At this moment, Marco began assigning tasks with a steady voice. "Jinbe, Namur, I'm leaving the sea to you two. Your main task is to prevent the Blackbeard Pirates from escaping."
"When the time comes, it will be king against king and general against general. I will deal with Blackbeard myself."
The members of the Phoenix Pirates nodded in agreement. Ace clenched his fists, clearly wanting to step forward, but he held himself back. He understood the situation.
He didn't know how powerful Blackbeard had become, but rumors said he now possessed three Devil Fruits. That alone was enough to make Ace abandon the idea of facing him directly.
Back when Blackbeard had only the Dark-Dark Fruit, Ace had already lost. Now, with three Devil Fruits, even though Ace had grown significantly stronger since the Marineford War, he couldn't confidently claim victory.
Although the Blackbeard Pirates had not existed for long, their numbers had swelled to nearly ten thousand. In sheer size, they were not inferior to the Phoenix Pirates. However, most of their members were newly recruited and far weaker, unable to compare to the seasoned fighters of the Phoenix Pirates.
The Phoenix Pirates had arrived at Demon Valley Town before sunrise. Now, as the sun neared the horizon, Blackbeard still had not appeared. The long wait began to wear on everyone's patience, and murmurs of frustration spread through the crew.
Finally, just as the sun was setting, a fleet of pirate ships appeared in the distance, heading straight for Demon Valley Town.
"The Blackbeard Pirates are here!"
The lookout's shout instantly energized the entire crew. Every eye turned toward the approaching ships, their sails bearing the infamous Blackbeard flag. Anger burned in the hearts of the Phoenix Pirates.
"Everyone, don't act rashly," Marco called out.
Blue flames ignited around his body as he rose into the sky, his phoenix form illuminating the darkening horizon.
On the deck of the Saber of Xebec, Marshall D. Teach looked up at Marco and burst into laughter. "Zehahahahaha! So you got here early! Marco, Ace, it's been a while!"
"Teach..." The Phoenix Pirates reacted with visible irritation at his voice.
Teach waved a hand casually. "Don't open fire. We're landing on the island."
As the ships approached, Marco activated his ability to assess their strength. Though his own power had grown, his system no longer issued many missions. Now, only two remained, eliminate the Blackbeard Pirates and eliminate the World Government.
His gaze locked onto Teach.
Marshall D. Teach, Logia-type Dark-Dark Fruit, Paramecia-type Shadow-Shadow Fruit, Mythical Zoan Bat-Bat Fruit Model Vampire. Strength estimation: Admiral level, significantly stronger at night.
Marco's expression hardened. Three Devil Fruits, and one of them was a Mythical Zoan. The Vampire ability made Teach especially dangerous after sunset, with his power peaking in darkness.
The sky was dimming, but not fully dark yet. That meant Teach had chosen to arrive before reaching his peak strength.
Arrogance, or confidence.
Marco had studied this type of Devil Fruit before. During the day, its user was limited, even vulnerable to sunlight. But once night fell, its true power emerged.
Even so, Marco remained unfazed. His current strength had already reached the highest tier. Aside from Imu, there is no one in the world who could truly challenge him.
He shifted his attention to the rest of the crew.
Shiryu of the Rain, Clear-Clear Fruit, strength near Admiral level.
Jesus Burgess, Dragon-Dragon Fruit Model Allosaurus, strength around high officer level.
Doc Q, Sick-Sick Fruit, physically weak but dangerous ability.
Vasco Shot, Booze-Booze Fruit, strength comparable to a Yonko commander.
Trebol, Sticky-Sticky Fruit.
Diamante, Flutter-Flutter Fruit.
Pica, Stone-Stone Fruit.
The lineup was formidable, comparable to a Yonko crew, though still uneven in overall quality.
As the Blackbeard Pirates disembarked, both sides faced each other across the ruined town. Neither moved first, but the tension was suffocating.
Killing intent filled the air.
"Is that Blackbeard? He looks disgusting," Yamato said bluntly, her expression full of disdain.
"This is the man who killed Pops?" Nekomamushi growled, his teeth clenched.
Their hatred ran deep. Whitebeard had once cared for them, and now that they stood with the Phoenix Pirates, that grudge had become their own.
Teach stepped forward confidently, his grin wide and unrestrained. "Zehahahahaha! Marco, Ace, everyone, long time no see!"
Marco's eyes turned cold. "I thought you might not dare to show up. Since you're here, Teach, you won't be leaving alive."
Teach opened his mouth to respond, but Marco didn't give him the chance.
He raised his hand and gave the order.
"All members of the Phoenix Pirates, listen carefully. Today, we avenge Pops and our fallen brothers from the Marineford War."
His voice carried across the battlefield.
"With the blood of the Blackbeard Pirates, we honor the dead."
"Leave no one alive. Kill them all."
A thunderous roar erupted from the crew.
"YEAH!!!!"
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