been knocked down, as Aokiji stabbed him with an ice saber. Hancock screams at Aokiji and prepares to interfere, but instead Marco knocks Aokiji away.

The pirates in the bay, attempting to make their way past the iron wall, all try to swim towards the gateway made by Little Oars Jr.. As the Marines prepare to fire upon the susceptible pirates, a coated ship suddenly emerges from the sea, allowing most in the water to climb aboard. Whitebeard notes that he never said that all of his ships had surfaced. While the Marines are busy debating whether or not they should aim at Oars Jr. or the ship, Oars Jr. lifts the ship into the air and pulls it through the hole he created. As the pirates prepare to storm the stage, Oars Jr. takes cannon fire, causing him to collapse once more. Whitebeard then leaps into the plaza and, commanded his "children" to keep away, swings his bisento in a circle, knocking away all of the Marines in his path.

With the only Marines still standing being the admirals, a few of the vice admirals, and those upon the podium, the Whitebeard Pirates prepare to make their final charge to save Ace. Sengoku then tells Garp that the two of them will be required to join the war.

Chapter 567
The Whitebeard Pirates and their subordinate crews began their assault on the plaza. Whitebeard prepares to use a devastating attack, but Admiral Aokiji freezes Whitebeard using Ice Ball. Whitebeard breaks free from the ice he was encased in and attacked Aokiji. Aokiji prepares to counter with Ice Block Partisan, but Jozu attacked him before he can do so. Jozu and Aokiji prepare to face off against each other.

Luffy, meanwhile, continues to move toward the execution platform. However, Momonga and Dalmatian stand in Luffy's way and attack him. Luffy then gets struck down by Admiral Kizaru, who told Luffy that courage alone is not enough and kicked him away. Luffy is sent flying and is then caught by Whitebeard. Kizaru chides Whitebeard for allowing Luffy to lead the charge. Whitebeard then hand Luffy to his men and says that Luffy has done enough. As Whitebeard's men try to tend to Luffy's wounds, Luffy insisted to go on but soon collapses. Whitebeard comments on how he held a soft spot for people like Luffy.

Whitebeard prepares to attack again, but is intercepted by Akainu. Akainu tells Whitebeard that his power can destroy Marineford. Whitebeard responds by saying that he should try to protect it. Akainu launches a magma fist and Whitebeard counters with an air quake.

Marco attempts to reach Ace in his phoenix form. Garp intercepts him and says to the Whitebeard Pirates that they will have to get past Garp before they can save Ace.

Chapter 568
Whitebeard tells his allies not to be intimidated by Garp, as he is just an old man. Akainu reminds Whitebeard that they are of the same generation, then proceeds to fire a hound made of magma at Whitebeard, who deflects the attack and causes more damage to Marineford.

The pirates continue to cut a path through the Marine's forces, heavily damaging a Pacifista in the process. Ace suddenly begins to cry, as he recollects on his childhood; everyone with whom he had spoken about Roger despising the man, causing Ace to retaliate by beating them half to death. Ace had once asked Garp if he really should've been born; Garp replied by saying that was something that could only be discovered by living. Ace begins to loathe himself, stating that he's so happy that his allies care enough to spill blood for him that he cannot stop crying, and that he suddenly wants to live.

Meanwhile, Buggy and the escapees from Impel Down remain on a block of ice outside of the encircling wall. One of the pirates tells Buggy that he was thawed by the sea of magma. Buggy says to himself that he plans to take out vengeance against the Marines.

Suddenly, Whitebeard collapses, succumbing to the effects of old age. Marco rushes to protect him, but in his frenzy he is unable to foresee an attack by Kizaru, which pierces through him. Jozu, distracted by Kizaru's attack, has his arm frozen over by Aokiji. Akainu then deals a devastating magma-powered blow directly into Whitebeard's chest. Ivankov berates the collapsed Luffy, who had asked for another dosage of Tension Hormones. Ivankov states that Luffy had been through too much over the course of Impel Down until now, and that pushing himself any further would mean throwing his life away. Luffy states that he will do whatever he can, even if he dies, as being unable to fight and failing to save Ace would make him want to die anyway. Ivankov reprimands Luffy, stating that if Luffy dies, then he would be unable to face Dragon ever again; however, Ivankov tells Luffy that he can have it "his own damned way", injecting him with another shot of Tension Hormones. Empowered once more, Luffy stands up and lets out a scream of resolve.

