Noodles believes WB was never WSM in MF this is different panel with WB having clear health issues
Actually Sengoku confirms that EVEN SICK OLD WB, he was still the best!
Look at Sengoku's dialog with Kong.
Kong: there are still many legendary pirates out there.
Sengoku: WB was the best of them all
I don't know why some people want validation from WB and Mihawk every panel they are shown about their titles! Honestly, not accepting oda's words from various places that starts with Manga panels, and ending with his interviews and SBS. Not accepting them and having a different expectation for another character will only lead to disappointment later when the character they voted for as better ends up disappointing them. Then leading them to actually hate on a whole god damn arc because this character didn't do what they expected him/her to do
People always bring his quote from Marineford to crocodile, while they NEVER look at the other side of the coin. WB came to Marineford knowing FULL WELL he will not leave this place alive. He is only one man with one heart as he stated! His quote on not staying as strongest also applies AFTER HIS DEATH.
Meaning, he can die while being strongest still. BUT after his death, someone may surpass him which is expected! So, yeah, the sentence still applies AFTER HIS DEATH where he will not remain in the eyes of others as strongest!
It also can work with people WHO DID NOT SURPASS HIM even after his death!
Meaning, after his death, the title is vacant, someone can claim that title EVEN if he didn't surpass him.
Like I said, WB was implying his DEATH in that scene, and NOT that he became weaker than someone else at that time!