As the pressure from their blades clashed in midair, the force of their Haki rebounded violently, pushing both Shanks and Saint Figarland Garling backward.
Shanks' expression turned grave. He had not expected his father to possess such overwhelming strength. His gaze shifted to the barely breathing Monkey D. Luffy, and his brows tightened. He wondered if he had still arrived too late.
Saint Garling looked at his second son, who had appeared so suddenly, his voice cold and sharp. "Why are you here, Shanks?"
Shanks remained steady, his tone firm. "I'm here to stop this war."
High in the sky, Marco, who had been locked in battle against the Gorosei, sensed Shanks' arrival immediately. A powerful presence had entered the battlefield.
At the same time, he glanced into the distance. The Red Hair Pirates had already reached Amazon Lily. Their top fighters descended from the air using Moonwalk, landing swiftly and gathering beside Shanks.
Marco frowned slightly. "Why is Red Hair here?"
The battle between Marco and the Gorosei came to a halt. Shanks' sudden appearance had disrupted everything.
Saint Garling's gaze sharpened as he stared at his son. "Shanks, it seems you've abandoned your identity as a Celestial Dragon."
Shanks did not hesitate. "I was never a Celestial Dragon. I'm just a pirate."
Saint Garling let out a quiet scoff. He had long since given up on this son. Though Shanks had always been exceptional, even surpassing his eldest, Saint Shamrock, his time among commoners had shaped him in ways that could never be undone. Even after returning to the Holy Land, he had chosen the freedom of the sea over its authority.
Garling's voice hardened. "Then hand over Straw Hat."
"That won't happen." Shanks' eyes turned cold. "Anyone who wants Luffy's life will have to kill me first."
A cruel smile formed on Saint Garling's face. "Arrogant brat. Do you think becoming one of the Four Emperors gives you the right to speak to me like that?"
Below, Portgas D. Ace shouted urgently, "Marco, save Luffy. He's about to collapse!"
Marco's gaze shifted back to the Gorosei. It was clear they had no intention of facing him directly. If he wanted to kill them, it would have to be in the Holy Land itself.
"Consider yourselves lucky. Next time, I'll come to the Holy Land myself."
With that, Marco descended rapidly toward Ace.
Earlier, Ace had nearly taken his own life in desperation to save Luffy, forcing Marco to divide his attention. Now that Luffy had been rescued, Marco had intended to fight seriously, even if it meant taking one of the Gorosei down before retreating.
With his Conqueror's Haki reaching a legendary level, Marco knew he could overcome their Immortality. Even against all four, he could trade damage and eliminate them one by one. However, the Gorosei had refused to engage him head-on, constantly evading direct confrontation. Even after defeating Saint V. Nusjuro, the man had retreated immediately.
It made one thing clear. If Marco wanted them dead, he would have to bring the battle to them.
The Gorosei's expressions were dark. They had expected the Phoenix Pirates, not the Red Hair Pirates, to arrive first.
At that moment, the Red Hair Pirates' ship doctor, Benn Beckman's companion Hongou, rushed forward.
"I'm the doctor. Let me check him."
"I'm begging you," Ace said, his voice strained.
Hongou quickly examined Luffy, pulling out his instruments. Within seconds, his face turned grim.
Shanks stepped forward. "Hongou, what is it?"
Hongou clenched his jaw, shaking his head. "It's no good. Luffy's body has already collapsed."
Ace froze, then erupted. "What are you saying? Collapsed? He's only eighteen. How can his body fail like this?"
At that moment, Marco landed beside them.
Ace turned to him immediately, desperation clear in his eyes. "Marco, please save him."
Hongou added, "If anyone can do something, it's him. His regeneration flames might work."
"Yes," Ace pressed, "please."
Marco said nothing. Blue flames ignited in his hand and spread over Luffy's frail body, covering him completely. He crouched down, examining him carefully.
Then his pupils shrank.
Under his observation, nearly every cell in Luffy's body had already died. The fact that he was still breathing, even faintly, was nothing short of a miracle.
Ace's voice trembled. "Marco… he'll be okay, right?"
Marco looked at him, his expression heavy. He shook his head.
"He can't be saved."
With that, the blue flames faded as he withdrew his power completely.
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