As for Kuzan, Marco did not see any reason to kill him.
First, he was no longer a Marine, and therefore not an enemy in any practical sense.
Second, with Marco's growing strength, he even considered that if the Marines were willing to remain neutral, they could be spared altogether. After defeating the World Government, he would still need a functioning Marine organization to maintain order across the seas.
His true target was only the Celestial Dragons. As long as they were eliminated, Marco saw no need to slaughter everyone else. Whether Marine officers or former World Government agents, those who were willing to surrender could be incorporated.
This was a decision he had already made when he chose to fully take over the World Government's structure.
Rebuilding an entire system from scratch was far too inefficient. His subordinates were strong in combat, but most of them had no interest or skill in governance. Because of that, relying on the existing framework left behind by the World Government was the most practical choice.
Kuzan, after hearing Marco's words, slowly recovered from his shock and let out a bitter laugh.
"So I, a former Marine, am being advised on morality by a pirate. That's ironic."
However, when he thought about the actions of the World Government and the suffering of nations forced to struggle under the Celestial Dragons' tribute system, Kuzan's expression grew serious again.
He looked at Marco and asked, "If you really manage to defeat the World Government, what will happen to the countries that cannot afford the Celestial Dragons' tribute?"
Marco met his gaze directly.
"I understand your concern. After the World Government falls, there will be no more such oppressive tribute. Countries that once struggled under that burden will be able to breathe again. Hunger and war driven by that system will naturally decrease."
His tone turned firmer.
"This world is already rotten at its core. Once the Celestial Dragons are gone, the greatest cancer of this world will be removed. That outcome will benefit everyone. If the World Government wins instead, the world will only sink deeper into darkness."
Kuzan listened quietly, then nodded in reluctant agreement.
"The Celestial Dragons really are the worst part of this world."
The combined forces of the Emperors Alliance and the Revolutionary Army had reached a scale rarely seen in history. If even such a massive coalition failed, then it was unlikely another force of that magnitude would ever appear again. In that case, the World Government would remain unchallenged for centuries.
Marco and his allies were pirates, but the true rot of the world was undeniably the Celestial Dragons.
And beyond the Emperors Alliance, the Revolutionary Army also stood in opposition to the World Government.
Kuzan then spoke again.
"By the way, I heard that Dr. Vegapunk and Dragon are with you. Can I meet them?"
Marco did not refuse.
Allowing Kuzan to meet them could help clarify things further. A former Admiral of his level becoming an ally would be far more valuable than making him an enemy.
"You can go," Marco said simply.
Afterward, Kuzan went to meet Dragon and Vegapunk. Whatever conversation took place between them remained unknown, but in the end, Kuzan made his decision.
He agreed to join their side.
Given Kuzan's strength, Marco naturally would not let him go easily. He immediately presented him with the Oath of Immortality.
Kuzan was then informed of its effects. By signing it, he would gain the Phoenix ability, but in return, he would be bound to Marco completely. Betrayal would result in certain death.
After a long silence and clear hesitation, Kuzan finally agreed.
He understood that refusing might lead Marco to treat him as a potential threat and eliminate him on the spot.
Soon after, Marco granted him a slot within the Oath of Immortality.
The power activated immediately.
Kuzan, Logia type Ice Ice Fruit user, received the Phoenix power.
A strange surge of energy spread through his body as his transformation stabilized.
A faint system-like evaluation appeared of his new state.
Kuzan, Logia type Ice Ice Fruit user, Ability Phoenix, Estimated Strength Weak King Level.
Seeing Kuzan's strength rise from Strong Admiral Emperor level to Weak King level, Marco's expression showed clear satisfaction.
Another powerful King level combatant had joined their ranks.
With this kind of strength accumulating, the chances of overthrowing the World Government increased significantly.
Marco originally intended to assign Kuzan as the captain of the Phoenix Pirates' twenty first division, but Kuzan refused.
His reason was simple. After the World Government fell, he intended to become Fleet Admiral.
Marco did not insist.
He understood Kuzan's position well enough and allowed him to choose his own path.
For now, Kuzan would remain aligned with them, and that was enough.