As Ace listened, tears streamed down his face. He understood everything Marco had said. Yet even if the chance of saving Luffy was one in ten thousand, he could not abandon it.
To the Gorosei, however, the entire scene was nothing more than entertainment. From the very beginning, they had no intention of releasing Straw Hat Luffy.
Eliminating the reincarnation of Joy Boy was a direct command from Imu-sama. On Amazon Lily, everyone else could survive if necessary, but Straw Hat had to die.
Their continued presence here served another purpose. They were buying time for Saint Shamrock and the Marines to withdraw safely. The five of them had arrived through a Magic Circle and could return to the Holy Land at any moment, but Saint Shamrock had come in his real body.
Against Marco, Saint Shamrock stood no chance. So they delayed, and at the same time, enjoyed watching Ace struggle.
Saint Garling glanced at Marco, then turned his gaze back to Ace, his tone laced with mockery. "It seems your captain has no intention of surrendering for Straw Hat Luffy, Fire Fist Ace."
Ace's eyes were bloodshot as he roared, "Shut up! Marco is my partner, and I won't let you harm him. My life is right here. If you let my brother go, you can take it anytime."
Saint Garling's smile widened slightly. "How touching. But as I said, your life holds no value to us. If you want to save him, kill Marco. Do that, and Straw Hat walks free."
Ace's pupils shrank violently.
Marco's expression darkened. These people truly embodied everything vile. Using a hostage to force allies into killing each other, it was a tactic he had seen countless times in stories. Experiencing it firsthand, however, ignited a deep anger within him.
His voice turned cold. "If you kill Ace's brother, then I'll wipe all of you out to avenge him."
He moved to act.
"Don't!" Ace rushed in front of him again, desperation clear in his voice. "Please, Marco, don't!"
Marco's eyes burned with frustration as he shouted, "Can you really believe anything these old bastards say? The only reason they're still talking is because they're wary of me. The moment I surrender, we're all dead. You, your brother, and the entire crew. Do you really want that outcome?"
Ace trembled, his mind on the verge of breaking. But when he looked at Luffy, held tightly with a blade at his throat, despair swallowed him whole. If he acted, Luffy would die instantly. If he hesitated, Luffy might still die.
Tears fell without stopping.
In the end, Ace dropped to his knees before the Gorosei.
"Please... let Luffy go. I'll do anything. Anything you want."
The Gorosei felt a surge of satisfaction.
This was how they controlled slaves. Give them hope, then crush them with despair.
No matter how strong these so-called pirates were, as long as they had bonds, they could be manipulated. Strength meant nothing in the face of emotional weakness.
Marco watched the scene unfold, his expression grim. If he acted now, Luffy would certainly die. And even if Ace said nothing afterward, resentment would remain.
A bitter thought crossed his mind. If he had arrived just a little later, after the Gorosei had already killed Luffy, none of this dilemma would exist.
At that moment, Marco quietly activated his ability to assess their strength.
Saint Topman Warcury, ability resembling a fierce boar, estimated at weak King level.
Saint Figarland Garling, possessing the Itzumanade ability, also at weak King level.
Saint Peter, with a sandworm ability, estimated at strong Admiral level.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, with a skeletal horse form, also at strong Admiral level.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, wielding the power of an Ushi-oni, likewise at strong Admiral level.
Marco narrowed his eyes slightly.
So Garling had inherited the Itzumanade ability. That confirmed his suspicion. After Saint Marcus Mars's death, Imu-sama must have granted the ability to him.
Then his gaze shifted toward the Marine Admiral known as Shura.
Saint Figarland Shamrock, a Mythical Zoan Human-Human Fruit, Asura form, with strength approaching Admiral level.
Marco exhaled quietly. His power had clearly increased. On Egghead Island, he had not possessed any Devil Fruit ability. Now, with a Mythical Zoan, his growth was evident.
Saint Garling looked down at Ace, who was still kneeling, and spoke again. "I already gave you the opportunity. Kill Marco, and Straw Hat will be released."
Ace's mind twisted in conflict. His captain and his brother stood on opposite ends of an impossible choice.
Marco's gaze turned cold as he noticed the Marines beginning to retreat.
"So you think you're the only ones who can use hostages?" he said quietly. "That Marine Admiral is a Celestial Dragon, isn't he? And your son. Fine. I'll take him instead."
Without hesitation, Marco shot forward toward the retreating Marines.
In an instant, four figures moved.
All four Gorosei, excluding Saint Garling, stepped in simultaneously, blocking Marco's path and cutting off his advance.
Saint Garling reacted immediately, his voice sharp. "Stop! Take another step, and Straw Hat dies!"
At the same time, the blade pressed deeper into Luffy's neck, drawing blood.
"No! Stop!" Ace shouted in panic.