Luffy was stunned after hearing Rayleigh's words and shouted, "Rayleigh, do you know that old man?"
Rayleigh's expression turned serious as he replied, "I do. He used to lead the God's Knights, and his strength rivaled Whitebeard."
Luffy's eyes widened. "He's as strong as that old man?"
When Saint Figarland Garling heard Whitebeard's name, he let out a cold snort. "Whitebeard was worth remembering, but he refused this saint's invitation. If he had accepted, he would not have died so soon."
He paused briefly, then continued with a hint of regret, "If he were still alive, I would have killed him myself. What a waste."
Rayleigh said nothing. His eyes stayed fixed on Garling, filled with caution. He had never fought him directly, but he had once witnessed Garling clash with Whitebeard from afar. Even in that brief encounter, Garling had not been at a disadvantage.
Garling looked at Rayleigh, slowly drawing the sword at his waist. "Shamrock, deal with Straw Hat Luffy. I will handle Rayleigh myself."
Saint Shamrock responded immediately, "Yes, Father."
Rayleigh stared at Garling without blinking. Compared to Shamrock, Garling was far more dangerous. His thoughts raced as he realized just how dire the situation had become. Facing both of them at once was impossible.
This felt even worse than what happened at Sabaody.
He raised his voice, "Luffy, contact your brother Ace now and call the Phoenix Pirates for help."
"Ace?" Luffy quickly remembered. Back at Sabaody, Ace had given him a Den Den Mushi so they could stay in touch.
Since then, Luffy had been focused on training, and Hancock had been taking care of it.
Without hesitation, Luffy dashed toward Hancock. His current strength rivaled that of elite Marine Vice Admirals, allowing him to break through quickly and reach her and her sisters.
"Hancock, you still have my Den Den Mushi, right?"
"Of course. This concubine takes care of it every day," Hancock replied, retrieving it and handing it over.
The Marines' expressions changed the moment they saw it. Memories of their clashes with the Phoenix Pirates at Whole Cake Island and Egghead Island resurfaced instantly.
Saint Shamrock shouted, "Do not let him contact Fire Fist Ace. Stop him now."
He immediately rushed toward Luffy.
After Marineford, the entire world knew the bond between Luffy and Ace. Luffy's reckless invasion of Impel Down and Marineford had proven just how far he would go for his brother.
If Luffy managed to reach Ace, there was no doubt Ace would come, and likely bring the Phoenix Pirates with him.
And if they moved, the other Yonko crews might also get involved. The situation could spiral into another massive war between the Marines and the Emperors Alliance.
The cost of such a conflict would be enormous.
The Marines had already suffered heavy losses in two recent large-scale wars. The battles at Whole Cake Island and Egghead Island had made one thing clear, Marineford alone could not stand against the combined might of the Three Emperors Alliance.
At the center of that power was Marco, whose strength had become overwhelming. Alongside him was Kaido, who, according to Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr, now surpassed even Roger and Whitebeard. With Big Mom added to the equation, their combined force was simply too much.
Hancock stepped forward and said firmly, "Luffy, go. I will hold them back."
She understood the situation clearly. Their only chance now rested on Ace and the forces behind him.
Rayleigh sensed Luffy moving deeper into the forests of Amazon Lily. All he could do now was hope they could endure long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
This was not like Sabaody, where Kuma had saved them.
Amazon Lily lay in the Calm Belt. Escape by sea was nearly impossible with Marine warships surrounding the area. And Hancock would never abandon her homeland.
Rayleigh himself could escape if he chose to dive into the sea, but he could not leave Luffy and Hancock behind.
If he fled, they would die.
"Don't think you can escape, Straw Hat Luffy," Shamrock shouted as he gave chase.
Hancock tried to intercept him, but several Marine Vice Admirals blocked her path. Left with no choice, she placed her trust in Luffy.
At that moment, a powerful slash cut through the air.
Luffy rolled across the ground, barely dodging it. The attack carved through the forest, slicing the tops off the trees and leaving a wide path of destruction.
Luffy gritted his teeth. He knew just how dangerous his opponent was. Without hesitation, he activated Gear Second, increasing his speed as he fled.
"Hmph, trying to run? This island is small. Where can a landlubber like you go?" Shamrock said as he launched another fierce slash, forcing Luffy into a desperate scramble.
Luffy shielded the Den Den Mushi with both hands as he tried to make the call. The line had not connected yet.
"Ace, hurry up... pick up already!"