After witnessing the death of Ace at the hands of Akainu, Luffy becomes completely incapacitated. Akainu then attempts to kill Luffy, but Marco fight him to protect Luffy, and Jimbei flees with him. Enraged at the death of Ace, Whitebeard ruthlessly attacks Akainu and creates a massive earthquake that severely damages Marine Headquarters and leaves him isolated from his men. The Blackbeard Pirates, having acquired several notorious criminals from the lowest level of Impel Down, then make their appearance, with Blackbeard having come to witness Whitebeard's death.