Besides us, the bounties of the executives of the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates have also risen.
Two of the Sweet Commanders of the have fallen, leaving only and alive among the former three. Their bounties have increased as well. Katakuri's bounty now stands at 1.8 billion Berries, equal to Ace's, while Smoothie's has risen to 1.25 billion Berries.
As for the , the Conflagration now carries a bounty of 1.68 billion Berries. has reached 1.1 billion Berries. Among the Tobiroppo, Who's Who's bounty is 620 million Berries, Black Maria's is 552 million Berries, Sasaki's is 588 million Berries, Ulti's is 515 million Berries, and Page One's is 376 million Berries.
After finishing the report, Curiel said with unconcealed pride, "Whether it is the Big Mom Pirates or the Beasts Pirates, in both the number and strength of their executives, they are far inferior to our Phoenix Pirates. Captain Marco, you are now the man closest to becoming Pirate King."
The crew immediately echoed him.
"That's right! After the Whole Cake Island war devastated the Big Mom Pirates, and Kaido's forces were struck by the Heavenly King, our Phoenix Pirates stand at the top."
"We have finally returned to the days when the old man was still with us. This is our strongest era once again."
As their cheers filled the hall, Marco suddenly shouted, "What exactly are you celebrating?"
His voice cut through the excitement like a blade. The pirates froze. Even Jozu's expression darkened.
"During the Whole Cake Island war, nearly two thousand of our brothers were killed by the Marines," Jozu said sternly. "Our forces have not yet recovered to the level of the former Whitebeard Pirates. This is not proof that we have grown stronger. It is merely the result of the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates being weakened by Marine attacks."
Vista nodded firmly. "Exactly. And do not forget, we are now allied with them. The moment the Three Emperors Alliance was formed, we became a target for the Marines and even the World Government. From now on, nothing will come easily. Prepare yourselves."
The earlier excitement vanished. Several pirates swallowed nervously.
Ace looked at Marco, his tone serious. "Marco, are we really going to take the initiative and attack Marineford next?"
Jozu added quickly, "We have already secured one victory. We should stop while we are ahead. The Marines are the recognized overlords of the sea. No one truly knows the depth of their strength. Behind them stands the World Government, with eight hundred years of foundation and terrifying weapons like the Heavenly King."
When Marco returned the previous day, he had already explained his plan to the division commanders. At that time, most of them had stared at him in disbelief.
His plan was simple, yet shocking: to launch a direct assault on Marineford and drive the Marines completely out of the New World.
The very thought made many uneasy. They understood the Marines' strength better than anyone.
At first, Marco had considered attacking the Holy Land to gain a massive amount of attribute points and elevate his strength. But after careful reflection, he realized it was a flawed approach. Even if he struck the Holy Land, true success would be nearly impossible. At best, it would humiliate the World Government.
And humiliation alone was meaningless.
The World Government valued its authority above all else. If pushed too far, they could unleash the Heavenly King and reduce Beehive Island to ruins. The cost would be catastrophic.
So Marco changed his strategy. First the Marines, then the World Government.
Marineford was the greatest military stronghold under the World Government. If Marineford fell, it would be like tearing out the government's claws. Even with the Gorosei and the God's Knights still standing, their power would be severely weakened.
Still, the boldness of this plan left many speechless.
Marco nodded calmly. "This cannot be avoided. The moment the Three Emperors Alliance was formed, our war with the Marines and the World Government had already begun. Even if we remain still, they will not."
A cold smile touched his lips. "Fleet Admiral Sakazuki prefers direct military suppression. It is the simplest and most effective approach in his eyes."
The room grew tense at the mention of the current Fleet Admiral.
"But he failed," Marco continued evenly. "And after that failure, they will not attempt the same method again. They will choose another strategy. Divide and conquer."
"Divide and conquer?" Vista frowned.
"It is simple," Marco explained. "Our Phoenix Pirates, the Beasts Pirates, and the Big Mom Pirates all carry grudges against one another. Even if the captains can sit at the same table, that does not mean the pirates beneath them can forget blood debts."
Several commanders fell silent. Izo lowered his head slightly.
"If the World Government sends agents to sow discord," Marco continued, "they can fracture the alliance from within. Once we turn on each other, they can eliminate us one by one."
Yamato nodded slowly, beginning to understand.
Ace's eyes sharpened. "So that is why you chose to save Big Mom. You wanted to stabilize the alliance."
Marco gave a short nod. "The Three Emperors Alliance exists because of shared interests. Only continuous victories can hold it together. If it collapses, the Marines will waste no time crushing us separately."
He paused, letting his words settle.
"The Marines suffered tremendous losses at Whole Cake Island. They have seen the power of our united forces. If the alliance breaks, they will pursue us relentlessly until we are destroyed. That is why we must remain united with the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates, and we must continue to press forward."
Silence filled the room.
They understood now. There was no retreat. Even if they sought peace, the World Government would never allow it. Not after what had happened.
Until the Three Emperors Alliance was dismantled, the World Government would not rest.
And neither would Marco.
===
Powerstones?? (´ε｀ )
____
Patreon = _Zeph