At that moment, Sentomaru stepped forward, his expression cold. "Hmph, it's finally our turn. Pacifista, attack! Annihilate all pirates!"
At his command, the eyes of two hundred Pacifista glowed red. One by one, they fired searing lasers from their mouths and palms.
'Boom, boom, boom!' Explosions erupted across the battlefield, and the intense heat instantly melted the unfortunate pirates caught in the blasts. Fireballs erupted around them as screams filled the air.
"Help! First Division Commander Marco!" "These monsters are too strong!" The subordinate pirates struggled to evade the Pacifista, barely keeping pace with the overwhelming assault.
"Phoenix Seal…" Marco roared, launching himself toward the nearest Pacifista. His foot struck its head, detonating it in a fiery explosion. The Pacifista's shattered remains crashed to the sea below.
Marco frowned. "Killing these doesn't give me attribute points?" No notification appeared, reminding him that these mechanical weapons were not living beings. Still, their destruction was necessary—these Pacifista were far too dangerous for the crew to face unprotected.
He moved with precision, striking each Pacifista with one powerful kick. Despite their formidable defenses and immense firepower, their slow speed made them vulnerable. Marco's mastery of Haki ensured that each strike counted, disabling them efficiently.
"As expected of First Division Commander Marco," cheered the subordinate pirates, excitement shining in their eyes. "He's taking down Pacifista one by one!"
Marco soared through the air, evading laser blasts with ease. Curious, he quickly performed a level scan. Pacifista, estimated strength: Weak Captain Level.
Marco's brow furrowed. Even at this level, these mechanical soldiers were comparable to Marine Vice Admirals in combat power.
Sentomaru's eyes narrowed as he observed Marco dominating the Pacifista. "Why is he here?" he muttered. Rage flared—these machines were powerful, but against Marco, they moved like clumsy toys. He barked a new command: "Pacifista, ignore Marco! Focus on the Whitebeard Pirates' subordinate crews!"
Just as Marco was about to destroy more Pacifista, three Marine Vice Admirals—Momonga, Yamakaji, and Onigumo—blocked his path.
"Don't think about destroying any more Pacifista, Marco. From now on, your opponents are us," Momonga declared.
Marco smirked. "Three Vice Admirals? You really think highly of me." He lifted into the air, using his flight to gain the advantage. The three would have to rely on Moonwalk to keep pace, giving him mobility in the sky.
Another explosion detonated a Pacifista. Sentomaru clenched his fists, his face pale. "Damn it! Another one destroyed! Do you know how expensive one of these is? I'll be scolded to death by Vegapunk for this."
"Pacifista, target Little Oars!" Sentomaru shouted. Over thirty Pacifista turned their weapons on the massive pirate.
'Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!' Lasers ripped into Little Oars, tearing chunks of flesh from his body. Though his skin was tough, the beams left him bloody and battered.
"Ahhh! It hurts!" Little Oars bellowed, struggling under the assault. The destructive power of these lasers far exceeded that of normal Marine cannon fire.
Marco, engaged in battle with the Vice Admirals, saw Little Oars in peril and shouted urgently, "Little Oars, head to Pops! You're a walking target against these human weapons!"
"But…" Little Oars hesitated, only to be met with more incoming lasers.
"Undying…" Marco raised his shield of blue flames, deflecting several blasts while calling again, "Go, now! Pops will have an important mission for you. Await his orders!"
"I understand," Little Oars replied, finally turning toward Whitebeard for safety.
Meanwhile, aboard the Moby Dick, Squard quietly arrived. Sak, guarding near Whitebeard, tensed immediately. "Squard? Why are you here?"
"I took a shortcut," Squard replied, slowly approaching. Though calm, his presence radiated tension.
Whitebeard, having been warned by Marco, maintained his caution. "Squard, what's happening at the bay head?"
Squard moved to Whitebeard's side. "After the human weapons appeared, the subordinate pirates suffered heavily. Marco is being held back by the Marine Vice Admirals."
Whitebeard's expression softened slightly. "I see. I'm sorry, but this is a war to save family…"
"I understand," Squard said firmly, drawing his long sword. Sak's heart clenched, but he waited for Squard to make a move.
Whitebeard, confident in his strength, did not turn, leaving his back exposed—a bold display of trust.
Squard's gaze shifted between his sword and Whitebeard's back. "Everyone aboard our forty-three ships has benefited from your great kindness. For the Whitebeard Pirates, we would give our all. But if a place existed for us among the family you speak of, that would be… wonderful."
Before anyone could react, Squard drove his long sword forward, striking directly at Whitebeard.