The newly arrived Pacifista attack, laying waste to Whitebeard's rear guard. However, the pirates push ahead, with Curiel fighting Moria, Vista battling Mihawk, and Izou confronting Kizaru in order to allow Luffy to continue towards Ace. As Whitebeard prepares to enter combat, Squard reappears and suddenly stabs Whitebeard through the chest, much to everyone's shock.