Chapter 78: Karkus vs. Cracker

In truth, Ace had enough strength to destroy Cracker's ship before it even reached shore. But he didn't. This wasn't just his battle—it was a test for the entire Spade Pirates crew. If his crew couldn't match someone like Cracker, Ace wouldn't interfere.

This battle was being watched across the world. Ace knew it. And he needed to let his crew prove themselves.

After this, their bounties would skyrocket.

Cracker, annoyed by Ace's indifference, drew his famous sword Pretzel and launched an attack.

"Pretzel!"

The blade, wrapped in Armament Haki, spun rapidly and unleashed a spiraling slash.

Ace's body flared with flames as he prepared to block it—

—but just then, a small figure burst between them, intercepting the slash.

"Knight—Spinning Thrust!"

Clang!

The flaming knight's spear pierced the spiraling slash and clashed with Pretzel, forcing Cracker to step back.

"Who are you!?" Cracker snapped.

"My name is Alexander Karkus, and I am a Warrior of the Sun!"

Yes—it was Karkus, the Sun Elf warrior. Accompanying him were Carols and Pai Bonsi, who had returned after delivering Wores and Gambi to safety.

"Sun Warrior?" Cracker scoffed. "Never heard of you." He lunged, his entire arm vibrating before thrusting forward.

"Wave Pretzel!"

The tremoring slash tore through the air toward Karkus.

Karkus prepared to respond, but Ace stopped him.

"Stand down, Karkus. This isn't your fight."

Ace condensed flame into a spear and hurled it at Cracker.

"Sacred Fire Shiranui!"

Boom!

The explosion knocked Cracker backward.

Karkus stared at Ace. "Why didn't you let me—"

"This is a battle for the Spade Pirates," Ace said seriously. "You're not one of us yet. This isn't your place."

Karkus was silent. Then, he stepped forward and declared:

"Then let me join. Right now. Accept me into your crew, Ace!"

He had already made up his mind—this wasn't about the Sun Elves. This was his decision.

Ace grinned. "Of course! I've always liked you, bastard."

"Then, Captain Ace!" Karkus drew his spear and turned to face Cracker. "Let me handle this enemy!"

Ace nodded. "He's yours, Knight Karkus."

Elsewhere, Carols burst into tears—not from sadness, but joy.

The brother who bore the burden of their people's legacy… had finally chosen freedom.

"Can he really handle it?" asked Yanliu nervously. "Cracker's bounty is even higher than Ace's…"

Smack!

Carols punched him. "Karkus is strong, you idiot!"

"Ow!"

"Ha! He deserved that," laughed Yaqi. "He's our partner now. And we believe in our partners."

Karkus raised his lance, pointing it at Cracker.

"Hey you—freak hiding in armor—I'm Alexander Karkus of the Spade Pirates. I'm your opponent now."

"You damn brat!" Cracker snarled. "Stop insulting me! I'm Sweet Commander Cracker of the Big Mom Pirates!"

"Double Roll Pretzel!"

Two additional arms sprouted from his Biscuit Soldier. He struck with twin spiral slashes, one at Ace and one at Karkus.

"Knight—Quick Thrust!"

Karkus's spear moved with blinding speed, forming afterimages. His stabs shredded the twin slashes.

"I told you—your opponent is me!"

Flapping his small wings, Karkus instantly appeared in front of Cracker.

"Knight Thrust!"

Boom!

Cracker was blown back. Cracks appeared in his biscuit armor.

"You little pest!" Cracker raged and charged. The two engaged in a furious melee.

"I'll leave this to you, Karkus," Ace called. He turned away from the battlefield.

"Now…" He looked toward the Whitebeard Pirates' ship, half of his body turning into flame. "…it's time to meet the captains."

Among the Four Emperors, the Red-Haired Pirates had yet to appear. The Beasts Pirates never came for reasons unknown. Cracker's group was manageable—especially with Karkus.

But the real question was Whitebeard.

Even Ace had no confidence in defeating the captains of the Whitebeard Pirates.

And that was what made this next confrontation critical.

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