On the Phoenix Pirates' side, Marco and Kizaru clashed continuously in mid-air, their movements blurring across the sky.
After some time, Marco noticed something unusual: Kizaru and the Marines aboard the ten warships were fighting in brief bursts, retreating at intervals, and showing no intention of engaging the Phoenix Pirates directly.
It quickly became clear to Marco that Kizaru was stalling, buying time for his forces rather than facing them head-on.
Kizaru's Speed was extraordinary. Even with Marco's speed now exceeding ten thousand, it still fell far short of the natural swiftness granted by the Glint-Glint Fruit.
"Damn it! Why are you running, Kizaru? If you refuse to face me, then I'll sink your warships first!" Marco shouted, turning sharply and launching toward the Marine fleet.
"Destruction Black Flame…" With a powerful flap of his wings, spirals of intense black flames surged toward the warships, licking the hulls with relentless heat.
"Quick! Extinguish it!" Marines shouted frantically, trying to control the spreading inferno.
At that moment, Kizaru appeared, moving at light speed to deliver a precise kick aimed at Marco.
Marco's Observation Haki detected the attack instantly. With his foot reinforced in both Armament and Conqueror's Haki, he countered Kizaru's strike, sparks flying upon impact.
Both recoiled slightly, but Marco's Black Flame left a scorching mark on Kizaru's right foot.
A flicker of alarm passed over Kizaru's face, his sly expression fading. "How terrifying… Marco, how could you grow so strong in just half a year?"
Marco ignored the compliment, his gaze cold. "If you keep running, I'll deal with your subordinates first."
Kizaru's eyes grew serious. Releasing Armament Haki from his body, he shook off the lingering Black Flame, sparks falling into the water below.
"This power… your Devil Fruit Awakening, your Haki… everything about you has changed since Marineford. You're completely different. Your Black Flame… it's unique. And now I understand… you truly have the power to challenge Big Mom."
Originally, Kizaru had believed intercepting the Phoenix Pirates would be simple. He hadn't expected Marco to grow so drastically in strength, speed, and Haki control in just six months.
Close combat with Marco was no longer an option; even a single exchange could have catastrophic consequences. The initial surprise attack had already forced Kizaru onto the defensive. Without his immense speed, he might have already suffered a serious defeat.
Marco's eyes narrowed as he surveyed Kizaru. "You can run, but the other Marines can't. If you don't want them wiped out, then face me—fair and square."
With that, Marco dove toward another warship, determined to sink all ten. Kizaru had no airborne ability beyond his Glint-Glint Fruit powers; his aerial movement relied on alternating Moonwalk steps. If Marco destroyed the ships, Kizaru would lose all potential landing zones.
"Hey, hey, hey! The opponent is me, old man!" Kizaru's golden light flared, and beams of energy shot toward Marco.
Marco didn't dodge, letting the lasers strike him. Kizaru's expression hardened as he watched Marco completely disregard his attacks.
Black Flame engulfed another warship, sticking to the hull and igniting explosives. The resulting explosions sent Marines plunging into the sea, screams filling the air.
"This Black Flame… it won't go out!" "Even Admiral Kizaru can't stop Phoenix Marco?!" Marines shouted in disbelief.
"During Marineford, Marco was no match for Kizaru… how could he become this strong?"
Marco soared back into the air, eyes fixed on Kizaru, and taunted, "If you want to stop me, fight me directly. Stop dodging like a coward."
Kizaru's face paled. As a proud Marine Admiral, he had never been humiliated like this. But Marco's awakening had changed everything—the Black Flame burned with extreme heat, and his overall power, speed, and Haki far surpassed Kizaru's memory of him.
If the ten warships were lost, Kizaru risked severe consequences for failing his mission. He found himself in a rare dilemma.
Just as Marco approached the next ship, a golden light flashed before him. Kizaru, holding the Ama no Murakumo sword, slashed downward.
Marco's arm, reinforced with Armament Haki, met the blade with a resounding clang. He did not flinch.
Kizaru's sly expression vanished, replaced with a seriousness rarely seen. "Being called a coward by you wounds my pride! If you want to fight me, Marco, then this old man will grant your wish. We will fight… fair and square."
A smile tugged at Marco's lips. This was what he had been waiting for: Kizaru abandoning stalling tactics and engaging him directly. One clear opening might be all Marco needed to turn the tide.
---