After hearing Vegapunk's message, Kaido immediately cursed and roared in fury.
"Damn it..."
Rage surged through him as if he had been completely played. The Three Emperors had come to Egghead Island to protect Vegapunk, waging a massive war against the Marines, the God's Knights, the Gorosei, and even Imu. Yet in the end, Vegapunk had fled.
Kaido clenched his kanabo tightly, wishing he could crush Vegapunk where he stood, but there was nothing left to strike.
He turned his gaze toward Marco and growled, "Marco, I'll say this now, I want at least one Seraphim before we leave."
"This old lady wants one too," Big Mom shouted angrily.
She had suffered repeated injuries during this battle, especially against the Gorosei, and her patience had long run out.
Floating in the air, Imu's voice descended coldly. "The condition is that you survive long enough to leave."
Then came the command, sharp and absolute. "Eliminate them all. Leave no one alive."
"Yes, Lord Imu."
At once, the Gorosei and the God's Knights launched another wave of attacks against the Three Emperors Alliance.
Now that Vegapunk had already escaped, continuing the battle held little meaning. Big Mom, who was struggling against Saint Peter, shouted loudly, "Marco, Kaido, Vegapunk is gone. We're retreating."
Kaido, under pressure from two opponents, responded without hesitation. "All Beasts Pirates, fall back."
"Big Mom Pirates, retreat immediately," Big Mom followed up.
The moment she gave the order, she turned and began to withdraw. She had endured this battle only because of Vegapunk and the alliance. Now there was no reason to stay.
Marco's voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Wait, Big Mom. Even if we retreat, we need to cover the rear. Otherwise, the losses will be too heavy."
Big Mom paused, clearly unwilling, but she still stopped. With Zeus and Prometheus, she could escape at any time, but she understood the situation.
She turned to Katakuri and ordered, "Katakuri, organize the retreat. Move everyone out quickly."
"Understood, Mama."
Katakuri immediately took command, directing the pirates to withdraw in an orderly manner.
Big Mom then headed toward the Moby Dick. A massive mirror had been set there earlier, allowing both the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates to arrive quickly at Egghead Island.
Now, it would serve as their escape route.
"Don't think you're getting away," Saint Peter roared as he chased after her.
Meanwhile, Marco exchanged several more blows with Imu and Saint Nusjuro. Using the force of Imu's attack, Marco propelled himself backward, breaking away from the clash.
There had been no clear victor in their battle.
Marco's eyes sharpened. Before leaving, he intended to take down a few members of the God's Knights and push his Armament Haki further.
In truth, Marco believed the war could still be fought. If Kaido and Big Mom could hold the line longer, he could eliminate more enemies, strengthen himself, and eventually overwhelm Imu's clone before dealing with the Gorosei one by one.
With his stamina and mental endurance constantly replenished, victory was not impossible.
However, the cost would be devastating.
If he had not been holding back Imu and Saint Nusjuro, no one else on the battlefield could have stopped them. The alliance would have suffered catastrophic losses.
Now that Kaido and Big Mom had chosen to retreat, Marco adjusted his plan. He would strike once more, seize what advantage he could, and then withdraw.
Imu's voice echoed again, cold and decisive. "Ignore the rest. Marco, Kaido, and Big Mom are the leaders. Crush them."
"Yes, Lord Imu."
Marco moved swiftly, targeting the God's Knights. The Gorosei avoided facing him alone, choosing instead to pressure weaker targets.
Saint Nusjuro quickly shifted his focus and moved toward Big Mom, who was still engaged in battle.
Elsewhere, inside the laboratory, Vista and the others received the retreat order.
Jinbe, holding control over the Seraphim, immediately gave the command. "Seraphim, withdraw."
The Seraphim obeyed without hesitation, following Jinbe and the others.
Seeing this, Saint Saturn's expression darkened with anger. "So Shaka gave you authority over the Seraphim, Jinbe..."
He immediately gave chase. "Jinbe, hand over control of the Seraphim."
"Never."
Jinbe knew their power better than anyone. Letting the Gorosei reclaim them was not an option.
As Jinbe and the others rushed toward the dome, a deafening crash echoed.
A massive three-headed beast shattered through the wall, blocking their path completely.
Vista and the others stopped instantly, their expressions turning grave. "Who is it?"
Moments later, several figures stepped forward, cutting off their escape.
Saint Charlos, along with Saint Shepherd Somaz, Saint Manmayer Gunko, and Saint Lemochief Chillingham, stood before them.
"You're not escaping, Phoenix Pirates."
"Tch... the God's Knights," Vista muttered, his grip tightening.
They were completely surrounded.
Before they could react further, Saint Saturn arrived from behind, his voice cold and heavy.
"Jinbe, hand over control of the Seraphim. I might grant you a swift death."