Hearing the name Blackbeard, Ace, Jinbe, and Jozu's eyes immediately flickered with a trace of killing intent.
"Blackbeard?" Kaido stroked his chin thoughtfully. "By the way, have you still not found him?"
Marco turned to Jozu, who replied, "We received intelligence that he may have appeared on Shrimp Island. But when we went there, he was gone. He's far too familiar with the distribution of our Whitebeard Pirates' forces. We estimate he's likely moving between the territories of the Four Emperors' crews, slipping through their cracks."
Kaido's interest visibly piqued. He grinned. "Good, no problem. If Blackbeard ever appears in my territory, I'll have someone capture him and send him to you. At the same time, I'll mobilize the Beasts Pirates to help track him down."
Linlin chuckled, her laughter echoing like thunder. "Mamamamamama! If it's just this, this old lady can help too."
Marco nodded firmly. "Good. As long as you help me locate or capture the Blackbeard Pirates, I will agree to this alliance. I want to end Blackbeard before my father's grave, to honor my father and our fallen comrades."
Kaido's grin widened. "Worororo, good, it's settled then." Marco's single condition was no problem. With a Three Emperors Alliance in place, both territory and numbers were secured, far surpassing the legendary Rocks Pirates. If Kaido became the leader of this alliance, and with the ancient weapon Pluton under his control, he could ignite a world-class war. Of course, Kaido had no intention of revealing Pluton to Marco yet. That news would only come once Marco officially joined.
Kaido turned to Red-Haired Shanks. "Red Hair, your answer? Or do you have conditions?"
Shanks smiled faintly, lifted his wine bowl, and drained it in one gulp. Setting the bowl down, he met Kaido's gaze. "I came here today just to taste good wine. I'm not interested in alliances."
Rising to his feet, he added, "Thank you for your hospitality. I'll be leaving."
Kaido's frown deepened. "Wait a moment…"
The tension in the room grew palpable. Members of the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates stiffened. Their two crews had already allied, and the Phoenix Pirates were quasi-allies. If all three crews acted together now, the Red Hair Pirates would be in grave danger.
Shanks remained calm but wary. "Is there anything else, Kaido?"
Kaido's eyes glinted fiercely. "Is your refusal because of Oden?"
Shanks shook his head, smiling. "No. Oden was a friend, yes, but I have my own crew and adventures. I'm simply not interested in your alliance, so I'll be leaving."
Linlin's grin widened, her true intentions clear. "Hey, Red Hair, are you sure? This is a perfect chance to dominate the world. If we Four Emperors unite, no one can oppose us."
Kaido understood immediately. If Shanks refused, eliminating the Red Hair Pirates might be tempting. Shanks' expression grew more serious as he realized the danger. If the three Emperors attacked together, the Red Hair Pirates could be destroyed today.
At that moment, Marco intervened, voice calm but commanding. "If they are unwilling, let them go."
Kaido and Linlin looked at him in surprise. Marco continued, "During the Marineford War, the Red Hair Pirates showed kindness to our Phoenix Pirates. We cannot repay kindness with enmity. Just let it be, for my sake."
Kaido chuckled, "Worororo, fine, I'll allow it." He gestured to Shanks. "Red Hair, you may leave."
Shanks inclined his head slightly, nodding at Marco in acknowledgment. No words were exchanged, but understanding passed between them. Marco had repaid the favor.
With the Red Hair Pirates gone, Linlin tsked in mild displeasure, but she did not blame Marco. In this alliance, her strength was likely the weakest. She had also learned of Marco's Devil Fruit Awakening. The last time they had fought, it had been ten days and nights, but Marco's power had now fully awakened. She knew dealing with him would be even more difficult.
Who's Who emerged with the updated alliance agreement. "Lord Kaido, the alliance treaty has been copied."
Kaido nodded slightly, signaling Who's Who to hand the documents to Marco and Linlin. "Lord Marco, Lord Linlin, if there are no issues, you may sign."
Marco studied the treaty, now formalized. Unlike past verbal alliances, this was written, official, and binding. The document had changed only in name—from the Four Emperors Alliance Treaty to the Beasts, Phoenix, Big Mom Three Emperors Alliance Treaty. The contents remained unchanged. Marco signed under the Phoenix Pirates section.
The three leaders smiled at one another, ready to announce their union.
Ace, witnessing the signing, could hardly believe it. A Three Emperors Alliance—an overwhelming force beyond imagination—had been forged.
Soon, Kaido, Linlin, and Marco ascended to a raised platform before the gathered pirates—Beasts Pirates, Big Mom Pirates, and Phoenix Pirates alike. Kaido lifted his wine gourd, grinning broadly.
"Worororo, everyone! I have good news. To you all and to the world—the Beasts, Phoenix, Big Mom Three Emperors Alliance Treaty has been signed! The strongest pirate alliance in history has been born!"
A roar of excitement erupted from the crowd.
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