As the Whitebeard Pirates' second-in-command, Marco was first-rate in both strength and judgment.
Rubick said, "You know what'll happen if the Whitebeard Pirates charge into Marineford, don't you?"
Marco's eyes remained half-lidded. "Pops is beyond even my ability to heal. I think he's looking for a place to make a glorious exit."
Rubick nodded. "Better to die in battle than in a sickbed. Especially for Whitebeard, the World's Strongest Man. If he died of illness, no one would mourn him. They'd just laugh at him."
Just like Roger back then. Knowing he was going to die, he had used his life to usher in the Great Pirate Era.
They stepped through the Portal and arrived at the ruins of Enies Lobby.
Marco said, "We're ready. It might make more sense to grab Ace as he leaves Enies Lobby, but Pops still thinks storming Marineford head-on is the bolder move."
Marco clapped a hand on Rubick's shoulder. "When the time comes, we'll need you to open a huge Portal and get all of us into Marineford."
"Don't worry," Rubick said. "I will. And I'll fight alongside you."
"You don't have to go that far."
"I used to travel with the Straw Hat Pirates. You know that," Rubick explained. "Their captain, Luffy, is Ace's sworn little brother. If he hears about this, he'll definitely go."
Marco didn't think much of Luffy's chances. "With his strength, he'd only be going there to die."
"That's our concern."
"As their coach, I need to show them how cruel the sea can be, and how far they are from the real powerhouses," Rubick said earnestly. "So when the time comes, I'll send the entire Straw Hat Pirates to Marineford."
"Suit yourself. Just don't expect us to spare any attention for them. We're going to rescue Ace,