The pirates around Marco held their ground, keeping their distance from both him and Admiral Sakazuki (Akainu). None dared intervene — after witnessing the fierce battle unfolding, they knew their strength was no match for such power. Even the captains under the Whitebeard Pirates could only hope Marco would prevail.
Akainu ignored the lesser threats; his focus had been to turn Squard, and by now that goal was accomplished. His original target may have been the giant figure of Little Oars, but running into Marco instead made no difference in his eyes. To him, aside from Whitebeard, no pirate was truly significant.
Akainu fixed a cold, piercing gaze on Marco. He spoke slowly, every syllable dripping with contempt, "From your tone, it seems you believe you have the strength to challenge this old man?"
Marco met his gaze calmly. He knew the truth — though his power had advanced dramatically and now reached what corresponded to a "Strong Emperor subordinate" level, a sizable gap still separated him from Akainu's might. A faint smile touched his lips before he replied steadily: "Admiral, as the top combat force under the World Government, you live up to the fearsome reputation. If we clashed head-on, I may not defeat you, but I'll make sure you'll pay dearly."
Akainu's lips curled in a cold snarl. "Is that so? Then let's see what you're worth." Instantly, his fist ignited into molten magma. He pushed off the ground, charging at Marco like a volcano about to erupt.
Marco didn't hesitate. He launched himself forward, blue phoenix-flames coiling around his arms, mixed with hardened Armament Haki. He threw his voice out with fierce determination: "Phoenix Flame…"
Their attack collided with a resounding crash. Marco chose to block with his palm instead of a punch, knowing that a full-power strike would leave him vulnerable. He raised both arms, their surface reinforced with Haki, and met Akainu's molten punch head-on. Behind him, the sea roared and the air trembled under the heat.
At first, Marco attempted to block with one hand, but the magma's force proved overwhelming. Quickly, he brought up his other arm, coating both in Haki, and braced himself. The healing flames of his phoenix power flickered beneath the surface, mending his skin even as searing heat threatened to burn him.
Akainu watched with thinly veiled amusement. "The power of the phoenix… that must drain your stamina quickly, pirate. How long can you hold out?"
Marco responded with a roar of his own, muscles straining, flames blazing. Blue fire surged through his limbs as he locked stance, arms firm. The ground cracked beneath them, shockwaves rippling outward from their locked clash.
Akainu's magma fist began to swell, magma pulsing violently through the air. He retracted his right hand and surged his left, roaring: "Great Eruption!"
The magma-heavy blow slashed toward Marco — the impact sent him flying back more than ten meters. Then with a thunderous explosion, the magma fist detonated, scattering molten fragments and volcanic bombs outward in all directions.
Marco landed hard, flames enveloping him as the bombs rained down. His body was scorched, heat searing through his clothes and flesh. Yet almost immediately, his phoenix power went to work — burns healed in seconds, flesh knitting back together under blue flame light. He rose, battered but unbroken, voice low and firm: "Truly worthy of an Admiral. Your power is beyond imagination."
Akainu snorted, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Lucky for you today — but you won't always get that chance." With that, he turned away and departed, magma subsiding as he stalked off.
To Akainu, the clash had been an inconvenience. His mission was the larger "Encirclement Wall" plan. Getting delayed by Marco did nothing to derail that — especially since the phoenix fruit made him difficult to eliminate through conventional attacks unless he was taken out in a single blow.
The pirates watching erupted in cheers and relief. "Captain Marco! You actually forced that Admiral to retreat!" someone shouted. Another added, "Even an Admiral fears us now with Marco here!"
Marco heard their shouts — but inside he scowled. Retreat? I was suppressed the entire time, he thought grimly. The exchange had only lasted moments and though it had ended without fatal injury, he had been pushed to his limits. If the fight continued, he would have lost. He still had to grow stronger, gather more attribute points.
But outwardly he kept calm, He boosted morale, saying, "Take down the Marines, and land on Marineford!"
"Oh..."."
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