Blackbeard's reaction was unexpectedly calm. "Oh, is that so?" he chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I had anticipated this. After all, Doflamingo is no longer alive—it's only natural that she would leave the Donquixote Family."
Trebol continued, his tone serious. "Not only that, but the newly formed Three Emperors Alliance—the Beasts Pirates, the Phoenix Pirates, and Big Mom's crew—have already started posting bounties for you. Earlier, while we were on the island, we saw that the underworld in the New World had begun circulating your wanted posters. This is almost certainly connected to Marco and his crew."
Blackbeard's expression darkened slightly. He hadn't worried much about the Phoenix Pirates alone; after all, the New World is vast, full of lawless territories. Laying low could have kept him safe. But with the Three Emperors Alliance now actively hunting him, the situation had escalated dramatically.
Still, he laughed heartily. "Zehahaha! The world truly is unpredictable! I had planned to replicate the chaos of the Marineford War, but I never imagined events would accelerate this quickly."
"Teach, what is your next move?" Shiliew asked, entering the room.
Blackbeard's grin was wicked as ever. "We return to the Grand Line. We continue building strength. Once I acquire a third powerful Devil Fruit, no one in this world will be able to oppose me."
He turned to Trebol. "Prepare everything. We move soon."
Trebol nodded. With the Three Emperors Alliance now established, each faction had begun expanding their territories. The Red Hair Pirates had wisely withdrawn from the New World, leaving no strong force capable of obstructing their growth. Formerly cautious crews, previously surviving between the territories of the Four Emperors, were now under immense pressure. Most surrendered; a few resisted and perished.
Meanwhile, after attending Sak's and Ulti's wedding, Marco seized the chance to speak with Kaido. All affairs of the Phoenix Pirates were now properly arranged. Marco's purpose was twofold: attend the wedding, and attempt once more to persuade Kaido to launch a coordinated strike on the Holy Land Mary Geoise. Such an action would secure additional protection for him personally, while also delivering a decisive blow against the World Government.
Kaido raised an eyebrow. "Marco, why do you seem more eager than I am to start a world war?"
Marco's expression remained calm. "The Three Emperors formed an alliance to challenge the World Government. A surprise attack on Mary Geoise would be the strongest possible declaration of war. At the same time, I aim to capture a few Celestial Dragons, leveraging them to secure Whitey Bay."
Nearly ten days had passed since Whitey Bay's capture. The Marines had not released any updates regarding her execution. Marco suspected she was imprisoned in Impel Down.
Breaking into the prison directly was never part of his plan. Instead, he intended to seize a Celestial Dragon as bargaining leverage, while simultaneously raiding Mary Geoise to eliminate select Celestial Dragons, gain attribute points, and strengthen himself further.
Kaido laughed, a booming sound of approval. "So that's your plan! Clever, but…" His voice turned serious, "we must not rush. First, the New World must be fully secured under our control."
Marco felt slightly frustrated. "So they won't proactively attack us unless we declare war first?"
Kaido's resolve was firm. "Correct. Only once the New World is firmly ours will we strike the World Government and the Marines. Now is premature."
Marco accepted this, planning to act alone when the time came. A solo strike on Mary Geoise carried risk, but recalling that Fisher Tiger once burned the Holy Land, he had little to fear. Most Celestial Dragons were little more than weak, foolish targets.
Currently, Marco's strength had plateaued at Strong General Emperor Level. He urgently needed attribute points to progress further. After discussing matters with Kaido, he contacted Ace, instructing him to guard the Phoenix Pirates' base, while Marco prepared for a solo operation to begin his hunt at Mary Geoise.
On the other side, Marineford, the New Marineford, buzzed with activity. The Gorosei had explicitly ordered Fleet Admiral Sakazuki to eliminate the Three Emperors Alliance. Since then, he had been mobilizing forces, reviewing deployment strategies, and coordinating with his subordinates.
As the newly appointed Fleet Admiral, Sakazuki fully understood the threat posed by the Three Emperors Alliance. The World Government's directives left no room for hesitation.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed admirals, Fujitora and Aramaki, bypassed the Marine's traditional selection process. Both were eager to prove their worth, demonstrating their authority through decisive action.
At this moment, a sharp-eyed man approached the conference room. His yellow, eagle-like eyes and imposing aura drew immediate attention. Marine soldiers bowed respectfully. "Welcome, Seven Warlords of the Sea, Dracule Mihawk, to New Marineford Headquarters. We apologize for your arduous journey."
Mihawk ignored the greetings, walking straight toward the conference room with his usual haughty demeanor.
Inside, six people were already gathered, most unfamiliar to him. He glanced around and remarked coldly, "It seems I am the last to arrive."
A man seated nearby muttered, "The World's Strongest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk…" It was Eustass Kid, newly promoted to the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Eustass Kid cast a wild, ferocious glare at Mihawk.