"Reason?" Marco asked, curiosity in his voice.
Big Mom's lips curled into a strange, satisfied smile as she began her explanation. "That is because Smoothie already has someone in her heart, isn't that right, Smoothie?"
"Uh!" Smoothie froze for a moment, stunned. Someone in her heart? When had she ever felt that way about someone? She was completely unaware of such feelings. Yet when she caught the knowing look in Big Mom's eyes, she immediately understood the situation. In the Big Mom Pirates, children's marriages were never their own decision. Quickly, she nodded in agreement, "Yes, Mama."
Marco was filled with questions and was about to ask who Smoothie's beloved was when Big Mom spoke again, cutting him off, "Smoothie's beloved is Fossa."
"Fossa?" Marco's eyes widened in surprise. The rough‑looking middle‑aged man with a receding hairline immediately formed in his mind. Smoothie was supposed to have feelings for him? Marco could hardly believe it.
Big Mom laughed triumphantly, her grin spreading wide, "Yes indeed. After Fossa and Smoothie clashed on Fish-Man Island, Smoothie gained a good impression of him. Because of this, I hope the Phoenix Pirates can send Fossa as a special envoy to the Big Mom Pirates to formalize a marriage contract with Smoothie."
Big Mom knew that on Fish‑Man Island, Fossa had fought with strength that matched Smoothie's. Though not among the top commanders, his power was still significant. As long as this marriage alliance could be completed and they could exchange envoys, it would be beneficial for both sides.
Marco looked toward Smoothie, trying to read what was really in her heart. Smoothie's eye twitched slightly as she recalled her encounter with Fossa. His strength and honor had indeed impressed her, and she had admired him in that moment. But marriage had never crossed her mind. Despite her reluctance, she nodded again.
Seeing her agreement, Marco was once again surprised, though he thought to himself that Smoothie was undoubtedly beautiful, and Fossa marrying her would not be a bad match.
"All right," Marco finally said, "I will deliver this to Fossa. As for his decision, he will choose for himself."
"Mama mamamama, that is wonderful!" Big Mom exclaimed repeatedly, clearly pleased.
While the three Emperors were discussing the details of the marriage alliance, Jinbe approached Marco quietly, his expression solemn. He leaned in and whispered, "Captain Marco, Whitey Bay has encountered misfortune."
Marco's brow tightened as he asked quietly, "What happened exactly?"
Jinbe lowered his voice even further and explained, "Five days ago, just as we were departing for Wano Country, Eustass Kid ambushed the Ice Witch Pirates, abducted Whitey Bay, and destroyed her icebreaker ship. Even more shockingly, he handed Whitey Bay over to the Marines and has now been appointed a new Seven Warlord of the Sea."
Whitey Bay, known as the "Ice Witch," is an infamous New World pirate captain who was once part of the Whitebeard Pirates and later formed her own crew. She has continued to uphold her fearsome reputation in the Sea.
Marco's tone revealed clear displeasure, "He became a Shichibukai? Why am I only hearing this important news now?"
Jinbe looked bitter as he continued, "At first the situation did not seem urgent. Kid was the only one who launched the attack and although he successfully captured Whitey Bay, he was seriously injured. Vista judged there was no need to bother you at that time, Captain, and sent nearby subordinates to attempt a rescue."
"The Decalvan Brothers had caught up with Kid and were preparing to rescue her when the Marines suddenly appeared and saved Kid. Their intention seemed to be to recruit Kid as a Shichibukai. This coincidence not only saved Kid but also caused the Decalvan Brothers to lose their best chance to rescue Whitey Bay."
Marco's jaw tightened, "So he really is a Shichibukai now?"
"Yes," Jinbe nodded solemnly.
"That son of a—" Marco could not help but curse under his breath. "I have not even gone after him, yet he keeps crossing into my affairs. Does he think becoming a Shichibukai will let him rest easy! Damn it, I'll make him pay."
At that moment, the AI system voice suddenly sounded in Marco's mind: "New mission issued, Mission: The Four Emperors' prestige must not be violated. Eustass Kid has repeatedly provoked the Phoenix Pirates. Kill him to confirm dominance. Mission Reward: 3000 attribute points."
A flash of surprise passed through Marco's eyes, but he accepted the mission without hesitation.
Just then, Kaido turned toward Marco and asked, "Marco, is something amiss on your end?"
Marco replied, "Indeed, a small disturbance caused by a certain Kid who does not know his place." He then glanced over at Big Mom, "You also know Eustass Kid. He seemed to have provoked the Big Mom Pirates before, did he not?"
"Oh, that brat!" Big Mom replied with a cold sneer and disdainful tone, "He is indeed a most annoying fellow."
Kaido leaned in, curious, "What trouble did he cause?"
Marco explained the situation once more, "He kidnapped Whitey Bay and turned her in to the Marines, and in return was appointed a new Seven Warlord of the Sea. This plot feels strangely familiar."
Ace's expression immediately turned furious, "That guy, he's not going to try to imitate Blackbeard by starting another war like Marineford, is he!"
The mention of Marineford stirred deep anger in Ace. The Whitebeard Pirates had suffered devastating losses during that war and had not fully recovered.
Jozu and Jinbe's expressions also turned grave. If the Marines carried out a public execution of Whitey Bay, the Phoenix Pirates would be forced into an impossible choice. Rescuing her could ignite another war, and their crew had not healed from the last one. But leaving her to her fate was unthinkable.
Kaido, however, seemed quite amused by the thought of a world‑class conflict, though he remained silent. He watched Marco closely, perhaps curious how the Phoenix Pirates would respond.
Just then the system AI voice sounded again: "New mission issued: Save Whitey Bay. Goal: Rescue Whitey Bay from the Marines. Reward: 10000 attribute points."