Katakuri's frown deepened as he listened to Marco.
He wasn't concerned that Marco would outright kill them—after all, his standing in the Big Mom Pirates was only second in power.
The true Emperor was Mama, Big Mom herself.
He said coldly, "Then what is it that you want?"
Before Marco could respond, Katakuri warned, "Marco, I acknowledge your strength, but you haven't seen a true monster. If you provoke Mama completely, your Phoenix Pirates may face total annihilation. Mama won't be as easy to negotiate with as we are."
"Save the threats. I'll meet Big Mom myself later, but first, I need to handle you all. Understand this: you provoked us, so this matter must be resolved."
Marco's lips curled into a faint, playful smile.
"You have two options: kneel and surrender immediately, or I will make you submit through combat."
Katakuri's face went pale.
He clenched his fists.
"It seems today will be a bloodbath," he muttered.
The Big Mom Pirates bristled, feeling utterly underestimated.
Though they had suffered heavy losses, their numerical advantage was still significant.
"A bloodbath isn't necessary," Marco said, unwilling to escalate the conflict further.
"King versus king, general versus general. But if you insist, Katakuri, I'll grant you the chance to challenge me personally."
Katakuri's frown deepened.
Marco's tone, casual yet confident, was infuriating—it spoke of superiority over him—but he didn't reply immediately.
He studied Marco, waiting to see what the Phoenix Pirates' captain would do next.
Marco continued, "We're both pirates, so let our strength speak. Don't say I didn't give you a chance, Katakuri. I know you're angry that I injured your brother. For the final duel, it will be just you and me. If you win, the offense of your Big Mom Pirates will be forgiven, and I will hand over Fish-Man Island. If I win, then Big Mom can come and settle things herself."
For Marco, Katakuri was perfect for training.
Since focusing on mental fortitude, Marco had noticed remarkable progress in both Observation Haki and Conqueror's Haki, especially Observation Haki.
In the original story, Monkey D. Luffy had honed his future-predicting Observation Haki against Katakuri.
Marco wanted to test himself in the same way, to see if he could awaken the same ability against a master like Katakuri.
After all, his mental strength was formidable, approaching 10,000 points.
Katakuri hesitated.
As the Charlotte Family's pride and its strongest warrior, he carried immense responsibility and the weight of his titles.
Yet he knew that, injured as he was, he might not overcome Marco.
Seeing Marco's calm confidence only reinforced that impression.
Still, with his younger siblings' eyes on him, Katakuri couldn't back down.
Even if he had been countered by Ace's abilities, he knew his Devil Fruit would not fail him against Marco.
Gritting his teeth, he finally said, "Very well. I couldn't decide a winner with you in the past, but this time, we will settle it."
His declaration stemmed from confidence in his own strength and the certainty that Marco would not kill him, as long as Mama remained a threat.
The Phoenix Pirates were intrigued by Marco's decision to duel Katakuri personally, but they respected their captain's judgment.
Ace cautioned seriously, "Marco, be careful. His Mochi-Mochi Fruit has reached Awakening. Even if he's countered by flames, his power is immense."
"I know," Marco replied, nodding calmly.
Katakuri glanced meaningfully at Smoothie, silently acknowledging that without reinforcements, he would have to rely solely on his own power.
Soon, Marco and Katakuri assumed their stances.
Marco recalled how Luffy had gradually refined his Observation Haki against Katakuri and cleared his mind of distractions.
"Come on, Katakuri," he said firmly.
"Go, Big Brother Katakuri!" came the chorus from the Big Mom Pirates.
"Show him your strength!"
The Phoenix Pirates remained composed.
Marco had initiated the duel, demonstrating his full confidence.
Katakuri's eyes narrowed as he watched Marco stand still, seemingly exposed.
Marco saw the hesitation and called out, "Come on, Katakuri. Show me your strength."
The cheering from Katakuri's followers grew louder, but Katakuri himself calmed, focusing his Observation Haki to its maximum.
Despite the injuries from his battle with Ace, his stamina remained substantial.
Pressing his palm to the ground, he roared, "Flowing Mochi!"
The earth around him transformed into writhing white mochi.
From the shifting mass, thorny whips emerged, hardened with Armament Haki.
"Mochi Thorns…"
Katakuri's attack lashed toward Marco, sharp and relentless.
____
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