When Marco received the news transmitted from the East Blue, his entire expression turned solemn. "What exactly does the guy who issued the 10-billion bounty want to do?"
Back then, he thought it might be a conspiracy. After all, offering 10 billion belly for one Logia Devil Fruit and even announcing that it was in the East Blue, no matter how you looked at it, it wasn't normal.
Thus, at that time, he had restrained the brothers under him, not wanting to get involved in this muddy water.
But unexpectedly, Teach suddenly stated that he had received great help from pops and everyone on the ship, yet had never accomplished anything all these years. He hoped to obtain that 10-billion bounty for the sake of the Whitebeard Pirates and Pops.
After pondering for a moment, Marco lifted his head and looked at Whitebeard, who was also furrowing his brows and deep in thought, then said seriously: "Pops, do we need to make some preparations?"
"Preparation? Gurararara! You're right, we indeed need to prepare properly!"
At Marco's question, Whitebeard burst out laughing and then widened his eyes while exuding an aura of authority as he snorted coldly. "With me here, no one can fool us. If those guys can't take out the 10 billion belly when the time comes, don't blame me for being rude!"
The moment these words fell, smiles immediately appeared on the faces of all the Whitebeard Pirates. They raised their heads to look at Whitebeard together.
Pops was right, no one could fool the Whitebeard Pirates that easily!
If Teach obtained the Devil Fruit and the guy who issued the bounty didn't actually bring out 10 billion, then, as family, no matter who it was, they would demand justice for Teach.
Feeling the gazes of all his children, Whitebeard stood up from his enormous seat, his authoritative eyes staring straight forward.
With a great swing of his arm, he commanded: "Set out. Head for the East Blue. My son, Teach, is still waiting for us!"
"Hahaha, let's go!"
"That's right! If Teach really gets it, I would like to see who dares steal his Devil Fruit!"
"Let those guys witness the might of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
Following Whitebeard's order, the entire Whitebeard Pirates burst into cheers while shouting loudly without hesitation.
This atmosphere of family and brotherhood made Marco, who had been somewhat worried earlier, finally show a faint smile.
However, looking toward the sea before him, he couldn't help but sigh softly: "East Blue... Is it going to descend into chaos?"
...
Elsewhere, New World, Totto Land.
"Mama! That Devil Fruit has appeared!"
The Big Mom Pirates had also received the news. Everyone's eyes lit up instantly as they all looked toward their mother.
"Do we need to support Big Brother Katakuri? I heard the other emperors have already dispatched their fleets toward the East Blue."
"It has appeared? Mama-hahaha!"
The captain of the Big Mom Pirates, Charlotte Linlin, who was enjoying her afternoon tea, suddenly let out a hearty laugh. "Tell Katakuri that he absolutely must obtain that Devil Fruit. And now... Depart. I'm going to the East Blue!"
Everyone: "...?!"
As soon as she finished speaking, all members of the Big Mom Pirates immediately rose without hesitation and respectfully responded to their mother.
Ever since the battle in the West Blue, their mother's mood had been extremely poor. She had been staying on Whole Cake Island, creating new children and indulging in sweets all day. Over the past two years, their mother's weight had increased significantly.
Now that their mother finally intended to go out to sea again, how could they possibly disagree?
They quickly lowered their heads, smiling excitedly and respectfully. "Yes, Mama!"
...
At the same time.
New World, an unknown sea area.
"It appeared this quickly?"
Red-Haired Pirates' first mate, Benn Beckman, furrowed his brow and lowered the cigarette from his lips as he looked at Shanks, who also wore a grim expression. "It's exactly as we suspected! But who could it be? And what's the purpose? Using such a massive price to lure so many pirates into the East Blue?"
"I don't know either, but trouble is about to begin."
At Beckman's words, Shanks let out a long sigh, sounding troubled. "I didn't expect something like this to happen at a time like this. Can't things be peaceful for a moment?"
When they saw the 10-billion bounty, they had already guessed that someone was setting a trap in the East Blue... Using 10 billion belly to lure pirate crews there, then dropping the Devil Fruit at the key moment to incite them to fight for it.
Just as Beckman said, who was the one who set such a trap?
And what was their aim?
Shanks rubbed his forehead in frustration. "Looks like this time they intend to pull all Four Emperors into the East Blue?"
"It's unclear if their goal is the captains of the Yonko."
Beckman remained stern. After a moment of thought, he looked toward Shanks again. "Are we going to the East Blue?"
"Us? To the East Blue? Sorry, but I don't have the habit of knowingly walking into a trap. Just keep an eye on things over there. Oh, and make sure to tell them not to get involved."
Shanks rejected the idea without hesitation. He whistled lightly and spoke in a relaxed tone. "We'll head to the Whitebeard Pirates and let them know our suspicions. Better not let him fall for such a meaningless scheme. If a Yonko war breaks out, things will get extremely troublesome!"
As he spoke, he seemed to recall something and turned to Beckman. "Do you know where the Devil Fruit is now?"
"No idea."
Beckman shook his head and took another breath on his cigarette. His expression grew a bit strange, but he did not hesitate to share the intel he had heard. "But apparently it was snatched in the end by some kid wearing a straw hat. Now the entire East Blue is searching for that boy. Shanks, do you think it could be... Huh? Shanks, what's wrong with you? Why did the temperature suddenly drop? Why are you shaking?"
"M-m-me... I..."
But before he could finish, Shanks, completely dumbfounded, trembled uncontrollably.
Then, under everyone's concerned gazes, he suddenly whipped his head around to the helmsman and shouted: "Turn around! Turn around! We're going to the East Blue too! Hurry! Damn it, please don't let it be Luffy!"