Pirates: Dangerous Options in My Brain

"Fufufu, that guy is really brave."

Not far away, Doflamingo, who was on the same side as Hancock, couldn't help but laugh when he saw Vivian actively engaging Marco.

"Die in this war, Vivian..."

That way, the profit will return to me...

He thought to himself.

At the same time, not ten paces away, Mihawk, who had been standing still with his arms crossed, drew his black sword under the watchful eyes of everyone.

"Mihawk is going to fight?"

"It's rare for him to take the initiative."

Many high-ranking marines showed surprised expressions.

But Mihawk didn't even glance at them. His eyes were locked on Vista, who was fighting on the battlefield, and a strange battle intent burned within him.

"It's rare to meet a swordsman who makes my blood boil..."

He muttered, while also glancing at Vivian, who was constantly clashing with Marco.

And that kid...

If he survives this war, I might have another person to spar with.

After all, I'm quite interested in that lightning-fast sword technique and the blood-red blade he wields.

...

"Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Flaming Thunder God!"

A thunder dragon appeared instantly.

As Vivian's figure appeared behind Marco, the blue flames on Marco's back cracked, and blood seeped from various parts of his body, only to heal immediately, returning to their previous unscathed state.

"Is that your strongest attack, navy boy?"

Marco turned and stomped on Vivian's sword, the impact creating shockwaves that sent many soldiers flying.

"Of course... not!"

"Thunder Breathing, Third Form: Thunder Swarm!"

Like someone whose secret had been exposed, Vivian angrily struck Marco's leg and began spinning around him at high speed.

One after another, lightning strikes capable of turning a person to charcoal hit Marco, but he blocked them all with his limbs, leaving Vivian, who had used all his strength, feeling deeply powerless.

Is this Observation Haki?

He can predict my every move...

"Don't waste your energy. If it weren't for that thunder dragon slash, you wouldn't have hurt me at all," Marco said, punching Vivian in the chest.

"Ugh!" The Haki-infused punch sent Vivian flying, spitting blood, and crashing into the stone walls.

Dust rose, and rubble buried Vivian. But five seconds later, before Marco could walk away, Vivian crawled out, covered in blood, and continued approaching Marco with his Blood Demon Blade.

The surrounding marines were stunned.

That kid... is he not afraid of death?

"This is impossible to win."

"That guy is risking his life to stop Marco the Phoenix?"

Such determination...

Such unwavering commitment to justice...

It's truly inspiring!

"Brothers, charge! We can't let these pirates rescue Portgas!"

"He's the most dangerous pirate, the son of the former Pirate King Roger!"

"We must kill this demon child here to prevent another terrifying era."

Roger's casual words at his execution started the Great Pirate Era, sending countless people to the sea in search of the "One Piece," creating so called pirates, and causing chaos to the sea.

Now, to prevent the birth of another Pirate King, they must kill Ace before he grows up.

Even at the cost of their lives!

"For justice!"

"For peace!"

"Take down the Whitebeard Pirates!"

"Die, Emperor!"

The battle grew increasingly intense.

Unbeknownst to Vivian, his actions had invisibly boosted the morale of his fellow soldiers.

"Marco, your opponent is me. As long as I'm alive today, you won't reach the execution platform."

"Kid, I admit, you're a worthy opponent." Marco flapped his wings, his eyes fixed on the blood-soaked Vivian.

He was quite surprised himself.

That last strike of his had been nearly his full strength, enhanced with Conqueror's Haki. Even a Vice Admiral would have had their chest bones shattered and been unable to stand. But this guy...

His physical resilience was far beyond what Marco had imagined.

"Ugh!" Vivian coughed up blood, crouching down and assuming a sword-drawing stance again.

He was mentally cursing the mission for not specifying a time limit. How long was he supposed to hold off Marco?

Until Ace was executed?

Or until he lost consciousness?

But no matter what, if he backed down now, the mission would likely end in failure.

And his participation in this war would be for nothing.

So...

"I can't fall here!"

"Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Flaming Thunder God!"

A massive lightning dragon formed from the blade and above Vivian's head.

"That move again?" Marco squinted, immediately going on guard.

The next second.

Crackle—!

Lightning and flames intertwined once more. As the giant lightning dragon was completely consumed by the Phoenix's blue flames, Vivian appeared behind Marco, thrusting his sword towards his back.

Slash!

The sound of the blade piercing flesh.

However, the expected scene of the Blood Demon Blade stabbing into Marco's body didn't occur. The blade tip only pierced Marco's left palm. In the next moment, Vivian was kicked in the abdomen by Marco's bird claw, engulfed in flames, and rolled to the side.

"Phoenix Stamp!"

Boom—!

Smoke and dust enveloped the battlefield around them.

Marco glanced at the wound on his palm, then at the collapsed Vivian, his previously calm expression turning serious.

"A feint?"

If he had reacted a bit slower, even with Observation Haki, he might have had his heart pierced by that strike.

Even without Haki, he's this strong...

"He's truly a frightening guy..."

Using the flames on his body to quickly heal his palm, Marco thought for a moment and then turned, walking quickly towards Vivian.

At this moment, he had developed a slight killing intent towards this young and outstanding marine.