On the other side, as the Marines began pursuing the retreating pirates, Marco suddenly launched an attack. Moving like a flash of lightning, he charged forward and instantly took down a Holy Knights member.
Soon, the system's voice echoed in his mind, "Defeated Holy Knights member, Saint Marcus Durandt, reward, 7000 attribute points."
"Killed Holy Knights member, Saint Marcus Durandt, reward, 5000 attribute points."
Another 12000 attribute points were added. Combined with the previous 4000, Marco's total reached 16000.
"Marco..." The Marines panicked the moment they saw him.
In contrast, the pirates were overjoyed, especially those from the Phoenix Pirates. Marco wasted no time and gave his orders.
"Retreat quickly. Vegapunk has already escaped, there is no need to fight the World Government to the death here. The captains will stay behind with me and cover the others."
"Yes."
At Marco's appearance, both the Marines and the Holy Knights narrowed their eyes. Most of the pirates had already withdrawn, and those who remained were all captain-level fighters, the elite of the battlefield.
Marco glanced at the retreating forces. Corpses littered the ground, both Marines and pirates alike. The alliance of the Four Emperors had suffered heavy losses.
Though the exact numbers were unclear, Marco turned his gaze toward the Marines. When they first arrived, there had been thirty thousand soldiers. Now, fewer than ten thousand remained. The brutality of the war was evident.
"Even if we retreat, we should make the World Government feel some pain first."
As his voice fell, Marco unleashed a terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki. It surged forward like a tidal wave.
In an instant, Marines collapsed one after another, like wheat being harvested. Only a few dozen remained standing, and even the weakest among them possessed at least the strength of a Rear Admiral.
With a single burst of Conqueror's Haki, Marco had wiped out nearly ninety-nine percent of the battlefield forces.
Elsewhere, Kaido was preparing to retreat as well, but he was stopped by Imu.
Observing Kaido, who was simultaneously holding off Saint V. Nusjuro and Saint Garling, Imu's eyes showed a trace of appreciation.
"Although you are inferior to Marco, among insects, you can still be considered talented. Submit to me, and I will grant you the status of a Celestial Dragon."
Kaido's expression darkened as he looked at Imu, who hovered in the air. Even though this was not Imu's true body, the overwhelming aura was unmistakable.
Still, Kaido's arrogance remained unshaken.
"Worororo, even Marco refused, so how could I agree? Besides, the thing I despise most in this life is those damned Celestial Dragons, nothing but trash. I am Kaido of the Beasts."
Imu's expression turned cold.
"That is truly a pity."
"To refuse Lord Imu's invitation, how foolish," Saint V. Nusjuro said with disdain.
"Indeed, the thoughts of insects are difficult to comprehend," Saint Garling added coldly. "In that case, we will simply kill you."
But Imu shook his head slightly.
"No. His strength is valuable. Killing him would be a waste. The World Government has lost many useful specimens. I will turn him into my war slave."
Saint V. Nusjuro immediately understood and smiled respectfully.
"As expected of you. With Saint Marcus Durandt dead and two Holy Knights gone, turning Kaido into one of our forces would make up for the loss. However, his strength is formidable, he will not submit easily."
"Leave him with only one breath," Imu said coldly.
For Imu, controlling Kaido at full strength was impossible. But if he were reduced to the brink of death, then he could be completely subdued.
Kaido's eyes turned icy. A sense of danger crept into his heart, like prey being hunted. Still, he showed no fear.
"If you want to make me your slave, then catch me first."
With that, Kaido shot into the sky.
Facing the combined threat of Saint V. Nusjuro, Saint Garling, and Imu, he had no intention of fighting. Escape was his only chance.
One was slightly weaker than him, one slightly stronger, and one far beyond his level. Against all three, victory was impossible.
"King, take your men and retreat."
With that command, Kaido flew toward the edge of the island and shouted behind him,
"If you want to kill me, then come!"
"You will not escape," Imu said coldly as she, Saint V. Nusjuro, and Saint Garling immediately gave chase.
At the same time, Big Mom stepped onto Zeus and let out a fierce laugh.
"Mama mama, I am done playing. Katakuri, the rest is up to you."
Then she looked toward the Gorosei with a provoking grin.
"If you want to kill me, then come. I am not so easy to kill."
With that, Big Mom also left Egghead Island. Since the Five Elders intended to hunt her down, she would simply lead them away. With Zeus beneath her, she had no fear of a chase turning into anything more than a battle of speed.
"Damn it..."
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