"What?"
Marco froze for a moment, then immediately stood up from the sofa and stared at Garett in disbelief.
"You didn't actually give her anything, did you?"
He and Garett were a normal married couple. They had held a proper wedding, and their relationship was genuine. If Garett truly intended to collect something personal, it would not have been difficult.
Garett's cheeks flushed red.
"Of course not," she said firmly. "You are my husband. How could I possibly do something like that?"
Marco exhaled quietly, tension easing from his shoulders. Big Mom's intentions were never simple. If she wanted something from him, it would not be for a harmless reason.
As if determined to reassure him, Garett straightened and spoke with unusual seriousness.
"I will never betray you. Even if it means standing against Mama, I will stand by your side. If you want, I can even send her false information."
Marco smiled faintly, shaking his head.
"There is no need. You do not have to respond to her at all. You are my wife now. If she dares to pressure you or harm you, I will not let it go."
Garett nodded softly and rested her head against his chest.
During her time with the Phoenix Pirates, she had experienced a warmth she had never known before. Marco and the other captains treated her with respect and kindness. It was not forced, nor political. It felt genuine.
Within the Big Mom Pirates, even blood ties offered little comfort. Siblings plotted against one another constantly, and Big Mom herself ruled through fear. Though she was their mother, she was also ruthless. Garett had always lived cautiously in her presence.
When she married Marco, she had expected another life of calculation and restraint.
Instead, she was given freedom.
Given trust.
That trust moved her deeply.
She wanted to contribute something meaningful to Marco's ambitions, yet she often felt she had little to offer.
At that moment, Jozu's voice carried from outside.
"Marco, Zou is in sight. We will arrive soon."
Marco gently squeezed Garett's shoulder.
"We are here," he said quietly. "Do you want to know why I came to Zou?"
Garett lifted her head, curiosity clear in her eyes.
Marco spoke evenly.
"On this island live two Mink Tribe rulers who once served as apprentice crew members on Whitebeard's ship."
Garett blinked.
"So we are bringing Zou under the Phoenix Pirates' protection?"
Marco nodded.
"That is part of it. But there is something more important."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"There is a red Poneglyph on this island."
Garett's eyes widened.
"A red Poneglyph? But I thought the Phoenix Pirates did not possess one."
Marco chuckled softly.
"We do not. And Zou is not officially part of our territory yet."
He stepped forward toward the deck, the wind catching his coat.
"That is precisely why we are here. We will protect that red Poneglyph, and we will protect the Mink Tribe."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"The two rulers of Zou once sailed with Whitebeard. It has been more than twenty years since we last met, but they were comrades once. That is reason enough."
His expression remained calm, yet thoughtful.
"And although I am not pursuing the One Piece, having such leverage in hand is never a disadvantage."
Together, they walked onto the deck.
Ahead of them rose a sight that stole the breath from Garett's lungs.
A colossal elephant towered into the sky, its body so vast that it seemed to merge with the clouds. Its legs descended into the sea like ancient pillars, and on its back rested an entire island.
Garett's voice trembled with awe.
"This is Zou? There is truly a creature like this in the world?"
Vista laughed lightly.
"This elephant has walked for a thousand years. Upon its back lives the Mink Tribe, one of the fiercest warrior races of the New World."
The massive form of Zunesha loomed before them, silent and eternal, carrying centuries of history on its back.
Marco's eyes were steady as he surveyed the sight.
"Prepare to disembark," he ordered calmly.
The crew moved at once, disciplined and efficient.
The Moby Dick approached the towering elephant, and with it, the Phoenix Pirates stepped closer to a piece of hist
ory that could shake the very foundations of the world.
____
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