Beehive Island, the base where the Emperors Alliance had established a research institute for Vegapunk, was now fully operational under heavy reconstruction efforts. Because everything had been built from the ground up, large construction crews were still active across the island.
Suddenly, alarms echoed throughout the entire island.
Vegapunk, who was working inside his laboratory, frowned deeply as the alarm system triggered even within his own workspace. The interruption clearly irritated him.
At that moment, Stussy's voice came through the communication system.
"Doctor, it's bad. Saint Figarland Shamrock has launched an attack on Beehive Island. Not only him, but multiple Giant Race warriors are also invading the island."
"The Giant Race?" Vegapunk reacted sharply.
Edison immediately accessed the surveillance system, projecting the outside situation in real time.
On the outskirts of Beehive Island, multiple Giant Race warriors had appeared. However, they were not simply arriving out of nowhere. Behind them was a massive black five pointed magic circle, and one after another, the Giants were stepping through it, emerging onto the island.
Vegapunk's expression changed drastically.
"This… this is Saint Shamrock! How did he get here?"
Stussy continued her report without pause.
"That's not all. We just received confirmation that the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates are currently under Marine attack. They are unable to provide any support right now."
Vegapunk's face tightened immediately.
So this was the World Government's timing.
With Marco and the main forces of the Phoenix Pirates not present in the New World, only the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates remained. The World Government had chosen this exact moment to strike. It was clear they intended to eliminate him completely.
Lilith spoke casually, almost unconcerned.
"What is there to fear? Just fight them. The Seraphim have already been repaired anyway."
Shaka remained analytical and calm.
"However, the God's Knights possess Immortality. Without Conqueror's Haki, that regeneration cannot be bypassed. Even the Seraphim may struggle against them."
Vegapunk's expression grew more serious.
"If this continues, Beehive Island will become a battlefield. The research institute we worked so hard to build will be destroyed."
Lilith clicked her tongue.
"Stop hesitating. If it gets destroyed, we rebuild it. We cannot keep running forever."
Vegapunk fell silent for a moment, then his eyes sharpened with resolve. He checked the surveillance feed again.
Only Saint Shamrock and a group of Giants had arrived so far. They were not without a chance.
"Alright. Lilith, have Sentomaru lead the Seraphim into battle. The objective is simple, delay the enemy as much as possible."
"Leave it to me."
Vegapunk then turned to Shaka.
"Immediately contact the Emperors Alliance and the Revolutionary Army. Tell them to send reinforcements to Beehive Island."
"Mmm," Shaka replied before moving to execute the order.
Meanwhile, in Demon Valley Town, Marco stood quietly as an AI voice reported results beside him.
"Blackbeard Pirates members eliminated: Shiliew, Jesus Burgess, Doc Q, Vasco Shot. Reward: 1200 attribute points."
"Mission complete: Revenge, annihilate the Blackbeard Pirates. Reward: 10000 attribute points."
Marco's system panel updated instantly.
Name: Marco
Age: 43
Attribute Points: 34200
Devil Fruit: Zoan Type Phoenix Form (Awakened)
Devil Fruit Ability: Flames of Destruction
Haki: Armament Haki (Legendary), Observation Haki (Legendary), Conqueror's Haki (Legendary)
Physical Techniques: Soru (Top Tier), Rankyaku (Advanced), Moonwalk (Advanced), Tekkai (Top Tier), Shigan (Advanced), Kami-e (Advanced)
Strength: 42054
Speed: 24900
Defense: 43800
Recovery: 60000
Stamina: 47100
Mental Power: 31300
System Evaluation: Strong King Level
Seeing his attribute points rising to 34200, with 50000 within reach, Marco's focus sharpened.
His gaze shifted to the only remaining mission.
Mission: Overthrow the World Government, eliminate World King Imu
Reward: 50000 attribute points
The system details expanded further.
Kill Celestial Dragon ordinary guard: 10 attribute points
Kill CP0 member: 200 attribute points
Kill Celestial Dragon: 500 attribute points
Kill God's Knights member: 5000 attribute points
Kill Gorosei member: 10000 attribute points
Kill Imu: 50000 attribute points
Marco's eyes remained cold as he absorbed everything.
At the battlefield remnants, Portgas D. Ace looked at the fallen Blackbeard Pirates and spoke quietly.
"Old man, we've avenged you. Teach, that traitor, has received what he deserved. Rest in peace."
Vista approached Marco.
With Blackbeard dead, the remaining members of the Blackbeard Pirates had surrendered. Although earlier orders had been to eliminate them without mercy, the situation had changed now that they had laid down their weapons.
"Marco, what should we do with these remaining pirates?"
Marco's gaze slowly swept across them.
One of the captains stepped forward nervously.
"Lord Marco, we were forced into the Blackbeard Pirates."
"That's right, he used us as expendable pawns. If we refused, we would have been killed. We never intended to become enemies of the Phoenix Pirates."
Another quickly added.
"I've admired Whitebeard since I was young. Please allow me to join the Phoenix Pirates."
Soon, many voices followed, all requesting to join.
Marco remained silent for a moment, then did not respond immediately.
At that moment, Sak approached and spoke in a low voice.
"Marco, Kaido just sent word. The Beasts Pirates are under Marine attack."
Shortly after, Fossa arrived as well.
"Same with the Big Mom Pirates. Smoothie confirmed it. They're also being attacked."
Marco's expression hardened slightly.
"So the Marines chose this timing."
Fossa continued.
"Brulee has been assassinated as well. We can no longer travel through mirrors."
At that moment, Jozu stepped forward.
"Marco, Beehive Island is under attack by the God's Knights, and Giant Race forces are involved as well."
After hearing all reports, Marco pieced everything together.
"So this was their plan from the start. They coordinated an assault on the Emperors Alliance while the Phoenix Pirates were in the first half of the Grand Line. A well-calculated move by the World Government."