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"New bounties?" Vista asked calmly.
Under normal circumstances, news like this would have lifted his spirits. But with Whitebeard only just laid to rest, there was no room for genuine celebration. Still, for pirates, a bounty was more than a number—it was recognition, and a measure of strength
"Yes," the pirate replied. "Not just Captain Marco and Captain Vista—everyone's bounty has gone up."
He unfolded a thick stack of wanted posters and began reading them aloud.
"Marco the Phoenix — 1,824,000,000 Berries."
A ripple of murmurs passed through the crowd.
"Diamond Jozu — 1,080,000,000 Berries."
"Fire Fist Ace — 888,000,000 Berries."
"Flower Sword Vista — 1,327,000,000 Berries."
"Blamenco — 625,000,000 Berries."
"Rakuyo — 717,000,000 Berries."
"Namur — 520,000,000 Berries."
"Blenheim — 554,000,000 Berries."
"Curiel — 675,000,000 Berries."
"Harta — 590,000,000 Berries."
"Atmos — 520,000,000 Berries."
"Speed Jil — 743,000,000 Berries."
"Fossa — 742,000,000 Berries."
"Izo — 588,000,000 Berries."
He looked up and added,
"In short, almost everyone's bounty has increased by more than twenty million Berries compared to before."
The captains glanced down at their new wanted posters. Despite the grief weighing on them, faint smiles appeared—rare, subdued, but real.
Then the pirate drew out another poster.
"There's more," he said. "The Marines have issued a bounty on Blackbeard."
The moment that name was spoken, the atmosphere shifted. Anger flashed across the faces of the Whitebeard Pirates as they leaned in.
"Marshall D. Teach — Blackbeard."
"Captain of the Blackbeard Pirates."
"Bounty: 1,000,000,000 Berries."
A collective gasp followed.
Even Marco looked mildly surprised. He had personally seen Aokiji, Akainu, Sengoku, and Garp—all monsters at the top of the world—hunt Blackbeard down. That Teach had still managed to escape spoke volumes about his luck… or something far worse.
Then again, Marco reflected, it wasn't that strange.
Teach was destined to be one of the greatest threats of the era—perhaps Luffy's greatest rival on the road to Pirate King. Of course someone like that would have a terrifying kind of "plot armor."
"A billion Berries…" Ace muttered. "That bastard Teach already has a higher bounty than me, and it's his first one."
Marco's expression grew serious.
"Don't underestimate him. Teach can become a multiple Devil Fruit user. Fortunately, he failed to obtain Pops' Tremor-Tremor Fruit."
Vista frowned, clearly startled.
"Wait—Marco, you weren't bluffing back then? Teach can really do that?"
Marco met everyone's gaze, his tone firm.
"It's true. Teach's body is abnormal. He can wield multiple Devil Fruits. Since he failed here, he'll target others—and he may very well set his sights on us."
A hush fell over the deck.
"If you ever encounter Blackbeard," Marco continued, "do not fight him. Don't be deceived by the honest, foolish act he put on when he was with us. If you find even a trace of him, inform me immediately."
His voice hardened.
"I'll deal with Teach myself."
No one argued.
They all understood—among them, only Marco stood a real chance of stopping Blackbeard.
Vista grinned and said,
"It seems you really are more suited to be captain than I am. Even the Marines' bounty reflects that."
Marco returned a faint smile, his gaze steady.
"Now that Whitebeard has been laid to rest, we should settle the matter quickly—don't you agree?"
"Of course."
Vista smiled as well. Truthfully, he wasn't treating this duel as a contest for power. Deep down, he already supported Marco as Captain. The fight was necessary only for unity—if Marco took the position while dissent still lingered, it would weaken the crew. This way, Marco could prove his worth with undeniable strength.
Before long, the two stepped into an open clearing.
The Whitebeard Pirates and their allied crews formed a wide circle around them. Everyone understood—between Marco and Vista, the next Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates would be decided.
Vista drew his twin swords, smiling lightly.
"To be honest, I've been looking forward to this. But don't expect me to go easy on you."
"Then you'd better watch yourself," Marco replied with a grin.
His strength had already reached Weak Yonko Level—this was the perfect chance to test it.
"Soru!"
Marco vanished in a blur, accelerating instantly. Top-tier Armament Haki surged into his arm as he drove a punch straight toward Vista.
Clang!
The blow collided with Vista's blades.
Marco's eyes flickered with surprise.
He blocked it…
Ever since advancing his Armament Haki, Marco had discovered new possibilities—just as Whitebeard once described, he could now release it like a shockwave.
"Phoenix Seal!"
Twisting mid-motion, Marco unleashed a spinning kick. Vista crossed his swords to block—
Boom!
The impact sent Vista skidding backward dozens of steps, his boots carving deep trenches into the ground.
"…How is this possible?" Vista muttered in disbelief.
They had fought before. The gap between them had never been this wide.
Marco pressed the attack.
Vista slashed in rapid succession, twin blades flashing. Two crimson lines opened across Marco's waist and abdomen—but blue flames flared instantly, sealing the wounds in seconds.
As Vista pulled his swords back, Marco suddenly reached out and seized both blades. A confident smirk curled across his face.
"Phoenix Seal—!"
The kick struck Vista square in the chest, launching him through the air.
Marco had never feared injury. His regeneration was overwhelming. In a one-on-one fight, if he chose to trade blows, the battle would end quickly.
And this one—Was already decided.
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