anwhile, on Hachinosu, the Three Emperors Alliance reached a unanimous decision to establish a research base for Vegapunk. From that mont on, the island beca shared territory under their control.
With their combined power and imnse resources, large quantities of scientific equipnt flowed into the island through the black market. Within just a few days, a fully functional research facility had been constructed. To ensure Vegapunk's safety, a significant number of troops were stationed across the island, guarding what was now the most important scientific hub in the world.
However, trouble soon arose for the Whitebeard Pirates.
On Sphinx Island, the atmosphere was tense. The crew had discovered a pirate flag planted on their territory the previous night, the mark of the Blackbeard Pirates. Alongside it was a letter.
The ssage was simple, a direct challenge.
Marshall D. Teach had declared his intention to face them in a decisive battle, naming a location in the Grand Line, a lawless town known as Demon Valley.
Ace slamd his fist down, his anger unmistakable.
"That bastard Teach, he really thinks he can provoke us?"
Vista's expression remained serious as he spoke.
"I've heard he's been expanding fast in the Grand Line. He's bought dozens of warships and recruited a large number of pirates."
Yamato stepped forward, her voice filled with fury.
"This is the sa man who killed Thatch and caused the war that took Pops' life. There's no way we let him get away with that."
The crew voiced their agreent, their anger directed at Blackbeard. Eventually, all eyes turned to Marco.
Marco remained silent for a mont before making his decision.
"Since he's issued a challenge, we'll answer it. We head to the Grand Line and put an end to the Blackbeard Pirates."
At this point, only two goals remained on Marco's list, the downfall of the World Governnt and the complete destruction of the Blackbeard Pirates.
No matter the reason, whether responsibility or personal resolve, Teach had to be taken down.
Marco continued, his tone steady but cautious.
"The first half of the Grand Line is still under Marine control. We can't let them catch us off guard. If they attack from behind while we're fighting Blackbeard, we'll be trapped. That's the kind of situation we need to avoid."
He paused briefly before adding,
"And the fact that Blackbeard is challenging us directly ans he's confident. That alone makes him dangerous."
Even without the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit was already enough to make Teach a serious threat. With his thods, it was only a matter of ti before he obtained more powerful abilities.
Marco narrowed his eyes slightly.
"If he's provoking us now, there's a high chance he's already gained another Devil Fruit."
Silence followed his words.
"This isn't sothing we handle alone," Marco continued. "We'll discuss it with Kaido, Big Mom, and even the Revolutionary Army. Right now, we are the World Governnt's primary target. Every move we make is being watched. If we split up, they'll try to take us down one by one."
Far away, in the Calm Belt, near Amazon Lily, a Marine fleet cut across the still waters.
Leading them was the newly appointed Admiral, Saint Figarland Shamrock, known by the codena Shura.
He had only recently arrived at Marineford to assu his position, but his authority was already unquestionable. Unlike ordinary Celestial Dragons, he possessed both status and overwhelming strength, an elite even among them. He also held the position of Vice Commander of the God's Knights.
This mission had been assigned personally.
According to Imu, Monkey D. Luffy might be the reincarnation of Joy Boy. Since the war at Marineford, Monkey D. Luffy had disappeared from public view, but suspicion remained.
The Gorosei believed there was a connection between Luffy and the Pirate Empress.
Shamrock's lips curled into a faint smirk.
He had seen the bounty poster of Boa Hancock before. Her beauty lived up to its reputation. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a rare prize worth collecting.
As for Amazon Lily, an island inhabited only by won, it held its own appeal in his twisted perspective.
A Marine Vice Admiral approached and saluted respectfully.
"Saint, we're nearing Amazon Lily."
Figarland Shamrok's expression turned cold.
"Once we're within range, open fire. Destroy the island."
The Vice Admiral froze, clearly shaken.
"But Boa Hancock is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Attacking her directly could cause serious issues."
Shamrock let out a quiet scoff.
"She aided the criminal Straw Hat Luffy. She helped him infiltrate Impel Down, which led to a massive prison break. After the war, she continued to shelter criminals. That alone is enough."
The Vice Admiral hesitated.
"But we don't have solid evidence."
Shamrock's gaze turned sharp, his voice filled with disdain.
"Evidence? My words are evidence. You are a Vice Admiral, act like one and follow orders."
The officer stiffened imdiately.
"Yes."
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