The Gura Gura no Mi, known as the strongest Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, has the most devastating destructive power and attack range of any fruit ever discovered.
In his youth, Whitebeard carved out an unparalleled reputation across the seas using the powers of this fruit. After several costly encounters with Whitebeard, even the Marines became wary of engaging him directly.
Even after the fall of the Rocks Pirates, Whitebeard remained a tyrannical force on the seas, thanks to his fruit's immense capabilities. Decades of mastery allowed him to wield the Gura Gura no Mi with unparalleled precision, earning him the title of the "Strongest Man in the World." At the same time, his skill elevated the Gura Gura no Mi to the pinnacle of Paramecia fruits.
However, unlike many other Devil Fruits, the Gura Gura no Mi demands a heavy price for its power. While these costs were negligible in Whitebeard's prime, they now weigh heavily on his aging body.
As its name suggests, the Gura Gura no Mi uses vibrations as its sole method of attack. Its power seems limitless, capable of causing earthquakes and tsunamis that could easily destroy entire islands. However, unleashing such devastating attacks inflicts collateral damage on the user's body, as the vibrations harm the user first.
In his younger days, Whitebeard's unparalleled physique allowed him to recover from these injuries quickly. He even used the process to strengthen his body further. But with age, the frequent use of the fruit in battle has left his body riddled with hidden injuries.
For someone with Whitebeard's powerful constitution, falling prey to illness should have been impossible. After all, Garp, older than Whitebeard by several years, is still as spry as ever. Big Mom, who is younger than Whitebeard, continues to feast on sweets without issue. In his youth, Whitebeard's physical strength was second to none—even when compared to them.
But the hidden injuries accumulated over the years opened the door to illness. This is why Whitebeard now refrains from using his fruit's power lightly. A single island-destroying blow from his youth would now inflict severe damage on his body, leaving him even weaker.
Yet today, to kill Jack, Whitebeard was willing to push himself.
He understood the risks. The damage would worsen his condition. But Whitebeard was confident he could suppress it—at least for now. After all, once Jack was dead, he planned to withdraw his crew and recuperate for a few years. As long as he could still fight, he remained untouchable on the seas. Even Kaido wouldn't dare give chase.
Whitebeard didn't believe that someone Jack's age could match Kaido's monstrous physique. After all, even Kaido himself had nearly succumbed to his injuries in his youth.
At the warning of Fossa and the others, the surrounding pirates began to retreat.
Noticing the change, Marco, still locked in combat with King, cast a worried glance at Whitebeard.
"Pops…" Marco muttered anxiously.
The Beasts Pirates, meanwhile, were still confused. Suddenly, a suffocating pressure filled the air, followed by the faint sound of vibrations and violent tremors.
The atmosphere around Whitebeard shattered as if the air itself was breaking apart. The sheer intensity of his presence made Jack's heart tighten.
This attack… there was no escaping it.
And with Yamato as dead weight, protecting her would make things even harder.
Jack glanced back over his shoulder, preparing to act—
Wait, where's Yamato?
He turned, only to see her riding her wolf at full speed, disappearing into the distance like a shadow.
Jack closed his eyes in defeat.
Damn it! I should've known better than to teach her about retreats and how persistence leads to success!
But maybe this is for the best. Now, I can face the strongest man in the world head-on. Let's see how strong his attack really is!
Jack transformed into his hybrid form, his brown skin darkening to black as he unleashed his full Armament Haki. His body radiated an overwhelming aura of strength.
BOOM!
Before either could strike, their Conqueror's Haki clashed, flattening the surrounding trees and causing cracks to ripple across the ground.
Seeing this, Rim shouted, "Fall back! Keep retreating!"
"Stick with Whitebeard's crew! Wherever they go, we follow!"
CRACK! BOOM!
In the clash of Haki, Jack was utterly overwhelmed. His Conqueror's Haki shattered under Whitebeard's, and the oppressive aura made Jack's knees tremble.
"Damn old man," Jack muttered through clenched teeth. "You're strong, but you're old. You can't kill me today. Next time, it'll be me sending you to the afterlife!"
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard's laugh echoed as the energy surrounding his Naginata surged.
"You're too cocky, brat! Let's see if you live to talk big after this!"
With a leap, Whitebeard swung his Naginata down, the tremor amplified by his Conqueror's Haki, locking Jack in place. The vibrations made evasion impossible. Jack poured all his strength into his Armament Haki, preparing to counter.
Pirates from both sides stopped fighting, their gazes locked on the two combatants. Even Kaido momentarily ceased his battle, observing the clash with a calculating eye.
BOOM!
A blinding flash erupted from their clash, enveloping Jack's body in a devastating shockwave. The explosion tore through the ground, sending debris flying and creating tremors that rocked everyone nearby.
The once-bustling Renske Port was reduced to rubble, and massive cracks split the land, leaving a portion of the island isolated. Unlucky souls fell into the abyss below, while even Fishmen battling underwater fled in panic.
Whitebeard, panting heavily, suppressed the rising urge to cough up blood. His Observation Haki detected Jack's faint, flickering presence.
Staggering toward the battered Jack, Whitebeard raised his Naginata.
"Time to say goodbye, brat!"
He brought the weapon down with a forceful swing.
CLANG!
The blade struck Jack's body, but an incredible elasticity rebounded the force, nearly making Whitebeard stumble.
"What?!"
Whitebeard's eyes narrowed. "This form… Damn it, I don't believe it!"
He struck again and again, but Jack's resilience held firm. Blood dripped from Whitebeard's mouth as the exertion took its toll.
As the dust settled, onlookers marveled at the devastation. Jack lay motionless, his massive weapon still clutched in his hand, seemingly lifeless.
Whitebeard, standing tall with his Naginata, radiated a strange sense of melancholy. His crew erupted in cheers, while the Beasts Pirates were consumed by panic.
"Pops!"
"Jack-sama!"
"Old man, I'll kill you!" Yamato roared, charging at Whitebeard on her wolf.
Above, King broke free from Marco's pursuit and noticed Jack's faintly moving chest. Though chased by Marco, King managed to calm himself.
From the distance, Kaido's laughter rang out.
"Gurararara! Newgate, you didn't expect this, did you?!" Kaido roared with pride.
"Jack's body is more than just tough—he's just like me! Immortal!"
Kaido's laugh grew louder.
"An immortal body means he can never die!"
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg