"Alliance Leader!" Ichiji was utterly emotionless and calm. He did not get so excited he was about to faint like the others; he merely greeted Hiko politely.
Hiko floated down, his eyes gleaming. The enormous Susanoo beat its wings and soared into the sky, pouncing toward another area as Hiko controlled its every movement.
"Impressive!" Kuzan still wore that lazy, punchable expression, though there was a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Facing the full strength of a Four Emperors crew and still gaining such an advantage... Your command ability far surpasses those famous military commanders in this world."
Hiko showed no reaction to Kuzan's praise. He turned and looked around before asking, "Where's Jinbe? And where are Whitebeard's remnants, Marco and the others?"
"The Alliance Leader's three-pronged pincer tactic was excellent. Marco has already led his forces out of our formation and broken into Blackbeard's central fleet. He wants to personally kill Blackbeard and avenge his grievances," Ichiji said coldly.
"Hmph! I'm afraid he'll be disappointed." Hiko spoke blandly. "But I'm even more disappointed. Is this man really the famed great pirate of the New World? How can he act so impulsively? If Blackbeard manages to tear open the encirclement and lets a large number of Pirates escape, that'll be a real headache."
Hiko knew perfectly well that Marco had a grudge against Blackbeard. That was why, when he had first begun laying out the plan, he had sent Jinbe secretly to Wano Country to find Marco's group, told him the entire pincer strategy, and informed Marco that this was the perfect chance for revenge.
Sure enough, driven by his thirst for vengeance, Marco immediately led his remaining forces to join hands with the Uchiha Alliance. Jinbe's guarantee had been what eased Marco's wariness.
But now, the moment Marco