Chương 1582: After the War (4)

On the other hand, Charlotte's Kami Island is his base camp and his safe haven.

However, whenever the enemy came, Kami Island was always the first to be hit and became the target of the enemy's attack.

In the past few fierce battles, the residents of Kami Island suffered heavy losses and many people unfortunately died.

Charlotte stared at the island, a mixture of emotions welling up in her heart.

Although the island is not big, it carries some of Charlotte's memories and stories.

The last time he came here was thirty-four years ago.

At that time, he fought side by side with Whitebeard and Golden Lion, and together they repelled the invading navy.

At that time, Charlotte was invited by Whitebeard to attend the funeral of the deceased members of the Whitebeard Pirates.

It was a solemn occasion, and Charlotte still remembers the scene.

However, he never expected that it would be thirty-four years later before he would set foot on this land again.

Things in the world are unpredictable and life is like a play.

Charlotte couldn't help but sigh at the passing of time and the tricks of fate.

This time, he came to Sphinx Island again, but to see off Whitebeard.

Charlotte and his children walked in silence across the island to the back hills.

This is an open grassland. At first glance, the hilltops are covered with tombstones, like a white ocean.

These tombstones are the resting places of the crew members of the Whitebeard Pirates, who have left this world one after another over the past thirty-six years.

Charlotte walked slowly past each gravestone, his eyes falling on the familiar names, recalling the time he had spent with them.

Half of the tombstones belong to the crew members who died at the hands of the Rockefeller Kingdom in the brutal battle with the Whitebeard Pirates four years ago.

That battle caused heavy damage to the Whitebeard Pirates and completely tore apart the relationship between Charlotte and Whitebeard.

Marco led everyone slowly to a special location, which happened to be right in front of the tombstones, as if it had been reserved specially.

Charlotte stared at this location, and a sudden realization came to his mind - this must be the cemetery that Whitebeard had carefully selected for himself when he was alive.

Even though he has left this world, Whitebeard still wants to use his last bit of strength to protect his children.

Charlotte couldn't help but sigh deeply, his heart filled with respect and gratitude for Whitebeard.

Marco and three other men began to dig the soil. They dug very carefully, shoveling one shovel at a time, as if every dig contained a deep thought for Whitebeard.

Charlotte stood quietly by and watched everything with the children. No one disturbed them.

Many children's eyes revealed unconcealable sadness; death is such a heavy topic for these young lives.

They may not be able to fully understand what Whitebeard's departure means, but the sadness is clearly lingering in their hearts.

After a period of hard work, a deep pit was finally dug.

Marco and the other three carefully placed the coffin into the pit, and then gently covered the coffin with soil.

Every shovelful of dirt was like a heavy blow on their hearts, making their sadness more intense.

When the last shovel of soil was buried on the coffin, Marco and the other three could no longer hold back their tears.

They bowed deeply to the grave, muttering softly: "Dad..."

The tombstone that had been prepared long ago was erected on the grave. It was a simple and solemn stone tablet, engraved with White Beard's name and life stories.

Next to the tombstone, there was a supreme sword, Kusakumo-kiri, one of the Twelve Skills. It stood there quietly, as if Whitebeard was still standing there, as majestic as a mountain, never falling down.

Marco, Ace, Joz and Vista knelt in front of the tombstone with solemn expressions, tears streaming from the corners of their eyes like a flood breaking through a dam.

Their bodies were trembling slightly, and every kowtow seemed so heavy, as if they wanted to convey all the sorrow and regret in their hearts to those sleeping in the ground.

After a while, Marco and the other three slowly stood up. Their movements were a little slow, as if all their strength had been used up in the kowtows just now.

They walked silently to both sides of the tombstone and stood quietly, like guards protecting this resting place.

Charlotte watched all this from afar, her heart already filled with sadness.

He sighed softly, then took the flowers that had been prepared long ago from the hand of the person next to him.

The flowers are bright and beautiful, forming a sharp contrast with the sad atmosphere around them.

Charlotte walked slowly towards the tombstone, and every step seemed so heavy.

He stopped in front of the tombstone, staring at the name engraved on it, and the tears in his eyes blurred his vision again.

"Newgate, all the past grudges and hatreds have disappeared with your departure. From now on, you will rest here. I will come to visit you often."

Charlotte's voice was low and hoarse, filled with endless sadness.

After saying this, he gently placed the flowers in front of the tombstone and bowed deeply, as if saying goodbye to this former opponent and friend.

Charlotte turned and walked away slowly. His back looked lonely and desolate in the sunlight.

After Charlotte left, Rayleigh walked forward with steady steps.

There was a complex expression on his face, showing emotion, regret, and a hint of indescribable sadness.

He stood quietly in front of the tombstone, saying nothing, just staring at Whitebeard's name silently, as if he could see what Whitebeard looked like when he was alive through the cold tombstone.

It took a long time for Rayleigh to come back to his senses.

He gently placed the flowers in his hand in front of the tombstone, and then bowed deeply, a bow that contained so much emotion and respect.

Finally, Rayleigh turned and left, leaving behind silence.

Soon after, Luffy also walked to the tombstone.

His steps were a little unsteady, and it was obvious that he had not yet fully recovered from the pain of losing Whitebeard.

Luffy placed the flowers in his hand in front of the tombstone, then raised his head and whispered to the tombstone: "Uncle, thank you!"

After saying that, Luffy turned and left. His back looked a little thin in the sunlight, but full of determination.

After Luffy left, Charlotte's children also came forward.

Esdeath was the first to reach the tombstone.

"Whitebeard, have a pleasant journey!"

Esdeath's voice was clear and loud, echoing in the silent cemetery.

The second is Caesar, who, like Esdeath, was born on Rocks' ship.

When they were young, they were all held in the arms of Whitebeard. They could be said to be children who grew up under Whitebeard's care.