Trebol listened to Monet's words, stunned. "Wh-what? Are you abandoning the Donquixote Family?"
Monet's tone was calm, tinged with wistfulness. "I'm not betraying anyone. The Young Master is gone, and the Donquixote Family exists only in name now. When he was alive, I spent all my time in disguise, in shadows. I no longer wish to live that way. I am a pirate, and I have my freedom."
"You…" Trebol was surprised, struggling to respond. "Don't you want to avenge the Young Master? The Phoenix Pirates were responsible for his death."
"No," Monet said firmly, her voice steady, "the Young Master was killed by Law, not the Phoenix Pirates. I saw it all unfold. The Phoenix Pirates never intended to harm him. Law orchestrated everything, using them for his own plan. He hoped they would help him defeat the Young Master in exchange for his assistance. I will find a way to settle the score with Law myself."
Trebol shot back, frustration in his voice. "It's not just Law! The Phoenix Pirates are guilty too! If it weren't for them, Law never would have succeeded."
Monet shook her head gently. "That's your perspective. From my point of view, the Phoenix Pirates had no motive to kill him. And now, I am part of the Phoenix Pirates. From this point on, let's cut off contact. Don't reach out again."
Trebol hesitated, then shouted. "Wait! If that's the case, why not join the Blackbeard Pirates? Lord Teach has far greater potential than the Young Master ever did. He will become Pirate King! We could work together… and you could be with your sister, Sugar!"
Trebol's words carried both promise and subtle threat. Monet's expression paused at the mention of her sister, then a confident, charming smile appeared on her lips. "Trebol… after the Young Master's death, we've both chosen different paths. I see higher peaks to climb. But in my opinion, Lord Marco is the man with the potential to become Pirate King."
Trebol's jaw dropped. "Monet… have you… fallen for Marco?"
Monet gave a bitter smile. "Is that so strange? He is an Four Emperors-level pirate. Countless women admire him. It matters little if I am one of them."
Her thoughts briefly drifted. The man she once loved was Doflamingo. For him, she had been family, nothing more. She had served him in secret, gathering intelligence to earn his favor. But no matter how hard she tried, she could never earn his heart.
After Doflamingo's death, Marco entered her life. At first, she expected him to be like other men, easily swayed by her beauty. But Marco was different. He saw through pretenses, treating her not as a tool or an object, but with indifference. In his presence, all her previous schemes felt absurd.
Perhaps it was the unattainable that drew her now. Where Doflamingo's love had been closed off, Marco's power and presence commanded admiration and quiet devotion. Her feelings had quietly shifted, and she now respected and admired him genuinely.
Monet said firmly, "Lord Trebol, I will remain with the Phoenix Pirates. If the Blackbeard Pirates ever fall, I will do what I can to save your lives—but only after I am free from this… 'cold palace.'"
Trebol nodded, finally understanding. "Alright, I see. Take care of yourself. Even though the Young Master is gone, we are still family. If Lord Teach succeeds, I'll make sure he respects your safety."
Monet returned a gentle smile. "Thank you, Lord Trebol."
In truth, after witnessing Marco's battle against Kaido, Monet knew no one in this world could stand against him. His Four Emperors-level power had reshaped her understanding of strength.
Meanwhile, in the first half of the New World, aboard the Flaming Flamingo, Trebol approached Blackbeard, intending to report. As he reached the entrance to Blackbeard's room, lewd sounds leaked out. Trebol dared not disturb him. "Lord Teach, your subordinate has a report…"
"I know!" Blackbeard's roar answered him, then continued inside, unmistakably in the middle of… something. One minutes later, Blackbeard emerged shirtless, the room still alive with noise.
Trebol attempted to peek, curiosity piqued, but Blackbeard's grin warned him. "Hey, Trebol, what are you looking at? Want to join the fun?"
"No, Lord Teach," Trebol replied immediately, flustered.
"Zehahahaha, we're all men! If you want fun, go enjoy yourself!" Blackbeard laughed heartily.
Trebol cleared his throat. "Lord Teach, your subordinate has something important to report."
Blackbeard finally toned down his playfulness. With his strength and charisma, he had absorbed the Donquixote Family into his crew. Though individually weaker, they were skilled spies with functional Devil Fruit abilities. Their addition strengthened Blackbeard's intelligence network and operational reach.
"Zehahahaha, Trebol, what is it?" Blackbeard asked, now focused.
Trebol reported solemnly, "Monet has betrayed us. She has joined the Phoenix Pirates."
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