"Mama..." The murmurs ran through the Big Mom Pirates behind her. Shock rippled across their faces. They hadn't expected their seemingly invincible captain to compromise with Marco, yet they also understood that if the fight dragged on, both leaders might perish.
Hearing Big Mom speak, Marco's chest felt lighter. He stepped forward, his voice steady despite exhaustion.
"Speak. What are your conditions?"
"First, release Katakuri and Snack," Big Mom declared without hesitation.
Marco didn't pause for a moment.
"Alright," he agreed, his tone firm. Capturing Katakuri and Snack had been a calculated move to negotiate with Big Mom. Killing them would have made reconciliation impossible.
Big Mom's eyes narrowed slightly but she didn't falter. "Second, I want Gromanz Island, Bashalts Island, and the Beitz Islands. All three."
A Phoenix Pirate grumbled from the sidelines, disbelief in his voice.
"What kind of joke is this? These islands—"
"Quiet," Fossa barked sharply before the Pirate could continue. "No matter what the Captain decides, it is final. Your opinions mean nothing here."
The Pirate bowed immediately, silenced.
Marco's expression darkened. "How do you expect me to agree to that?" he muttered under his breath. Protecting these territories had been the entire purpose of this battle; ceding them felt like defeat.
Big Mom's lips curled into a cold smile. "I can pay for them," she said. "Those three islands don't matter much to your crew, and holding them isn't worth much. One billion Berries each, and they're yours. Refuse, and we die together."
It was her bottom line. Big Mom had decided to end the fight and give Marco the appearance of victory, but she still needed some gain from the deal. Substantial benefits mattered more than pride.
Marco's mind raced, but he was too exhausted to overthink.
"Three billion Berries each," he said firmly, "and I'll sell the islands to you."
Big Mom's voice cracked slightly as she countered weakly, "One and a half billion. Take it or leave it." Her body trembled; she was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to end this battle and rest.
Marco no longer hesitated. A small, triumphant smile crossed his face.
"Then it's settled. Big Mom, now tell me… who won this battle?"
Big Mom's face drained of color. She realized Marco had agreed to her terms precisely to elicit this question. Begrudgingly, she admitted, "Consider it your win. This old lady admits defeat."
The Phoenix Pirates erupted into cheers.
"We won!"
"Captain Marco is amazing!"
"Long live Captain Marco!"
The Big Mom Pirates, meanwhile, hovered near their captain, wary and exhausted, both sides acknowledging the weakness of their leaders.
Marco finally allowed himself to relax. Then, the system's mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
Mission complete. Challenged a Four Emperor, defeated Big Mom. Reward: 10,000 attribute points.
"Marco, that's incredible!" Ace ran over and hugged him tightly. Marco stumbled, nearly losing his balance, but Ace caught him instantly, understanding the toll ten days of relentless battle had taken.
Fossa laughed, relief and pride in his voice. "Now let's see who dares mess with the Phoenix Pirates. Even without our old man, Captain Marco will lead us forward."
Big Mom scowled at the words, her pride stung. "This island is mine! Release Katakuri and Snack immediately, and leave my territory!"
The Phoenix Pirates shouted back, excitement fueling them.
"What did you say?! This was Captain Marco's victory!"
"Even without our old man, Marco will lead us to greatness!"
The Big Mom Pirates paled, but Marco raised a hand, his voice firm and calm.
"Enough. Everyone, quiet."
His authority was undeniable, and the Pirates felt the shadow of their old leader reflected in Marco. They knew he would lead them to heights comparable to those their old captain had reached.
Marco turned to Fossa. "Release them. We leave now."
"Yes, Captain," Fossa replied respectfully. He had always respected Marco, but after this war, that respect had deepened into genuine reverence. He could see the old captain's legacy in Marco and believed in his future greatness.
Soon, the Phoenix Pirates boarded their ship and freed Katakuri and Snack. Marco watched from the deck as the islands receded into the distance. The tension in his chest eased, his body finally surrendering to exhaustion. His vision darkened, and he collapsed.
"Ship doctor! Ship doctor! Hurry!" Ace shouted, rushing to support him. Marco had fought with all his might for ten days against a Yonko, and now he needed care, just like any other human, no matter how legendary his deeds had been.