The moment the Five Elders revealed their monstrous forms, Marco quietly activated his level scan to assess their strength.
Saint Topman Warcury. Ability: Fierce Boar. Estimated strength: Emperor Level.
Saint Marcus Mars. Ability: Itzumanade. Estimated strength: High Emperor Level.
Shepherd Ju Peter. Ability: Sandworm. Estimated strength: High Emperor Level.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro. Ability: Skeletal Horse. Estimated strength: High Emperor Level.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn. Ability: Ushi oni. Estimated strength: High Emperor Level.
Marco's gaze sharpened.
What surprised him was not their strength, but the way the system displayed their information. It showed their abilities, not Devil Fruits.
He frowned slightly. Normally, the level scan identified a target's name, Devil Fruit ability, and strength. Yet this time, although their transformed states clearly resembled awakened Zoan forms, complete with the distinct black flame clouds that accompanied awakening, the system did not label them as Devil Fruit users.
Only their abilities were listed.
For the first time since obtaining the system, Marco encountered something it could not clearly categorize. The inconsistency unsettled him.
Are they not Devil Fruit users at all?
The thought lingered, but there was no time to dwell on it.
The combined Conqueror's Haki of the Five Elders continued to roll across Whole Cake Island like a raging sea. Marines and pirates alike braced themselves under the pressure, their nerves stretched to the limit.
For a brief moment, no one knew whether these terrifying beings were allies or enemies.
However, the Phoenix Pirates had clearly seen the serpent bird attack Marco without hesitation. That alone was enough to define them as enemies.
Suddenly, Admiral Aramaki's voice rang out across the battlefield.
"Do not panic. Those are the Devil Fruit forms of the Five Elders. They have personally come to support us."
The Marines erupted in excitement.
Though the Five Elders appeared monstrous and ominous, the knowledge that they stood on the side of the World Government washed away their fear. In its place rose exhilaration and renewed confidence, especially after witnessing the overwhelming Conqueror's Haki they had just unleashed.
"So that is the power of the Five Elders."
"It must be Mythical Zoan types."
"They have all awakened their abilities. This is the first time I have seen them fight."
"Victory is certain now."
A Vice Admiral seized the momentum and shouted, "Soldiers, counterattack. With the Five Elders here, press the advantage and capture every pirate."
A unified roar answered him as Marine morale surged.
In his Ushi oni form, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn snorted coldly. "This generation of Marines is truly incompetent. To require our intervention for mere pirates is shameful."
Shepherd Ju Peter spoke in a measured tone. "It is the alliance of the Emperors. Expecting the Marines to confront three Emperors simultaneously stretches their forces. More importantly, we underestimated Marco. Defeating both Borsalino and Sakazuki proves his strength may already surpass Whitebeard in his prime, perhaps even approaching the level of Rocks D. Xebec."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro's skeletal form radiated killing intent. "That is precisely why he must die here."
Below, Yamato's expression darkened as she faced Aramaki. "This is bad. Every one of them feels incredibly powerful."
Ace's jaw tightened. "The supreme rulers of the World Government personally descending… I did not expect this."
Aramaki laughed harshly. "With the Five Elders here, your defeat is absolute. The outcome is decided."
High above, Marco beat his wings and ascended, placing himself directly before Saint Marcus Mars, the only one among them who could match him in the sky.
He glanced briefly at the four monstrous figures below, then focused on Mars.
"Honestly, I did not expect we would face each other so soon," Marco said calmly. "Life rarely unfolds the way one predicts."
Saint Marcus Mars' voice was frigid. "Over centuries, few insects have forced us to move personally. You possess some ability."
Marco's eyes hardened. "Insect? That arrogance will cost you."
Mars continued without emotion. "We believed the Marines sufficient to eliminate you. Instead, you became an unexpected variable. Now that we are here, your fate is sealed. Especially you, who dared to injure a Celestial Dragon. That crime is unforgivable."
Marco exhaled slowly, flames beginning to coil around him. "Enough talk. If you want to fight, then fight. If you hesitate, I will strike first."
He shifted into his hybrid form, blue phoenix flames blazing around him, interwoven with the black destructive flames he had mastered. The air distorted from the intensity.
He vanished in a flash.
"Destruction Black Flame, Claw."
His strike tore through the sky like an arrow released from a drawn bow.
Saint Marcus Mars responded instantly. His enormous beak sliced forward with terrifying force, cutting through the air with a sharp sonic crack.
Their attacks collided midair.
Boom.
The clash of Conqueror's Haki infusion erupted violently. Crimson lightning burst outward from the point of impact, crackling and lashing across the sky. Arcs of energy slammed into the ground below, detonating in explosive flashes.
The shockwave rippled outward, splitting clouds and forcing even the strongest combatants to steady themselves.
Marco grinned fiercely. "As expected of the rulers hiding in the shadows of the World Government. Even after centuries behind desks, your strength has not dulled."
The black flames around him surged wildly. Dozens of blazing fragments rained down upon Mars like a meteor shower, each one infused with Armament Haki and willpower.
The pressure shifted.
What had been an even exchange began to tilt.
Marco drove forward, his leg ignited with compressed Conqueror's Haki infusion. With a powerful aerial kick, he struck with overwhelming force.
Crack.
Mars' massive beak shattered under the impact.
The colossal Itzumanade form was blasted backward, tearing through the sky before crashing in the distance.
Silence fell across the battlefield.
Marine soldiers stared upward in disbelief.
Even one of the Five Elders had been sent flying.
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