Whitebeard's pupils contracted slightly.
He understood that without prompt treatment, such an injury could leave permanent damage.
Marco and "Diamond" Jozu plummeted like meteors, landing steadily before Whitebeard.
Yet, Jozu's condition was concerning—he clutched his chest tightly, his face pale as paper, beads of cold sweat on his forehead, clearly enduring immense pain.
On the surface, it seemed Jozu had merely lost a chunk of flesh, but only he knew the injury was far worse.
The terrifying impact hadn't only torn his skin and flesh but likely fractured several ribs as well.
It was just that the bones were buried deep beneath the flesh, making the damage invisible from the outside.
When Jozu's gaze shifted to Lancelot, his expression changed dramatically—the original determination and courage were replaced by fear.
This was the first time since consuming the Diamond Fruit that he had suffered such a severe injury, and this unprecedented experience filled him with dread.
At that moment, "Flower Sword" Vista's eyes were filled with self-blame and regret.
He'd been standing right beside Whitebeard, yet he'd failed to protect him, watching helplessly as Whitebeard came under attack.
This feeling of powerlessness struck his heart like a heavy hammer, leaving him unsettled for a long time.
Whitebeard seemed to sense Vista's emotions.
He turned and gave him a comforting look, as if telling him not to blame himself too much.
After all, while Vista was strong, he was still considerably weaker in battles of their level.
He couldn't offer much help.
Moreover, at the most critical moment earlier, it was "Flower Sword" Vista who blocked the most fatal blow aimed at him.
Then, Whitebeard's gaze finally settled on Marco.
His voice, though somewhat low, carried an undeniable authority. "This is my final order, Marco. Take them back."
"Pops!"
Marco's eyes moistened, tears welling up at the corners, but he fought hard to keep them from falling.
His gaze fixed on the distance, as if it could pierce through the endless ocean and see the future of the entire Whitebeard Pirates.
He knew all too well that the current situation was exceptionally dire. The slightest misstep could plunge the entire pirate crew into an irreversible abyss.
And the choice Pops had made was undoubtedly the wisest decision under the circumstances.
Only in this way could the core strength of the Whitebeard Pirates be preserved, giving them a chance to move forward in the future.
However, understanding this didn't mean he could easily sever the emotional bond with Pops.
Their relationship wasn't merely that of superior and subordinate, it was a profound father-son bond.
Pops' teachings and care had shaped him into the Marco he was today.
But he also knew clearly that once Pops made up his mind, it was as unyielding as steel.
No one's persuasion could change his decision.
And now, Pops had made his choice—an irreversible fact.
More importantly, this was Pops' will.
As the second-in-command of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco understood deeply that he had a responsibility to respect Pops' choice and put it into action.
This wasn't only a sign of respect for Pops but also a responsibility and duty to the entire pirate crew.
Finally, Marco took a deep breath, striving to calm the turmoil within.
He knew he bore the heavy task of leading the others to safety. It was a daunting mission, but he didn't flinch.
Because he was the second-in-command of the Whitebeard Pirates. He had both the responsibility and the capability.
So, even with immense reluctance, he complied with Whitebeard's will.
Listen carefully—it was his will, not an order.
"Go!"
Bearing the pain, Marco shouted to the others of the Whitebeard Pirates.
The members of the Whitebeard Pirates exchanged glances, then swiftly retreated.
They had arrived with such bravado, but their retreat was just as disheveled.
Yet, how could the Marines let them have their way?
The pursuit began in full force!
But at this moment, Whitebeard had already decided to cover their retreat.
Naturally, he'd ensure everyone could escape.
He activated the formidable power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.
The solid ice beneath his feet began to tremble, as if the very earth were shaking.
Accompanied by rumbling sounds, the ice cracked open, forming a bottomless chasm that forcibly separated the pursuing Marines from the members of the Whitebeard Pirates.
"Pops!"
The members of the Whitebeard Pirates witnessed this scene and understood Whitebeard's intention.
They knew this chasm wasn't merely a separation but a difficult choice Whitebeard had made to protect them.
If they still failed to grasp Whitebeard's profound care, they were either foolish or deliberately feigning ignorance.
Watching Whitebeard face numerous formidable enemies alone, the people of the Whitebeard Pirates felt as if their hearts were being torn apart, overwhelmed with grief.
They couldn't accept this reality, and tears surged from their eyes like a breached flood, soaking their faces.
Yet, Whitebeard didn't retreat in the slightest.
With unwavering determination, he shouted, "Go!"
That single word carried boundless paternal love and resolute determination.
He used his own body to block the enemy's pursuit, buying precious escape time for the Whitebeard Pirates.
