Marco had been teasing Kizaru lightly about how an Admiral earned less than two million Berries a month when events suddenly took a sharp turn.
The Moby Dick sailed swiftly toward the yacht, its crew tense. Ace, Vista, and the others watched Kizaru with wary eyes, while Marco remained puzzled. Ace leaped onto the yacht, landing beside Marco with a grave expression.
"Marco," Ace said, voice low and serious, "we've been played by the Marines. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki is attacking the Big Mom Pirates. They've suffered heavy losses and are asking us to honor the third clause of the Three Emperors Alliance by coming to their aid immediately."
"What?" Marco's eyes widened. He glanced at Kizaru, who was still sipping tea as if nothing were happening. The pieces fell into place—Kizaru had been stalling them this whole time.
Vista stepped forward, his expression equally stern. "Marco, we must support the Big Mom Pirates immediately. The Marines' attack targets our alliance, and Fossa, Blenheim, and Satori are all on Cake Island right now. We cannot stand by."
Kizaru continued sipping his tea, the lenses of his glasses catching the sunlight, glinting with a faint cunning. He teased, his tone deceptively casual, "You know, the Phoenix Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates are not exactly best friends. Why not stay here, sip some tea, and chat a little? Half a day here, and this old man can report a successful mission."
Marco's gaze hardened, a flicker of cold disdain in his voice. "I wondered why an Admiral like you would invite me for tea. Now I see—it was all a stall. Our tea party ends here."
Kizaru finally rose, sighing with a mock helplessness. "Ah, must we really fight? If we just drank tea here, war could be avoided, and everyone would be satisfied."
Marco's eyes darkened. The Phoenix Pirates behind him tightened their grips, ready for any sign of treachery.
Then, the System AI sounded in Marco's mind.
"New mission issued…"
Mission: Rescue the Big Mom Pirates.
Fulfill the third treaty of the Three Emperors Alliance. Help the Big Mom Pirates repel the Marines. Reward: 10,000 attribute points.
Mission: Avenge.
During the Marineford War, you were defeated by Admiral Kizaru. Defeat him. Reward: 10,000 attribute points.
A cold glint ignited in Marco's eyes. Black flames swirled across his body as he focused on Kizaru.
Kizaru's expression shifted immediately, his eyes widening in alarm. In an instant, he transformed into dazzling golden light and shot backward, retreating toward the Marine warships. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as a premonition from his Observation Haki revealed the terrifying power within Marco's black flames.
"Kizaru…" Smoker muttered in surprise, unable to hide his shock.
Kizaru's voice was tight as he observed Marco soaring in the air. "Is this… a Devil Fruit Awakening? We cannot underestimate him."
Though no battle had yet begun, Marco's black flames radiated an aura that made even an Admiral wary.
Kizaru turned to his Marines and commanded decisively, "Execute the plan. Minimize casualties and block the enemy."
He had brought only ten thousand Marines, intending solely to stall the Phoenix Pirates, buying Sakazuki time to finish the Big Mom Pirates.
Meanwhile, Marco hovered above the battlefield, opening his system panel to adjust his six-dimensional attributes.
Speed remained his weakness. As a Glint-Glint Fruit user, he knew Kizaru's abilities made him virtually untouchable without improving it. Marco allocated 8,400 of his 18,400 attribute points to Speed, reserving 10,000 for unforeseen circumstances. His plan was clear: defeat Kizaru, aid the Big Mom Pirates, and complete both missions to accumulate 30,000 points, enhancing his Haki.
His Speed surged from 6,500 to 14,900 points. While still at the Weak King Level, Marco now had the agility to match the fast-paced battlefield.
Soaring high, Marco called to his crew. "During the Marineford War, the Marines killed many of our brothers. Now, it's time for revenge! Brothers, let's fight and crush the Marines!"
The Phoenix Pirates responded with fierce cheers, morale soaring.
On Cake Island, the castle lay in ruins, flames consuming its streets. Charlotte Katakuri stepped forward, guiding Brulee and escorting many younger siblings to the mirrors, preparing them to escape to the Phoenix Pirates.
Charlotte Compote's expression was grim. "The Marines are approaching! Everyone, hurry! Enter the Mirror World immediately!"
One by one, the younger Charlotte family members stepped through Brulee's mirrors. Brulee looked up at Katakuri, worry etched on her face.
"Big Brother Katakuri, you must be careful!"
Katakuri's expression was calm and resolute. "Brulee, ensure our younger siblings reach the Phoenix Pirates safely. Then contact them immediately for reinforcements."
"Don't worry, Big Brother! I will complete the mission!" Brulee shouted, urging others to enter the mirrors.
Suddenly, Charlotte Pudding noticed a discrepancy. "Brulee! Flampe is missing! We don't know where she went!"
Katakuri's face darkened instantly. "Compote, protect everyone. I will find Flampe and bring her back."
Compote nodded gravely. "Be extremely careful, Katakuri."
Katakuri nodded, then set off in search of Flampe. His family was irreplaceable. Cake Island could be rebuilt, but the loss of siblings was irreparable. He refused to endure such pain again.
After barely two steps, Katakuri froze. A sudden premonition flashed before his eyes. He turned to Brulee, shouting, "Brulee, watch out!"
Before she could react, a deafening gunshot tore through the air—"Bang!"
The bullet struck Brulee mercilessly, sending her collapsing to the ground.
"Brulee…" Katakuri's eyes widened, and he roared, grief and fury consuming him.
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