Highlights
Following significant losses during the Marineford Incident, the Whitebeard Fleet regroups under Marco's command to wage the Payback War against Blackbeard. Unfortunately, their defeat in this showdown proves to be more devastating than ever before.
The Payback War led to the disbandment of the Whitebeard Pirates, leaving their previous territories susceptible to assaults from various factions, such as the Marines and other pirates.
Following the dissolution, the majority of ex-members opted to pursue independent paths, either joining other crews, establishing their own, or completely renouncing piracy. Nonetheless, Marco, as a tribute to Whitebeard, continues to fulfill the roles of protector and doctor on Sphinx Island.
After the Marineford Incident, the formidable Whitebeard Fleet, commanded by the closest contender for the Pirate King title among the Four Emperors of The Sea, faced a dire fate. The fleet, recognized as one of the largest in the world, consisted of 16 divisions, each equipped with its own ship and leader, boasting a total of approximately 1600 individuals. However, the tragic events of that day resulted in the loss of the strongest man in the world and inflicted significant damage to the fleet, including the loss of lives and destruction of several ships. Consequently, the fate of the once-mighty Whitebeard Fleet became uncertain.
The Payback War
Following Whitebeard's death, his crew swiftly returns to their ships, their hearts heavy with emotions. However, they recognize that their captain sacrificed his life to ensure their escape from that treacherous place. Suppressing their grief, anger, guilt, and frustration, they flee for their lives. Numerous lives are lost that day, both among the Marines and the pirates. Nevertheless, the majority of the Whitebeard fleet manages to evade capture at Marineford.
In the aftermath of this devastating defeat, the crews focus on recovering. No one emerges unscathed from the battle at Marineford, so their top priorities become tending to their injuries and obtaining much-needed rest. While some crews remain together with the main group, others choose to set sail on their own paths. Despite temporarily parting ways, the flames of vengeance continue to burn fiercely within their hearts. Thus, approximately one year after the Marineford battle, the Whitebeard Fleet reunites under the leadership of their first division commander, Marco the Phoenix. They unite under a single purpose: to annihilate Blackbeard and his followers.
The ensuing battle is widely recognized worldwide as the Payback War or the Grudge War. Both factions summon numerous allies, heightening the already chaotic and ruthless atmosphere surpassing that of Marineford. Guided by the blazing wings of Marco, the legendary Whitebeard fleet launches a powerful assault against Blackbeard. Regrettably, their efforts are met with an equal display of strength as Blackbeard retaliates with the very same power that had shielded the Whitebeard fleet for decades - Whitebeard's devastating earthquake ability. In addition, Blackbeard's own darkness prowess, combined with the absurd powers wielded by his deranged and merciless subordinates, renders Marco and the rest of the fleet utterly incapable of defeating him. Consequently, the Whitebeard Fleet suffers yet another significant defeat, surpassing even the severity of their previous losses.
The Disbandment of The Whitebeard Pirates
The impact of the Payback War reverberates globally, instilling fear and solidifying Blackbeard's unrivaled power. Even the World Government acknowledges his exceptional abilities, bestowing upon him the esteemed title of one of the new Emperors of The Sea. In a poignant turn of events, the once indomitable Whitebeard Fleet reluctantly dissolves its formidable forces. Devoid of the means to counter their adversaries, the remnants of the fleet unanimously opt to embark on individual paths. Thus, the colossal and indomitable pirate fleet that once dominated the world's waters vanishes without a trace.
The disbanding of the Whitebeard pirates has left the countless kingdoms, towns, and islands that were once protected by them vulnerable. In no time, various factions have seized upon this opportunity to launch attacks and lay claim to these territories. The Marines have taken control of some, while other pirates such as the Brownbeard pirates or even the Big Mom pirates have taken control of others.
Whitebeard was never interested in material possessions, which meant that those within his sphere of influence enjoyed his protection free of charge. However, now that this legendary pirate crew is no longer present, the inhabitants of these places are now obliged to live under new regulations. Some of these regulations are relatively relaxed, such as those enforced by the Marines, while others require substantial tributes to be paid. For instance, Fish-Man Island now falls under the authority of the Big Mom pirates and is subject to burdensome payments.
What’s Left of The Whitebeard Pirates
After the rest of the fleet went their separate ways, the fate of each former member of the Whitebeard pirate remains unclear. Some may have joined other pirate crews, while others may have formed their own crews. It can be assumed that there are those who chose to leave the life of piracy altogether and live as ordinary people. However, the former commander of the first division and the closest confidant of Whitebeard, Marco The Phoenix, is the only one who still carries the spirit of the now disbanded Whitebeard fleet in his heart.
In fact, Marco has chosen to remain on Whitebeard's birthplace, the Sphinx island. This island is one of the few that has been abandoned by the World Government due to the poverty of its inhabitants, making them unable to pay the Heavenly Tributes. The only reason the island has not turned into a haven for criminals is because of Whitebeard's protection. Now, Marco has taken on the responsibility of being the island's protector. He sees it as the least he can do for the man he regarded as a father. Additionally, thanks to his ability to heal, the people of Sphinx quickly come to view him as their new island doctor. As for the fate of the Whitebeard Fleet after the incident at Marineford, they simply ceased to exist.
One Piece is available to stream on Crunchyroll.