Marco stepped forward and lightly tapped the energy stone. A crisp metallic sound echoed from it.
"It's incredibly solid," Marco muttered as he felt its surface. Its hardness far exceeded that of ordinary stone. He turned to Jozu and said, "Take this… energy stone. Make sure it's well protected."
"Got it," Jozu replied with a nod.
Soon, the Phoenix Pirates carefully transported the energy stone into the ship's hold.
Meanwhile, Kaido's gaze fell on the four Seraphim. From their appearances, he immediately recognized their origins, Dracule Mihawk, Jinbe, Boa Hancock, and Gecko Moria.
Although he could not sense any aura from them, Kaido was well aware of their strength. A savage grin spread across his face.
"Worororo… so these are the Seraphim," he said. "Marco, give me two of them."
Marco's eye twitched slightly as he smirked. "You've got quite the imagination. There are only four in total, and you want half of them just like that? Fine. If you can beat me, you can take all four."
Kaido's expression darkened as he stared at Marco coldly. "So you think you've already surpassed me."
Marco smiled calmly. "I have."
At present, Kaido's strength was at the Weak King level, while Marco had already reached the Strong King level. The gap between them was clear.
Kaido had no special advantages or sudden boosts left. His previous Devil Fruit awakening had already been an extraordinary breakthrough. Further growth in such a short time was unlikely.
Kaido exhaled sharply, his breath heavy. "Good. Then let's see how strong you really are."
"Captain Marco," Namur called as he approached with a serious expression. "Something's happened at Beehive Island."
Marco's gaze sharpened. "Report."
Namur spoke firmly, "Marine hero Monkey D. Garp and former Admiral Zephyr attacked Beehive Island. We've lost all contact. It may have been captured, or everyone there has been killed or taken prisoner."
Marco immediately asked, "What about Kizaru?"
"He's dead."
Marco nodded slightly. When he captured Kizaru, he had already anticipated such an outcome. If a rescue attempt came, Kizaru would be eliminated. At least the Marines would not regain an Admiral-level fighter.
"Investigate immediately," Marco ordered. "Find out whether they were killed or imprisoned."
"Yes, Captain."
At that moment, Ace and Yamato approached.
Yamato crossed her arms and grinned. "Old man, looks like you're still alive."
Kaido snorted. "It'll take more than that to kill me. But I heard you and Ace managed to defeat an Admiral."
Yamato lifted her chin proudly. "Next time, we'll defeat you too. Just wait."
Before Kaido could respond, the sky suddenly darkened.
A massive black five-pointed magic circle spread across the heavens, its diameter spanning over ten thousand meters. Its overwhelming presence made everyone freeze.
Ace looked up, stunned. "What the hell… why is it so huge this time?"
"Damn it… are the Gorosei and the God's Knights coming again?" the pirates muttered as they stopped working and stared upward.
Marco and Kaido both grew serious. Their recent battle had drained much of their stamina. If the Gorosei and the God's Knights appeared now, it would be extremely dangerous.
Suddenly, a purple-black spatial vortex formed within the magic circle.
From within it, a colossal object began to emerge slowly. Even with only a fraction revealed, its immense size was already terrifying.
"What is that?" the pirates asked, unease spreading among them.
Some members of the Beasts Pirates reacted instantly. Their faces turned pale as they shouted, "That's the weapon that destroyed Wano… it's Uranus!"
The words struck like thunder.
Even those who had never seen it knew of its legend. One of the Ancient Weapons, said to possess the power to destroy the world.
Marco reacted without hesitation. "All members of the Three Emperors Alliance, board the warships immediately and retreat!"
He turned sharply. "Kaido, Sak, use your Flame Clouds to lift the warships and move them out to sea. We need to get away from Egghead Island now."
Kaido roared, "Stop giving me orders, Marco!"
Even so, he acted without delay. Flame Clouds formed beneath the twenty-nine warships, lifting them into the air.
"My men, get on board now!" Kaido bellowed.
As the ships began to move, black flames ignited around Marco's body. He spread his wings and shot into the sky, heading straight for Uranus.
Only a portion of the weapon had emerged, the rest still hidden within the spatial vortex.
Marco intended to destroy it before it fully appeared.
Seeing this, Kaido immediately understood. "Sak, keep moving the ships!"
With that, he transformed into his Azure Dragon form and soared into the sky.
"Out of my way!" Kaido roared. Drawing in a massive breath, wind gathered in his jaws and merged with blazing flames. "Dragon's Breath!"
A devastating beam of fire shot toward Uranus.
Just as it was about to strike, a powerful slash cut through the attack, splitting it cleanly in two.
Explosions erupted in midair as the flames detonated, scattering sparks across the sky like fireworks.
Kaido's pupils shrank. "That…"
As the smoke cleared, four figures stood before Uranus.
Saint Saturn, Saint Nusjuro, Saint Peter, and Saint V. Nusjuro.
Their presence alone was enough to freeze the battlefield.