Marco examined the mission before him, a hint of surprise flickering across his face, but inwardly, he rejoiced. This was exactly the kind of challenge he relished. Turning to the anxious Ace and the others, he reassured them calmly, "There's no need to worry. Even if the Marines try to stage another Marineford‑level incident, I have a way to rescue Whitey Bay unharmed."
"Do you really have a way?" Ace asked, urgency and hope mixing in his tone.
Marco nodded confidently, a faint smile appearing. "Yes. There are many methods, and I guarantee Whitey Bay will be rescued without a single loss among our crew."
Relief washed over Ace and the others. Since the passing of their old captain, Marco had become their pillar, the anchor of their confidence.
For Marco, a direct assault on Marineford or Impel‑Down was never an option. He had already planned the strategy in his mind: capture select Marines or Celestial Dragons as bargaining chips, then negotiate Whitey Bay's release. No head-on confrontation was required. Even if the Marines retaliated, Marco was unfazed.
If the Marines dared to provoke a war with the Phoenix Pirates, they would be forced to fight far from Marineford, in hostile territory. Timing, terrain, and public support would favor Marco's side, leaving the Marines at a disadvantage.
Marco also reflected on why Whitebeard had chosen to attack Marineford instead of directly targeting the Celestial Dragons. The indoctrination of the One Piece World had instilled generations with the belief that Celestial Dragons were divine beings. Even Whitebeard, raised on such propaganda, likely hesitated to harm them directly, despite their ineffectiveness.
Marco, as a transmigrator, had no such instinctive fear. Viewing the world from a godlike perspective and aided by his system—far superior to any "chosen one" protagonist—he naturally held contempt for the local beliefs and their "holy" figures.
Steeling his resolve, Marco spoke to Kaido, "Kaido, I have an interesting idea."
Kaido tilted his head in curiosity. "What idea?"
Marco's lips curved into a subtle, wicked smile. "First, have everyone else leave."
Kaido, puzzled but trusting, commanded, "All of you, leave immediately!"
The courtesans and maids exited, leaving only the high-ranking cadres of the three pirate crews. Marco's eyes glittered as he faced Kaido and Big Mom. "We formed this Three Emperors Alliance to challenge the World Government, right? How about we raid the Holy Land Mary Geoise together?"
Kaido and Big Mom blinked in disbelief. Though Kaido had long considered world-scale conflict to humble the Celestial Dragons, the alliance was new, and he was cautious about rash action. "Now is not the right time," Kaido said firmly.
Big Mom agreed. "Indeed. Attacking Mary Geoise is declaring war on the entire World Government. We'd face more than just the Marines."
Marco smirked at their reluctance. "It's as if they expect us to hold back if we don't make the first move."
Though Marco could handle an assault alone, he knew it was risky. Still, attacking Mary Geoise was inevitable. Even if he delayed, the opportunity would present itself eventually. To Marco, the Celestial Dragons were nothing more than experience points to be claimed.
Big Mom's grin held a hint of schadenfreude. "And what will you do next, Marco?"
Marco's gaze hardened, his voice firm. "I have my own strategy."
Kaido, surprisingly cooperative, offered, "Do you want our help?"
Marco shook his head. "No. Just help me locate the Blackbeard Pirates. As for Whitey Bay, I have a method to rescue her."
Big Mom chuckled, clearly entertained. "In that case, let's continue our discussion."
After lengthy negotiations, all parties reached an agreement:
Beasts Pirates: Yamato would join the Phoenix Pirates to marry Ace; Page One would marry Charlotte Joscarpone, the twenty-ninth Charlotte daughter.
Phoenix Pirates: Sakazuki and Fossa agreed to serve as marriage envoys to the Beasts and Big Mom Pirates. Sakazuki would marry Ulti, and Fossa would marry Smoothie.
Big Mom Pirates: They consented to Charlotte Poire marrying Jack of the Beasts Pirates' All-Stars. They also dispatched two Charlotte family members as envoys to the Phoenix Pirates: Charlotte /? would marry Jozu, and Marco would marry Charlotte Garett, the 18th Charlotte daughter.
On that night in Wano Country, Onigashima glowed brilliantly as multiple weddings were celebrated simultaneously.
The following morning, the Phoenix Pirates prepared to set sail with newlywed Yamato, Charlotte /?, and Charlotte Garett. Sakazuki and Fossa were still on Beehive Island, and the full reunions would occur later in Wano and Totto Land.
Before departure, Big Mom personally summoned /? and Garett. "Remember, you both carry the blood of the Charlotte Family. Any important information must be reported immediately. Garett, Marco praised you yesterday as the most beautiful Charlotte daughter. Use your charm to benefit our family."
"I understand, Mama," Garett replied solemnly. She couldn't help but blush, recalling Marco's direct compliment the day before: "Because you are the most beautiful among your family…"
As an Emperors' daughter, Garett naturally exuded arrogance, yet Marco, a man at the peak of the world, commanded her respect and admiration.
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🌙 TO ALL OUR MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS WISHING YOU ALL A WONDERFUL EID!
MAY ALLAH'S BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU TODAY, TOMORROW, AND EVERY DAY
MAY TODAY BRING LAUGHTER, DELICIOUS FOOD, AND JOY