Blackbeard thoroughly enjoyed Baby-5's adoring gaze. Having spent over twenty years with the Whitebeard Pirates, mostly at sea, he had rarely had the opportunity to indulge in women. Aside from a few members of the medical team, the Whitebeard Pirates were all burly men, and their days were filled with feasts and battles rather than romance. Now, having left that life behind, Blackbeard fully indulged himself, seeking out women whenever he pleased.
Shiryu, standing nearby, smiled faintly. He didn't doubt Blackbeard's strength for a second. Already a Dual Devil Fruit User, Blackbeard's power was formidable, and if he managed to obtain a third Devil Fruit, he could surpass even the Four Emperors or challenge the Pirate King. Still, Shiryu cautioned, "That being said, provoking a war like Marineford by using a Phoenix Pirates Captain such as Whitey Bay won't be easy."
Burgess tilted his head curiously. "Why, Shiryu?"
Shiryu exhaled smoke rings from his mouth. "The Marineford War began because of Fire Fist Ace. He was the son of Pirate King Roger and displayed extraordinary strength even as a youth. Whitey Bay is different; she is only a Captain under the Phoenix Pirates. Besides, the Marines suffered heavy losses during Marineford. They are unlikely to risk another full-scale war with the Phoenix Pirates anytime soon."
"Zehahahaha, of course I've considered all that," Blackbeard said with a cheerful grin. "But my goal is to see if Marco and his crew truly value their comrades after Whitebeard's death. Even if it fails, we won't lose anything. The Marines are short on Warlords of the Sea anyway, so we can use this method repeatedly, weakening the Phoenix Pirates while increasing our own strength."
Shiryu nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The Phoenix Pirates are already our mortal enemies. The weaker they are before an official war, the greater the advantage for us."
Meanwhile, on Nanku Island, the battle between the Beasts Pirates and the Phoenix Pirates had raged for eighteen days.
The first three days were non-stop combat—no food, no water, no rest. For the remaining days, the captains fought for twelve or more hours each day before taking short breaks.
The island itself was devastated. Trees were flattened, roots torn apart, and the landscape was scarred by the ferocity of the battle. Crew members from both sides watched in awe and exhaustion.
"This battle has gone on far too long! Captain Marco fought Big Mom for ten days, but Kaido has faced him for eighteen, and still there's no clear winner," one Beasts Pirates officer murmured. "Is this what a Four Emperors-level fight really looks like? Eighteen days? Even a Marine Admiral only fights ten days and ten nights!"
While their captains clashed, the crew engaged in skirmishes among themselves. The Phoenix Pirates dominated the Beasts Pirates in these encounters.
Ace, still young and full of ambition, challenged both Jack and King. Jack was no match for him, and only King could meet Ace in a draw.
The Tobiroppo also tested themselves against the Phoenix Pirates: Who's-Who challenged Jinbe and was defeated; Sasaki challenged Fossa and lost; Ulti and Page One fought Kingdew and Killer, ultimately failing. Only Black Maria and Vergo, formerly a Marine Vice Admiral and now one of the Tobiroppo, remained undefeated. Their restraint, not overwhelming strength, explained their survival.
Over these days of combat, the Beasts Pirates gained a full understanding of the Phoenix Pirates' strength. Each Captain rivaled at least a Tobiroppo, and the strongest approached the level of the All-Stars.
Jozu, observing the battle, said gravely, "Kaido truly lives up to his title of 'Strongest in a One-on-One Fight.' Marco's Devil Fruit has awakened, and he should have an advantage in stamina, yet Kaido continues to hold his ground."
Vista smiled faintly. "But Marco's advantage is growing. Look at his endurance."
At first, Marco struggled against Kaido, suppressed by the Emperor's overwhelming power. But once Marco infused his attacks with Conqueror's Haki, Kaido could no longer dominate him. From the fourth day onward, the fight became evenly matched. By the tenth day, Marco had begun to gain the upper hand.
The key was simple: Kaido himself called for short breaks, conserving stamina, while Marco's Devil Fruit Awakening amplified his recovery and endurance. After a night's rest, Marco's stamina fully recovered, making him unafraid of prolonged combat.
Kaido, as an Oni, naturally possessed immense strength and stamina. However, his recovery could not match Marco's. Both were Zoan Devil Fruit Users, but Marco excelled in prolonged fighting, while Kaido's advantage lay in raw power and explosiveness.
"Kaido, are you reaching your limit again? Planning another halftime break?" Marco teased, breathing heavily yet confident.
Both were all-around fighters, but Marco's superior recovery and stamina gave him an edge in long-term attrition, allowing him to push Kaido further with each exchange.
_____
👉 Patreon.com/Zphyr