Suddenly, Jozu charged forward, slamming his massive fist onto the ice. The ground cracked violently, and a colossal chunk of ice was torn free by his overwhelming strength. Without hesitation, he hurled it toward the execution platform, roaring, "Come on, let's see if you can stop this!"
The ice block was immense, thirty meters in diameter, dwarfing even the largest Giant Race warriors. For a brief moment, even the Giant Vice Admirals hesitated. There was simply no way they could intercept such a massive projectile.
Admiral Akainu's eyes blazed like molten torches as he assessed the approaching ice. His right arm began to glow, transforming into searing magma, his voice carrying a lethal calm. "Everyone fights individually, yet who will secure our rear defense line?"
A low growl rumbled from him. "Great Eruption." A colossal magma fist, over twenty meters across, slammed into the ice. The impact obliterated the ice chunk instantly, melting it entirely before it touched the ground. The sheer heat and destructive power were terrifying.
"He just melted that massive ice chunk like it was nothing!"
"Is that the power of the Magma-Magma Fruit?"
"The Admiral is incredible!"
Even the Whitebeard Pirates' Captains felt the chill of awe and apprehension. Jozu's brow furrowed as he watched his attack evaporate in an instant. Though he had expected Akainu's strength, witnessing it firsthand left him stunned. This was nothing like any enemy they had faced before.
But Akainu's assault was far from over. In the next instant, the molten fist erupted into dozens of fiery volcanic bombs, hissing like meteors as they hurtled toward the Whitebeard Pirates. One bomb targeted Marco directly.
"Volcanic bombs!"
"Move!" shouted the nearby Whitebeard Pirates.
Marco reacted instantly. Shifting into his Phoenix Beast Form, he kicked the bomb away with a sharp, precise strike. It slammed into the ice, melting a large section and sending waves of scorching heat into the air.
Even Marco, with his regenerative Phoenix powers, winced slightly at the heat. The Magma-Magma Fruit's destructive potential was staggering, even in small doses.
He flew to Jozu's side. "Jozu, what are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to protect Pops?"
Jozu replied firmly, "Pops said he didn't need protection, so I came. I also conveyed your concerns, so Pops is aware and prepared."
Marco nodded, already forming a plan. With the war in full swing, it was time to inform Whitebeard of every development after Marineford, to improve their chances.
Jozu's expression grew serious. "Marco, the Admiral's strength exceeds all expectations. These enemies are unlike anything we've faced. We must be cautious."
Marco acknowledged him with a solemn nod, then launched himself back into the Marine lines.
"All Marines, hold the plaza! Don't let the Pirates advance!" Kizaru's voice echoed from the top of the platform. He directed the Marine Soldiers with a calm precision, holding back from direct confrontation with the Captains. His eyes, cold and calculating, fixed on Whitebeard atop the Moby Dick.
"Trying to maneuver under the sea, entering Crescent Bay—it's clever. But it funnels you straight into our defenses. Whitebeard, what will you do now?"
Marco, focused on maximizing his attribute points, intentionally avoided the Admiral-level threats, targeting Lieutenant Commander-level Marines and lower. With precision and efficiency, he dismantled each opponent, his strength and tactics growing more evident with every strike.
After another allocation of points, his system panel updated.
Name: Marco
Age: 43
Devil Fruit: Zoan Type – Phoenix Form (Unawakened)
Haki: Armament Haki (Advanced), Observation Haki (Advanced), Conqueror's Haki (Beginner)
Body Techniques: Rokushiki: Soru (Beginner), Rokushiki: Rankyaku (Tempest Kick) (Beginner), Moonwalk (Beginner), Finger Pistol (Beginner), Rokushiki: Tekkai (Iron Body) (Beginner), Kami-e (Beginner)
Strength: 6344
Speed: 4400
Defense: 8500
Recovery: 45000
Stamina: 8000
Mental Power: 4600
System Combat Power Assessment: Strong Emperor Commander Level
Marco's eyes lit up. His strength had reached Strong Emperor Subordinate Level. In less than a day, he had increased nearly three thousand points. At this rate, Admiral-level power might soon be within reach.
'Rokushiki: Soru upgraded from Beginner to Elementary? That must be from repeated battlefield practice. I'll train it more here,' he thought, impressed. Even without spending attribute points, basic body techniques could improve through combat.
Boom… boom… boom… Heavy thuds reverberated across the battlefield. The Marines paused, puzzled. "What is that rumbling? Did Whitebeard really use the Tremor-Tremor Fruit?"
A towering figure approached in the distance. One of Whitebeard's most formidable cards: Little Oars Jr., moving like a small mountain.
Marco estimated the strength. Weak Emperor Second-in-Command Level. Massive, yes, but without Haki, vulnerable. Compared to smaller fighters with equivalent power, his colossal size made him a living target.
Just like Jozu. Jozu could trade blows with Admiral Aokiji due to skill and Haki, but Little Oars would be frozen solid in moments.
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