For the Marines, executing Ace meant victory.
Originally, their victory had been all but certain.
However, with Ace and the others moving locations, that victory now seemed to slip further away.
Meanwhile, the Blackbeard Pirates had taken Ace's previous position, instantly becoming the focal point of Marine attention.
Although their primary target was Ace, who was making his way toward the center of the plaza, the Marines couldn't simply ignore the Blackbeard Pirates.
On one hand, they needed to deal with Blackbeard's crew. On the other, they had to continue their pursuit of Ace.
Splitting their forces was inevitable.
This was exactly why the Blackbeard Pirates had value in Maude's eyes.
"If I make it out alive this time, I swear I'll settle the score with that bastard!!"
"Damn it! I'll flay him alive!!!"
After being played for fools twice in a row, the prisoners—already prone to holding grudges—were seething with rage.
If it weren't for Maude, they would still be slaughtering Marines and pirates on the outskirts, reveling in their newfound freedom. Instead, they were now trapped, encircled, and forced to confront an Admiral.
They had barely escaped from Impel Down. They hadn't even had time to enjoy their spoils—fine wine and women—yet here they were, on the verge of death…!!!
The prisoners' expressions contorted in rage, adopting an air of reckless defiance.
"Ara ara…"
Kuzan looked at the Level Six prisoners now standing before him, his expression grave.
It wasn't that he feared their strength.
The real problem was that Fire Fist Ace had been moved.
If they didn't hurry, once Ace rejoined the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates, the difficulty of executing him would increase exponentially.
Kuzan cast a glance toward Maude, who had retreated to the center of the plaza, and sighed inwardly.
That move had been a devastating one.
Pushing aside his thoughts, Kuzan focused on the prisoners before him, his entire body radiating an icy chill.
The Corrupt King, Avalo Pizarro, and the other prisoners felt a twinge of apprehension.
After all, this was an Admiral.
Even lawless men like them had to take him seriously.
They had the advantage of numbers and could at least attempt to hold their ground.
Blackbeard, on the other hand, was in a far worse position.
He had received Maude's special attention and was now facing Akainu alone.
"Zehaha… I've got no interest in fighting you right now."
Blackbeard took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm as he faced Akainu. He let out a boisterous laugh. "Besides, if you let Ace escape, the Marines will lose all credibility…"
As he spoke, a flicker of unease passed through his eyes, and he quietly prepared to nullify Akainu's attacks with his ability.
Gurgle…
Molten magma continuously oozed from Akainu's right shoulder as he stared coldly at Blackbeard.
Suddenly—
He took a step forward, striding toward Blackbeard with murderous intent.
Blackbeard's eyes narrowed as a swirling vortex of darkness appeared in his right palm—but he quickly stopped himself.
Akainu wasn't attacking him.
Instead, the Admiral walked right past him, heading straight for Ace.
In Akainu's eyes, the Blackbeard Pirates were a problem his subordinates could handle.
His mission was to execute Fire Fist Ace.
"Tch…"
As Akainu passed, Blackbeard felt a chilling sense of ruthlessness and unwavering resolve emanating from the Admiral.
"Zehaha! If you manage to kill my dear Captain Ace, I just might cheer for you."
Realizing Akainu wasn't going to fight him, Blackbeard instantly reverted to his usual arrogant demeanor.
Akainu ignored him.
His gaze was locked solely on Ace.
At the center of the plaza.
Maude and his group saw Akainu heading straight toward them.
"So you're that confident leaving Blackbeard to your subordinates? Well… I suppose, in your eyes, Ace is a far greater threat than Blackbeard right now."
Watching Akainu approach, exuding a murderous aura, Maude shook his head slightly.
Beyond Akainu, there were still Sengoku, Tokikake, and over half the Marine forces that could be redirected at any moment.
Maude wasn't worried about his own safety.
His priority was ensuring Sabo and the others could escape.
Fortunately, Kizaru—by far the fastest pursuer—was still occupied in the sky, battling Shiki.
Retracting his gaze from Akainu, Maude turned to Sabo and Morley.
"Sabo, you need to rendezvous with the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates and escape immediately."
"Remnants?"
Sabo didn't react, but both Ace and Marco instinctively clenched their fists, their expressions darkening.
If not for the urgency of the situation, they would have lashed out at the comment.
However, Sabo quickly grasped the underlying meaning of Maude's words. Frowning, he asked, "Maude, what about you?"
"I'll stay behind to cover your escape."
"Huh?! No way! That's too dangerous!"
Sabo and Morley were visibly shocked and immediately shook their heads.
Karasu looked at Maude in surprise.
His understanding of Maude was mostly based on what Sabo and Morley had told him.
But he hadn't expected this man to be so resolute.
Ace and Marco were equally stunned.
Maude met Sabo's gaze and said seriously, "You need to make it out of here safely."
There was no time for debate.
Before Sabo could object, Maude raised his hand, transforming his shadow into a massive Shadow Curtain, cutting off their line of sight.
At the same time, the curtain expanded rapidly, splitting the entire plaza in two.
"Don't waste time. Go."
Maude's voice carried through the shadow barrier, reaching Sabo and Morley.
Sabo clenched his teeth, hesitating.
"Maude, sniff… I'm falling more and more in love with you… sniff…"
Morley, always an emotional soul, broke into tears, wiping her face with a floral-patterned handkerchief.
"We don't have time! Move!"
Marco, though unable to fully grasp Maude's reasoning, made a decisive choice and dragged Ace away.
As long as they regrouped with their allies, they stood a strong chance of escaping.
Sabo took a deep breath, fists clenched.
"Morley, Karasu, let's go."
"Mm… sniff…"
Turning sharply, Sabo followed after Ace and Luffy.
He and Morley knew Maude had stayed behind to ensure their safety.
A short distance away.
The temporarily safe Straw Hat Pirates refrained from rejoining the battle.
Instead, they watched Luffy's situation closely.
Naturally, they witnessed Maude leading them out and staying behind as the rear guard.
"Maude…"
Robin's eyes trembled slightly. She instinctively reached for the pocket where she had kept a Shadow Mark, only to find it empty.
A strange emotion stirred within her heart.
"Master!"
Without hesitation, Usopp dashed toward the Shadow Curtain, only to slam into an invisible barrier.
It was Bartolomeo who stopped him.
"Don't cause trouble for our idol."
Bartolomeo's expression was serious.
Behind the Shadow Curtain.
Maude stood calmly as Akainu approached.
Law, barely able to stand, gasped for breath. "Maude, can your 'last resort' guarantee our escape?"
"Nervous?"
Maude chuckled, glancing at Law.
Law shook his head slightly.
Soon, Akainu arrived, his gaze ice-cold.
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