The remaining Whitebeard Pirates turned to the Captains for their input.
Jozu was the first to speak, nodding firmly. "I support Marco. With Whitebeard gone, we need a flag that belongs to us."
Vista agreed, his voice calm but resolute. "I concur. Marco is now Captain. It is only natural that we follow his orders."
Other Captains echoed their agreement.
Yet among the crew, some held back.
Many had joined the Whitebeard Pirates seeking Whitebeard's protection, and now with him gone, they wondered if the Phoenix Pirates under Marco could truly safeguard them.
These cautious individuals decided to wait and see.
If the Phoenix Pirates maintained their dominance in the New World and held the seat of the Four Emperors, they would remain loyal.
If not, they could claim allegiance to the Whitebeard flag as an excuse to leave.
Though silent, these members outwardly supported Marco.
He, however, understood that among tens of thousands, some loyalty would be tested.
For now, he would wait for the right moment to demonstrate his strength.
"Very well," Marco continued, "from today, the Whitebeard Pirates will officially be renamed the Phoenix Pirates. Sak, I'll leave the flag design to you."
Sak nodded eagerly. "Understood, Captain Marco!"
Marco then added, "The second matter is that I need your help to contact Trafalgar Law, Captain of the Heart Pirates."
Whispers of confusion spread.
"The Supernova from North Blue? The Surgeon of Death?"
"Trafalgar Law?"
Marco nodded. "Yes, that's him."
Jozu furrowed his brow. "Marco, why reach out to him? Invite him to join us?"
Marco's lips curved into a confident smile. "Partly. But more importantly, his Ope-Ope no Mi allows him to restore lost limbs—arms or legs—for Ace and others who suffered during the Marineford War."
"What?"
The crew reacted with surprise and hope, especially those who had lost limbs in battle.
Ace's hand brushed his arm, a glimmer of expectation in his eyes.
Marco's tone grew serious. "Yes, that is correct. I entrust you all with contacting him. If he agrees, the Phoenix Pirates will owe him a favor."
"Understood. Now, let's feast!"
The crew erupted in cheers.
Meanwhile, on a remote island in the Grand Line, the Blackbeard Pirates regrouped.
Their losses at Marineford had been severe; only Blackbeard, Shiryu of the Rain, Jesus Burgess, Doc Q, and Buster Call remained.
The others had been left behind or trapped by the Marines.
Blackbeard grinned, a sinister gleam in his eyes. "Zehahahahaha! We've finally shaken off the Marines! Those fools chasing us have been relentless. How tiresome!"
Shiryu scowled. "Teach, the attempt to seize the Tremor-Tremor Fruit failed. We're down to five. What's next?"
Burgess, propping himself weakly, added, "Captain, in our current state, it seems impossible to reach the New World!"
Shiryu snorted. "Impossible at a time like this. Even with the Whitebeard Pirates weakened, they could easily crush us."
He had once believed following Blackbeard would lead to fame and power, but instead, death and failure had come quickly.
Blackbeard laughed again, undeterred. "Zehahahahaha! Underestimating Old Man Whitebeard was my mistake. I couldn't get the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, but it doesn't matter. We'll take other powerful Devil Fruits."
Shiryu remained skeptical. "The Tremor-Tremor Fruit was the strongest Devil Fruit in the world. What will you aim for instead?"
Blackbeard's smile widened. "A strong one, of course. Weak Devil Fruits hold no interest. Trust me, partner, we will succeed."
Shiryu snorted in begrudging agreement.
Burgess, ever practical, suggested, "Captain, let's target this year's Supernovas. There are eleven, most are Devil Fruit users. Perhaps among them, we'll find powerful fruits to claim."
Blackbeard frowned slightly but nodded.
For now, the Supernovas were their only feasible targets.
Going after the major powers with so few would be suicide.
The stage was set: the Phoenix Pirates consolidating their strength, and the remnants of the Blackbeard Pirates plotting in the shadows, ready to strike.
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