Blackbeard stared at Redfield without the slightest hint of fear and sneered.
"Zehahahahaha, you are just an old relic from a past era. The New World has no place for people like you."
The moment he finished speaking, Blackbeard acted immediately. He raised his palm toward Redfield. As the user of the Dark Dark Fruit, he possessed terrifying suppression against other Devil Fruit users.
He grinned coldly.
"Dark Water."
Even though Redfield possessed extremely sharp Observation Haki, his body was instantly dragged forward by the overwhelming gravitational pull, a direct counter to Devil Fruit abilities.
A crimson glint flashed across Redfield's eyes.
In the next instant, he swung his umbrella sword, releasing a scarlet wave of sword pressure that tore through the air.
Just as Blackbeard prepared to defend himself, Shiryu stepped forward and raised his blade, instantly cutting apart the incoming sword energy.
Because of Shiryu's interception, Blackbeard's attack lost momentum. Dark mist surged beneath Blackbeard's feet as shadows wrapped in Haki shot forward.
"Shadow Spear."
Redfield calmly reacted. With his powerful Observation Haki, predicting such attacks was natural for him. However, Blackbeard's abilities were unusually unpredictable.
"Shadow Clone."
In an instant, Blackbeard swapped positions with his shadow and closed the distance.
"Dark Water."
"Damn it."
Redfield's pupils shrank. Although he foresaw the trajectory, the strange combination of Blackbeard's dual Devil Fruit powers made immediate reaction difficult. His body was dragged forward once again.
A violent burst of Conqueror's Haki exploded from Redfield's body.
His umbrella sword became coated in that overwhelming willpower. Since Blackbeard continued pressing the attack, Redfield abandoned evasion entirely and chose direct confrontation.
He wanted to see who would yield first.
The terrifying Haki instantly made Blackbeard realize the danger. Even with the Dark Dark Fruit, blocking that strike head on would be extremely difficult.
A massive slash surged forward.
Blackbeard immediately attempted another Shadow Clone transfer to evade, but Redfield had already predicted the location of the switch.
The crimson sword pressure descended toward him.
Blackbeard's eyes widened as he crossed his arms, reinforcing them with full Armament Haki.
A thunderous explosion erupted.
The underground city shook violently as the attack crashed into the surroundings, tearing everything apart and causing the ceiling to begin collapsing.
After releasing the strike, Redfield did not pursue further. Having already foreseen what would happen next, he turned and calmly headed toward the exit.
This place was about to collapse, and he had no intention of getting covered in dust.
"Ahh, it hurts... it hurts so much!"
Blackbeard clutched his abdomen as blood poured from the wound. Despite using Armament Haki together with the Dark Dark Fruit's power, Redfield's Haki had clearly surpassed his defenses.
That overwhelming sword pressure reminded him of someone.
Red Haired Shanks.
Redfield's attack carried power no weaker than Shanks' blade.
Still, Blackbeard's endurance was monstrous. Thick darkness spread from his body, swallowing the damage and pain itself. His injuries rapidly disappeared, though the absorbed pain forced him to collapse onto the ground, breathing heavily.
Shiryu watched in shock.
The Dark Dark Fruit could even devour injuries. That ability was far more abnormal than expected.
Since Blackbeard's previous opponents had been relatively weak, Shiryu had never witnessed him suffer serious wounds before.
"Teach, get up," Shiryu said urgently. "This place is about to collapse."
Blackbeard slowly stood, his expression dark.
"Count Red... you think you can escape from me?"
Without hesitation, he rushed after Redfield.
Far away in the New World, on Zou.
Marco was the first to land on the massive elephant island, descending from the sky in his phoenix form before transforming back. Behind him, the members of the Phoenix Pirates slowly climbed up using ladders.
Upon seeing Marco, Inuarashi approached with a warm smile.
"It has been a long time."
From the opposite side, Nekomamushi also appeared, temporarily setting aside his usual dispute.
"Gyahahaha, Marco! I heard you became one of the Four Emperors. Congratulations!"
Marco smiled lightly.
"It really has been a while, Nekomamushi, Inuarashi."
He glanced between the two rulers and added teasingly,
"I heard you two still could not stand each other, but this looks surprisingly peaceful."
Nekomamushi immediately snorted.
"Who gets along with this mangy dog?"
Inuarashi frowned at once.
"And I feel the same. Besides, it is daytime. During the day, I rule Zou."
Nekomamushi crossed his arms in annoyance.
"If Marco had not come, do you think I would show up during the day?"
Before their argument escalated, Wanda quickly stepped in.
"Duke Inuarashi, Master Marco is still here."
Pekoms nodded in agreement.
"Boss, we have honored guests."
Nekomamushi scratched his head and laughed.
"Fine, just for today we will cooperate... old dog."
"Hmph. Agreed," Inuarashi replied.
Soon, all members of the Phoenix Pirates successfully arrived on Zou. After brief greetings, Marco prepared to discuss the real reason for his visit.
Nekomamushi and Inuarashi personally led him to the King's Room, while the Mink Tribe warmly hosted the rest of the crew.
After sitting down, Nekomamushi spoke first.
"So Marco, after all these years, what brings you here suddenly?"
Inuarashi nodded.
"After Whitebeard's passing, we heard you took command of his crew. How are things now? Do you need our help?"
Marco smiled calmly.
"Everything is going well. I am already recognized as one of the Four Emperors. Even though Zou is isolated, you still receive newspapers, right?"
Inuarashi nodded.
"Yes, though only major events reach us."
Marco leaned forward slightly and decided not to waste time.
"I will speak directly."
He looked at both rulers seriously.
"Nekomamushi, Inuarashi, I came here hoping that you and the entire Mink Tribe will join the Phoenix Pirates."
===
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