Jozu's eyes blazed with fury, glaring at Edward Weevil. "How dare you insult Whitebeard! With your behavior, how are you even remotely like him?!" The sight of Weevil's snot-filled face was enough to disgust him. To make matters worse, the man's stupidity was obvious—he looked like an utter fool.
Marco's gaze hardened as he turned to Miss Bakkin. "You are Buckingham Stussy, aren't you? Explain this immediately—did you create this abomination using cloning technology?"
The idea had crossed Marco's mind. Miss Bakkin had persistently claimed in the original story that Weevil was Whitebeard's son. Yet, having once been part of MADS, Vegapunk's scientific research team, she possessed the means to produce a failed clone.
"Clone?" muttered the Captains. "Are you saying this man is a clone of Whitebeard? No wonder he seems slightly familiar… but how could he resemble the great Whitebeard? Look at that face, it's ridiculous!"
Miss Bakkin's composure faltered, her face betraying her shock. "How… how do you—"
Marco's smirk confirmed his suspicion. She hadn't expected him to know the truth. To cover her unease, she adopted a feigned air of superiority. "Oh, I didn't expect you to remember me, Marco."
The other Captains exchanged surprised glances. Vista asked, "Marco, you know this woman?"
"Yes," Marco replied calmly. "I saw her a few times when Whitebeard was allied with the Rocks Pirates." He recalled fragments of his early life—adopted and raised by Whitebeard, he had even spent some time aboard the Rocks Pirates' ship. Though faint, these memories were enough.
The Captains collectively shuddered. The formidable Whitebeard contrasted sharply with this short, ugly woman.
Marco explained, "I don't know all the details, but back then, she clung to Whitebeard constantly, probably to harvest his genes. That's irrelevant now. I am here for one purpose: to avenge our comrades who were killed by her and that defective man."
Miss Bakkin's face twisted in anger. "What are you planning to do to my Weevil? He's Whitebeard's true son! Are you trying to kill Whitebeard's bloodline?"
The Phoenix Pirates hesitated, but Marco's decision was absolute. "Stop your nonsense! This fool is nothing but a defective product, created from Whitebeard's genes. His existence is the greatest insult to the man we serve."
Righteous fury spread among the Captains. "Exactly! How dare she misuse Whitebeard's genes to make this monstrosity? Unforgivable!" "His existence insults Whitebeard!" "Whitebeard has passed, and you dare steal his legacy? Never!" "We are Whitebeard's true family!"
Marco gave no further pause. "You, take care of Miss Bakkin. I'll handle Weevil."
Blue flames erupted across Marco's body as he assumed his Human-Beast Form, charging straight at Edward Weevil.
Miss Bakkin leapt onto Weevil's shoulder, screaming, "Weevil, retreat!"
"Okay, Mom…" Weevil obeyed, trying to flee.
"After killing our comrades, you think you can escape?" Ace shouted, blocking his path with a searing Flame Net.
Marco caught up swiftly, roaring, "Phoenix Seal!"
Weevil, caught off guard, received a brutal kick from Marco that sent him crashing through several houses. Fortunately, the island had been evacuated in advance, leaving only Marco and the fourteen Captains to deal with Weevil. In the past, Weevil had slaughtered over a dozen Phoenix Pirate crews. Now, he would face the full might of the crew.
"Damn it! That hurts!" Weevil roared, bloodshot eyes glaring. "I will kill you!"
"Then come!" Marco growled, unflinching.
They clashed violently. Weevil swung his enormous greatsword downward, while Marco, coating his arms with Armament Haki, clamped down on the blade with both hands.
"Bastard! Watch me cleave you in half!" Weevil roared, exerting terrifying force. Marco, surprised by his strength, noted that Weevil exceeded even 10,000 points in raw power.
"This isn't even Akainu level!" Marco shouted, his own strength surging. Armament Haki expanded along his arms, causing cracks to form in Weevil's Murakumogiri-like sword. With a final surge of Haki, the blade shattered with a resounding 'ping.'
Weevil staggered, shocked. Miss Bakkin, already captured by Jozu, could only stare in disbelief.
Marco's lips curved into a sneer.
He was ready to finish this fight decisively, proving that the Phoenix Pirates would not tolerate insults to their fallen Captain.