Caesar stared in awe at the pink giant dragon soaring across the sky, its power far surpassing that of any SMILEs he had ever created. He muttered in disbelief, "Is this… really one of Vegapunk's artificial Zoan-type Devil Fruits? Could what they call failures actually be something else entirely?"
Marco activated his level scan. Sak, Artificial Zoan-type Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan Type, Azure Dragon Form. Estimated strength: Yonko Commander Level.
As he expected, the Mythical Zoan-type Azure Dragon Fruit had elevated Sak from Captain-level directly to Yonko Commander-level—a full-tier leap in power. Marco realized that once Sak fully mastered this Devil Fruit, his strength could rival even the strongest.
From what he knew of the Azure Dragon Fruit, only the Nika Fruit might rival its might among Mythical Zoans. With it, Sak's defense skyrocketed, and he gained command over four elements: wind, fire, lightning, and clouds. Marco recalled how, in the original story, Momonosuke had quickly mastered Heat Breath and Flame Clouds after maturing from the Ripe-Ripe Fruit.
"What a powerful aura! Captain Sak has grown immensely stronger!" "After all, this is a Mythical Zoan-type Azure Dragon Fruit—Kaido's power!" The First Division members cheered. The stronger their captain became, the prouder they felt.
Marco, now in his Human-Beast Form, hovered in the air, looking at the thousand-meter-long pink dragon. He felt almost insignificant in comparison. "Sak, how do you feel now?"
Sak's eyes gleamed with excitement. "It's incredible! I can feel an endless surge of strength coursing through me. Thank you, Captain Marco."
"You can try Kaido's signature attacks next, like Heat Breath or Blast Breath," Marco suggested.
Sak looked confused. "Heat Breath? Blast Breath? I've seen Kaido before, but I don't know what those moves are…"
Marco chuckled softly. "No worries. You'll have time to learn after we take down Doflamingo. Kaido will definitely come after us, and then you can study him firsthand."
"Understood."
"Now, see if you can revert to your human form," Marco instructed.
"Got it." Sak concentrated, and his massive body gradually shrank until he stood in human form once more.
"That's amazing, Captain Sak!" "You looked unstoppable just now!" "Even as an artificial Devil Fruit, this is beyond incredible!" The Phoenix Pirates erupted with excitement, cheering for their captain.
"Captain Marco, let's celebrate! Sak's newfound power deserves a feast!"
Marco smiled. With Sak now Yonko Commander-level, the Phoenix Pirates had four formidable fighters in their ranks. "Alright, let's feast!" he agreed.
---
Meanwhile, at Marineford, in the Fleet Admiral's office:
Fleet Admiral Sakazuki studied the latest intelligence, his expression grim. "You're telling me the Phoenix Pirates went to Punk Hazard?"
"Yes, Fleet Admiral," a Marine Lieutenant Commander reported respectfully.
"I understand. You may leave," Sakazuki said calmly.
Alone with Kizaru, who sipped tea, Sakazuki frowned. "What is Marco doing at Punk Hazard?"
Kizaru grinned slyly. "Should I go arrest them, Sakazuki?"
"No. With Kuzan gone, you're the only Admiral remaining. Our military strength is at its weakest. You're needed to defend Marineford. Marco and his crew will be closely monitored, but as long as they cause no major disturbances, we won't act for now. They are at the peak of their power."
Kizaru tilted his head. "Then wouldn't promoting Gion and Kake to Admirals suffice? Both are strong Vice Admiral candidates."
Sakazuki shook his head. "Seniority is one thing, strength another. An Admiral represents the Marine. They cannot be defeated. Gion and Kake may handle normal pirates, but against the Four Emperors, they would fall short."
Kizaru smirked. "I hear the World Government is recommending a Logia-type Devil Fruit user for Admiral. Want to see how strong he is?"
Sakazuki's expression softened slightly. "You mean Aramaki?"
"Yes," Kizaru replied slyly. "He was formerly a CP0 agent. The World Government wants him as an Admiral."
Sakazuki frowned. The government's interference annoyed him, but Aokiji's resignation had left the Marines weakened. "I've seen his strength—it's formidable. But without a foundation in the Marines, he will struggle to establish himself unless he proves overwhelmingly strong."
"For me, the capable rise, the incompetent fall. That is the purpose of my World Military Draft."
Kizaru chuckled. "Terrifying! Perhaps my Admiral position is at risk. Will a newcomer push me out?"
Sakazuki remained serious. "Borsalino, stop joking. I know your strength well. No one in this ocean can truly defeat you one-on-one."
The two had trained together in North Blue, entering the Marines the same year. While Sakazuki's power from the Magma-Magma Fruit surpassed Kizaru's Glint-Glint Fruit in destructive ability, Kizaru's speed far outmatched him.
Sakazuki was confident. "Others may not know, but I do. No one can best you in direct combat."
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