Marco scoffed as he listened. He had once thought peaceful coexistence with the Red Hair Pirates was possible, but now that hope was gone. Whether it was the Red Hair Pirates or the Celestial Dragons, they were all targets in his mind.
"I understand, Vista. Retreat," Marco said firmly.
He had no intention of letting Vista and the others fight to the death against the Red Hair Pirates. Even if they tried, victory was far from guaranteed.
"Yes." Though reluctant, Vista still gave the order.
From the other side, Shanks' voice rang out loudly, "Marco, protect Dr. Vegapunk. If this world truly faces a massive upheaval someday, he may be humanity's last hope."
Marco did not respond. He simply cut off the call as the Phoenix Pirates withdrew.
Not long after, Jozu spoke up, "Marco, something happened on Beehive Island recently."
Marco frowned slightly, prompting Jozu to continue.
"Saint Saturn and Saint Peter from the Gorosei showed up there. Dr. Vegapunk escaped using S-Bear. Since then, there's been no news from Beehive Island. It's likely the Gorosei have already taken control."
Marco's expression shifted. He hadn't expected them to act so decisively. Failing to stop him in Mary Geoise, they immediately moved on Beehive Island. The thought made him consider heading back there himself.
Jozu added, "Also, the Big Mom Pirates reportedly encountered Saint Garling. We don't have the full picture yet. What should we do next?"
Marco remained silent for a moment before replying, "We regroup at the Sabaody Archipelago first."
"Alright." Jozu and the others didn't question him. Their trust in Marco was absolute.
After ending the call, Marco turned his attention inward. His gaze sharpened as he looked at his remaining attribute points and the Awakening abilities available to him.
He focused on the Phoenix Fruit upgrades.
Devil Fruit Upgrade options:
Zoan Type, Phoenix Form, Redemption Awakening Skill, requires 50,000 attribute points
Zoan Type, Phoenix Form, Undying Awakening Skill, requires 50,000 attribute points
Zoan Type, Phoenix Form, Impart or Bestow Awakening Skill, requires 50,000 attribute points
Without hesitation, Marco chose to strengthen his Devil Fruit first before enhancing his Haki.
He activated Redemption and Bestow, consuming 100,000 attribute points instantly.
His updated status appeared clearly in his mind.
Name: Marco
Age: 43
Attribute Points: 14,700
Devil Fruit: Zoan Type, Phoenix Form, Awakened
Awakening Abilities: Flames of Destruction, Oath of Immortality, Light of Resurrection
Haki: Armament Haki, Legendary. Observation Haki, Legendary. Conqueror's Haki, Legendary
Body Techniques: Soru, Top Tier. Rankyaku, Advanced. Moonwalk, Advanced. Tekkai, Top Tier. Finger Pistol, Advanced. Kami-e, Advanced
Strength: 42,054
Speed: 24,900
Defense: 43,800
Recovery: 80,000
Stamina: 67,100
Mental Power: 61,300
System Battle Power Assessment: Weak Planetary Level
Marco's pupils contracted slightly.
So above King level was Planetary level. That meant only he and Imu stood at this height.
His attention shifted to the new abilities.
Light of Resurrection, the evolved form of Redemption, allowed him to revive those who had died recently, though it required a portion of his lifespan. If too much time had passed, resurrection would fail.
It was a terrifyingly powerful healing ability.
Previously, his Regeneration Flames were mostly effective on himself. When used on others, the effect was extremely limited. Minor injuries could be treated, but severe wounds could only be stabilized, barely keeping someone alive.
Now, everything had changed.
With Light of Resurrection, Marco could truly save others. No matter how severe the injury, he could heal them. Even death was no longer absolute, as long as it had not been too long.
He could fight, endure, and heal all at once.
Then there was Oath of Immortality, the evolved form of Impart or Bestow.
By forming a blood pact, Marco could grant others the power of the Phoenix, allowing them to wield its abilities. This meant a massive boost to his allies' strength.
At the same time, his own attributes had increased significantly.
Mental Power rose from 31,300 to 61,300
Stamina increased from 47,100 to 67,100
Recovery improved from 60,000 to 80,000
Though these abilities didn't directly increase his destructive power like Flames of Destruction, they were far more practical now.
As Marco grew stronger, the gap between him and his crew had widened. Even powerful allies like Kaido and Big Mom were falling behind.
But now, with Oath of Immortality, he could elevate his companions, closing that gap.
Marco glanced at his remaining points and gave a faint smile.
"Only about ten thousand left."
He wasn't concerned.
As long as the system remained, defeat was not an option.
===
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