Aboard the Moby Dick, Marco, Ace, and the others sailed toward Fish-Man Island. During the voyage, Jinbe had called multiple times, updating Marco on the situation and giving approximate numbers and abilities of the Big Mom Pirates stationed there.
In his room, Marco carefully laid out the information for Ace and the other Captains, planning their strategy in advance. He spread out the wanted posters of the Sweet Commanders on the table.
"All four Sweet Commanders are Paramecia-type Devil Fruit Users," Marco explained. "The strongest among them is Charlotte Katakuri, Big Mom's second-in-command. He possesses the Special Paramecia Mochi-Mochi Fruit, allowing him to turn his body into mochi, similar to Logia-type elementalization. On top of that, his Observation Haki can foresee the immediate future. He is considered the pinnacle of the Charlotte family's power."
"Next is Charlotte Smoothie, a Paramecia Squeeze-Squeeze Fruit User and a skilled swordswoman. She can absorb moisture from people and the environment, increasing her size. Her bounty ranks just below Katakuri and Big Mom within their crew."
"Then we have Charlotte Cracker, who wields the Biscuit-Biscuit Fruit, allowing him to create countless biscuit soldiers. He is also a swordsman, but the image on his wanted poster is a decoy—the main body remains hidden within the biscuits. His creations, however, have a critical weakness: they fear water."
"Finally, Charlotte Snack. I'm not entirely certain of his abilities, but he is a swordsman, and his bounty is 600 million Berries."
Marco looked at his crew, serious and resolute. "I've prepared two plans. Plan A: I take Katakuri, Ace handles Smoothie, Namur faces Cracker, and Fossa takes on Snack."
The crew nodded, confident in the strategy, but Marco continued, "The drawback is that Plan A leads to a prolonged battle. Katakuri's Observation Haki surpasses mine, so defeating him will take time, drawing us into a war of attrition."
Izo furrowed his brows. "A drawn-out fight is dangerous for the Phoenix Pirates. Jinbe reported that over a dozen pirate ships accompany the Big Mom Pirates, with more than ten thousand fighters and countless Homies. A prolonged battle will cost us heavily."
Everyone agreed, and Marco smiled. "That's why I've prepared Plan B."
Ace immediately asked, "What's Plan B?"
Marco's gaze swept across the room as he explained, "Plan B relies on Ace holding off Katakuri. Your Mera Mera no Mi will counter his Mochi-Mochi Fruit. Mochi is flammable, so your flames should keep him restrained. Even if Katakuri is formidable, you can manage him."
Ace's face lit up with determination. "Don't worry! I'll handle him. I've long wanted to face the Big Mom Pirates' second-in-command, who is said to have never been defeated."
Marco nodded, confident in Ace's abilities. "Fossa will hold Smoothie, Namur will handle Cracker, and Izo and Curiel, you two provide support as needed. As for Snack, I'll deal with him swiftly and then come to assist you all."
"Understood," said Fossa. "We'll do our best, even if it costs our lives."
"Me too," Namur added firmly.
Meanwhile, on Fish-Man Island, Katakuri and the other Sweet Commanders had occupied the island for several days, waiting for the Phoenix Pirates to arrive. Big Mom's orders were clear: defeat Marco's crew or at least engage them long enough to claim Fish-Man Island while their territories elsewhere were threatened.
King Neptune had been courteous, providing hospitality despite the tension. The Royal Army, frustrated by Big Mom's arrogance, suppressed their anger, knowing they faced a Four Emperors crew.
Katakuri's transponder snail rang. Answering it, he heard, "Lord Katakuri, the Phoenix Pirates have arrived."
"I know," Katakuri said calmly, hanging up. "Marco and his crew are here. Fish-Man Island has belonged to the Whitebeard Pirates for decades. Now it will pass to the Big Mom Pirates. Let's see if they are smart enough."
Charlotte Cracker grinned. "I hope they fight back a little; it would make things more interesting."
Charlotte Snack replied seriously, "We mustn't be careless, Brother Cracker."
Charlotte Smoothie added confidently, "Intelligence reports ten subordinate crews arrived with the Phoenix Pirates, totaling a few thousand. No matter how strong Marco is, he cannot match Brother Katakuri. We only need to handle the rest."
Katakuri, cautious as ever, warned, "Do not underestimate any opponent. Whitebeard Pirates' Captains are not ordinary, and we must remain vigilant."
Charlotte Oven scoffed. "In the New World, besides the Four Emperors, no one else can challenge you anyway."