As Marco launched his attack on Saint Nusjuro, his back was left open. Seizing the opportunity, Saint Saturn struck with a spider leg, aiming straight for Marco's back in a sudden sneak attack.
However, after the battle on Egghead, Marco's defenses had grown significantly stronger. The strike failed to pierce his body.
At the same time, Saint Peter transformed into a massive sandworm and lunged forward, clamping down on Marco's right leg.
Even so, Marco's enhanced durability held firm. His leg remained intact, resisting the bite that would have torn it apart before.
In the next instant, Marco counterattacked. With a swift motion, he severed Saturn's spider leg.
As he turned to strike Saint Peter, the latter reacted quickly, releasing his grip and retreating to create distance.
Marco did not pursue them. Instead, his gaze shifted to Saint Nusjuro, whose body had been split in two by his earlier strike.
Without hesitation, Marco moved in again.
He had already grasped the nature of their immortality. It resembled an extremely powerful regenerative ability.
Attacks infused with Haoshoku Haki could truly harm them, leaving wounds that were difficult to heal, almost like damage that bypassed their immortality entirely.
Yet as long as they remained alive, no matter how severe the injury, they could recover rapidly.
Their regeneration was even more terrifying than that of the Phoenix Fruit.
That was why he had to finish Nusjuro now.
"Demon Slayer..."
A flying slash suddenly cut through the air toward Marco.
He turned and kicked, shattering the incoming sword energy instantly. The one who launched it was Saint Nusjuro.
However, Nusjuro kept his distance, continuing to release slashes from afar.
If he truly intended to injure Marco, he would have fought at close range. This approach made his intention clear, he was only buying time.
"Sorry, everyone, I will be retreating first."
Nusjuro coughed up blood as he spoke.
Even with immortality, Marco's attacks could still threaten his life. If he pushed further, death would no longer be avoidable.
Soon, Nusjuro's body dissolved into white smoke and vanished before Marco's eyes.
In an instant, he had returned to the Holy Land Mary Geoise, where his severed body began to rapidly regenerate.
Marco's expression darkened.
He understood now. The Gorosei had no intention of defeating him. Their goal was simply to stall.
His gaze shifted to Saint Saturn, Saint Peter, and Saint Nusjuro, now gone.
"Hmph, calling you rats is not an exaggeration. Without the Four Soul Divine Blood, you do not even have the courage to face me directly?"
The remaining Gorosei were visibly angered.
Saint Nusjuro's voice echoed coldly, "You are nothing more than a man who has lived for a few decades. You cannot understand our decisions. If you had any wisdom, you would not have rejected our goodwill time and again. Strength alone does not change the fact that you are insignificant."
Saint Saturn added, "We never intended to fight you. Our only objective is Straw Hat Luffy. And from the looks of it, his condition is worsening."
Marco's eyes dropped toward Amazon Lily.
Below, Saint Garling relentlessly pursued Ace, who was already in a miserable state.
Across the island, panic had spread among the citizens. Their Empress, Boa Hancock, had been captured. Many of the Kuja warriors had been taken, and even civilians had fallen into the hands of the Marines.
Amazon Lily itself had been torn apart by the battle. The survivors could only struggle to stay alive amidst fear and destruction.
Ace carried Luffy through the streets and jungle, refusing to stop.
Moving through the streets risked civilian casualties, but it was the only way to slow Garling down, even if just slightly.
Ace's body was already battered. Several strikes from Garling's blade had left deep wounds across him.
Only his determination to protect his younger brother kept him standing.
Garling showed no hesitation. Whether through streets or jungle, he unleashed relentless waves of sword energy, forcing Ace further into desperation.
"Damn it... I cannot shake him..."
Ace struggled to breathe.
Garling's Observation Haki was overwhelming. No matter where he ran, it was as if the man could see everything.
All Ace could do was rely on the Flame Flame Fruit to stall, buying time little by little.
If he could hold on until reinforcements from Marco arrived, Luffy might survive.
Behind him, Garling unleashed another slash. Buildings were cut apart effortlessly.
Ace rolled clumsily across the ground while holding Luffy, barely avoiding the attack. He forced himself back up and continued running.
Garling followed, his voice cold.
"Fire Fist Ace, I can sense it. Straw Hat Luffy is on the verge of death. Hand him over, and I will let him die quickly."
Ace's expression darkened.
He could feel it too. Luffy's temperature was dropping, his heartbeat weakening, his breathing faint.
The realization filled him with urgency.
In that brief moment of distraction, Garling seized his chance.
He closed the distance instantly.
Lightning crackled along his blade as his katana descended toward Ace and Luffy.
Ace's pupils shrank sharply.
Just as the strike was about to land, a red figure appeared in front of him.
A sharp metallic clash rang out.
A rapier intercepted the katana mid-air, and the collision of Haoshoku Haki sent Ace and Luffy flying backward.
Garling's eyes narrowed.
"It is you..."
Standing before him was his own son.
Figarland Shanks.