Ten days later, on Shihblan Island.
More than forty pirate ships filled the surrounding waters, their sails forming an overwhelming presence. These vessels belonged to the Phoenix Pirates and their affiliated crews, gathering a combined force of over twenty three thousand fighters.
For this war, Marco had mobilized almost everything he had.
Aside from a minimal force left behind to guard Phoenix territory, every available combatant had been brought here. This was no ordinary campaign. After defeating Big Mom and stepping into the ranks of the Four Emperors, this battle against the Wang Zhi Pirates would be the Phoenix Pirates' first war as a true Emperor-level crew.
It had to end in an unquestionable victory.
On the deck of the Moby Dick, Marco stood before the division commanders, his gaze steady and commanding.
"Brothers, this is our first battle as an officially recognized Four Emperors Pirate Crew," Marco said calmly. "The Wang Zhi Pirates have just over three thousand men. We outnumber them nearly eight to one. This war must be won cleanly and decisively. The world needs to see the true strength of the Phoenix Pirates."
The atmosphere instantly ignited.
Ever since Marco's victory over Big Mom, the lingering uncertainty within the former Whitebeard Pirates had completely vanished. The crew had finally stepped out from the shadow of their captain's death. They no longer wavered. They truly accepted themselves as the Phoenix Pirates now, and their resolve to follow Marco had never been stronger.
Ace stepped forward without hesitation.
"Marco, let me take the vanguard."
Marco turned his eyes toward him.
"Ace, among our forces, your Mera Mera no Mi has the greatest destructive potential," Marco said evenly. "Whether we can reduce casualties and secure a swift victory depends largely on you. Your flames must break their will before their defenses can grind us down."
Ace grinned confidently.
"Don't worry. Fire is what I do best. Even if they hide underground, I'll make sure they feel the heat."
Marco gave a brief nod before addressing the group again.
"According to the intelligence gathered over the past few days, Beehive Island is covered in bunkers and turret emplacements. Wang Zhi prepared these defenses long ago, back when our father was still alive. Even with our numbers, this war cannot be taken lightly. Carelessness will only lead to unnecessary losses."
The commanders nodded in agreement.
Marco continued, his tone firm.
"Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit. We will crush them in one decisive blow and give them no chance to recover."
He then turned toward Jozu.
"Jozu, is what I requested ready?"
Jozu nodded.
"Yes. Thirty thousand copies. The surrender letters are ready."
Marco took one of the letters into his hand. The contents were straightforward and ruthless.
A bounty had been placed on Wang Zhi himself.
One arm was worth two hundred million Berries.
One leg was worth three hundred million Berries.
His head alone was worth one point five billion Berries.
The letter also made the terms clear. Those who surrendered would be allowed to join the Phoenix Pirates as affiliated crews or receive protection under their banner. Those who resisted would be executed once the assault began.
Ace raised a brow.
"Marco, do you really think this will cause them to break apart?"
Marco's lips curved slightly, clearly satisfied.
"Absolutely," he replied. "Attacking the heart is always more effective than attacking walls. Against an overwhelming difference in power, resistance means death. Surrender means survival, status, and a chance at fortune. Even if Wang Zhi can keep them in line temporarily, cracks will appear over time. Among three thousand pirates, there will always be those willing to betray for a better future."
Jozu frowned slightly.
"But if they betray Wang Zhi, what stops them from betraying us later?"
His concern was reasonable. A single traitor could cause severe damage.
Marco answered without hesitation.
"We honor our word," he said firmly. "We are not Wang Zhi. Our strength is absolute. As long as we remain strong, betrayal becomes meaningless."
He continued.
"They will not join the core Phoenix Pirates. Instead, they will be distributed among our affiliated crews. Over time, loyalty will reveal itself. Those who prove themselves can rise. Those who do not will never gain influence."
Since taking command of the former Whitebeard Pirates, Marco had inherited many of Whitebeard's principles.
The original Whitebeard Pirates were family. The main crew was composed entirely of people raised under Whitebeard's care. Betrayal was unthinkable.
The Phoenix Pirates followed the same philosophy.
The main crew would remain elite, limited to sixteen hundred members chosen for both strength and unwavering loyalty. New blood would be tested through the affiliated crews first.
Jozu nodded slowly.
"I understand."
Marco shifted his attention back to the group.
"Enough discussion. It's time to move."
He began issuing orders.
"Ace, you will lead the Second, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Divisions, along with five thousand affiliated pirates. Surround Beehive Island from the east."
Ace nodded immediately.
"Jozu, you will take the Third, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Divisions, plus five thousand affiliated pirates. Surround from the south."
Jozu acknowledged the order.
"Vista, you will lead the Fifth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Divisions, along with five thousand affiliated pirates. Secure the western and eastern flanks."
Vista drew his swords slightly in response.
"The main front," Marco continued, "will be handled by me."
He then turned toward Jinbe.
"Jinbe, take the Sun Pirates and the Fishman units. Monitor the waters beneath the island. No one escapes by sea or submarine."
Jinbe nodded calmly.
"Leave it to me."
Marco's gaze sharpened.
"Once everyone is in position, sink all enemy ships immediately. If we can eliminate them outright, we do so."
He paused briefly.
"If they hide behind their defenses, distribute the surrender letters across the island. Use loudspeakers to constantly demand surrender. We will not rush the attack. We apply pressure until they collapse from within."
"When their formation breaks," Marco concluded, "we move in and finish it in a single strike."
The commanders nodded in unison.