Watching Roger's Execution from the Start

Even a phoenix's flames had their limits.

Marco had considered fighting from a distance and wearing his opponent down.

But whenever he spread his wings and rose barely half a foot off the ground, a powerful force dragged him back down. His strength vanished without a trace.

Even his ranged attacks were swiftly knocked down the moment they neared the old man.

It was as though an invisible force field surrounded him. The closer Marco got, the more it felt like sinking into a mud swamp, unable to break free.

"Why not surrender? There's no point struggling."

Issho spoke without hurry.

Not a speck of dust stained his robes.

"Save it! I'm never surrendering!"

Marco gave a low shout and lunged forward. Undying Blue Flame gathered in his hand, forming Phoenix Tail Feathers before becoming a massive fist of fire that he swung at Issho.

Azure Flame Goose!!!

Rayleigh stared grimly at Akainu, magma dripping from his body. The surrounding ice had melted away. Scalding steam filled the air, and the deep-blue seawater boiled and bubbled. Stray chunks of ice drifting in from afar melted in an instant.

It was as though this place had become a world of its own, sharply divided from the frozen landscape beyond.

"How's it going? Tired yet? Want to take a half-time break?"

Rayleigh glanced around and managed a strained smile.

"Hmph! I never agreed with letting you Pirates go. Since you've been foolish enough to show up today, you'll stay in Marineford forever!"

Akainu snorted. Magma poured from his fists even faster, and the thick, acrid stench of sulfur filled Rayleigh's nose, setting his nerves on edge.

Great Eruption!!!

High on the Execution Platform, Sengoku watched the battlefield and silently counted the time. His hand had already slipped onto another Signal Transmitter.