Just as Tokikake felt a surge of confidence at the sight of Marco's readiness, his joy quickly transformed into shock. He suddenly realized that Marco seemed to anticipate the trajectory of his fist. Before he could process it, Marco effortlessly evaded his powerful punch by merely shifting to one side!
"!!!"
Tokikake was taken aback. Despite his keen observation with Haki, he was stunned to find that his punch had been dodged so easily!
Boom!
In that moment, having lost his initial advantage, Tokikake attempted to use the Navy Six Styles' Moon Step to evade, but much to his astonishment, he collided directly with Marco's powerful punch!
The force erupted, creating a shockwave that sent dust and debris flying, lifting cracked earth and stones from the ground!
"Hmph!"
Tokikake grunted as he was sent flying backward!
To his credit, as a figure of admiral caliber, Tokikake managed to flip in the air, dissipating some of the force as he landed on the ground and stabilizing himself after retreating.
However, inside, he was shaken. He never expected that his usually proud physical skills and Armament Haki would be so thoroughly outmatched by Marco!
Looking down, he saw a deep fist mark imprinted on his chest, eliciting a grimace from him.
"Armament Haki! Observation Haki!"
This was the most alarming realization for Tokikake.
The implication was clear: in a direct confrontation like this, the stronger Haki would dictate the battle's outcome, leaving anyone weaker with no chance to counter or evade!
Tokikake was inwardly astonished. Marco's Armament Haki had reached a remarkably advanced level through countless battles, far surpassing that of others. Eustass Kidd's downfall was a testament to how vulnerable his own Armament Haki appeared against Marco's strength!
As for Marco's Observation Haki, he seemed to possess an innate talent for it, unconsciously improving it through use. It manifested remarkably during their confrontation, allowing him to suppress Tokikake just moments ago.
——
Outside the island, on the ocean's surface at the port, some pirates fleeing from the conflict were captured by the seamen, while others had already boarded their ships and were escaping into the depths of the sea. As they fled, news of Marco and Tokikake battling on the island began to spread.
Though the speed of transmission was not rapid, it wouldn't be long before more and more people learned of Marco's location.
It wouldn't be long before the significant forces and pirate groups in the underground world paying attention to Marco would receive this news…!
At that point, the Grand Line was destined to shake the entire New World… a massive upheaval!
Simultaneously, the sailors had contacted the Navy Headquarters, relaying the information about Tokikake encountering Marco and the fierce battle that unfolded between them, requesting support.
——
"The fight between physical skills, fists to the flesh, truly ignites one's blood! But it's also incredibly dangerous; one misstep could result in being obliterated on the spot!"
Marco had yet to utilize his Devil Fruit abilities; he wanted to leverage the strength of Tokikake—a general of the Navy—to refine his physical skills, enhance his Armament Haki, and improve his Observation Haki. He understood that…
This battle was a precursor to the coming 'great event'!
This island was the location he had chosen!
In a few days, it would all be made public!
Unfortunately, by chance, the misguided supernova Kidd had arrived here—arrogant and ignorant—and had been felled by Marco's punch. It was also sheer bad luck for him that the chasing sailors included Tokikake, an alternate Admiral of the Navy!
Having dueled with Tokikake moments earlier, Marco sensed an undercurrent of danger. Tokikake's status as a general-quality fighter was no joke.
Tokikake's Navy justice coat had been shredded in battle, his distinctive brown suit now dust-laden and disheveled, his wrinkled hair a testament to the conflict.
Nevertheless, the strength of a general remained formidable; after the initial shock, Tokikake quickly regained his composure:
"A cruel pirate like you possesses such great strength. If allowed to roam free on these seas, you would bring devastation to the innocent!"
On the other hand, Marco appeared remarkably composed. Clad only in a simple short shirt, undusted and neat, he looked at Tokikake fearlessly and stated, "Pirates and Navy are natural enemies; no reasoning is needed. Between you and me, only one shall survive… Are you prepared to face death?"
"A pirate as cruel as you will not be allowed to live and wreak havoc! Marco… today, under the banner of naval justice, I will kill you right here!"
Rumble!
Tokikake braced himself for another attack and, with a forceful push against the ground, unleashed a powerful kick.
In an instant, a white air blade extending tens of meters shot toward Marco!
This was the absolute power of the Navy Six Styles—Rankyaku (Tempest Kick)!
The massive white air blade, filling the air with destructive force, slashed toward Marco, cleaving rows of buildings in its wake. As the sharp whistling sound pierced the air, the strike neared Marco!
fooosh
Facing the roaring air blade, Marco showed no fear. He leaped into the air, swinging down with a kick that resembled a battle axe, his Armament Haki radiating with ferocity!
With a fierce crash, the giant white air blade was sliced in half by Marco's kick!
Thundered!
A deafening rumble filled the air as countless houses crumbled and collapsed under the force unleashed behind Marco, showcasing the tremendous power of Tokikake's technique!
After executing his most powerful Rankyaku, a surge of energy erupted from Tokikake's feet. Utilizing the Navy Six Styles' Shave, his form flickered at high speed through the air, leaving multiple afterimages in his wake. The air under his feet compressed into waves of white energy, amplifying the formidable horizontal force generated by his rapid movement!
His already formidable strength—the power of a general—was further enhanced with each moment.
Rumble!
The explosive sound echoed as Tokikake gathered all his might. Stepping into the Six Styles' Moon Step, he vaulted toward Marco, resembling a rapidly fired cannonball, roaring in with intent to kill…!
As Marco had cut through Tokikake's blade with a powerful kick, he realized that this initial kick was merely a distraction. The ensuing strike was Tokikake's true killing move!
Whoosh~~!
Behind Marco, a pair of thirty-meter-long blue flame wings spread wide.
For a moment,
Blazing flames engulfed the sky!