With Trafalgar Law's mastery of the Ope-Ope no Mi, all the pirates who had lost limbs finally regained new ones.
Ace flexed his right fist, flames dancing across it.
His excitement was palpable as he exclaimed, "This is incredible! It feels just like my old arm! Thank you, Doctor Law."
Trafalgar Law, standing calmly nearby, reminded him, "Your new arm is fully integrated, but it may not yet match the strength of your original body. Proceed with caution."
Ace nodded with a bright smile.
"Understood. Thank you, Doctor Law."
Law remained composed, accustomed to performing countless surgeries during his time with the Phoenix Pirates.
Over ten hours each day, he worked tirelessly for a full week, completing operations for over 1,200 individuals.
While transplanting animal limbs would have been straightforward, human limb transplants required far more care.
Law could not bring himself to directly kill the donors, even if most were pirates.
Instead, he surgically and painlessly removed limbs to provide for his patients, all of whom had been promised safety by the Phoenix Pirates.
Law approached Marco.
"Leader of the Phoenix Pirates, I have completed transplants for all 1,200-plus individuals. It's time to honor your promise."
Marco's lips curved into a confident smile.
"Of course."
He turned to his captains.
"Vista, Namur, Harta, Izo, come with me. We're going after Doflamingo."
"Understood," Vista replied, smiling, while the others rose in unison.
Ace, eager, piped up, "Marco, let me come too! I want to test my new arm."
Marco regarded him seriously.
"Are you sure? It was just reattached."
Ace nodded firmly.
"Yes. If we focus on Doflamingo's subordinates first, it'll be fine."
Marco agreed.
"Alright, then let's move out together."
Before they could depart, Marco's den den mushi vibrated urgently.
He answered immediately, "Hello, this is Marco."
"Marco, it's Jinbe," came the serious voice.
"The Sweet Commanders of the Big Mom Pirates have arrived at Fish-Man Island. They likely intend to seize control. I wanted to inform you immediately."
Marco's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"It seems a Four Emperors crew is finally making a move. Understood. Hold your ground, Jinbe. I'll be there to support you shortly."
Jinbe acknowledged, "Understood."
After ending the call, Marco quickly dialed Big Mom's den den mushi.
As a fellow Four Emperors, he had direct contact.
The device transformed into Perospero's familiar visage.
"Hello, this is Perospero," he greeted in a playful tone.
Marco's voice was icy.
"Perospero, let Big Mom answer the phone."
Perospero laughed mockingly.
"Hehehe, Marco! Do you need Mama? She's enjoying her afternoon tea and can't come. Just tell me what you need!"
Marco's eyes narrowed.
"You are not worthy of speaking with me. Have Big Mom answer."
Perospero's tone grew more sinister.
"Hahaha, bold of you, Marco. Do you think that because you took the Captain's position, you're an Emperor? Your Whitebeard Pirates were strong under Whitebeard, but now—your Phoenix Pirates—no, they are not even close to matching Big Mom Pirates. If you have something to say, tell me; I will relay it to Mama."
Marco understood the contempt behind Perospero's words.
Coldly, he replied, "I have nothing to say to you," and ended the call.
With new limbs restored and the next move of the Four Emperors underway, Marco and his crew prepared for the challenges ahead, their resolve as sharp as ever.
____
Milestones
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200 Powerstones = 2 Bonus Chapters
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