Trafalgar Law remained calm, a playful glint in his eyes. "I still prefer something more concrete. If I help you, what do I gain in return? Favors mean nothing if you can't deliver on what I need."
Whitey Bay's lips curved into a confident smile. Even without Whitebeard, the Phoenix Pirates remained a Four Emperors crew, formidable in the New World. She said with assurance, "Very well, tell us your terms. We will meet any condition you require."
Law chuckled lightly. "And what if I wanted to eliminate a certain Emperor? Could your crew manage that?"
Bepo's eyes widened in alarm. "Captain, don't say such things! That's a Four Emperors Pirate Crew; we'd be killed instantly."
Whitey Bay's expression hardened, but she recalled Marco's instructions and thought of the amputated comrades. She took a steadying breath. "Eliminating an Emperor… that would be difficult. If your target is too strong, you can speak to Marco personally."
Law's smirk deepened. "Relax. I'm not foolish enough to challenge an Emperor immediately. But yes, I do have a target in mind."
"A target?" Whitey Bay asked, vigilant.
Law's smile turned charmingly wicked. "You'll know when I meet the Leader of the Phoenix Pirates."
Whitey Bay brightened. "So you agree."
Law's lips curved into that same mischievous smirk. "Having an Emperor crew owe me a favor isn't easy. Naturally, I won't refuse." He already envisioned dealing with Doflamingo—thanks to the Phoenix Pirates, it would be simple.
---
Leiba Island, part of the Phoenix Pirates' territory.
A small boat landed on the shore, and two figures stepped onto the island. One was a towering, grotesque man with a thin, crescent-shaped mustache like Whitebeard's, golden hair reaching his legs, and three deep scars across his body. His face was unpleasant, constantly dripping with snot. This was Edward Weevil, the self-proclaimed "Whitebeard Jr."
Beside him was Miss Bakkin, a tiny woman with thick red lipstick, sunglasses, a leopard-print coat, and a walking stick. She claimed to be Edward Weevil's mother and Whitebeard's former lover. Despite her tiny stature of only 68 centimeters, she carried herself with an air of authority.
Miss Bakkin's eyes fell on the Phoenix Pirates' flag flying across the village, and her lips curled in annoyance. "Marco has planted his flag here. Weevil, this island belongs to your father Whitebeard. Everything here is his legacy, yours to claim. Take it! Do not let that brat Marco steal what's rightfully yours."
Edward Weevil raised his arms excitedly. "I know, Mom! Dad's legacy is all mine! I'll make those impostors pay!"
Yet, as they entered the village, every door was tightly shut, and the streets were empty. Edward barely noticed, but Miss Bakkin's instincts tingled. Midday, yet the village was eerily silent. Before she could react further, a door swished open.
"You've finally arrived! I've been waiting so long I almost withered away."
A calm, slightly lazy voice announced Marco's presence as he stepped out.
Miss Bakkin's eyes widened. "Marco, how are you here?"
Marco's expression turned cold, a sneer forming on his lips. "Don't underestimate our intelligence. The Whitebeard Pirates have operated in this sea for decades. Whitebeard may be gone, but I've assumed command. Naturally, I inherit his intelligence network. You've wandered into our territory—how could you possibly hide?"
Edward's face darkened. "Before, in Gyro Town, you murdered the Noscar Pirates. Today, we demand blood for blood."
At that moment, doors across the village creaked open one by one, revealing the fourteen Captains of the Phoenix Pirates.
Miss Bakkin's panic was immediate. Even confident in Weevil's strength, she could not hope to overcome so many Captains. Escape seemed impossible. Her gaze darkened, cursing silently, Damn Marco… I must find a way out of this.
Meanwhile, Marco activated his Level Scan. Edward Weevil, estimated strength: Yonko Commander Level.
A smirk tugged at Marco's lips. He had expected Weevil to be far stronger—after all, the man had cut off Zephyr's arm in the past. Yet, here he stood, only at this level.
Edward Weevil glared at Marco, fury in his eyes. "You're the impostor claiming to be Pops's son, right! You stole all of the Old man's legacy! Know this: I am Whitebeard's true son, all of his inheritance belongs to me, and I am the rightful heir of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
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