Marco, aware that time was short, spoke with precision. "The Marines' plan is simple: they will announce Ace's imminent execution to shake us. Once we believe it, we'll rush to save him. When the Whitebeard Pirates and our forty‑three allied pirate crews enter the inner Crescent Bay — the frozen surface we're standing on now — the trap will spring."
He continued, "The Marines will pull back into the plaza. Then they'll raise fifty‑meter-high encirclement walls inside Crescent Bay. They'll deploy warships and their newly developed World Government weapons, the Pacifistas, to seal all exits, completely surrounding us — the Whitebeard Pirates and every allied crew. Finally, Admiral Akainu will strike with his Magma‑Magma Fruit power to wipe us out."
Marco's tone turned grave. "These iron walls are built with Sea‑Stone, so even Old Man's Tremor‑Tremor Fruit cannot destroy them. That is why Little Oars' role is absolutely critical. If those walls go up, only Little Oars may be able to break through."
Hearing this, Whitebeard's face grew solemn. He had known that Sengoku must have some strategy, but never imagined such a vicious plan. All the odds — timing, geography, manpower — were stacked in favor of the Marines.
In a slow, deep voice, Whitebeard said, "So this is Sengoku's scheme — wicked, ruthless. If we're not careful, we could be completely annihilated. Thank you for uncovering their plan, Marco."
A faint smile touched Marco's lips. "Also, Old Man, I confirmed that the Marines intend to turn Squard against us. Their lie is roughly that you secretly made a deal with them — sacrificing the forty‑three allied pirate crews in exchange for Ace's life. So Squard will be ordered to assassinate you. There might even be others willing to do it. If they succeed or even fail, the blow to our unity will be massive."
Whitebeard's eyes narrowed, anger flickering beneath his calm. "They actually propose such treachery?" he asked coldly. "If that is their plan, I will not let them go unpunished. They dare betray my sons like that."
Marco nodded, serious and calm. "In any case, Old Man, you must watch out for Squard's betrayal. I'll go first to protect Little Oars."
Whitebeard inclined his head. "Good idea. I was also planning to send you to support the allied crews. The Marines' attempt to have Squard assassinate me is designed to sow discord among us — making the allied crews believe I betrayed them. We can't allow it."
He paused, then added firmly, "Since we now know their plan, we must prevent Little Oars from charging ahead recklessly. He is vital to our future victory. The forty‑three allied pirate crews must adjust their plan too. We will counter the encirclement. You go help the allies break through the Marines' defensive lines from the flanks, enabling them to land on the plaza."
Marco nodded decisively. He had planned to spend more time building his strength, but now he agreed without hesitation, though he warned quietly, "Still, Old Man, stay vigilant."
Despite retaining the memories and strength of his original body, Marco had only been transmigrated a few hours ago. His power, though impressive, was still fragile. To survive this conflict, Whitebeard's leadership remained indispensable.
Whitebeard let out a hearty laugh. "No need to worry! With their plan exposed, the Marines' ugly tricks are nothing to fear."
Marco turned and walked off, giving orders to Sak. "Stay here to protect Pops."
When Whitebeard saw Sak stand behind him, he nodded approvingly. Sak — the vice first‑division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates — stepped forward and spoke with firm resolve, "Oyaji, Marco told me everything. I will not allow anyone to harm you, even if it is your own son."
Whitebeard didn't respond with sternness, but with a fond, fatherly smile. "You foolish sons," he chuckled. "Very well, you stay here. If Squard comes later, you must not act without orders."
Sak bowed and replied respectfully, "Understood."
Whitebeard picked up a transponder snail and contacted his allied crews. "This is Whitebeard. Get me Whitey Bay."
Soon the familiar voice of Whitey Bay answered, "Old Man…"
Whitebeard issued orders, "Whitey Bay, tell all allied pirate captains this: prioritize destroying the warships on the left and right of Crescent Bay. After that, land on Marineford from both sides."
Whitey Bay responded immediately, "Yes, Old Man."
Whitebeard added firmly, "Marco will support you. You and Marco must guard Little Oars well. He will be crucial soon."
"Yes," came the response. Whitey Bay wasted no time in relaying the orders to all allied crews.
Meanwhile, Marco caught up with Little Oars, climbed onto his shoulder, and commanded, "Little Oars, launch your attack on the warships."
"Understood," Little Oars grunted. He lifted his forty‑meter great scythe and swung it down with tremendous force, cleaving a Marine warship in half. The Marines aboard panicked — they had assumed Little Oars would head straight for the plaza and face Admirals, but instead he returned with savage intent.
"Demon Oars! And Commander Marco!" Marines cried out in fear. "Are we surrounded by Demon Oars and allied pirate crews?"
Seeing Little Oars strike again, Marco moved swiftly among the Marines, cutting them down and gaining precious attribute points.
"Commander Marco! Help Commander Marco and Demon Oars!" Pirates from the allied crews charged forward. They shattered a gap in the Marines' defensive line. Marco and the allied crews linked up, while the Marines outside Crescent Bay were pushed back to flank positions on left and right.
Whitey Bay hurried over, breathless. "Marco, you came to help us. Is Pops alright over there?"
Marco handled a Marine with a swift strike, then turned to her and answered calmly, "Don't worry. Old Man is the strongest man in the world. The more pressure we apply here, the more the Marines will be forced to divert their forces away from the plaza."
With that, Marco resumed hunting down Marines. Whitey Bay stood nearby, still full of questions, but she refrained and instead gave the command to her crew, "Attack! Sink every Marine warship!"
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