Chapter 569
Just having been dosed with tension hormones, Luffy races towards the execution platform where the blades are raised in preparation for their descent down Ace's neck. Ivankov reminds Luffy that he is still severely injured and cannot afford to be injured again as he helps Luffy clear a path to Ace. Suddenly, Luffy spots Koby blocking his direct path to Ace. Koby strengthens his resolve to fight and grow, and attacks Luffy. However, despite Koby's use of Soru, Luffy sees past the technique and lands a crippling blow (Gomu Gomu no Bullet) right in Koby's face leaving him crumpled and bloodied on the ground. With that hurdle jumped, another rises up in the form of the World Government-commandeered and Marine-allied Pacifista firing lasers at them. Conveniently, Shichibukai Boa Hancock appears and throws herself in front of Luffy rendering the Pacifista unable to attack because their programming forbids them from attacking allies. Luffy thanks the Pirate Empress and she in turn swoons when he says her name.

The scene is then focused on First Division Commander Marco the Phoenix, who is trying to recover after just having been pierced by two light beams from Admiral Kizaru when the attack on Whitebeard had him distracted. Marco tries to continue the fight but Vice Admiral Onigumo sneaks up behind him and puts Seastone handcuffs on his right hand, sealing off his Devil Fruit powers. Consequently, Admiral Kizaru pierces his chest yet again with two light beams. The Whitebeard-allied pirates cry out at the sight of the defeated commander.

Also defeated is Jozu having been frozen solid by Admiral Aokiji who also took full advantage of the moment the Commander was distracted by the blow to Whitebeard. Aokiji walks off noting that "the Whitebeard pirates have really fallen apart..."

With even the Commanders "falling like flies", Fleet Admiral Sengoku demands the immediate delivery of Whitebeard's head. This sparks a full frontal attack on Whitebeard leaving him lanced, pierced and bullet ridden by notable Marines, but remarkably he is still standing. The pirates cry out "Old man!" in concern for Whitebeard, who clearly shows fatigue, but with a strong resolve he roars out, "I AM WHITEBEARD!!!" as he brushes away the attackers with his bisento, claiming that he needs no assistance and can hold out a little longer.

Seeing Whitebeard defeating quite a number of exceptional Marine fighters with one felling swoop, and still standing despite his severe, mortal-looking injuries, the Marines come to the conclusion that he is a monster. Whitebeard then announces that he is fully aware of what his death entails and that he will not perish until he can see off the future of his children.

A group of the Whitebeard pirates, including Vista, along with Jinbe take up formation behind Whitebeard to aid him but Fleet Admiral Sengoku states that he will show Whitebeard the future of his "children" and orders the commencement of Ace's execution. Sengoku tells Whitebeard to watch closely as the executioners' blades swing down in a wide arc. With Ace resigned to his fate and Whitebeard incapacitated, the only thing that the pirates can do is look on as the fruit of their efforts is about to get sliced open.

With his brother's demise impending, Luffy lets loose a Haki-imbued yell, "STOP IT!!!" (just like what he did in the arena in Amazon Lily), that renders the executioners (and some weak-willed individuals, notably Jango) unconscious. Fleet Admiral Sengoku's eyes darken in shock and knowledgeable pirates and Marines note that it is Supreme King Haki. Whitebeard looks on, just as surprised and tells Marco to protect Luffy.

Chapter 570
As everyone tries to recover from Luffy's massive burst of Haki, Whitebeard's allies and the Marines alike all stand in awe of his power. Vice Admiral Doberman warns the Marines that Luffy has to be cut down, or else he will become a fearsome force in the future. When Ivankov asks Luffy how he got that level of power of Haki, Luffy responds that he has no idea what Ivankov is talking about. Ivankov lets Luffy be, but understands that even if Luffy does not realize it, he attracts people because of the will to fight the unknown, the same as Dragon.

The Marines convene around Whitebeard once more, who again brushes them aside. He then commands all of his forces to back up Luffy. Whitebeard thinks to himself that he wants Luffy to show him just what will come at the end of the Great Age of Pirates. As Luffy is about to be attacked, Whitebeard's allies jump in and protect him, telling him that he has to go on ahead while Whitebeard holds the Marines off. Ivankov tells Luffy that Whitebeard is putting all of his faith in him; Luffy responds that he does not care about Whitebeard, and that he's only there to save Ace. Mihawk attempts to attack Luffy, but is stopped by Mr. 1, who responds to Luffy's shock by saying that he is protecting him only by Crocodile's orders. After Mihawk strikes Mr. 1 down, Crocodile interferes and protects his right-hand man.

Sentomaru yells at Hancock for stopping a great number of Pacifista, asking why she is doing it if she is on their side. She responds by shrieking that "love is always a hurricane" and leaves Sentomaru very confused.

