On Beehive Island, the Big Mom Pirates and Phoenix Pirates gathered to witness the wedding of Smoothie and Fossa. Though this marriage served as a political alliance, the Phoenix Pirates sincerely offered their blessings to Fossa.
As Captain of the Phoenix Pirates, Marco presented Fossa with a Devil Fruit as a wedding gift. The crew possessed several Devil Fruits, but under their old captain's protection, they had rarely sought to become Devil Fruit users themselves. Now, seizing the opportunity to increase Fossa's strength, Marco handed him a Zoan-type Devil Fruit.
Fossa's current strength was only at the Strong Captain level, while Smoothie already possessed power akin to a Weak Emperor's Second-in-Command. Even in the context of an alliance, Fossa would act as the Phoenix Pirates' envoy. More importantly, as a man, he was expected to protect his wife. A failure here would be embarrassing, particularly since the Phoenix Pirates held strong beliefs about men defending women.
The moment Fossa consumed the Devil Fruit, his body expanded rapidly, transforming into a massive white bear, nearly seven or eight meters tall.
The Captains present gawked in astonishment.
"How do you feel, Fossa?" Marco asked, concern and curiosity in his tone.
Fossa reverted to his human form, smiling broadly. "Thank you, Marco. This Devil Fruit suits me perfectly. I can already feel my strength increasing."
Yamato grinned. "That's the advantage of a Zoan-type Devil Fruit. Strength, speed, and stamina all improve, so you can immediately feel the boost."
Jozu chuckled. "When you arrive, don't embarrass the Phoenix Pirates, Fossa."
He added teasingly, "You'll have to beat her not just in battle but also in bed."
Fossa's face flushed crimson, and he playfully punched Jozu's chest.
Marco stepped forward, speaking earnestly. "Be careful once you reach Totto Land. Our Three Emperors Alliance, the World Government, and the Marines won't just watch idly. The Big Mom Pirates are closest to Marineford, so proceed cautiously. Call if anything happens; the Phoenix Pirates will always have your back."
"Understood," Fossa replied solemnly.
Nearby, Big Mom watched with a satisfied grin. She hadn't expected Marco to provide a Zoan-type Devil Fruit before departure, a gift that significantly increased Fossa's power. She laughed heartily. "Mama mama mama! Don't worry, Marco. Fossa is my son-in-law now. I won't let him suffer any grievances."
Marco nodded slightly, then turned to Big Mom with a serious expression. "Your Brulee—she's a Mirror-Mirror Fruit user, correct?"
Big Mom's eyes widened slightly. "So your Phoenix Pirates' intelligence network is impressive!"
Though Brulee was Big Mom's daughter, she rarely left Totto Land. Her ability allowed the Big Mom Pirates to move quickly between islands, making her an invaluable asset.
Marco continued, "I'd like you to leave a mirror behind. In case of an emergency, we can travel quickly through Brulee's Mirror World."
Big Mom chuckled, teasingly but without refusal. She immediately ordered her subordinates to place a mirror on the ship. Marco inspected the three-meter-tall mirror, nodding. Though he hoped it wouldn't be needed, he valued preparedness above all.
Meanwhile, on Fruit Island, Monet reclined in casual clothing, enjoying chilled watermelon while reading a book. She had been stationed on the island for over half a month. With only a few thousand fruit farmers under her supervision and a pirate crew providing security, her duties were light, leaving her mostly idle.
Suddenly, her transponder snail rang. Monet raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
She withdrew it carefully, a hint of hesitation on her face, and retreated to her room. After closing the door, she answered. "Hello?"
The snail's form shifted, revealing a sniveling Trebol. "Monet, it's me. Something's happened… why haven't you contacted us? And what are the Phoenix Pirates doing now?"
Monet's tone was indifferent. "I don't know either."
Trebol's voice wavered with surprise. "You don't know? Where are you right now?"
Calmly, Monet replied, "I'm on Fruit Island. Marco, not fully trusting me as a former spy, sent me here to manage it."
Trebol was incredulous. "But… didn't you use your beauty to stay close to him?"
Monet gave a wry laugh. "Trebol, beauty is the cheapest currency for someone at the level of an Emperors."
Trebol pressed, worried. "Then why haven't you contacted us? Are the Phoenix Pirates monitoring you?"
Monet shook her head, a self-mocking smile on her lips. "No. I can leave anytime I want. Marco's trust isn't complete, but he still entrusted me with an island's administration."
She paused, her tone softening as she reflected. "Before, we were naive. True big shots possess immense strength and see no need for schemes. If Marco suspected me, he would simply keep me away from the core, banished to a small island."
Monet's decision was clear. She would sever ties with the Donquixote Family. Calmly, she said, "The reason I haven't contacted you is because I've decided to join the Phoenix Pirates. Don't contact me again. Rest assured, I haven't revealed any information about the Blackbeard Pirates."