Marco walked out of the cabin after spending time familiarizing himself with the strange panel now embedded in his mind. The layout was simple, almost barebones. There were only three functions available to him: personal attributes, quests, and level detection. Despite its simplicity, the interface was clean and intuitive, giving him everything he needed without unnecessary clutter.
Stepping onto the coated deck of the Moby Dick, he was greeted by the vast and silent darkness of the deep sea. Their ship was already submerged, slowly advancing toward Marineford. The world outside the protective coating was pitch black, the only sound the muffled pulse of the ocean around them.
The moment he appeared, the Captains rushed over with worried expressions.
"Marco, are you alright? You suddenly dropped to your knees earlier. You scared the hell out of us."
"Yeah, the war's about to start. We can't afford to lose one of our top fighters."
"You're our main force in this battle."
Their concern was genuine, born from years of standing side by side. Marco couldn't help but smile at them.
"I'm fine. I suddenly awakened Conqueror's Haki and got a bit dizzy, but it's already passed. Sorry for worrying you."
"What? You awakened Conqueror's Haki?"
Shock and excitement spread instantly. Jozu burst into loud laughter.
"That's incredible, Marco. With that, our chances of rescuing Ace just went up."
Marco answered with a modest smile,
"I only just awakened it. I doubt it'll make much of a difference in the war."
While speaking, he quietly activated his system's level detection ability. A translucent display appeared before him, revealing the strength of those around him.
Jozu – Paramecia, Diamond Fruit. Estimated strength: Weak Yonko Commander Level.
Vista – Estimated strength: Yonko Commander Level.
Blamenco – Paramecia, Pocket–Pocket Fruit. Estimated strength: Captain Level.
Rakyō – Estimated strength: Strong Captain Level.
Namur – Estimated strength: Strong Captain Level.
Marco continued scanning all Captains and Vice Captains. The system could identify Devil Fruit types and provide an estimated strength level, though it couldn't determine exact Haki mastery or detailed attributes.
Still, the results were enough for him to categorize the Whitebeard Pirates clearly:
Yonko Commander Level.
Captain Level.
Vice Captain Level.
Crew Member Level.
Everyone's power fell neatly into one of those four categories. Marco let out a quiet breath. If only Whitebeard were here, he could have finally seen what a true Four Emperors–level strength looked like in the system.
A crew member from the First Division hurried over, carrying a transponder snail.
"Captain Marco, Whitebeard is calling."
The snail projected Whitebeard's face. With Marco's memories fully integrated into him and his long–held respect from his previous life still intact, his voice softened slightly.
"Pops…"
The old man's voice rumbled through the snail.
"Marco, I heard you were feeling unwell. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine now. I awakened Conqueror's Haki and got dizzy for a moment, but I'm completely okay. Sorry for alarming you."
"Gurararara. So you awakened Conqueror's Haki. Looks like you've got the spirit of a King too."
Whitebeard's laughter was warm and proud. Marco had been the first son he ever took in, even back during the days of the Rocks Pirates. Hearing that Marco possessed the potential for Conqueror's Haki clearly pleased him.
"After this war ends, I'll personally teach you how to control it."
Marco's chest tightened for a moment. He knew what Marineford truly was: a trap, a battlefield built to destroy the Whitebeard Pirates. But now that he had taken on Marco's identity, he wouldn't allow Whitebeard or Ace to fall.
"Understood. Thank you, Pops."
Whitebeard nodded with satisfaction before addressing the entire ship.
"Sons, get ready. This battle will be brutal. No one is allowed to falter. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Oyaji!"
Their voices echoed through the coated vessel.
Meanwhile, on the giant broadcast screens of Sabaody Archipelago, the live image of Marineford appeared. The Three Admirals and the Shichibukai stood assembled in full force. Fire Fist Ace was escorted toward the execution platform, the chains on his wrists clinking loudly.
Reporters swallowed nervously.
"Fire Fist Ace has finally appeared. The spark that could ignite a world–shaking war."
Despite the overwhelming Marine presence, the shadow of Whitebeard's reputation loomed. In the age of Roger, Whitebeard had been the only man who could stand as his equal. After Roger's death, he had reigned as the unmatched emperor of the seas.
On the execution platform stood Ace, and beside him, Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Below the platform stood the admirals Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru, their combined presence forming a wall of overwhelming power.
At the front of the plaza were the Shichibukai: Dracule Mihawk, Donquixote Doflamingo, Boa Hancock, Bartholomew Kuma, and Gecko Moria. Jinbe and Blackbeard were absent.
One hundred thousand Marine soldiers filled the plaza, accompanied by eight Giant Vice Admirals. They all knew the truth: the war about to begin would affect the entire world.
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