Marco was a child Whitebeard had picked up on a small island many years ago.
The boy had been sitting in the ruins, covered in dust and dried blood.
At the time, he was so starved that his skin clung to his bones, his eyes dull and unfocused.
Whitebeard didnt want to bring such a frail kid onto his ship—the rough life at sea would only hasten his death.
So, he simply tossed a bag of food towards the boy from a distance and walked away.
But to Whitebeard's surprise, that very night, he found the pineapple-haired brat on his ship.
The boy said nothing, just stared at him intently before declaring he wanted to follow him.
When Whitebeard asked why, young Marco's answer had stayed with him all these years.
"I want a family. You gave me food, so you're my family. That's what the old garbage man told me."
"I'm a pirate, not your family. Go find your garbage grandpa."
"He's dead. I have no one left. Let me stay with you—I don't care if I die, as long as I'm not alone."
And so, Marco had stayed by his side for decades ever since.
Now, staring at that pineapple head pressed firmly against the deck, Whitebeard found himself at a loss.
He was a great pirate, the strongest man in the world—but he was also a father who doted on his children.
Faced with his son's stubborn plea, even he could feel helpless.
Then, he took a deep swig of liquor, the burn in his throat sharp.
With a booming laugh, he looked down at Marco and said.
"Gurararara! When a foolish son gets this stubborn, what kind of father would keep standing in his way? Go. But promise me one thing."
Here, Whitebeard paused.
The next moment, Marco felt a warm, calloused hand envelop his head.
He looked up to see Whitebeard ruffling his hair, his expression tender.
"Come back alive, you idiot."
*****
Meanwhile, on Onigashima, King stood before Kaido, his voice firm and unwavering.
"Kaido-san, I'm going with you. If you act alone, it'll cause too much chaos. There's too much at stake this time. We're not the weak pirates we used to be—every move we make now draws the world's attention. We can't afford to be reckless."
"Worororo! King, if becoming a great pirate ends up binding you, then what's the point of us being pirates? Whether weak or strong, freedom is something that runs through a pirate's life from beginning to end! But if you want to come along, that's fine too—let those damn Marines witness the terrifying flames burning across the sky!"
And so, on this day, the forces of two Emperors of the New World raced from their respective territories towards the first half of the Grand Line—Paradise!
Phoenix and a Dragon thousands of feet long streaked through the clouds.
Wherever the two forces passed, nearly all the residents were left speechless for a long time, stunned by the sight akin to a divine miracle.
Some religious nations even mistook it for the descent of gods, kneeling in worship for ages.
The movements of the two Emperors were immediately detected by the World Government, who swiftly relayed the information to Marine Headquarters, demanding close surveillance of the duo's actions!
In Sengoku's office at Marineford, he stared grimly at the freshly transmitted report before looking up and addressing his adjutant.
"Immediately notify all Marine officers at the rank of captain or higher who are currently unassigned to enter a state of highest combat readiness. Also, tell Borsalino to halt all ongoing operations and stand by for Headquarters' orders!"
"Recall Kuzan from the New World and have him head to the first half of the Grand Line to trail those guys. Order Garp to cut short his vacation in East Blue and patrol the Grand Line, ready to support Kuzan and Borsalino at any moment. Sakazuki is to remain in the New World to monitor Red Hair and Big Mom—don't let them take advantage of the situation!"
[Still a decade from canon, when is shanks ascend as emperors? is there any info on it?]
"Instruct Momousagi and Chaton to immediately deploy to the West Blue and South Blue for surveillance. I'll personally head to the North Blue!"
As Sengoku's directives were issued, Marine Headquarters began operating at an extraordinarily efficient pace.
Documents and Den Den Mushi transmissions were processed every second, with forces from various branches urgently mobilized.
The New World, meanwhile, was steeped in a tense, murderous atmosphere.
****
In Totto Land, aboard the Big Mom Pirates' ship, Big Mom listened to Katakuri's report, her lips painted with bright red lipstick parting as she cackled.
"Mamamamama~ So the Marines have some impressive brats too, huh? But the age of pirates has already begun—are those hypocritical fools still trying to resist the tide of history? What idiots. Still, Katakuri, take your siblings and march towards that bastard Kaido's territory!"
"This time, I'm going to devour every rare ingredient in his domain! Also, don't provoke that crazy old man Whitebeard—we can't afford to fight on two fronts right now."
Katakuri exhaled slightly in relief as he observed his mother, who wasn't in one of her fits.
Fortunately, when she wasn't in the throes of her episodes, she could still think somewhat rationally.
The reason he had proactively attacked Doflamingo's ship was precisely for this opportunity.
Kaido had been seizing territories left and right lately, repeatedly defeating and injuring Totto Land's pirate crews.
If they didn't score a victory this time, it would spell trouble for Totto Land's future development.
Moreover, that damned bastard Kaido had injured several of his younger brothers and sisters!
Unforgivable!
****
On the other side, aboard the Red Force, Red Hair—who had just become the fourth Emperor—was still stabilizing his territory.
Watching the other Emperor Crews beginning to stir in the distance, he grinned at Beckman beside him.
"Quite a lively bunch, aren't they~"
Beckman took a drag from his cigarette, his expression indifferent.
"What, you itching to join the fun?"
"Hahaha, I'd love to, but now's not the time. Compared to the other Emperors, we're still too unstable. Let's secure the territories we've fought so hard for first. As for this kind of commotion, I'm sure there'll be plenty more in the future. We'll have our chances!"
"Rare to see you so level-headed. But what do you think Kaido and Whitebeard are up to in Paradise?"
"No idea, but something interesting is bound to happen."
****
North Blue, Prince Kingdom.
Jake looked at the potion in his hand and smiled faintly.
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