Marco looked at Kaido, his tone calm but firm.
"The World Government will not stop until we are eliminated. Are you still planning to keep Pluton hidden?"
Kaido's gaze drifted toward the half destroyed Nation Protecting Wall. Beyond it, Wano Country no longer existed. Only a damaged Onigashima remained, standing like a scar above the sea.
With the land inside the wall gone, the wall itself had lost its meaning.
Kaido snorted, frustration evident in his voice. "Hmph. You are right. There is no reason for Pluton to remain submerged any longer. It is time to bring it out. Whether it can be used immediately is another matter."
Marco replied evenly, "Then raise it first. If it is damaged, find a shipwright to repair it."
As he spoke, a name surfaced in his mind, the world's greatest scientist, Vegapunk. With Marco's current strength, abducting Vegapunk was not impossible. The technology on Egghead Island, including the Pacifista, the Sea Beast Weapons, and the Seraphim, was powerful enough to rival a Yonko crew. If Vegapunk were brought under their control, it would greatly strengthen their side.
Kaido shot him an irritated look. "You do not need to instruct me. Leave."
Marco waved dismissively. "Your temper is understandable."
Kaido had just lost Wano, and anger clouded his judgment. Marco had originally intended to challenge him again to settle their unfinished business, but clearly this was not the right moment.
Without lingering, Marco spread his phoenix wings and returned to his own territory.
The next day, a new headline shook the seas.
Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, along with the newly appointed Admirals Fujitora and Aramaki, had led fifty thousand Marines to declare war on the Three Emperors Alliance. The battlefield was Whole Cake Island. The fighting had been fierce, and both sides reportedly suffered heavy casualties.
On Beehive Island, Marco held the freshly printed newspaper in his hand. He could not help but reflect on how effectively the World Government controlled public opinion. They shaped the narrative as they pleased.
In truth, Sakazuki had been killed in a direct one on one battle with Marco. Yet the newspaper described a different story. It claimed that Fleet Admiral Sakazuki had been surrounded by Kaido, Big Mom, and Marco, and that Marco had delivered a final ambush while Sakazuki fought valiantly, ultimately dying in the line of duty.
Marco was mildly surprised but not particularly concerned.
The rest of the Phoenix Pirates were far less indifferent.
They all knew Sakazuki had fallen to Marco alone. Now, credit was being divided among the alliance leaders, especially Kaido, who had arrived when the battle was nearly finished.
Ace burst into laughter as he examined his new bounty poster. "Just shy of two billion Berries. What a shame, what a shame. Hahaha!"
Yamato stood beside him, holding her own poster. "Mine increased too, but it is slightly lower than yours."
Ace glanced at it and grinned. "A first bounty of 1.5 billion Berries is already remarkable."
Curiel stepped forward, holding a stack of posters. "It is not just us. The Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates all saw increases as well. I compiled the executive bounties. Captain Marco, take a look."
Marco accepted the stack and began reading.
Curiel announced with visible excitement, "First, the captains of the Three Emperors Alliance."
"Four Emperors, Phoenix Marco, bounty 5.5 billion Berries."
"Four Emperors, Kaido of the Beasts, bounty 5.5 billion Berries."
"Four Emperors, Big Mom Charlotte Linlin, bounty 5 billion Berries."
Ace commented immediately, "The Marines set Marco and Kaido at 5.5 billion, while Big Mom is at 5 billion. That clearly shows the Big Mom Pirates are considered the weakest among us."
Jozu folded his arms. "If you ask me, Marco has already surpassed Kaido. His Devil Fruit was awakened before, but now that he has mastered those black flames, Kaido is not his equal."
Marco remained composed. "I will challenge Kaido again in time. The title of the world's strongest, my father's legacy, can only belong to me. Curiel, continue."
Curiel nodded. "For the Phoenix Pirates executives."
"First Division Commander Sakk, 1.898 billion Berries."
"Second Division Commander Fire Fist Ace, 1.8 billion Berries."
"Third Division Commander Jozu, 1.42 billion Berries."
"Fourth Division Commander Jinbe, 1.025 billion Berries."
"Fifth Division Commander Vista, 1.672 billion Berries."
"Sixth Division Commander Blamenco, 865 million Berries."
"Seventh Division Commander Rakuyo, 972 million Berries."
"Eighth Division Commander Namur, 1.02 billion Berries."
"Ninth Division Commander Blenheim, 794 million Berries."
"Tenth Division Commander Curiel, 855 million Berries."
"Eleventh Division Commander Kingdew, 909 million Berries."
"Twelfth Division Commander Haruta, 795 million Berries."
"Thirteenth Division Commander Atmos, 725 million Berries."
"Fourteenth Division Commander Speed Jil, 898 million Berries."
"Fifteenth Division Commander Fossa, 1.285 billion Berries."
"Sixteenth Division Commander Izo, 808 million Berries."
"In addition, Yamato, known as the Ogre Princess, has a first bounty of 1.5 billion Berries."
Curiel continued, "The vice captains and subordinate captains also received increases, generally between thirty and fifty million Berries. Many ordinary crew members were issued new bounties after this battle."
Marco nodded slightly.
In just half a year, everyone's strength had improved significantly. Since the Marineford War, they had been constantly engaged in battle. Continuous war forced growth. Stagnation was not an option.
Of the sixteen division commanders, aside from Sakk, who was currently with the Beasts Pirates, and Fossa, who was temporarily with the Big Mom Pirates, the remaining fourteen stood present.
Among them, Ace, Vista, and Yamato had reached the level comparable to top Yonko officers. Jozu had also firmly stepped into that tier. Jinbe and Namur were close behind. The remaining commanders had all advanced considerably.
Marco folded the final bounty poster and looked at his crew.
The World Government had declared war.