"You'd be better off helping Whitebeard right now."
Rayleigh spoke to Ace.
Ace glanced toward Pops. Jozu had reached Whitebeard and was helping take the pressure off him, holding Aokiji at bay for the moment.
But Whitebeard was still in a bad position against Akainu and Kizaru together. His old wounds seemed to have flared up, too.
"Ace, don't worry about me!"
Perhaps Whitebeard had heard Ace and Rayleigh's conversation through Observation Haki, because he shouted across to them.
Rayleigh had saved Ace. Whatever his reason, he was a benefactor of the Whitebeard Pirates, and Whitebeard could not simply leave him behind.
Whitebeard might have been a pirate, but he believed in repaying a debt.
"Aroma Leg!"
While they were talking, Hancock kicked out. Rayleigh raised his sword just in time to block her, or Ace would have taken the blow.
The blade she had struck had already turned to stone.
"Hmph."
Anything struck by Aroma Leg would be petrified. Even Dark King Rayleigh would be finished in a single hit if it landed.
Of course, Armament Haki could defend against a Devil Fruit's power.
"Momousagi, take care of that kid first." Hancock pointed at Ace.
Once Momousagi dealt with Ace, they could join forces against Rayleigh. Hancock did not think she could defeat Dark King Rayleigh alone.
Momousagi nodded without objection and swung her Haki-coated blade at Ace. Against a skilled Haki user, a Logia Devil Fruit user could no longer rely on Logia Transformation.
"Jozu, go help Ace. Have him take Rayleigh and retreat."
Even as Whitebeard fought Kizaru and Akainu, he kept an eye on Ace. Ace had been driven onto the defensive by Momousagi after only a short exchange.
If the fight went on, Ace stood no chance, so Whitebeard sent Jozu to help him.
They