Hancock's voice drew both Marco and Ace without effort. Yet Ace remained focused only on saving Luffy, ignoring even the plea of the world's most beautiful woman.
Marco, however, glanced at the former Pirate Empress. Seeing her reduced to a chained slave again stirred a trace of discomfort in him. Though they were not close, he had always admired her character in his previous life. After all, she was known as the most beautiful woman in the world.
The Marines showed no mercy. They yanked the chains like they were dragging an animal, forcibly escorting Hancock back toward the warships.
Not long after, Marco brought Ace to Amazon Lily.
"Luffy!" Ace shouted the moment he arrived. Seeing Luffy collapsed on the ground, he rushed forward without hesitation, ignoring the figures standing in his path.
Saint Garling moved instantly. He grabbed Straw Hat Luffy and pressed a blade against his neck, his voice cold and commanding. "Stop, Fire Fist Ace."
Ace froze. His face darkened as he roared, "Let Luffy go!"
"Hmph, an insect dares to speak so loudly," Saint Garling replied with disdain.
"A... Ace..."
Luffy slowly opened his eyes. His voice was weak, barely audible. When he saw Ace, a faint smile formed on his lips.
But his condition was horrifying. Though only eighteen, his body had withered into that of an old man nearing the end of his life. The prolonged use of his Sun God form had drained his lifespan. What kept him alive until now was the belief that Ace would come.
Marco stepped forward and observed Luffy carefully. Using Observation Haki, he could sense how fragile Luffy's life force had become. It flickered like a dying flame, ready to extinguish at any moment.
He remained silent for a moment. Luffy, the man destined to become Pirate King, now stood at death's door. From what Marco could tell, Luffy had already awakened the Nika fruit.
On the way here, Luffy's life force had repeatedly collapsed and reignited, a phenomenon that matched the awakening of the Sun God's power.
"Luffy, hold on!" Ace shouted, his voice trembling. "I'm going to save you right now!"
He turned toward the Gorosei, fury burning in his eyes. "What did you do to him, you bastards?"
The Gorosei remained unmoved.
Saint V. Nusjuro spoke in a cold, detached tone. "We did nothing. He overused the Sun God form and burned through his own lifespan. If he had simply accepted death, he would not have suffered like this."
"You can see it yourself. He is already at his limit."
Ace clenched his fists. Though he did not fully understand the Sun God form, he knew enough to realize it came at a terrible cost.
"I don't care!" he roared. "Let him go!"
Saint Garling sneered. "Such touching brotherhood among insects. Very well, we may consider releasing him..."
His gaze shifted toward Marco.
"Kill Marco."
Ace's pupils shrank as he turned toward Marco, conflict flashing in his eyes.
Marco let out a cold laugh. "Trying to sow discord? How predictable. Leave him behind, and I might let you walk away."
The Gorosei's expressions hardened.
Saint Saturn stepped forward, his voice sharp. "You overestimate yourself. If you want Straw Hat to live, surrender immediately. Otherwise, he dies."
Marco's reply was immediate. "Surrender? Not happening. He may be Ace's brother, but I have no reason to sacrifice myself for him."
"Ace..."
A trace of pain crossed Ace's face.
He knew the Gorosei could not be trusted. He would never allow Marco to fall into their hands for Luffy's sake. Still, hearing Marco reject it so bluntly left a bitter feeling in his chest.
But reason quickly returned. Marco and Luffy barely knew each other. Expecting him to surrender was unrealistic.
Taking a deep breath, Ace stepped forward. "Then take me instead! I'll surrender. Just release my brother. I don't care what you do to me after."
Marco's expression darkened. "Ace, don't be stupid. These people will never keep their word."
Saint Garling's lips curled into a faint smile. "We have no interest in you. As long as Phoenix Marco surrenders, Straw Hat will be released."
He pressed the blade closer to Luffy's neck.
"Or would you prefer to watch your brother die right now?"
"No!" Ace shouted, his voice cracking. His heart felt like it was being torn apart. On one side stood his brother. On the other, his comrade and captain.
He could not choose.
Around Marco, dark flames ignited, swirling with destructive force. He was ready to act at any moment.
"Don't move," Saint Garling warned sharply. "Take one more step, and he dies."
"Marco, please... don't..." Ace pleaded, stepping in front of him.
Marco clenched his fists, frustration evident on his face. Then he shouted,
"Wake up, Ace! These old monsters were never going to let Luffy go. They're just using him to turn us against each other!"
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