In that split second, not only did Charlotte Cracker's expression change dramatically, but even Smoothie's face reflected shock.
It all happened so fast.
The two Sweet Commanders brought their swords down on Marco's body with almost no resistance, the dark blue flames of regeneration instantly flaring up in response.
At the same time, Marco's massive flaming blade, charged with immense power, crashed down without obstruction… right onto Cracker's real body!
Cracker's cookie armor, which once gave him the imposing appearance of a mighty general, began to crack with a loud snap, fissures spreading across its surface.
Then, with a resounding boom, the sturdy cookie armor shattered into countless fragments, flying in all directions.
But even then—
Marco's sword continued its trajectory, finally striking Cracker's true form beneath the armor!
Splat~~!
Even though Cracker had covered his real body in Armament Haki, greatly increasing his defense, blood spurted out like a sudden downpour!
It was clear—whether in terms of raw power or Armament Haki mastery, Cracker was outmatched!
His Haki was no match for Marco's!
And it didn't stop there. Cracker was shocked to realize that his Observation Haki hadn't been able to predict Marco's slash.
"His Observation Haki… it's stronger than mine!" Cracker thought, his mind racing.
His body was flung through the air, a streak of blood tracing his path. The smell of blood filled the air as Cracker's body smashed into the ground, kicking up a thick cloud of dust as he skidded across the battlefield for meters.
"Retreat!"
Without hesitation, Charlotte Smoothie withdrew.
Though her sword had struck Marco, she was shocked to discover that the wound, however deep it had been, had already begun healing the moment it was enveloped by Marco's regenerative blue flames.
Even to someone as powerful as Smoothie, Marco's Phoenix Fruit abilities were unbelievably overwhelming.
Marco had taken their blows, but after flipping back through the air, his massive flaming wings flapped, stabilizing him effortlessly. The slashes left by Cracker and Smoothie had healed almost instantly, the deep blue regeneration flames knitting the wounds closed in mere moments.
There wasn't a scratch left on him.
Wow~~!
The pirates watching from the sea were thrown into an uproar.
The two Sweet Commanders of the Big Mom Pirates, after just one exchange with Marco, had both been injured and forced to retreat!
"How… how is this possible? Marco's strength… it feels even greater than before!"
One pirate voiced the thought that many were beginning to have.
Another pirate shook his head in disbelief. "That's impossible! Once you reach a level as high as the Four Emperors, improving even a small amount is like trying to reach the heavens. In such a short time… how could Marco have possibly grown stronger?"
Yet, as he replayed the battle in his mind, the realization sank in—Marco had indeed grown stronger!
"Oh my god, this is unbelievable! Marco's combat ability… in such a short time, it's improved again?!"
More and more pirates were having the same astounding thought.
"Marco the Phoenix…"
In everyone's minds, the image of the dark blue flames lingered.
Once again, they were reminded of Marco's miraculous regenerative flames.
Once again, they witnessed the flame's power heal the wounds inflicted by the Sweet Commanders in an instant!
"Terrifying Phoenix Fruit ability!"
Countless spectators couldn't help but be awestruck by it—the Phoenix Fruit's power was truly too overwhelming!
"Wow, isn't he incredible?"
"With one against two, and forcing them into retreat with just a single blow, Marco truly lives up to being my most admired idol—he's so incredibly cool!"
Among the countless exclamations, the sounds of admiration continued to ring out.
In this vast ocean where only the strong are revered, pirates especially idolize those with great power. And now, Marco was clearly the embodiment of strength in their eyes.
"Go, idol! Crush them!"
Out on the sea, female pirates clenched their fists, waving and shouting encouragement for Marco as they cheered him on from afar.
...
"Are you alright?"
Charlotte Smoothie swiftly landed beside Cracker and asked.
"I'm fine."
A massive wound stretched from Cracker's left shoulder down to his lower right side, especially gruesome near his left shoulder. The sight was shocking…
But Cracker, being the tough fighter he was, didn't even flinch and stood back up, steady as ever.
Whoosh~!
From his wound, an incredibly thick layer of biscuits formed, sealing the gash.
This guy actually sealed his injury with cookies!
"Watch out for his Haki—both Armament and Observation are on another level!"
Cracker's voice was hoarse and low.
His own formidable Armament Haki had been shattered as if it was nothing in front of Marco's strength, leaving him genuinely rattled.
What left an even greater impression, though, was Marco's mastery of Observation Haki. Not only had Cracker been outclassed, but even Smoothie couldn't match Marco in that regard!
"Then give it everything you've got! Oven and Snack are already dead. If we don't take down Marco… we'll be facing Mom's wrath!"
Smoothie gritted her teeth, gathering her strength.
Rumble!
But before the two could charge at him, Marco, on the other side, had already spread his massive flaming wings. Like an immortal phoenix, he swooped down with blinding speed, diving straight at them.
"Hmph!"
Cracker snorted in anger, his body charging forward without hesitation. Mid-rush, his form shifted, revealing a full set of eight arms, each one brandishing a massive sword.
All eight arms moved in unison, unleashing a brutal attack with his eight giant blades.
Wave Pretzel!
The swords gleamed with intense light, sending out eight powerful shockwaves that cut through the air like deadly lasers, aiming directly for Marco.
At the same time—
Smoothie launched her attack.
As a member of the Longleg Tribe, her legs possessed incredible leaping power. Her body crouched low before she suddenly propelled herself upward with explosive force. Mid-air, her long sword was now coated with powerful Armament Haki, radiating a deadly aura as it slashed down toward Marco's head with the speed of lightning.
In that moment, even the pirates observing the battle from afar held their breath…
All eyes were locked on Marco.