Issho finally nodded.
Because if the Marines were to win this battle, they would have the strength to launch a full-scale assault on the New World while the three great pirate Emperors were severely weakened, or even fallen.
Even if they couldn't conquer the entire New World, making it as stable as the first half of the Grand Line would be an immense achievement.
This would be far better than his previous actions of merely dealing with evildoers he encountered.
His past deeds could only save a handful of people, whereas this war could save at least one-third of the seas in the New World.
At this moment, he suddenly realized: saving one person is not as good as saving ten thousand.
So he firmly nodded, "I agree to join. I look forward to working with you."
"Hahaha..."
Lancelot couldn't help but burst into laughter.
With Issho joining, his influence within the Marines would increase significantly.
However, making an exception to promote Issho to a Marine Vice Admiral and appoint him as the commanding officer of G-5 wouldn't be simple.
But he already had a plan in mind.
"Boom..."
Just then, a tremendous noise came from nearby, immediately alerting both Lancelot and Issho.
Lancelot smiled even wider, "Issho-san, it seems my subordinates have found the person we're looking for. I'll be right back..."
He added, "Since you're here, why not enjoy yourself and relax? After all, we'll soon be facing a real major battle."
Issho nodded upon hearing this, "Alright... Now that I'm here, it would be a shame not to have some fun. Hahaha..."
By the end, even Issho couldn't help but laugh.
Immediately after, Lancelot pushed off with his legs, shooting straight into the sky, then began stepping rapidly through the air.
Under his immense power, the air itself exploded with sonic booms with each step.
Lancelot then accelerated explosively through the air like a sixth-generation fighter jet from his previous life, almost as if teleporting.
And every step was like this.
On the ground, Issho's expression shifted slightly as he murmured to himself, "Such incredible explosive power..."
He had never seen any Marine use Moon Walk to such an extent.
The speed was simply unimaginably fast.
...
A moment later, Lancelot arrived at the source of the commotion.
Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One surrounded Vergo in a triangular formation, while Yamato watched calmly from the periphery.
It had to be admitted—Vergo's strength was formidable.
Even under the combined assault of Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One, he not only held his ground but seemed to have a slight advantage.
Moreover, he was clearly holding back.
This was evident from the occasional glances he cast toward Yamato.
He was wary of her.
Uncertain of her true capabilities, he hesitated to act rashly. Otherwise, he would have launched a full counterattack long ago.
But soon, Vergo came to a halt.
So did Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One.
Because Lancelot had landed right in front of them.
With Lancelot's arrival, the trio saw no further need to engage.
After all, the man before them appeared to be a Marine as well!
Yet Vergo's face was etched with despair.
His gaze toward Lancelot burned with hatred—for it was Lancelot who had annihilated Doflamingo and his entire crew.
Now, like a stray dog, he wandered in hiding… all because of Lancelot.
How could he not despise him?
Lancelot wasted no words. In a flash, he appeared directly before Vergo.
"Wha—!"
Vergo's expression shifted dramatically as he scrambled backward, not stopping until he had retreated over ten meters.
"Kehahahaha…"
Lancelot let out a sinister chuckle, then enveloped both fists in Armament Haki.
With a burst of force, he shot forward. His speed was akin to teleportation.
Before Vergo could even react, Lancelot's fist was already driving toward him.
Vergo could only cross his arms in front of his chest, reinforcing them with Armament Haki in a desperate attempt to block the blow.
Alas.
This was not the same Lancelot as before.
His power had grown!
This time, Vergo stood no chance. The moment Lancelot's fist struck his arms, he felt an overwhelming, unstoppable force.
His arms were slammed backward, and Lancelot's fist, pressing through them, landed squarely on his chest.
"Guh—!"
Under that terrifying impact, Vergo had no means of resistance.
He was sent flying.
A spray of blood burst from his mouth, painting the air crimson.
"Gulp…"
Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One, watching from the side, swallowed hard in unison.
Though they had seen Lancelot fight before, they had never personally experienced it—never truly grasped the sheer gap in power between them.
Now they understood.
The man they had failed to subdue even with their combined efforts had been critically wounded by a single punch from Lancelot.
If Lancelot wanted them dead, one blow would suffice.
The thought alone… sent a chill down their spines, their scalps tingling with dread.
They felt profoundly grateful—grateful that Lancelot still saw value in them.
Otherwise, they would surely be dead beyond redemption.
"Soru!"
In the next instant, Lancelot vanished from sight. When he reappeared, he had already caught up with the still-flying Vergo.
Before the horrified man, Lancelot retrieved the pre-prepared artificial Dragon Serpent Fruit from his pack and forced it into Vergo's mouth.
Vergo: "..."
At this moment, his eyes were filled with confusion, but soon his expression changed dramatically, even turning into ecstasy.
Because he understood what Lancelot had given him to eat.
Devil Fruits.
Yes, exactly Devil Fruits.
And not just ordinary Devil Fruits at that.
Yet he grew even more puzzled.
Why would this guy give him Devil Fruits to eat, especially such powerful ones? Wasn't he afraid that his strength would skyrocket?
Forget about turning the tables, what about escaping!?
'Aren't you afraid i'll run away?'
"Boom..."
Before he could think further, he crashed directly into a small earthen slope to one side.
Under the terrifying impact, he pierced straight through the entire slope.
He landed over a hundred meters behind the small slope.
The previous strike from Lancelot had inflicted considerable damage on him. But now he had no mind to dwell on it, as he slowly rose to his feet.
Sensing the power within his body, a gleam flickered in his eyes.
This was a formidable strength he had never experienced before.
The next second, his body began to transform.
Soon, he morphed into a massive pink dragon, hovering in mid-air.
Whoosh!
Lancelot's figure appeared directly in front of him.
Vergo's eyes narrowed, and he looked at Lancelot, voicing the doubt in his heart.
"Why did you give me the Devil Fruit?"
"Keh keh keh keh..." Lancelot let out a sinister laugh, then spoke with ill intent.
"You'll find out soon enough..."