Crack!
A sharp snap came from Marco's shin. The lingering force of Conqueror's Haki bore down on his Blue Flames, scattering the blue fire just as it gathered around the wound.
He gritted his teeth and managed a smile. Blue Flames wound around the injury once more.
"Conqueror's Haki at this level... It's still ridiculous."
Shanks did not pursue him. He held Griffin at an angle beside him, black-and-red lightning still flickering along its edge.
"Do you know who you're standing in front of?"
Marco was about to answer when something whistled through the air above him.
Boom!
Jozu crashed down from high above. Covered head to toe in glittering diamond, he smashed a huge crater into the shore and sent stones flying.
The dust cleared.
He glanced at Shanks, then at the blood-soaked Vista, and spoke in a rumbling voice.
"I'm late."
Vista gave a rare smile and twirled his twin swords.
"You are."
Rayleigh and Gaban pulled back at the same time.
Van Augur, Shiryu, and Burgess hurried back to Teach's side, breathing hard.
The Red-Hair Pirates' officers regrouped and began to close in.
Shanks looked at Marco. His voice was calm, but it carried weight.
"You know what Teach has done over the years."
"I do."
Marco dropped out of his Human-Beast Form and glanced back at Teach. "He's a complete bastard. Greedy, treacherous, and especially good at causing trouble..."
Vista actually nodded. "That's true enough."
Marco turned back to Shanks, his gaze steady.
"Villains don't deserve sympathy."
He paused, and his voice grew heavier.
"But family is different."
Teach froze.
"Pops accepted him. Nobody else gets to decide for us when he dies."
Marco looked back at Teach again, a note of distaste in his voice.
"Don't get the wrong idea."
"Saving you today doesn't mean