After hanging up the transponder snail, the Phoenix Pirates stared at Marco in disbelief. None had expected him to challenge Kaido one-on-one.
But recalling how Marco had defeated Big Mom, it seemed that even Kaido might not be beyond his reach.
Ace frowned, concern etched on his face. "Marco… are you seriously planning to fight Kaido one-on-one? That guy is known as the strongest in single combat!"
Sak added, "Exactly! When the old man was alive, Kaido was called the strongest creature in land, sea, and air. The only monster among the Four Emperors who could truly contend with Whitebeard. And with the Azure Dragon Fruit—he's a Zoan user—he's definitely stronger than Big Mom in a prolonged battle."
Indeed, Kaido had earned the title of the strongest creature in land, sea, and air well before Whitebeard's death, along with recognition as the strongest in a one-on-one fight. While the Whitebeard Pirates resented him for it, Whitebeard himself paid little mind.
Ace's journey to Wano had been motivated by that very grievance. He had sought to challenge Kaido himself. Fortunately, fate had spared him an encounter; whether he could have returned alive was uncertain.
Marco met their worry with a confident smile. "Don't overthink it. We'll only know if victory is possible once we fight. And the location is Nanku Island. Even if we don't win, we won't suffer serious losses."
He gave Sak a meaningful look. "Besides, you'll get to learn a thing or two about the Azure Dragon Fruit from observing my fight with Kaido."
Sak's eyes lit up as he nodded, determination mingling with excitement.
Marco's grin widened. "Spread the word. Everyone needs to prepare. Half a month from now, this battle won't be easy."
He had long awaited a fight with Kaido. His strength had reached Strong General Emperor Level. Yet his Conqueror's Haki was still only intermediate. He hoped this battle would finally allow him to comprehend Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
---
Meanwhile, at Marineford, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki held Trafalgar Law's new bounty poster in his hand, cursing. "Doflamingo… he's really dead? One less Shichibukai."
The system of Shichibukai was already stretched thin, and now yet another had fallen.
Kizaru sipped his tea leisurely, unconcerned. "Why worry? That's the Fleet Admiral's headache."
Sakazuki glared at him. "Borsalino, any strong candidates to recommend?"
Kizaru's sly smile returned. "Too many to list, but a few big names come to mind. The Golden Emperor Tesoro, treasure hunter Mad Treasure, Cavendish… all strong. Among the Worst Generation, Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid are impressive; Law killed Doflamingo, and Kid challenged both the Phoenix Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates, escaping unscathed."
He continued, "There's also a newcomer, Ogre Bartolomeo. His fame has skyrocketed just two months after setting sail."
Sakazuki scoffed. "Hmph. Among them, only Tesoro is remotely competent. The rest are insignificant."
Kizaru shrugged. "They're all for show. Over the years, the flaws in the Shichibukai system have become glaringly obvious. The World Government, and even the Member Nations, have long been dissatisfied. Two years ago, Tonga proposed abolishing the system—it failed."
He explained further. "The Marine Science Unit's new human weapon, the Seraphim, is nearly ready. By the next World Council, more nations will likely propose abolishing the Shichibukai system. The World Government won't resist. They expect these pirates to play a temporary role, just enough to keep appearances."
Sakazuki growled. "It's humiliating. These so-called legal pirates enjoyed status without contributing during Marineford. The system deserves to be abolished."
Kizaru added, "There's little we can do. Those above have their considerations."
Sakazuki flipped through the bounty posters Kizaru had recommended for potential Shichibukai. "They're forcing me to recruit new Shichibukai even as the system is about to be abolished. It's frustrating."
Kizaru smiled faintly. "Stop complaining. It's your job as Fleet Admiral."
Reluctantly, Sakazuki selected a few candidates. "Let's go with these. I just hope they're competent enough not to die immediately."