"Do we have new bounties?" Vista asked calmly. Normally, new bounties would excite him, but with Whitebeard freshly buried, it was difficult to feel true joy. Still, as pirates, bounties were a mark of honor.
The pirate delivering the news held up a stack of wanted posters. "Not just Captain Marco and Captain Vista, but everyone's bounties have increased."
He began reading aloud.
Marco: 1,824,000,000 Berries
Diamond Jozu: 1,080,000,000 Berries
Fire Fist Ace: 888,000,000 Berries
Flower Sword Vista: 1,327,000,000 Berries
Blamenco: 625,000,000 Berries
Rakyō: 717,000,000 Berries
Namur: 520,000,000 Berries
Blenheim: 554,000,000 Berries
Curiel: 675,000,000 Berries
Harta: 590,000,000 Berries
Atmos: 520,000,000 Berries
Speed Jil: 743,000,000 Berries
Fossa: 742,000,000 Berries
Izo: 588,000,000 Berries
"The bounties for others have also increased. In general, everyone gained at least twenty million Berries."
The crew's faces brightened, rare smiles appearing. The pirate added, "Additionally, the Marines have placed a bounty on Blackbeard."
"Blackbeard?" The name alone sparked anger and alertness among the Whitebeard Pirates.
Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, Captain of the Blackbeard Pirates: 1,000,000,000 Berries
A collective gasp followed. Marco, recalling the pursuit by Aokiji, Akainu, Sengoku, and Garp, could not help but feel impressed. Blackbeard had truly escaped four Admiral-level combatants, a testament to his luck and cunning.
"1,000,000,000 Berries… for his first bounty?" Ace muttered in disbelief.
Marco's gaze grew serious. "Do not underestimate Blackbeard. He has the potential to become a multiple Devil Fruit user. Thankfully, he didn't acquire Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit."
Vista frowned. "Really, Marco? I thought you were bluffing Aokiji back then."
Marco looked at the crew, his tone firm. "It's true. His body structure is unusual; he can indeed wield multiple Devil Fruits. While he didn't get the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, he will likely pursue other powers. He might target the Whitebeard Pirates. Do not confront him directly. Do not be deceived by his seemingly simple demeanor. Report any trace of him to me immediately. I will handle it."
The crew nodded silently. Only Marco among them could match Blackbeard's threat.
Vista grinned. "It seems you are more suited to be Captain than I am. The Marines' bounty also proves it."
Marco smiled faintly, meeting Vista's eyes. "Now that Father is buried, we must quickly decide who will be Captain."
Vista nodded. He wasn't taking the duel too seriously. Deep down, he supported Marco becoming Captain, and his challenge was meant to maintain harmony within the crew.
Soon, Marco and Vista arrived at an open space. The Whitebeard Pirates and their allied crews formed a circle, watching as the future Captain would be determined. Vista drew his two swords. "I'm looking forward to this fight. I won't hold back."
"Then you better be careful," Marco replied, smiling. His strength had now reached Emperor Level, though weak, But it's a perfect opportunity to test his abilities.
"Rokushiki: Soru," Marco whispered, accelerating with the technique. Channeling Top-tier Armament Haki into his arm, he launched a punch at Vista.
Their clash of arm against blade reverberated through the space. Marco's eyes widened in surprise. He actually blocked it.
After mastering Top-tier Armament Haki, Marco realized he could now perform feats previously impossible, just as Whitebeard had once described, releasing Haki like a shockwave.
"Phoenix Seal!" Marco executed a side spin kick. Vista blocked with both swords, but the force sent him skidding backward, plowing two marks into the ground.
"How is this possible?" Vista muttered, astonished. Marco's strength had grown immensely. The difference now was staggering.
Marco pursued relentlessly. Vista's swords slashed across Marco's waist and abdomen, drawing blood, but the blue flames of his Phoenix Fruit quickly healed him. As Vista readied his swords again, Marco grabbed both with a smirk. "Phoenix Seal!"
A powerful kick drove Vista back. Marco's confidence stemmed not from recklessness but from the unmatched recovery granted by his Devil Fruit. In a one-on-one duel, he knew decisive blows could settle the outcome swiftly.
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