Five days later, the agreed date for the hostage exchange between the Marines and the Phoenix Pirates finally arrived.
Five days ago, Marco had launched a decisive raid on Marine Base G-5, capturing Vice Admiral Smoker along with more than a hundred Marine soldiers. Immediately afterward, he proposed a hostage exchange, demanding Whitey Bay's release. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki had no choice but to agree.
At this moment, the transponder snail on Marco's desk suddenly rang. Marco picked it up without hesitation.
"Captain Marco," a frontline pirate reported urgently, "we've spotted ten Marine warships approaching at high speed. Their formation matches a Buster Call scale. Admiral Kizaru is personally leading them, and they'll reach Popo Island very soon."
"I understand," Marco replied calmly. "Do not open fire without my orders."
"Yes, Captain."
The call ended, and the atmosphere inside the room grew heavy. More than a dozen pirate captains sat around the table, their expressions grim.
Vista broke the silence first. "Admiral Kizaru himself, and ten warships. Do they really intend to exchange hostages, or are they preparing to start a full-scale war?"
Yamato clenched her fists, her emotions mixed with tension and excitement. "Are we really going to clash with the Marines head-on? Admirals are said to be the pinnacle of Marine combat power. Some say they can rival the Four Emperors."
Ace smiled confidently. "An Admiral is strong, no doubt about that. But if it's only one Admiral, we have enough strength to handle him."
Vista let out a dry chuckle. "I wouldn't be surprised if they try something right after the exchange."
Jozu folded his arms, his voice steady. "Ten warships might look intimidating, but we're the Phoenix Pirates. There's nothing to fear."
Several captains nodded in agreement.
"That's right," someone added. "We still have Captain Marco."
Marco's expression was serious at first, but soon he smiled faintly. "If the Marines truly want a fight, then we'll meet them head-on."
He knew Kizaru's speed was troublesome, but Marco was confident in his own strength. With over 8,400 unused attribute points at his disposal, he could enhance his speed at any moment if necessary.
Compared to the Marineford War half a year ago, everyone present had grown stronger. Back then, despite overwhelming odds, they had rescued Ace and turned the tide of battle. Now, facing ten warships and a single Admiral, they felt no fear.
Before long, the Phoenix Pirates arrived in the waters surrounding Popo Island.
Popo Island was the outermost island under the Phoenix Pirates' control and the designated location for the hostage exchange.
About a dozen kilometers away, the Marine fleet was already anchored. Ten massive warships stood in formation, radiating an oppressive presence. In response, more than a dozen pirate ships slowly advanced, forming a tense standoff across the sea.
As the distance closed, the Phoenix Pirates noticed something unexpected. A single yacht was anchored calmly in front of the Marine warships. Sitting leisurely on it was Admiral Kizaru, casually sipping tea as though he were on a peaceful outing rather than the center of a potential battlefield.
Ace frowned. "That guy looks way too relaxed. He really doesn't take us seriously."
Just then, a jet ski sped toward the Moby Dick. A Marine holding a megaphone shouted, "Phoenix Marco, Admiral Kizaru invites you to board the yacht for a discussion."
Without waiting for a response, the jet ski turned around and sped back.
Jozu frowned. "What is Kizaru planning?"
Vista looked at Marco seriously. "This could be a trap. You should be careful."
Marco nodded slightly. He did not fully understand Kizaru's intentions either, but he trusted his own strength. "I'll go hear what he has to say. Stay on high alert. Keep all communication lines open. Inform all Phoenix Pirate units across our territory to increase vigilance and report immediately if they detect Marine movements."
"I understand," Vista replied.
Flames burst forth behind Marco, forming a pair of blazing wings. With a powerful flap, he took to the sky and headed straight for the yacht.
Marco landed steadily on the deck. Kizaru looked up at him and smiled lazily. "Long time no see, Marco."
Marco wasted no time. "Kizaru, what do you want?"
Kizaru maintained his carefree tone, a teasing smile on his face. "How scary. No need to be so rushed. Come, have some tea first. Talking is easier with a warm cup."
He poured tea slowly into a cup and slid it forward.
Marco glanced at the swirling tea, his gaze sharp. "I'm here to exchange hostages, not to drink tea."
"Oh my," Kizaru replied lightly. "No need to be so tense. Since I'm here, the exchange will happen. Look over there."
He gestured toward the warships behind him. Marco followed his gaze and saw Whitey Bay standing on one of the decks.
"In that case," Marco said coldly, "let's begin the exchange."
"Of course," Kizaru said with a grin. "But I was hoping to chat a bit first."
"No," Marco replied firmly. "Complete the exchange first. We can talk afterward."
Kizaru sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright. As you wish."
The exchange began according to the agreement. Vice Admiral Smoker and over a hundred Marine soldiers were traded for Whitey Bay. Marco kept his word. Smoker was released first, and the Marines immediately returned Whitey Bay.
As she passed Marco on a small boat, Whitey Bay lowered her head apologetically. "Marco, I'm sorry. I caused you trouble."
"It's fine," Marco said calmly. "Go back safely."
On the other side, Smoker approached Kizaru and bowed his head. "Admiral Kizaru, I apologize for the trouble I caused."
Kizaru waved him off. "No need to apologize. Go rest."
Smoker nodded. As he passed Marco, he shot him a sharp glare, but said nothing.
Once Whitey Bay safely returned to the Phoenix Pirates, a familiar voice echoed in Marco's mind.
"Mission complete. Whitey Bay successfully rescued. Reward: 10,000 attribute points."
Marco checked his status. His total attribute points had reached 18,400. He felt a quiet sense of satisfaction, knowing he was one step closer to further strengthening his Haki.
Kizaru spoke again, smiling faintly. "Now that Whitey Bay is free, it's your turn to release the rest of the Marines. You wouldn't break your promise, would you?"
Marco chuckled. "I've already given my word."
One by one, the captured Marine soldiers boarded the warships. Watching this, Kizaru smiled. "For a pirate, you're surprisingly trustworthy. Now we can finally talk about something more serious. This is what the World Government wanted me to ask you."
Marco raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
With Whitey Bay safe and the exchange complete, Marco had no reason to refuse. A conversation with Kizaru posed no immediate harm.
Kizaru's eyes gleamed slightly as he spoke. His true mission was to stall the Phoenix Pirates here.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the Marine forces had already begun moving quietly according to their plan.
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