Ace Returns

Chapter 252: Ace Returns

Sengoku gazed at Solo's figure and felt completely astonished. As the Marshal of the Marine Headquarters, Sengoku considered himself well-informed. However, he couldn't comprehend what was happening with this Marine. Can anyone explain it to him? How is he able to use such an unconventional physical skill?

"Even with Observation Haki, you can't predict Solo's movements," Sengoku couldn't help but take a breath. In his attempt to understand Solo's offensive style, Sengoku unleashed his Observation Haki. 

But to his surprise, even his Haki couldn't anticipate Solo's next move. It was as if Solo vanished from the world. Not only were people unable to see him, but Observation Haki couldn't perceive him either. This peculiar fighting style completely subverted Sengoku's understanding of physical abilities.

He couldn't help but wonder, is Solo's mastery of physical skills better than Garp's? Solos Eight Inner Gates seemed superior to the Marine Six Styles. 

Even as the second-in-command of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco was being overwhelmed by Solo, unable to counter even the most basic attacks. It was truly incredible.

And it wasn't just Sengoku who was astonished. Everyone who witnessed Solo rubbing Marco into the ground with his fighting style was left in shock. 

Even Kizaru, who had fought against Marco at the beginning of the war, found himself embarrassed when facing Solo.

"That Marine kid seems faster than light. Not only is his swordsmanship exceptional, but his physical skills are also incredibly strong. And he possesses Conqueror's Haki, a power that is only born in one in a million individuals. On top of that, he has the strongest Paramecia Devil Fruit power. This Marine boy might already be the strongest person in the sea," Kizaru contemplated, amazed at Solo's abilities.

"Even when I joined the Marines at his age, this little devil is already the strongest in the world. Truly, some people are simply more extraordinary than others," Kizaru concluded.

Aokiji, another Marine Admiral, was equally dumbfounded. When Solo clashed with Whitebeard, Aokiji personally intervened to prevent Marco from interfering in their battle. He used all his strength to stop Marco, but even he wasn't entirely confident about defeating him. 

Marco, in terms of physical prowess and Haki, was considered a top-tier powerhouse. His Devil Fruit abilities were even rarer than Logia types. Regardless of the aspect, Marco had no weaknesses, making him the second strongest in the Whitebeard Pirates and Whitebeard's right-hand man.

However...

In the face of Solo, such a formidable opponent, Marco was being overwhelmingly beaten. Aokiji couldn't help but feel shocked. He felt as if the gap between him and Solo was enormous, surpassing his own abilities.

"How big is the gap between me and Solo?" Aokiji swallowed nervously, his throat rolling. He believed that Solo's current strength was likely beyond his own, and not just slightly. It was truly on a whole other level.

Solo swiftly moved past Marco, relentlessly landing punch after punch. Even Marco's regenerative abilities couldn't keep up with the onslaught from Solo. 

Marco's recovery wasn't true immortality, and each time he healed from an injury, it consumed a significant amount of physical strength. Although such exertion meant little to Marco individually, the cumulative effect of continuous use eventually became overwhelming. Even Marco couldn't endure it.

"If this continues, I'll die..." Marco gritted his teeth, realizing the severity of his situation. He had hoped to buy some time by relying on his Devil Fruit power, but Solo's strength surpassed his expectations. 

Most of Marco's physical strength had been depleted, and he could no longer completely heal his injuries. Desperation filled his mind within a matter of minutes, as he found himself in an unprecedented dire situation.

Marco cursed inwardly, feeling his own weakness for the first time. Even a Marine couldn't stop this onslaught. If only he were stronger, perhaps he could break through Aokiji's defense line and go help Whitebeard.

Garp, standing on a high building, crossed his arms over his chest as he observed the battle. He had a complete view of Solo and Marco's confrontation. The outcome of the battle was becoming evident, but Garp recognized that it wasn't due to Marco's lack of strength. 

Marco was undeniably powerful, one of the best in the entire war, and close to a legendary pirate. However, he was facing Solo, who was stronger than him. Moreover, Marco's ability to hold his own for such a long time in that situation was already a remarkable feat.

"Well done, Marco," Garp applauded, acknowledging Marco's bravery. 

Marco's actions allowed Ace and Luffy to return to the sea. But just as Garp was about to continue his thoughts, a fierce cloud of flames approached, targeting SSolo and aiming to push him away from Marco. Garp's eyes widened in disbelief. 

He couldn't deny the source of the flames—it was his grandson's ability, Ace, and his Mera-Mera Fruit power.

"Marco, I can't leave you alone!" Ace declared, realizing that he couldn't ignore the situation.