On the Sabaody Archipelago.
With Nicholas's departure, chaos erupted on the island.
Kizaru stood by the execution platform, surrounded by the constant noise of panic as people fled the island due to the death of a Celestial Dragon.
He looked in the direction Nicholas and his crew had left. "They've gotten stronger..." he murmured to himself.
"But bigger trouble is coming," came Vice Admiral Tsuru's voice from beside him.
Kizaru turned to her, "Is the World Government already starting to hold us accountable?"
"Not exactly," Tsuru replied, glancing at the towering Red Line. "At such a critical time, they don't want to completely fall out with the Navy. Besides, they understand just how terrifying Nicholas's strength is."
Hearing this, Kizaru rubbed his chin thoughtfully, casting a playful look at the World Government personnel collecting the Celestial Dragon's remains.
"Admiral Kizaru, it's Fleet Admiral Sengoku on the phone," a Navy Vice Admiral said, handing him a transponder snail.
Seeing Tsuru's expression, Kizaru knew he couldn't avoid being scolded today. After all, he had failed his mission. But he also understood this was Sengoku's way of protecting him. By giving him a reprimand, Sengoku could argue to the World Government that he had already dealt with the matter.
Thinking this, Kizaru connected the call, and as expected, was immediately met with Sengoku's angry tirade.
"Yes, yes, I understand, next time..." Kizaru calmly responded to Sengoku's scolding.
His indifferent attitude made many World Government officials frown.
…
The next day.
News of the public execution of a Celestial Dragon on Sabaody had sent the world's media into a frenzy. To them, this was the ultimate scoop.
As the news spread, even those who had not watched the live broadcast soon learned of the events on Sabaody. Within half a day, the story of the Celestial Dragon's execution had reached every corner of the world.
…
"Ace, could you stop messing around..."
On a sea in the New World, Deuce's voice rang out in frustration.
"Deuce, I'm not being reckless. I have to go for a reason!" Ace replied seriously.
"That guy is Kaido of the Beasts. Do you think you can take him on with your strength?" Deuce stared into Ace's eyes earnestly.
The surrounding crew members watched the two, staying silent.
Ace suddenly smiled, "Deuce, you and the others head to our next island. I'll catch up after I settle this."
"You expect us to abandon our captain and run?" Deuce retorted.
"That's right, Ace. You're underestimating us," another crew member chimed in.
"Do you think we're cowards who would run away?" others joined in.
At that moment... BOOM!
A figure descended from the sky, landing heavily on the deck.
"I heard you want to settle the score with Kaido. Heh... young man, are you strong enough?"
A playful voice echoed.
The entire Spade Pirates crew tensed up, especially Ace, who clearly sensed the domineering and terrifying aura emanating from the man who had appeared.
"You must be Fire Fist Ace?" Marco asked, looking at the young man with a bare torso, prayer beads around his neck, and freckles on his face.
Ace watched Marco warily, having learned much about the New World's dangers.
The Spade Pirates members were all shocked. The man with blue hair leading the group was the first to react.
"That's the... the Phoenix... Marco the Phoenix!"
Deuce immediately shouted in panic, "Ace, be careful! That guy is Marco the Phoenix, the first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
After Deuce's shout, the crew began to panic. In their experience, the Yonko of the New World were insurmountable mountains.
But Ace remained calm, unlike his crewmates.
To Ace, nothing in this world could make him fearful. The Yonko were just pirates who set sail before him.
"Marco the Phoenix, huh?" Ace said with a confident smile, his right hand igniting in flames. He then swung his fist at Marco.
Fire Fist!
A massive fireball erupted from Ace's fist, expanding rapidly and rushing toward Marco.
But the next moment, Ace's smile froze, replaced by a look of shock.
Marco walked through the flames as if they were nothing.
"Fire isn't invincible," Marco remarked.
"You're reckless, Ace. I have to stop you," Deuce thought to himself, realizing the vast gap in strength.
"Hahaha, this is the kind of fight I like!" Ace laughed, his body engulfed in flames as he charged at Marco.
Mirror Flame!
The fierce flames rushed forward.
Marco simply extended his hand, unleashing a powerful energy that created a massive gust of wind.
Boom!
The raging flames hit an invisible wall and spread outwards.
"The level of Armament Haki here is unbelievable," Ace remarked.
Marco's voice suddenly reached Ace's ears. "Since your attack is over, it's my turn."
Marco vanished from Ace's sight.
Vanished?
Ace was surprised, preparing to use Observation Haki when—bam! He was sent flying, a strong pain radiating from his stomach as if he'd been struck by a heavy hammer.
Such speed... too fast!
The thought barely crossed Ace's mind before he was kicked away.
This is a whole different level of power, the gap is too big.
Ace felt the stark difference in their strength, a strong sense of defeat for the first time.
Bam!
Ace crashed into the ship's mast, taking a moment to catch his breath before standing up.
"Ace..."
The Spade Pirates crew cried out, attempting to join the fight against Marco.
"Stand down," Ace ordered, knowing his crewmates were no match for Marco.