Marco looked at Kaido and Big Mom and spoke in a steady, serious tone, "We all suffered heavy losses in this war. Let's recover first. After we find Vegapunk, we'll need his scientific power to strengthen the overall forces of our Alliance."
Kaido let out a deep laugh, "Worororo, I agree. We lost a lot of troops on Egghead because we tried to save that old man. If he cannot use his abilities as the world's greatest scientist, and cannot repair Pluton for , I won't let him go."
Big Mom grinned widely, "Mamamamamama, if it's Vegapunk, then he can definitely fulfill my dream. Human gigantification, and even the ability to freely grow or shrink. I wonder if he can really do it."
Hearing their ambitions, Marco continued calmly, "Aside from that, there's also a personal matter for the Phoenix Pirates."
His expression turned cold as he spoke, "I've received news that the Blackbeard Pirates are recruiting heavily in the Grand Line. I plan to lead our forces there and wipe them out."
"Not only to avenge my father and the brothers who fell at Marineford, but also to settle everything once and for all."
At the ntion of Blackbeard, the mbers of the Phoenix Pirates clenched their teeth, anger burning in their eyes. The hatred they felt toward that traitor ran deep.
Big Mom glanced at Marco and asked, "Do you need any help with this?"
With Marco's current strength, defeating Blackbeard would not be difficult. Her question was more courtesy than necessity.
Marco nodded slightly. "Yes. When the Phoenix Pirates clash with the Blackbeard Pirates, I need you to keep the Marines and the World Governnt occupied. Don't let them interfere."
Kaido agreed imdiately, "Worororo, no problem."
Two days later, the Three Emperors Alliance had returned to their respective territories, each beginning to recruit new talent.
Marco sent Ace and Yamato to Dressrosa with a clear mission, to invite Princess Viola and Princess Mansherry of the Tontatta Tribe to join the Phoenix Pirates.
Before, Marco could carefully select new mbers based on the legacy of the Whitebeard Pirates. Now, that was no longer possible. After the Egghead War, not only had the Phoenix Pirates suffered heavy losses, but their subordinate crews had been hit even harder. Reinforcents from allied crews were no longer reliable.
The crew had to be replenished quickly. With just over five thousand mbers remaining, even defending their territory would beco difficult, let alone waging war.
Although the alliance with the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates ant fewer threats from them, the loss of manpower could attract ambitious rookies looking to challenge them.
Marco remained cautious. Large scale recruitnt risked infiltration by World Governnt spies. That was why Viola's Glare Glare Fruit was essential.
Mansherry's Heal Heal Fruit was simply an added advantage.
On Beehive Island, mbers of the Phoenix Pirates were busy restocking supplies.
After the Marines' previous attack, everything of value had been taken. What could not be taken was destroyed, and before leaving, the entire island had been set ablaze. The fire burned for days before finally dying out.
Now, the island was nothing but scorched earth. Even so, due to its strategic importance, the crew chose to rebuild.
Aboard the Phoenix.
This was the ship Marco began constructing after becoming captain. Built to rival the Moby Dick, it was a massive vessel worthy of an Emperor's crew.
It had been completed half a month earlier, yet many had been reluctant to abandon the Moby Dick. Marco himself had felt the sa. Letting go of such a legendary ship was not easy.
But now, there was nothing left to hesitate over. During the Egghead War, the Moby Dick had been destroyed. The Phoenix Pirates had no choice but to move forward.
At that mont, Marco's transponder snail rang.
He picked it up. "This is Marco."
Kaido's laughter ca through imdiately, "Worororo... Marco, have you seen it? Today's newspaper."
"Newspaper?" Marco frowned slightly.
Big Mom's voice followed, "Mamamama, you haven't seen it yet? The latest issue is out. Our bounties have been updated. The World Governnt really went all out to control the story."
Marco's eyes sharpened. "What did the Marines report?"
Just then, Jom, the vice captain of the third division, rushed over.
"Captain Marco, today's newspaper is here."
Jom had been found as an infant over twenty years ago by Jozu, abandoned in an alley. With no na or identity, Jozu had taken him in and raised him like a younger brother, giving him the na Jom.
Hearing the commotion, Big Mom laughed, "Mamamama, since you've got the paper, read it yourself."
Kaido snorted, "This incident caused a huge uproar. Even the World Governnt suffered losses, so of course they spun the story their way."
Around them, mbers of the Phoenix Pirates gathered, eager to hear the news. After such a massive battle, everyone was curious about their new bounties.
Jozu spoke firmly, "Jom, read it aloud."
"Yes, big brother," Jom replied respectfully.
He unfolded the newspaper and began reading,
"According to intelligence gathered by CP, half a month ago, the world's greatest scientist, Vegapunk, colluded with Emperor Marco, betraying critical World Governnt technology and attempting to create weapons capable of overthrowing the world. Upon learning this, the Marines dispatched Admiral Fujitora and Admiral Ryokugyu, along with thirty thousand soldiers, to Egghead Island in order to apprehend Vegapunk. However, they were t with resistance from the Three Emperors Alliance..."
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews
(Leave a review/comnt)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100
Power Stones.
◇ Read 80 | 100 chapters ahead on [email protected]/_Zeph
User Comments
0 comments from readers