Kid stared at Blackbeard, disbelief written across his face. "What?"
Blackbeard's cruel smile widened. "What's wrong? Scared? Or do you think you can't do it? If you can't, all your companions will die."
He had chosen Whitey Bay deliberately—one of the earliest members of the Whitebeard Pirates, someone whose connection with Marco and other captains was extraordinary.
Kid's eyes narrowed. "Are you trying to start another Marineford War?" Months ago, Blackbeard had captured Fire Fist Ace and handed him to the Marines, sparking the world-shaking Marineford War. He understood Blackbeard's intentions immediately.
But Kid pushed that thought aside. Right now, the only thing that mattered was saving his crewmates. He glared at Blackbeard. "If I capture the Ice Witch, will you release my companions?"
"That's right," Blackbeard said, grinning maliciously. "Deliver Whitey Bay to the Marines, and I guarantee their safety."
Kid's face turned pale. He had no choice. Reluctantly, he replied, "Alright. I agree."
"Zehahahahaha, how satisfying!" Blackbeard cackled as the dark shadow binding Kid dissipated. Instantly, his Devil Fruit powers returned.
Kid looked at Blackbeard warily. "When will you release my companions?"
"Zehahaha, don't worry. I'm a man of my word. The moment you deliver Whitey Bay to the Marines, your companions will be freed," Blackbeard said, his voice cold and menacing. "Besides, you have no other choice. If you want your crewmates to survive, you'll do exactly as I say."
Killer, propped up despite his injuries, shouted urgently, "Kid, don't let him trick you! Even if you follow his orders, he won't release us. This Blackbeard has killed comrades he's sailed with for decades. Trusting him is suicide. Escape, even if only one of you can get away!"
Shiryu's voice cut in, mocking. "Seems your credibility is low, Teach."
"Zehahaha, indeed, a bit embarrassing," Blackbeard admitted, though his gaze turned icy as he looked at Killer and Kid. He spread his arms arrogantly. "But do you really have a choice? All of you are in my hands. Will you obey, or gamble on defeating me?"
Kid's teeth clenched. Fury coursed through him, but he knew he had no other option. His companions' lives were at stake. Gritting his teeth, he said, "I hope you keep your word. Otherwise… I'll kill you."
Blackbeard's cruel grin widened further. "Zehahaha, don't worry. I hold no grudge. Once you complete this task, your companions will be freed immediately."
Shiryu, growing impatient, added coldly, "If you want your crewmates to live, act quickly. We have limits. You have one month. Once Whitey Bay is in Marine hands, your companions will be released."
"One month?" Kid frowned. He had no idea where Whitey Bay was. Could he really find her in that time?
Shiryu's voice was merciless. "You defeated the Wolfba Pirates before. Taking down Whitey Bay shouldn't be too difficult. Fail, and you'll be collecting your crewmates' corpses."
Kid gritted his teeth harder. "And if I can't find her? She won't just wait for me to arrive."
Blackbeard chuckled. "Zehahaha, it doesn't have to be Whitey Bay. Any subordinate Pirate Captain will do. But if it isn't her, you'll need at least three captains to meet my terms."
Kid nodded grimly. "I hope you don't forget our agreement." Turning to his remaining crew, he said earnestly, "Partners, wait for me. I will save you."
He glared fiercely at Blackbeard, snorted, and turned to leave. He knew it was a trap, but knowing didn't help. His companions' lives were at stake. Once they were safe, he would make Blackbeard pay.
Watching Kid leave, Blackbeard's lips curled into a cruel smile. Shiryu muttered coldly, "What a foolish man."
Blackbeard's gaze swept over Killer and the others. He had no intention of killing them—they were powerful pirates, and their shadows could serve as formidable tools.
Trebol flattered him. "As expected of Lord Teach! Using this man to capture Phoenix Pirates' members… if done properly, it might even ignite another Marineford War."
The Donquixote Family members, recent additions to the Blackbeard Pirates, had witnessed Blackbeard's power. They knew that following him was the path to revenge for their Young Master and to reach greater heights. They recognized Blackbeard's potential as surpassing even Doflamingo.
Blackbeard's grin widened further. "Zehahaha, follow me, and we will avenge Doflamingo. I will lead you to heights unimaginable. Once I acquire a third Devil Fruit, no one in the World will stand against me."
Baby-5's eyes sparkled with admiration and hearts. "Lord Teach is incredible!"