Lancelot stood to the side, watching this scene. He couldn't help but rub his nose, inwardly sighing.
"This scene is really quite sentimental!"
However, his expression soon turned serious, because he noticed Marco leading the others in a rapid escape.
This wasn't the situation Lancelot hoped to see.
For others, he might have let them go, but Marco and "Diamond" Jozu—these two men couldn't be allowed to escape easily.
The abilities of these two were terrifying, and such powers couldn't be missed.
Moreover, their strength was formidable.
Missing such a golden opportunity would be a pity!
No matter what, he had to capture at least one of them!
After all, once these two returned to the New World, finding them again wouldn't be an easy task.
Lancelot's gaze sharpened.
After weighing the pros and cons, he turned to Akainu and declared, "Whitebeard is yours!"
Hearing this, Akainu's heart couldn't help but tremble.
He understood that this was the best opportunity to defeat Whitebeard.
As long as he could defeat the world's strongest man in one fell swoop, the outcome of this thrilling battle would be decided.
However, what Akainu never expected was that in the heat of battle, Lancelot would choose to give up this nearly within-reach, effortless military achievement.
After brief consideration, Akainu nodded in agreement.
"Alright!"
He understood that Lancelot's decision wasn't made lightly but was the result of careful deliberation.
Regardless, Akainu would remember this favor.
After all, Lancelot's choice was equivalent to handing over the immense merit of defeating or killing Whitebeard to him.
This was no small favor.
Lancelot's legs exerted force, propelling him into the air like a rocket. His body ascended as if to pierce the clouds.
His feet stepped in the air, each step as if treading on invisible stairs, increasing his speed.
Like a supersonic fighter jet, he shot forward.
This series of movements was fast as lightning.
In the blink of an eye, Lancelot had crossed the massive chasm created by Whitebeard's attack and caught up to Marco.
Seeing this, Marco's expression turned grave. He realized that Lancelot was likely targeting him.
Marco halted in mid-air and turned to shout at "Flower Sword" Vista and "Diamond" Jozu on the ground.
"I'll hold him off! You take the others and escape!"
His voice carried a trace of resolve.
"Marco!"
Both Vista and Jozu's expressions changed.
They knew Marco was choosing to face the powerful enemy alone, just like their father Whitebeard, making the decision to sacrifice himself to protect his comrades.
However, Marco had no time to consider anything else. His gaze locked on Lancelot, not daring to relax for even a moment.
He took a deep breath, his wings flapping with a crisp cry, then shot toward Lancelot like a meteor, shouting.
"Phoenix Claw Strike!"
Using the momentum of his flight, he launched a powerful kick at Lancelot.
Seeing Marco's attack coming with such ferocity, Lancelot dared not show the slightest negligence.
He channeled his strength and threw a fierce punch!
A deafening roar echoed, like thunder from the heavens, shaking the air!
Lancelot's punch contained boundless power, its force so immense it left onlookers gasping!
Before this terrifying strength, Marco's claws were shattered, scattering into countless fragments.
Yet, Lancelot's momentum didn't diminish; instead, like a volcanic eruption, it continued to surge toward Marco!
The power of this punch was astonishing.
Marco couldn't resist it, only able to watch helplessly as Lancelot's fist shot toward him like a cannonball!
Lancelot's fist slammed hard into Marco's body.
The force was so great it destroyed half of Marco's form!
Yet, even after such a heavy blow, Marco stood still as if nothing had happened, not showing a hint of pain on his face!
Not only that, but Lancelot saw a trace of mockery in Marco's eyes!
It was a disdain for Lancelot's strength, as if telling him, 'No matter how strong you are, what does it matter? You can't harm me in the slightest!'
At the same time, Marco's destroyed body was recovering at a visible pace!
In the blink of an eye, Marco's body had fully restored itself, as if that earlier punch had caused him no harm!
Seeing this, Lancelot remained unaffected. Instead, he smiled.
Marco's ability was making him increasingly delighted; he had to obtain this power.
If not for his own Sacred Sword ability, he might have considered taking this one for himself.
With this ability, combined with his current strength, he could become invincible.
But even if he couldn't use it himself, having this ability would make cultivating another powerhouse easy.
Meanwhile, Marco, now fully restored, launched another attack.
His wings swept toward Lancelot like blades.
However, Lancelot didn't indulge him, with a single hand chop, he severed Marco's wing.
"Blue Flame Phoenix!"
Marco manipulated the severed wing with his fingertips, transforming it into a fireball that shot toward Lancelot.
This move was powerful.
In the original story, it had sent King flying with just this one strike!