Meanwhile, at Marineford, news of the impending duel between the two Four Emperors' captains had naturally reached the top brass.
Sakazuki held a transponder snail, his deep voice resonating in the command room.
"Have we received any intelligence regarding the situation?"
On the other end, the Marine reporter responded quickly,
"Yes, Fleet Admiral. The Phoenix Pirates have completely blockaded that sea area. Our reconnaissance ships cannot approach Nanku Island."
Sakazuki nodded, his expression calm.
"Maintain close observation. Report to me immediately if anything changes."
With that, he decisively ended the connection.
The Marines had obtained confirmed intelligence: Phoenix Marco and Kaido of the Beasts Pirates were engaged in a fierce battle on Nanku Island.
But since the island lay in Phoenix territory, the Pirates easily blocked the flow of information.
Any attempt to force entry would risk interrupting the battle and provoke the full resistance of the Phoenix Pirates.
Kizaru, standing nearby, spoke with a nonchalant tone.
"Why not let them kill each other? They're pirates anyway. Whoever falls, it's more beneficial than harmful to the Marines."
Sakazuki's expression grew serious.
"Perhaps, but the seas have just begun to enjoy a moment of peace. I won't allow that stability to be shattered so easily. We must remain vigilant."
At that moment, two imposing figures entered the room.
One of them smiled playfully.
"Fleet Admiral, it seems you have a difficult situation on your hands. Need me to help carry some of the burden?"
Sakazuki's eyes gleamed as he recognized them.
These were the Marines who had distinguished themselves in the World Military Draft—Issho and Aramaki.
Their strength was extraordinary, enough to outmatch even Vice Admirals.
Vice Admiral candidates Momousagi and Tokikake had already fallen to them.
Sakazuki had personally verified their abilities.
These were monsters not to be underestimated.
"You're here," Sakazuki said, a faint smile breaking his otherwise stern demeanor.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki," Issho replied with respect.
Sakazuki's expression turned serious.
"Given your demonstrated strength, the World Government and Marineford have decided to promote you directly to Admiral. The ceremony is scheduled in three days. Your code names will be Fujitora and Aramaki. Any objections?"
Issho shook his head gently.
"This old man has none."
"None here either," Aramaki said, grinning freely.
"Though newly promoted, many may doubt us. Perhaps we should defeat an Emperor to prove our worth to the Marines."
Issho nodded thoughtfully.
"Exactly. Rising from obscurity to Admiral without achievements may breed resentment. We must earn our place."
Sakazuki was inwardly pleased.
Their lack of deep Marine connections made them cautious but effective.
"There's no need to rush. I have personally verified your strength. Once officially ranked, the Marines will assign appropriate tasks."
On Nanku Island in the New World, Marco and Kaido's battle raged on.
Unlike Marco's previous fight with Big Mom, this confrontation presented entirely new challenges.
Big Mom, hindered by her insatiable appetite, could only fight a dozen hours a day before stopping to eat.
Kaido, however, was a different entity.
As an Oni and Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, his stamina seemed nearly limitless.
Their duel had now stretched for two full days and nights without pause.
Even with his awakened Devil Fruit powers, Marco felt the strain.
Two days of relentless combat, without food or rest, drained him as completely as his battle with Big Mom after a week of fighting.
Unlike Big Mom, Kaido offered no openings.
Any hesitation or pause on Marco's part immediately invited a devastating counterattack.
Yet, it was precisely in this relentless combat that Marco's Conqueror's Haki grew sharper and more refined.
"Worororo, how does it feel, Marco? Can your stamina keep up?"
Kaido's face showed slight fatigue, but his laughter was wild and euphoric.
"Worororo! This is exhilarating! Out of energy? I could give you a break. Want one?"
Marco panted, reading the mockery in Kaido's tone.
Clearly, Kaido's stamina surpassed his own.
Though both were Strong General Emperor level, Marco's Haki was slightly inferior, creating many disadvantages.
Kaido's Drunken Dragon Bagua and Flame Great Torch forms were formidable obstacles.
The Drunken Dragon Bagua, though comical in appearance, featured unpredictable, varied moves that kept Marco on edge.
The Flame Great Torch form was even more dangerous.
In his Human-Beast Form, Kaido possessed destructive power rivaling Akainu, and a recovery rate surpassing Akainu's, making Marco's Undying (Awakening) form feel challenged.
There was no room for retreat.
Locking eyes with Kaido, Marco retorted,
"What, are you about to give up?"
Kaido laughed, a deep rumble from his belly adding to his wild tone.
"Worororo! You're the first person to hold me in a prolonged, high-intensity battle like this."
He continued, shoulders braced on his spiked club, ready to charge.
"I heard you defeated Big Mom after a long fight, but I pride myself on endurance. Let's see who outlasts whom."
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