Facing the charging phoenix, Hancock shot forward as well. A phoenix cry rang out, and wings formed of five-colored flames appeared behind her. Even the sky, thick with gathering storm clouds, was pierced by specks of auspicious light at the sound of that cry.
The instant he heard that phoenix cry, Marco froze, and then a sense of terror welled up from the depths of his soul.
It was an instinctive fear of a superior being, like a lone wolf encountering the alpha, or an ordinary lion meeting its king—a Pressure Seal engraved deep into the soul.
The two figures crossed paths in the air in an instant before separating at the same time. No one saw how they had exchanged blows; they only saw the blue phoenix plummet toward the sea.
"Captain Marco!"
"Boss!"
"Division Commander!"
Cries of alarm rang out from the Moby Dick. Most people stared wide-eyed in disbelief. What had happened? Marco had been instantly defeated in the very first exchange. His Phoenix Fruit was said to grant immortality—even Pops couldn't kill him in one blow!
Had that woman truly become this strong?
Doubt rose in many hearts, and even the way they looked at Hancock changed.
Some crewmen without Devil Fruit abilities immediately jumped into the sea and swam frantically toward Marco.
Marco was the second most important person aboard the Moby Dick. If something happened to him, the consequences would be disastrous.
Several crewmen entered the water, their shouts carrying across the waves. It seemed they had found Marco. About a minute later, they carried him back onto the Moby Dick.
Hancock hovered in midair. After glancing down, she made no further move and looked up toward the sky.
Whitebeard and Shanks flickered in and out of sight amid the storm clouds. Almost no