"Mama Mama, you've really come into your own, Marco," Big Mom said, a faint smile on her lips. She gestured to a chair, "Sit down, everyone! No matter what, it's brunch time now. Although the Kohn Islands aren't officially under this old lady's control, since we've arrived, it will now be considered part of the Big Mom Pirates' territory. Let me also treat you to Totto Land's finest brunch."
Marco took a seat, calm and collected. Whatever Big Mom intended, his focus remained clear—this meeting was about one thing only: confronting a Four Emperors pirate.
"Eat me! Eat me!" "Would you like black tea or green tea?" "Do you want a cream puff? I'm delicious!" Ace's eyes widened in shock at the dancing desserts and animated tea cups. "What is this! The cakes and cups are talking?"
Big Mom chuckled at his reaction. "Mama Mama, don't be nervous. These are Homies, brought to life by my Devil Fruit. You've seen them before on Fish-Man Island, haven't you? Eat freely. They won't harm you."
Ace hesitated, but seeing the Charlotte Family children eat calmly, he picked up a cream puff and took a bite. "It's surprisingly delicious!"
Big Mom beamed. "Naturally! Totto Land produces the finest desserts in the world."
Marco sipped his tea, unmoved. Speaking first in a moment like this would give away momentum, and he had no intention of doing so. Though the brunch appeared leisurely, caution hung thick in the air. Noticing Marco's composure, Big Mom's pretense dropped, and she laughed. "Marco, after Whitebeard's death, it seems you've indeed taken control of the Whitebeard Pirates well. You are very calm in front of me."
Marco ate a pastry before replying, his tone steady. "Hmph, want to know why I'm so calm?"
"Oh?" Big Mom raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Marco smirked. "Because of my strength."
Big Mom froze for a moment before erupting into haughty laughter. "Mama Mama, what an arrogant brat! You have immense confidence in your strength!"
Marco's smile was charming, but his eyes were icy. "I'm not here for any pleasantries; I'm here to fight you. If I lose, Katakuri and Snack return safely. If I win, then from now on, whenever your Big Mom Pirates encounter the Phoenix Pirates, you retreat three steps."
"Mama Mama!!!" Big Mom's eyes flared. "How presumptuous! Are you trying to challenge this old lady?"
Smoothie had reported that Marco had mastered future-predicting Observation Haki and the external projection of Armament Haki. Still, Big Mom dismissed him as a junior, believing it would be nothing more than a playful skirmish. Fighting him personally would be no more than bullying.
With the air of a seasoned elder, she said, "You defeated Katakuri, so you are indeed qualified to be considered an Emperor. I acknowledge your status. After this, the Big Mom Pirates will no longer interfere with Fish-Man Island. You may release Katakuri and the others, and I will pursue nothing further."
Even Marco, typically composed, felt a flicker of irritation. Her arrogant tone was infuriating. He replied coldly, "From your expression, it seems you think you can beat me. But I don't need your acknowledgment. Words mean nothing. If I lack the ability to secure the Four Emperors' throne, your acknowledgment is meaningless."
Rising to his feet, Marco unleashed his Conqueror's Haki. Instantly, the Homies and weaker Big Mom Pirates around him collapsed unconscious. "Stubborn old-timers like you only believe in strength. Then let's speak with strength."
Big Mom's eyes glimmered with fury, and her own Conqueror's Haki flared. The two powers collided violently, and for a moment, Marco's Haki was suppressed. Ace and Jinbe, observing, felt the oppressive pressure of the clash.
"Marco, unleashing Conqueror's Haki before me… it's still a little weak," Big Mom sneered.
Marco noted the disparity in their Haki, but he did not flinch. His Conqueror's Haki was intermediate, yet his overall strength rivaled hers. Blue flames danced around him as he said, "I came here for one reason. The era is advancing. How many more years can you cling to the title of Four Emperor?"
Big Mom's pride could not bear the veiled taunt. "If strength is all you rely on, then come!"
Her Devil Fruit activated, and the world around her plunged into darkness. Her presence, magnified by the Soul-Soul Fruit, radiated power, her eyes burning fiercely. "Life or Death…"
The Big Mom Pirates recoiled in fear. Even witnessing Marco defeat Katakuri, they believed their captain unstoppable. One by one, they backed away from her.
An illusion, Marco realized, as the world turned black and Big Mom's figure loomed enormous. Yet his Haki dispelled the effect with ease.
Ace's flames and Jinbe's calm resolve similarly negated the illusion. Big Mom was astonished. None of the three exhibited fear, and her attempt to probe their souls had failed.
Marco seized the moment. "Alright, since you've made your move, it's my turn."
Without hesitation, he dashed forward with lightning speed.
While Big Mom was still dazed, Marco's foot struck her massive face.
"Phoenix Seal…"
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