Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro rejected the suggestion immediately.
"Even if retreat is possible, Saint Marcus Mars cannot withdraw."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter responded coldly, "I will cover Saint Mars. Since we have already acted, how can we retreat so easily? These pirates must be eliminated."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn added, "I can order Fujitora to assist in protecting Saint Mars as well."
Nusjuro spoke again, his tone firm. "These insects possess some strength, but the only true threats among them are Charlotte Linlin and Marco. I can handle Linlin alone. You only need to be wary of Marco."
Hearing this, Saint Nusjuro abandoned the thought of retreat.
Although the Five Elders possessed Immortality, they feared death more than anyone. After standing at the summit of the world for so many years, even the slightest risk was something they preferred to avoid. Yet when he thought it through carefully, Marco's Haki, no matter how powerful, had not truly broken their Immortality. That realization steadied his resolve.
"Very well," Saint Nusjuro said solemnly. "However, I require support. Facing Marco alone is proving difficult. His black flames cling to the body and suppress our recovery to some extent."
Far away, the battle involving the Beasts Pirates had dragged on for hours.
After receiving Charlotte Linlin's request for aid, the Beasts Pirates had attempted to advance, only to be repeatedly intercepted by the Marines. Kaido initially tried to force his way through, but the combined resistance of Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr proved formidable. Even with King fighting beside him, breaking through their line was no simple task.
Only after Jack and the Tobiroppo joined the battlefield did the Marines begin to withdraw.
Even so, the Marines were not truly retreating in defeat. Sengoku's strategy from the start had been to fight while pulling back. The forces assigned to intercept the Beasts Pirates were limited, roughly equivalent to a Buster Call. Engaging the Beasts Pirates in a direct, prolonged clash would have placed them at a disadvantage. A tactical withdrawal allowed them to preserve strength.
Kaido, however, was furious.
The Big Mom Pirates had sent multiple calls for support. The most recent message reported that the Five Elders themselves had arrived at Whole Cake Island. That news unsettled him.
He knew the Phoenix Pirates were aiding them, but the Marines had the full backing of the World Government. Even with both pirate crews united, the odds were uncertain.
High above the sea, Kaido engaged Sengoku and Garp in aerial combat. The Marines understood their numerical disadvantage. The Beasts Pirates had deployed nearly two thirds of their forces. On land, they would be overwhelmed. Therefore, the Marines relied on their warships and aerial tactics to balance the field.
"Damn you two old fossils, get out of my way."
Kaido roared and swung his spiked kanabo. Violent winds mixed with Haki burst outward, forcing Sengoku and Garp to brace themselves.
After being driven back, Garp exhaled heavily. "This monster's strength is unbelievable. It may even surpass Whitebeard and Roger."
Sengoku, also breathing hard, stared at the flame clouds swirling around Kaido. "His natural strength is already terrifying, and now his Devil Fruit has awakened. Since Rocks, I have not witnessed such a monstrous existence."
Kaido was equally frustrated. In a one on one fight, neither Sengoku nor Garp could defeat him. Yet together, they prevented him from finishing the battle quickly.
"Lord Kaido."
King soared up beside him.
Kaido's eyes flashed. "Hold one of them back. Once I eliminate the other, this will end quickly."
"Understood."
King immediately intercepted Sengoku.
Zephyr leapt into the air using Geppo, attempting to reinforce Garp, but he was blocked by Vergo and Who's Who. Both were capable of aerial combat. One had once served as a Marine Vice Admiral, the other as a CP9 agent.
Zephyr's gaze turned cold. "Marine traitors. Do you intend to stop me?"
Who's Who scoffed. "Traitors? I was with CP9. You think I do not understand the darkness within the Marines? Do not pretend you are righteous."
Zephyr snorted. "Trash remains trash. One betrayed the Marines, the other betrayed the World Government. The Beasts Pirates collect nothing but refuse. Especially you, Vergo. Today I will clean house."
Vergo replied calmly, "Instructor Zephyr, I was never truly a Marine. I entered to gain power, nothing more."
Zephyr's expression darkened. "A man without justice has nothing worth saying."
"Then let strength decide."
Both Vergo and Who's Who shifted into their Human Beast Forms. Vergo wielded the Cat Cat Fruit, Model Tiger. Who's Who transformed into the Ancient Zoan, Cat Cat Fruit, Model Saber Toothed Tiger.
King turned to the Gifters behind him. "Sky Unit, hold back the remaining Marines. If they want aerial combat, we will oblige."
More than a dozen SMILE users with flight abilities took to the sky. They were King's direct subordinates. Though few in number, each possessed strength exceeding 100 million Berries and enjoyed the advantage of aerial mobility.
At last, Kaido faced Garp alone.
He unleashed his pent up fury without restraint.
"Die. Descent to the Three Worlds, Ragnaraku."
Garp responded with a roar. "Galaxy Fist."
Their attacks collided mid air in a violent explosion. Conqueror's Haki crackled like lightning across the sky, splitting the clouds. Shockwaves rippled outward, forcing even distant combatants to steady themselves.
Garp gritted his teeth. Through their earlier clashes, he had already grasped Kaido's overwhelming strength. Even in his prime, defeating this awakened Kaido would not have been guaranteed.
The two were blasted apart by the force of their own collision, sliding back dozens of meters through the air.
Kaido grinned savagely. "Old man, you are past your era. You should have retired long ago. Why cling to this battlefield?"
He raised his kanabo again, Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki Infusion surging over it, then swung downward. A violent purple shockwave tore through the air toward Garp, intent on crushing him where he stood.
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