Big Mom had reverted to her emaciated, white-haired form. Even Kaido frowned slightly. Though he could still sense her presence, it was much weaker than before.
"Linlin, can you still hold on?" Kaido asked, concern threading through his booming voice.
Big Mom slowly opened her tired eyes and forced a spirited grin. "Who do you think I am? Kaido, as long as this old woman has enough souls, she can recover very quickly."
Kaido laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "worororo, that's good. You're an important ally. Our alliance has only just begun, and I won't let you die here. Live well!"
Smoothie and the others breathed a sigh of relief. With both Kaido and Marco present on the battlefield, the alliance was secure. If Kaido had chosen to attack the weakened Big Mom, the alliance might have collapsed entirely.
Katakuri's expression, however, remained grim. His body was battered, a result of back-to-back clashes with Admiral Aramaki, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, and Saint Peter. Each fight had pushed him past his limits.
The war on Whole Cake Island had taken a devastating toll on the Big Mom Pirates. They were now the weakest of the Three Emperors in terms of immediate strength. Every movement required careful vigilance; any misstep could have left them vulnerable to the Phoenix Pirates or the Beasts Pirates.
Yet both Kaido and Marco were unconcerned with such politics. Kaido owed Big Mom a favor, and as long as she lived, he would not harm her crew. Marco, meanwhile, had no reason to restrain himself; even without the Three Emperors Alliance, he would continue his war against the World Government.
"Doctor, how is Mama's condition?" Smoothie asked anxiously.
The ship's doctor replied gravely, "Her Majesty's body is extremely weak. Externally, there are no injuries, but internally, the damage is severe. Her bodily functions are declining; she is like an eighty-year-old woman."
Moments later, Big Mom's crew brought over the barely-living Marines from Cake Island. "Mama, use their lifespans to recover from your injuries!" they urged.
Big Mom's eyes gleamed as she extended her massive hand, drawing the remaining lifespans from the Marines. The soldiers collapsed instantly, lifeless.
With the influx of soul power, Big Mom's shriveled form gradually regained its former mass, and her hair slowly returned from white to its signature pink.
Marco approached Kaido, who was watching the scene unfold. Kaido grinned. "worororo, Marco, I heard you killed Sakazuki and even captured Admiral Kizaru. Is that true?"
"Mhm," Marco nodded. "And you? I heard Sengoku and Garp tried to intercept you. Did they give you much trouble?"
Kaido's expression darkened. "Hmph. Those old geezers kept skirting the fight, refusing to face me head-on."
Marco didn't waste time. "Kaido, with the Marines and World Government personally entering the fray, the war will only intensify. I want to strike Mary Geoise again, capture a few Celestial Dragons, and publicly execute them, declaring war on the World Government and Marines. A great idea, don't you think?"
Kaido paused, considering, then replied, "No. Don't rush. We're not ready yet. Our priority is One Piece. Once we have it, we can challenge the World Government."
Marco scowled. "Why chase One Piece? Do you even know what it is, or are you just after the title of Pirate King? With your current strength, you're already on par with Roger."
Kaido fell silent. Even he knew he had become obsessed with One Piece, yet in terms of raw strength, he was the strongest creature across land, sea, and air. One Piece remained a symbol, but a deeply compelling dream for every pirate.
Marco laughed softly. "You really have no interest in One Piece at all, do you?"
Kaido's grin widened. "And by the way, did Whitebeard leave you a Poneglyph?"
Marco smirked. "I've already said I don't care about One Piece. No need to ask again."
At that moment, Big Mom's booming laughter cut through the tension. "Mama mamamama! Don't say that! Marco, as a pirate, isn't it normal to aim for One Piece?"
Kaido chuckled at Big Mom's recovery. "worororo, Old Hag, seems your Devil Fruit is useful! You recovered quickly."
Big Mom's aura returned with full force. "Hmph, who do you think this old woman is? As long as there are souls, no matter the injury, this old woman can recover. Unless you kill me directly, I will not fall!"
She shook her head and narrowed her eyes. "Now that you two are here, we must plan our next move carefully. The Marines inflicted heavy losses this time, and they will pay."
Katakuri looked worried. "Mama, your body…"
"Hmph, just a minor setback. Get me some food! I'm starving!" Big Mom barked. After hours of intense combat, even soul plundering could not restore her physical and mental energy completely. She needed sustenance to regain her full strength.
"Understood…" Smoothie replied, rushing to carry out her orders.
The alliance of the Three Emperors had survived this brutal battle.