The confrontation was brief, or rather, it was Blackbeard's one-sided annihilation of the Donquixote Family. Within minutes, the executives were severely injured, collapsing under his overwhelming power.
Lao G stared at Blackbeard in disbelief. "What… what kind of power is this? He's even stronger than Doflamingo."
Blackbeard's grin stretched wide as he laughed wildly. "Zehahaha! Don't compare me to a weakling like Doflamingo. Being a Shichibukai was his limit, but for me, it's just the beginning. To be honest, with your strength, you aren't worthy to be my companions, but my crew happens to be short-handed. Rejoice! You've caught the wave of the times—soon, the entire world will be mine."
Trebol's brow furrowed. "Blackbeard, that power… it's the Shadow-Shadow Fruit, isn't it? How can you possess it?"
Blackbeard laughed loudly. "Zehahahaha, that's a good question! I am the only Dual Devil Fruit User in the world."
"Dual Devil Fruit…? How is that even possible?" Baby-5's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Some things simply defy understanding," Blackbeard said smugly. "Whenever people see something beyond their comprehension, they claim it's impossible, even when the truth stares them in the face. Following a useless fool like Doflamingo has its limits, after all."
Shiryu stepped forward, his voice cold. "Teach, if you're going to recruit them, why not just turn them into zombies?"
Blackbeard chuckled. "We can't have an entire crew of zombies, can we? I'm no Moriah. What makes a pirate crew strong? Popularity. If I have no companions, what's the point of becoming king of the world? I wouldn't even have anyone to share the fun with."
Shiryu smirked at the explanation. "You have a point. I see now why you spent over twenty years with Whitebeard. Even you fear loneliness."
Blackbeard ignored the teasing and turned his gaze to Baby-5, making a grim, playful expression. "And you, little girl… you're a bit weak to be my companion, but if you want to be my woman, I could reluctantly accept. I'm a man destined to become the king of the world."
Baby-5's cheeks flushed red. "Me… needed?"
Normally, the Donquixote Family might have scoffed at such audacity, but now they were in no mood. Blackbeard barely noticed her reaction, turning instead to the rest of the executives.
"Choose," he said coldly. "Join me, be turned into zombies, or have your shadows stolen and live in darkness forever."
Trebol and Diamante were the first to submit. "We will join, Lord Blackbeard."
Seeing their top executives surrender, the remaining members followed suit.
"Zehahaha! Then we are companions from now on!" Blackbeard proclaimed, lifting the Shadow-Shadow Fruit's restraint.
The freed executives exhaled in relief. Shiryu snorted. "Looks like we can't turn them into zombies. We'll have to get along now."
Burgess cheered. "Finally, the Blackbeard Pirates' numbers are recovering!"
Shot sipped wine, skeptical. "Even so, our strength still pales compared to the Phoenix Pirates."
Shiryu nodded gravely. "Indeed. Even with your dual Devil Fruit power, Teach, defeating Marco won't be easy. He has already bested Big Mom, and our crew alone isn't enough to challenge sixteen captains and their forty-three pirate crews."
Blackbeard grinned menacingly. "Zehahaha! Don't worry. If my plan works, we will be the new Four Emperors."
Shiryu's tone was measured. "The plan only matters if it succeeds."
Blackbeard's grin never faltered. He felt some irritation at Shiryu's repeated questioning, but as always, he concealed it perfectly. "Don't worry. And as for you," he said to Trebol and the others, "I'll make sure Doflamingo is avenged. I have my own grudge against the Phoenix Pirates, but for now, we are not yet their match."
---
Meanwhile, time flew by, and the fifteen days agreed upon with Kaido quickly passed. Marco had spent them preparing meticulously. After mastering the Six Powers, he now fully controlled the special skill of Life Return.
In the original training, this ability could digest food rapidly, restoring stamina and vitality. But Marco had discovered additional applications: using hair for offense and defense, manipulating internal organs for movement, reshaping his body, and strengthening localized areas.
He focused on a single function: energy storage. Drawing inspiration from a manga called Toriko in his previous life, Marco had hoped to emulate the 'Food Honor' ability, allowing him to store food as energy for battle.
Though he failed to replicate 'Food Honor' entirely due to differences in the worlds' mechanics, Marco's training paid off. He could now digest food faster than ever, restoring his stamina rapidly.
With his improved Life Return and newfound confidence in energy recovery, Marco prepared for his upcoming duel with Kaido. No matter how grueling the battle, he knew a quick break and a meal could keep him fighting at full strength.
____
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