The sound of footsteps echoed incessantly as a large number of Marines converged towards the Marine warships from all directions.
Officers were shouting loudly, rallying their troops.
Such a large-scale Marine retreat should have been a huge undertaking, but due to their strong discipline, everything proceeded smoothly. They even had the opportunity to take away the bodies of fallen comrades.
Meanwhile, Sengoku, Garp, and others, under the escort of Borsalino and others, were moving against the current, marching quickly.
Sengoku's expression was solemn, constantly monitoring the movements of Nicholas, the Whitebeard Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, and the blue dragon flying towards them from afar.
Nicholas, Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido — these four forces, if they came alone, would be easy prey for the Marines. But once they united, it would create immense pressure on the Marines.
If all of them launched an attack against the Marines, even if they fought separately, with the current strength of the Marines on this battlefield, they couldn't resist such powerful pirate forces. If a war broke out, the Marines would suffer heavy losses today.
"Mom, both Whitebeard and Nicholas are here now. What should we do?"
On the bow of the Queen Mama Chanter, Perospero licked a huge candy with his unbelievable long tongue, speaking to Charlotte Linlin.
Even in her enraged state, Charlotte Linlin was unusually clear-headed in the face of this situation.
On the battlefield, Nicholas could clearly hear what Perospero said to Big Mom. He could even perceive Perospero's subtle movements.
The combination of the Goro Goro no Mi and Kenbunshoku Haki produced astonishing effects. It allowed Nicholas to make qualitative changes in his Kenbunshoku Haki.
Soon, all Marines boarded their warships.
Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, and other Marine high-ranking officials also arrived. The Marine retreat and gathering were very swift.
"Sengoku, issue the order, accelerate the retreat, and leave here as soon as possible!"
Tsuru said to Sengoku, clearly seeing how dangerous the current situation was for the Marines.
Sengoku nodded, his expression unusually serious at this moment.
"Why the sudden retreat? What is General Sengoku thinking?"
Kuzan was puzzled. Although there were many strong pirates on the other side, the Marines were not inferior. With Garp and Sengoku able to handle Whitebeard and Charlotte Linlin, and any two of Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino capable of restraining Charlotte Linlin, dealing with Kaido and Nicholas and a group of Marine commanders shouldn't be a big problem.
Nearby, a figure wearing a yellow-striped suit was leaning against the ship's rail, dozing off — it was Borsalino.
On the other side, Sakazuki, exuding a scorching aura, had a somewhat unwilling expression on his face.
"General Sengoku? Why the sudden retreat? The Marines have a huge advantage, even with Whitebeard and Big Mom here! We still have a chance of winning!"
He couldn't understand why the Marines, who had prepared so long for this, suddenly decided to retreat.
"Sakazuki, calm down."
"What do you mean calm down? This opportunity is so rare!"
Sakazuki said angrily.
At this moment, Sengoku didn't answer. He raised his head and looked calmly at Sakazuki's angry face. As an mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, Buddha form, he possessed extraordinary calmness and wisdom.
"Sakazuki, mind your tone in front of your superiors."
"It's simple. Facing Whitebeard's Pirates, Big Mom's Pirates, and Kaido and Nicholas, if a battle breaks out, the Marines will be at a significant disadvantage. Even if we can cause massive damage to them, our losses will be equally heavy. This is the New World, and once we're entangled by those guys, the Marines are doomed to suffer heavy losses."
"Personal bravery is important, Sakazuki, but being a qualified leader requires more than just bravery."
Tsuru said calmly.
Upon hearing Tsuru's words, Sakazuki fell silent. Tsuru might not be the strongest in the entire Marine system, but her prestige was high enough.
In the cold wind, with the Marines leaving, the towering figure of Whitebeard approached Nicholas.
"Newgate, you shouldn't have come!" Nicholas said bluntly.
"Thunder Kid, who are you to tell me whether I should come or not?"
Newgate looked down at Nicholas.
After saying this, he smiled.
"It seems like you also came for Roger, right?"
"Roger, to some extent, but more so for Gold Lion. After all, he's one of the top powerhouses on the sea. How can his end go unwitnessed? Of course, when your career comes to an end, I might also go and witness it."
Nicholas looked up at Whitebeard and said with a smile.
"Haha, Thunder Kid, you might end earlier than me!"
Saying this, Whitebeard and Nicholas walked towards the direction of Oto and Kogarashi. Then, Whitebeard poured the clear wine from his waist onto the ice, a tribute to the former "old friend."
"Whitebeard, I'm taking these two swords. Is that okay?"
Nicholas looked at Whitebeard and asked.
"Haha, no problem. But I hope you find a worthy owner for these two swords and don't tarnish the lion's reputation."
Whitebeard smiled.
For pirates, besides their own comrades, other pirates might form bonds due to various reasons, but that's about it.
"Don't worry, and by the way, no need to wait for Roger. He won't leave from here."
After putting away the two swords, Nicholas suddenly said to Whitebeard.
"Why?"
"Because they have learned a lot and need to digest it. And if I'm not mistaken, Roger would come to us on his own initiative."