"Wait… hold on!"
Just as the order to retreat began spreading across the battlefield, Marco suddenly raised his voice from high above the island. Hovering in the sky, he stared toward the distant horizon where a massive dark cloud was rapidly approaching.
His Observation Haki expanded outward.
Within that swelling storm, he sensed it clearly, an overwhelming pressure, vast and violent, like a natural disaster bearing down on them.
Among the Marines, Fujitora was the first to react. His Observation Haki was exceptionally refined, and he felt the disturbance immediately. His expression darkened.
"This is bad," he said gravely. "A powerful presence is approaching Whole Cake Island at great speed."
"What?" Several Marines nearby looked confused and uneasy.
Marco's eyes lit up with unmistakable excitement.
"It's Kaido! That bastard finally made it!"
His voice rang across the battlefield as he shouted to the Phoenix Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates below.
"Brothers! Kaido is here! Hold the line! Once the Beasts Pirates arrive, we launch a full counterattack!"
The effect was immediate.
The morale of the Big Mom Pirates and the Phoenix Pirates surged. Exhausted fighters straightened their backs. Even those wounded found renewed strength. Hope, which had begun to fade, flared back into blazing life.
In contrast, panic rippled through the Marine ranks once more.
This battle had already pushed them through extreme emotional swings. At first, they had faced only the Big Mom Pirates and advanced steadily. Then the Phoenix Pirates arrived, and the tide shifted. The situation had worsened further when Fleet Admiral Sakazuki fell in battle, plunging many into despair.
The arrival of the Five Elders had reversed the momentum. Their Immortality had restored confidence to the Marines, almost convincing them that victory was inevitable.
But now, the Beasts Pirates were coming.
Many of the Marines present had fought at Marineford. They understood very well the terror of facing a Yonko crew head on. Ordinary pirates fled from Marine forces. Yonko crews did not. They fought to the death, and every clash with them cost the Marines enormous casualties.
Meanwhile, Admiral Aramaki, who was locked in battle against Yamato and Ace, shouted toward the wavering troops.
"What are you afraid of? With the Five Elders here, what does it matter if the Beasts Pirates arrive?"
Encouraged by his words, some Marines raised their voices in response.
"That's right! The Five Elders are invincible!"
"They are the gods of this world! Pirates cannot defeat them!"
"With the Five Elders leading us, we cannot lose!"
Yet unlike the soldiers, the Gorosei did not share that confidence.
They did possess Immortality, but their Immortality was not absolute. It was not without weakness. If Marco, Kaido, or someone of similar caliber uncovered the flaw within it, they could die.
That fear lingered quietly beneath their composure.
This was precisely why they had avoided facing Marco alone. In a prolonged one on one battle, Marco would eventually notice the pattern, the secret tied to the Magic Circles etched into their bodies. By attacking him three against one, they maintained pressure and preserved the illusion of invincibility.
Once that illusion shattered, their image as untouchable gods would crumble instantly.
Within their minds, communication began.
Should we withdraw? Continuing this battle risks exposing the secret.
Saint Nusjuro initiated the silent exchange.
Saint Mars responded at once.
We underestimated Marco. Even with three of us, we cannot eliminate him quickly. Once Kaido arrives, the situation may turn against us.
Of all the Gorosei present, Saint Mars had the most reason for concern. The others had been summoned through a teleportation array and could return to the Holy Land by dispelling the ritual. Saint Mars had no such luxury. If trapped here, he would have to escape by ship or flight. He was the only one who could truly be cornered.
Fear of death, even for those who styled themselves gods, was instinctive.
Saturn's thoughts carried irritation.
What are Sengoku and the others doing? They cannot even delay Kaido.
Saint Peter answered calmly.
Marco's strength is already exceptional. Kaido surpasses even him. Decades ago, Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr might have restrained Kaido. Now they are old.
Saint V. Nusjuro concluded coldly.
That is the fate of humans. No matter how powerful, time devours them. They live for a century at most.
The decision was made.
Saint V. Nusjuro raised his voice over the battlefield.
"All Marines, begin evacuation immediately. Aramaki, Fujitora, follow me and cover the retreat."
The order surprised many of the Marines who had just regained confidence, yet beneath that surprise lay relief. Casualties had already been catastrophic. Their Fleet Admiral was dead. Continuing to fight against three Yonko crews on the same battlefield was a nightmare none wished to prolong.
Aramaki hesitated only briefly before responding.
"Yes."
Across the island, Marine officers began shouting commands.
"Retreat! All units withdraw to the ships!"
"Move quickly!"
"Wounded first, maintain formation!"
As the evacuation began, Marco watched carefully from the sky.
The dark clouds on the horizon continued to swell, drawing closer w
ith overwhelming momentum.
The azure dragon was coming.
____
Patreon = _Zeph