Ivankov asks for help within his hair, and none other than Inazuma, fully recovered, answers to his call. He leaps from Ivankov's hair and, cutting up the ground around him, makes a walkway that leads to the execution platform. Thanking Inazuma, Luffy runs up towards Ace. Many of the Marines try to stop Luffy, but they are halted by Whitebeard and his forces. Whitebeard's allies, as well as Buggy and his crew, watch Luffy get closer and closer to Ace; however, Garp leaps through the bridge from below, landing between Luffy and Ace, cracking the ground with his impact. Luffy tells Garp to move aside, but Garp refuses, as he is a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral.

Chapter 571
As Luffy and Garp face off against each other on the collapsing bridge, Garp reveals that he now considers both Luffy and Ace as his enemies because of their decisions to become pirates. However, in the midst of launching a massive punch at each other, Garp is distracted by memories of his grandsons as Luffy evades his punch and connects with his own Gear Second punch, sending the vice admiral crashing onto the ground below, much to the shock of the other vice admirals. Luffy then lands on the scaffold, and prepares to use the key he received from Hancock to release Ace from his shackles. Sengoku then uses his Devil Fruit powers, transforming into a gigantic Buddha-like entity and decides to kill both Ace and Luffy. Kizaru shoots the key with a laser from below, breaking it, before Luffy can unlock the shackles. Suddenly, one of the unconscious executioners wakes up and reveals himself to be Mr. 3 in disguise. Luffy forms a Gomu Gomu no Gigant Fūsen (Gigantic Rubber Balloon), and Mr. 3 erects a Candle Wall to shield Ace, thus effectively blocking Sengoku's immense punch. However, the execution stand breaks and collapses. The Marines below then launch a barrage of cannon blasts at the three falling criminals, and Mr. 3 reveals that he was up there to avenge his fallen comrade, Mr. 2 Bon Kurei. He then forms a wax key and gives it to Luffy to free Ace. The blasts collide with them just as Ace turns into intangible flames to protect Luffy and Mr. 3.

Chapter 572
All of Whitebeard's allies cheer on Luffy and Ace for their efforts, while the Impel Down escapees stand amazed at Luffy's feats up to that point. The Marines brace themselves to stop Ace and Luffy, who get ready to break through. As the Marines open fire, Ace and Luffy easily fight back against the soldiers. Whitebeard's forces try to create a path for Luffy and Ace, while the Marines continue to attempt to execute the two. Aokiji fires a mass of ice at them, which Ace blocks with an enormous wall of fire. Sengoku grumbles in disgrace that he had allowed the two to get away; Doflamingo suggests they let them get away to make things more interesting, which Vice Admiral Momonga scolds him for; Akainu swears that he will not allow any of them to leave; the Marines come across Mr. 3, who is lying exhausted from his actions.

Whitebeard's extra ship suddenly comes plowing through Marineford, being driven by Squard. Squard reveals that he wishes to stall the Marines while the others escape. Marco comments on Squard's stupidity as an ally unlocks the Seastone cuffs around him. As the ship pulls closer into the city, it screeches to a halt, as Whitebeard stops it with one hand. Whitebeard shouts out that Squard had done nothing, as he was reaching the end of his lifespan anyway; he then says that he's about to deliver his final "captain's order". While his men try to talk him out of it, Whitebeard bellows out that they must part ways, and that they must all return to the New World alive at all costs. He claims that he is nothing more than a remnant of an era gone by, delivering an enormous quake into the city of Marineford. Reminiscing, the crew of his past ask Whitebeard what he wants if he does not desire treasure, and to the crew of his present he says that he has had a long journey, and is ready to settle things with the Marines.

Chapter 573
Whitebeard has decided to stay behind in Marineford alone and destroy everything as well as sink the island into sea while sacrificing himself. All the pirates are trying to evacuate, while Whitebeard holds all the marines back alone. Meanwhile, the visual Den Den Mushi wakes up and Buggy restarts the broadcast and prepares to take Whitebeard's head. At the same time Jinbe also decides to stay back to help Whitebeard and evacuate pirates. While Ace is on his way to freedom, Akainu provokes him to turn back by insulting Whitebeard. An enraged Ace clashes with Akainu, but Ace ended up getting burned by Akainu's Magu Magu no Mi powers. Ace then learns the hard way that Akainu's logia fruit with the power of magma is the natural enemy and superior to that of Ace's logia with the power of fire. Luffy tries to go to Ace's aid but he finally loses his strength and buckles down dropping Ace's Vivre Card. While Luffy is down, Akainu tries to finish him off, but Ace takes the hit, allowing Akainu to pierce through his body instead of Luffy's. The chapter ends with Ace's Vivre Card shown to burn up leaving very little intact while Luffy and the Whitebeard Pirates watches dumbstruck.