At that moment, Marco and Vista finally broke through the Marine encirclement and arrived outside Crescent Bay, successfully regrouping with the main force of the Whitebeard Pirates.
"…So this is Admiral Aokiji's power," Vista muttered, staring at the boundless ice plain stretching to the horizon. A bead of cold sweat slid down his temple. "This is beyond exaggerated."
Marco's expression was equally heavy. Even with his foreknowledge of events—preventing Squard's betrayal, shattering the encirclement wall, and rescuing Ace—the situation was still dire. Escaping Marineford was far harder than anticipated. The Marines' overall advantage was simply overwhelming.
In the original timeline, Aokiji and Kizaru had been relatively restrained. If either of them became serious, the balance immediately tilted against the Whitebeard Pirates.
"Marco!"
Seeing him arrive safely, the Captains felt a surge of relief.
Marco stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Aokiji and the assembled Marine officers. His voice was calm, but carried a sharp edge.
"So you really intend to block our retreat to the end? Are you prepared for mutual destruction?"
Aokiji's usual lazy air had faded. With the battle spiraling out of control, he could no longer afford indifference.
"The Marines cannot fail," he said solemnly. "I believe in lazy justice—but if Fire Fist Ace escapes, the consequences for the world will be immeasurable."
Marco's eyes narrowed.
"You're wrong. The real disaster isn't Ace."
Aokiji paused. "…Then who?"
"Blackbeard."
The name drew puzzled looks from Marines and pirates alike. Even the Whitebeard Pirates were caught off guard.
Aokiji frowned slightly. "What does Blackbeard have to do with this?"
Marco seized the moment, deliberately shifting the pressure.
"We've all been deceived—by Blackbeard. This entire war plays into his scheme. Once both sides are exhausted, he'll appear to seize Father's Devil Fruit… and not just that. He'll aim for Sengoku's power, your Admirals' abilities, and every valuable Devil Fruit user on this battlefield."
The air grew tense.
Aokiji's brow furrowed, while murmurs rippled through the Marines. Even among the Whitebeard Pirates, confusion spread.
"What are you talking about?" Aokiji asked slowly.
Marco's voice hardened.
"This conclusion comes from my analysis with Pops. When Blackbeard killed Thatch and stole that Devil Fruit, we couldn't understand his motive. Now we do."
Aokiji fell silent.
The frozen sea ensured the Whitebeard Pirates couldn't flee easily, so he allowed Marco to continue—if only to gauge his intent.
Vice Admiral Doberman, however, stepped forward with a cold sneer.
"Enough of this nonsense. No matter what tricks you pirates try, you won't leave Marineford alive."
Marco's expression instantly turned icy.
"We're pirates. Our lives have always been gambled away. If escape becomes impossible, then we'll choose mutual destruction. The Whitebeard Pirates have no cowards who beg for mercy."
His gaze swept across the Marines.
"When that happens, at least half of your one hundred thousand soldiers will die with us."
The Whitebeard Pirates instinctively tightened their grips on their weapons, blood boiling as Marco's words ignited their fighting spirit.
Yet Marco himself had no desire to push things that far.
In his heart, he already understood—once they returned to the New World, his succession as the next Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates was nearly inevitable. Precisely because of that, he couldn't afford to squander their strength here. Every son who died now was one less pillar for the future.
More importantly, this war was his trial.
To lead the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco had to prove not only his power—but his judgment, foresight, and resolve to protect as many of his brothers as possible.
Marco met the Marines' gazes and continued calmly,
"I simply don't want either the Whitebeard Pirates or the Marines to become pawns manipulated by someone lurking in the shadows. That's why I've chosen to tell you the truth. Of course, whether you believe me or not is your decision."
He paused, then looked directly at Aokiji.
"What do you say, Aokiji? Will you spare a few minutes to listen? When you finally face Blackbeard, that preparation may save countless lives."
"Admiral Aokiji…"
The surrounding Marines instinctively turned toward Aokiji.
Aokiji's eyes remained cold as he studied Marco. Truthfully, he felt a faint sense of regret. When he froze the entire sea, it had been a reflex—Fire Fist Ace was on the verge of escape, and he acted without hesitation. Only now did he realize that he might have gone too far.
By freezing the sea and destroying every pirate ship, he had effectively cornered the pirates. Once people realized there was no escape, desperation would take over—and desperate enemies fought with terrifying ferocity. That would inevitably lead to massive casualties.
And unlike freezing the ocean, thawing it quickly wasn't something he could do.
That was why, when Ace began attempting to seize Marine warships, Aokiji hadn't intervened. He wanted the pirates to see hope. As long as they believed escape was possible, they would focus on fleeing—not on dragging everyone into mutual destruction.
More importantly, Marco's words had struck a nerve.
"…Alright," Aokiji finally said. "I'll hear you out."
"Kuzan!" Doberman protested anxiously.
Kuzan waved his hand lazily.
"Relax. The sea's already frozen solid. I might've used a bit too much power—I reckon the ice stretches all the way to Sabaody Archipelago. Even if they seize a few warships, they won't be sailing anywhere… unless they plan to walk thirty nautical miles across the ice."
"What?!"
Shock rippled through the Whitebeard Pirates and their subordinate crews. From Marineford to Sabaody Archipelago—over thirty nautical miles. The scale of Aokiji's power was utterly terrifying.
Even the Marines exchanged stunned glances. They knew the Admirals were monsters—but this far exceeded their expectations.
Marco couldn't help but smile faintly.
"So the rumors were true. Calling the Admirals monsters really isn't an exaggeration."
Aokiji kept his hands in his pockets and replied lazily,
"Praise from an enemy, huh? I'll reluctantly accept it. Alright, First Division Commander—don't say I didn't give you a chance. Let's hear your grand insight."
Marco didn't hesitate. His tone sharpened.
"Blackbeard's objective is simple. First, he needed to become a Shichibukai—that was his ticket into Impel Down. Second, he orchestrated the Marineford War to seize Father's Tremor-Tremor Fruit. And if the opportunity arose…"
Marco's eyes flicked briefly toward Marineford's depths.
"…he would also take Fleet Admiral Sengoku's Mythical Zoan Fruit."
The air instantly grew heavy.
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