Watching Aramaki's towering wooden form sway in the distance, Marco understood clearly that killing Sakazuki had left a deep shadow in the Admiral's mind. Aramaki was being extremely cautious. Not only had he transformed into a giant tree through the power of the Mori Mori no Mi, he had also fused himself with the earth itself. The moment he sensed danger, he would retreat underground without hesitation. Defeating him quickly would not be easy.
"Marco."
Ace approached from behind, accompanied by two members of the Second Division who were supporting a severely injured Eustass Kid.
"We've handled this guy," Ace said with a grin, though his tone carried exhaustion from battle. "He's strong, I'll give him that. No wonder he managed to defeat Whitey Bay and Wolf."
Marco's gaze shifted to Kid.
Kid's body was bound tightly. His clothes were scorched, his skin marred with burns and deep blade wounds. It was obvious that more than just Ace had taken part in subduing him. Kid had made enemies of both the Phoenix Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates. His reckless nature had finally cornered him.
Marco stepped forward without hesitation. He took a cleaver from one of the Second Division members. In one clean motion, he swung.
Kid's head fell to the ground.
There was no hesitation in Marco's expression. No unnecessary words.
A mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
Mission complete. Eustass Kid eliminated. Reward, 3000 attribute points.
Marco calculated calmly. With this, he now possessed 23000 attribute points. If they successfully repelled the Marines, another 10000 would follow.
Ace blinked in surprise. "Marco, didn't you say you were going to livestream his public execution?"
Marco glanced around at the chaotic battlefield. Marines, pirates, and even Shichibukai forces were scattered across the war zone.
He gave a faint smile. "Look around. With this many witnesses, what more public execution do you need?"
Ace paused, then nodded slowly. "Fair point."
Marco's expression grew serious as he turned toward him. "Ace, your timing is perfect." He pointed toward Aramaki in the distance. "You're going to fight him."
"Me?" Ace's eyes lit up instantly. His gaze locked onto the massive tree giant, his fighting spirit igniting.
Marco spoke plainly. "The Fleet Admiral has already fallen, yet they refuse to retreat. That means reinforcements are coming. We need to weaken their top combat power before that happens."
Ace nodded, his excitement barely restrained. "Good. I've wanted to measure the gap between myself and an Admiral again."
Marco studied him carefully. Since the Marineford War, Ace's growth had been astonishing. From an ordinary Yonko Commander level fighter, he had advanced to the level of a strong Emperor subordinate in less than half a year. After marrying Yamato, his progress had accelerated even further, perhaps driven by pride, perhaps by responsibility. Now, his strength stood equal to hers.
"In a one on one fight, you are still likely at a disadvantage," Marco said honestly. "But his Mori Mori no Mi is Logia type. Your Mera Mera no Mi naturally restrains wood. Even if you cannot defeat him alone, you can push him hard."
Ace scratched his head with a crooked smile. "You're as blunt as ever. I already know how terrifying Admirals are. Marineford made that clear."
Before Marco could reply, Aramaki's booming voice carried across the battlefield.
"Phoenix, what are you planning? Running away?"
Marco looked back at him calmly, a trace of disdain in his tone. "You are the one who has been avoiding a direct fight. Since you refuse to face me head on, I see no reason to waste time."
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"Whoever your reinforcements are, I will reduce your high level combat power before they arrive."
Aramaki's expression darkened.
Marco's gaze shifted further across the battlefield, toward Yamato, who was locked in a fierce duel with Tokikake.
"Yamato!"
She turned at once. Even while clashing with Tokikake, her eyes were bright with exhilaration. Fighting him was different from sparring with Ace. Tokikake was a pure swordsman, his blade techniques precise and refined, rivaling many masters from Wano.
"Yamato, join Ace and fight Aramaki. I'll handle things here."
Without waiting, Marco shot forward toward her position.
"Got it," Yamato replied immediately, excitement clear in her voice. She disengaged without hesitation and sprinted toward Ace.
Aramaki roared in anger. "Marco, get back here!"
Tokikake's expression darkened as well. "You think you can just walk away? I am your opponent."
"Fire Fist."
Ace stepped forward and unleashed a blazing torrent of flames. The inferno roared across the battlefield, slamming into Aramaki's wooden body and forcing him to halt.
The heat surged violently, charring branches and igniting the air itself.
Ace stood firm. "From now on, I'm your opponent."
As Tokikake attempted to pursue Yamato, black flames suddenly rained from the sky. They converged rapidly, forming a towering wall of Black Flame that blocked his path.
Tokikake halted sharply, his blade raised.
Yamato glanced back with a wide grin. "Thanks, Marco."
Marco gave her a brief nod. "Go. With both of you together, Aramaki won't have it easy. You both possess Conqueror's Haki and the potential to stand at the level of the Four Emperors. If you cooperate, defeating him is possible."
Yamato's smile widened further. "Leave it to us."
She ran to Ace's side.
"Ace."
Ace turned toward her, his expression softening slightly despite the battlefield around them. "First time fighting together like this, isn't it?"
Yamato nodded, her eyes shining. "Let's treat him as warm up. After that, we'll challenge that old geezer."
Ace hesitated for a fraction of a second. Yamato's resentment toward Kaido ran deep. Now that Kaido was technically his father in law, the situation was complicated. In the end, he chose not to comment.
"Stay sharp," Ace said quietly.
Yamato's smile faded into focus and determination. "You too."
Across from them, Aramaki's face twisted with fury. The two of them were speaking as though he did not exist.
"Warm up?" he snarled. "You two think I am just a stepping stone?"