With Observation Haki covering the entire island, changes in Ripley's, Rocks's, and others' auras were all within Silas's grasp.
Ripley and Linlin's condition was still good, their life forces burning steady and strong.
Rocks and Newgate's condition looked rather poor, their auras flickering like candles in a storm.
This made Silas realize he could not delay any longer.
Rocks and the others still needed further growth. Facing Holy Knights members now was too early for them.
Meanwhile, news of Rona eliminating the Holy Knights Commander also reached Silas through their communication network.
"You took down that Holy Knights Commander? Good, I am almost finished here too. I will come support you immediately."
Considerable time had passed since the operation began. Facing their sudden assault, the World Government, which should have had more personnel, had instead become the side with tighter combat resources.
Kong, Saint Garling, and Saint Claude.
Admiral-level fighters alone had fallen to three.
But this was not without cost to their side.
First were Dorry and Brogy. Two Hakoku attacks plus intercepting Ortega had nearly exhausted their stamina reserves.
Rona had been wounded by Saint Claude during their brutal encounter.
Though not severely injured, when receiving the message, Rona had encountered two more Holy Knights members.
The battle situation was not optimistic.
Initially they were the attacking side, fighting on Celestial Dragon and World Government territory, making their enemies' forces restrained by defensive concerns.
But now they were preparing to retreat.
This organization standing at the world's pinnacle was again displaying their powerful suppressive force.
"One, two, three, four, five..."
Detection-oriented Observation Haki let Silas sense several powerful auras approaching without any attempt at concealment.
"One from Marine Headquarters direction, four from Mariejois direction. One is Rona; the other three are already very close to her."
Including Ortega currently fighting Silas, the top-tier fighters the World Government had sent to capture them were approaching double digits.
Actually, Marine Headquarters definitely still had an Admiral-level fighter stationed, possibly the Fleet Admiral or Chief of Staff.
The World Government's five highest authorities were also top-tier fighters.
But they were not acting yet.
Because many World Government member nation kings remained in the Holy Land.
If they also acted, it would mean a mere pirate crew had driven the World Government to desperation.
Even forcing the five highest authorities to act personally.
If they failed to catch Silas after that, the World Government would lose all face.
Most importantly, once the World Government showed weakness before member nations, some powerful ones might question Heavenly Tribute's legitimacy, doubting whether the World Government could truly protect them.
Of course, Silas was prepared for the Five Elders' desperate measures.
If they really acted, Silas would immediately flee with his crew without hesitation.
Twenty.
This was Silas's estimate of top-tier fighters the World Government possessed.
But under this surprise attack, the World Government made the most foolish choice. Initially they did not think of defeating Silas, but of repelling him.
So without knowing Dorry and Brogy had returned, Kong suffered severe damage.
Then came Holy Knights Vice-Commander Saint Garling.
Though Saint Garling was arrogant, he had initially come as vanguard, with his brother, Holy Knights Commander Saint Claude, following.
Plus Marine Headquarters support and CP organization fighters.
If Silas wanted to leave, he probably had no choice except to abandon slave rescue.
Then Saint Claude was ambushed by Rona.
Wrong decisions plus information gaps meant the World Government had suffered three Admiral-level casualties without causing significant losses to Silas's group.
However, though Silas wanted a fourth casualty, looking at Ortega and the surrounding elite Vice Admirals providing support, he had to abandon this unrealistic idea.
These Marine Vice Admirals did not need to fight Silas directly. Just restraining Dorry and Brogy would drag the situation into a stalemate.
Previous battles had happened too quickly, with many Marine fighters tied down by slaves. Only recently had a batch of zombie legions taken over, freeing these fighters to support Ortega.
Silas's side included not just giants and his crew.
Liberated slaves were also significant combat power.
Though lacking great pirate-level slaves, pirate slaves worth tens of millions in bounties existed throughout both Mariejois and Sabaody Archipelago.
Once these slaves gained freedom, the resistance torrent they created terrified even Marines.
"Haha, let us end this here! Dorry, Brogy, we are temporarily retreating!"
Without retreat, his beloved little crew members probably could not hold on much longer.
Suddenly, a light sound reached his ear.
For convenience, Silas had Ripley shrink a Den Den Mushi in his ear, a giant one from Elbaf with long range and encryption guarantees.
Hearing the Den Den Mushi's message, Silas could not help laughing loudly.
"Haha, seems luck is on my side! Though there is plenty of bad news, there is also plenty of good news!"
Within his Observation Haki's sensing range, a sixth powerful presence was rapidly approaching.
Half a month ago, Silas had sent word, hoping Elbaf could send reinforcements to help rescue enslaved giants.
But Silas had not expected much.
After all, the New World's harsh weather meant the journey from Elbaf to Sabaody Archipelago spanned nearly half the world, probably taking one or two months.
Never expected those thick-headed giants would actually use clever methods.
Batian.
That giant who had eaten the Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Eagle.
Transforming into a giant eagle, he had carried a basket full of giants across Reverse Mountain, flying halfway around the world toward Sabaody Archipelago.
Right.
They had not taken the New World route but flew past Elbaf's final stretch, through Reverse Mountain, directly to the Grand Line's first half.
After hearing Silas wanted to rescue enslaved giants, the giants eagerly declared they could not let the White Wolf Pirates risk themselves. They already owed them too much.
So after settling Elbaf's elderly and young, the strongest giants embarked.
Quality over quantity in troops.
After exhausting eagle-form Batian, six great pirate-level giants.
And Giant King Harald.
Had landed on Sabaody Archipelago!