On Cake Island, after Perospero ended the call, he reported to Big Mom, "Mama, he hung up the phone."
Big Mom sipped her tea, a smile playing across her face. "Mamamama! Let him be! That brat Marco needs to learn that the Emperors' throne isn't easy to claim. The Whitebeard Pirates seized too much territory in the New World; it's time they paid for it."
Jozu and the others exchanged glances, realizing the Big Mom Pirates clearly underestimated Marco. Worry crept into their voices as they asked, "Marco, what's our next move?"
Marco's gaze sharpened just as his den den mushi rang again. He answered, and Jinbe's anxious face appeared. "Marco, it's confirmed. The Big Mom Pirates have arrived at Fish-Man Island to seize it. They've already burned the flags of both the Whitebeard Pirates and the Phoenix Pirates."
Marco's lips curved into a determined smile. "Understood. Send reinforcements to Fish-Man Island, but do not engage them directly. I'll handle everything when we arrive."
Jinbe nodded solemnly. "Alright, I understand. Act quickly."
Hanging up, Marco was about to issue orders when the system's mechanical AI voice sounded: "New mission released…"
He opened the system panel and navigated to the mission tab. The new missions read:
Mission: Establish Authority – Faced with the severe provocation of the Big Mom Pirates, go to Fish-Man Island, defeat the Sweet Commanders, and teach the Big Mom Pirates a profound lesson. Reward: 2000 attribute points.
Mission: Challenge an Emperor – Faced with the severe provocation of the Big Mom Pirates, challenge Big Mom herself. Remain undefeated for one day, reward: 1000 attribute points. Remain undefeated for three days, reward: 2000 attribute points. If you can defeat her, reward: 10,000 attribute points.
Marco barely glanced at the missions, unfazed. Even without them, action was inevitable. Fish-Man Island was under attack, and as captain of the Phoenix Pirates, he could not stand by. Defeating the Sweet Commanders would inevitably draw Big Mom's attention and force a confrontation—war was unavoidable.
Turning to his crew, Marco addressed them firmly, "The Sweet Commanders of the Big Mom Pirates have invaded Fish-Man Island and burned our flags. This is a complete humiliation. As pirates, if we do not retaliate, we have no right to sail these seas. I will personally deal with the Sweet Commanders."
Jozu stepped forward boldly, shouting, "Of course! Marco, I'll go with you. Those who dare challenge the Phoenix Pirates, even as a Four Emperors crew, will learn their fate. We'll make them pay."
Other members of the Phoenix Pirates shouted in agreement, their voices filled with determination, though some harbored doubts. With Whitebeard gone, could Marco truly handle the Big Mom Pirates alone?
Marco's smile widened as he gauged their spirit. He turned to Trafalgar Law. "Sorry, Law. Our plan against Doflamingo will have to wait. First, we need to deal with the Big Mom Pirates. After this, we'll return to your matter."
Law nodded. "Understood, but I want to accompany you to Fish-Man Island."
Jozu blinked in surprise.
Law smirked. "It's a rare opportunity. I want to witness a conflict between Emperors crews."
Marco agreed immediately, then began assigning personnel for the mission when the den den mushi rang once more. With a sigh, Marco answered. The den den mushi transformed into Karma's face, who shouted, "Captain Marco! Jack, an All-Star of the Beasts Pirates, attacked Nanku Island and burned all our flags!"
"What?" Marco's eyes narrowed. The simultaneous strikes of the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates could not be coincidental—they were clearly coordinated.
He asked urgently, "How many are there? Is Jack the only executive? Where are Queen and King?"
Karma answered quickly, "They arrived with ten pirate ships. Jack is the only All-Star we saw. No sign of Queen or King, but five Tobiroppo executives—Who's Who, Sasaki, Ulti, Page One, and Raquel—are present, along with dozens of other All-Stars."
Marco exhaled, relieved that Queen and King had not joined. "Hold your ground as long as you can. If necessary, retreat temporarily. I'll send Vista to support you. Jack alone is manageable."
Karma nodded, "Understood." She ended the call.
Vista, overhearing, remarked grimly, "The Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates attacking simultaneously clearly indicates premeditation."
Ace gritted his teeth. "Despicable… truly despicable."
The system's AI voice sounded again: "New mission released…"
Marco opened the system panel. Two new missions appeared:
Mission: Establish Authority – Faced with the Beasts Pirates' provocation, immediately go to Nanku Island and teach them a profound lesson. Reward: 1500 attribute points.
Mission: Challenge an Emperors – Challenge Kaido of the Beasts. Remain undefeated for one day, reward: 1000 attribute points. Remain undefeated for three days, reward: 2000 attribute points. Remain undefeated for five days, reward: 3000 attribute points. If victorious, reward: 10,000 attribute points.
Marco's expression hardened.