Meanwhile, at Marineford, inside the Marine Hospital, Admiral Akainu rested on a hospital bed, his body completely bandaged from head to toe.
"Sakazuki, it looks like your body is recovering well," said Sengoku, entering the room with Admiral Kizaru.
Akainu glanced at them, his expression cold. "Sengoku, Borsalino, what brings you here?"
Kizaru, maintaining his usual carefree, almost lecherous demeanor, replied, "We're here to congratulate you. The Gorosei's appointment letter just arrived, naming you as the new Fleet Admiral. Congratulations, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki."
Sengoku sat nearby, serious as ever. "We've already spoken with the doctor. Your injuries still require rest, so Saint Topman Warcury will come to Marineford in five days to conduct your investiture ceremony, once your condition improves."
Sakazuki's eyes remained calm. This outcome had long been expected. As agreed, the victor would succeed while the loser remained silent. He was the undisputed final victor.
"No need for five days," he said coolly. "Three days of rest will suffice."
Kizaru raised a brow. "That won't do. The Gorosei made the decision themselves."
Sakazuki only grunted, mildly displeased, and let it go.
Sengoku, however, shook his head. "You truly are ruthless. Breaking one of Kuzan's legs and leaving him unconscious… fortunately, he's past the danger period."
"Don't forget," Sakazuki replied flatly, "I was left battered by him as well."
Sengoku dropped the matter. Kuzan had lost; Sakazuki's rise to Fleet Admiral was inevitable. He leaned back, his voice measured. "The seas haven't been calm recently. While you were fighting Kuzan, on the other side, Big Mom clashed with Marco. It was a fierce ten-day battle, ultimately ending in Marco's victory."
"What?" Sakazuki's eyes widened. "Marco defeated Big Mom?"
"Yes," Sengoku confirmed.
"How is that possible?" Sakazuki exclaimed. He knew Marco's strength, having faced him during the Marineford War. But Big Mom was a veteran Four Emperors powerhouse. Over twenty years ago, Sakazuki had battled her himself and understood the enormity of her power.
He paused, realization dawning. "It seems that Big Mom… that old hag… has grown weaker with age."
After all, Big Mom was over sixty. Following Whitebeard's death, she had become the oldest of the Four Emperors. Like Whitebeard, the passage of time had eroded her strength.
Kizaru chimed in. "Still, I suspect Marco's victory involved strategy, not sheer strength."
Sakazuki looked at him curiously. Kizaru continued, "Marco captured Sweet Commanders Katakuri and Snack, forcing Big Mom to hesitate. I also heard he eventually ceded three islands to her."
Kizaru's skepticism was understandable. Over twenty years ago, he had fought Big Mom as well. Even considering Marco's rapid recovery abilities, it was difficult to imagine him defeating the 'Iron Balloon.' There had to be some negotiation or advantage in play.
Sengoku nodded, composed. "Even so, the facts remain. Intelligence reports confirm Marco battled Big Mom on the Kohn Islands for ten consecutive days and nights, fighting from seven in the morning until eleven or twelve at night. That cannot be faked."
Sakazuki and Kizaru both nodded silently.
Sengoku continued, "Perhaps Marco reached a breakthrough after the Marineford War, increasing his strength dramatically. In any case, the final result stands: Marco's victory. Big Mom herself admitted defeat. His strength now far surpasses his previous bounty of 1.8 billion Berries. There's no doubt he has reached Emperor-level power."
Sakazuki scowled in frustration. "I never imagined that after eliminating Whitebeard and thinking we could dismantle a Four Emperors crew, Marco would step in and take over the Whitebeard Pirates. And his power… it has clearly grown even stronger since Whitebeard's death."
Sengoku's expression turned serious. "What do you think of Marco's new bounty? What would be appropriate?"
Normally, the Fleet Admiral wouldn't involve himself in a pirate's bounty, but Marco's stature as a newly recognized Four Emperors warranted consideration.
Meanwhile, aboard the Moby Dick, Marco finally stirred, opening his eyes to the familiar sight of his cabin. His body was bandaged, and a deep weariness lingered throughout his frame.
"Captain Marco, you're awake!" shouted a crew member, excitement clear in his voice. The rest of the crew rushed in as well.
Ace ran forward, relief flooding his face. "Marco! You're alright! Call Doctor Law immediately!"
Law arrived and carefully examined him. "The Leader of the Phoenix Pirates is in good condition, just severely exhausted. A few days of rest will be sufficient. Avoid high-intensity activity for now, or it could leave lasting damage."
Marco let out a calm breath. "I'm a doctor myself. I understand my condition. Don't worry. I'll be careful."
Rising from the bed, he asked, "By the way… how long have I been out?"
Fossa replied, "Two full days. You had a high fever the entire time, but you've recovered fully."
Marco exhaled deeply, stepping out onto the deck. The bright sunlight greeted him, and he asked quietly, "And the current situation? What's going on?"
_____
Unlock Exclusive Early Access
Become a patron today and enjoy chapters before anyone else.
Support the story and join the journey: Patreon.com/Zphyr