Marco sneered coldly, "Don't act as if the outcome is already decided. You brought so many of your Big Mom Pirates here, clearly planning to take Fish-Man Island by force. As pirates, if we surrender without a fight, how are we supposed to make a living on the high seas?"
Rising to his full height, Marco continued, "You've been a pirate for decades; you know what happens when a pirate crew's flag is burned. This is the palace, so I won't fight you here. Let's step outside and have a proper battle. If you win, Fish-Man Island is yours. If you lose, you kneel and apologize."
Cracker's eyes flared with intensity. "Fish-Man Island is already ours. If you lose, just taking the island won't satisfy us—we want the other islands too. You can refuse, but then we'll take them ourselves."
Marco's expression remained indifferent. "Then let's see if you have the ability."
King Neptune, observing the exchange, felt entirely sidelined, as though Fish-Man Island were a mere prize to be taken by these powerful pirates. Despite his frustration, he had no choice. "Um, Sir Marco, Sir Katakuri, if you wish to fight, please go to the plaza! We've cleared it out, there's plenty of space."
Both Marco and Katakuri nodded, recognizing the logic. Fish-Man Island's structures were fragile compared to the strength of their crews. Using the plaza as a battlefield was far safer and more cost-effective.
Soon, the Phoenix Pirates and Big Mom Pirates arrived at the plaza, preparing for combat. The Big Mom Pirates' forces numbered over ten thousand, plus thousands of Chess Homies, while the Phoenix Pirates and their ten allied crews totaled over six thousand. Despite the disparity, the Phoenix Pirates remained undaunted.
Katakuri exuded confidence, knowing his numerical advantage, with nearly a 3:1 ratio over the Phoenix Pirates. He recalled the Marineford War, where the combined Marine forces managed to overwhelm even the Whitebeard Pirates, and believed numbers would favor them here as well.
He issued a warning. "Marco, we haven't even begun, yet you should stop. See the forces we've brought? You cannot match us."
Marco laughed derisively. "Tch, so it comes to this. Stop with the boring threats. Compared to the Marineford elites, you're barely more than a disorganized rabble."
The Phoenix Pirates and allied crews showed no fear. They had witnessed the Marineford War firsthand, facing Admirals, Vice Admirals, Pacifista, Shichibukai, and one hundred thousand Marine elites. Even as the strongest of the Four Emperors, the Whitebeard Pirates had endured heavy losses.
No matter the strength of Big Mom Pirates' Sweet Commanders, they were not stronger than those Marine elites. With Big Mom absent, the Sweet Commanders were formidable, but not insurmountable.
Marco activated his Human-Beast Zoan Form, his aura surging, and roared, "Brothers, to battle! Show the Big Mom Pirates the might of the Phoenix Pirates!"
The Phoenix Pirates roared in unison. "Charge! Take down the Big Mom Pirates! Let them know what happens when they try to steal our territory!"
Katakuri, gripping his trident Mogura, said calmly, "To battle."
From above, the two forces collided in a chaotic melee.
"Fire Fist!"
Ace unleashed his signature move, a massive twenty-meter Fire Fist barreling toward Katakuri.
A figure blocked him—a woman wielding a colossal sword glowing red. "Squeeze Sword: Drought River!" she roared, striking Ace's flames.
With a tremendous boom, her strike cleaved Ace's Fire Fist, sending flames scattering. The ground cracked where her attack passed, moisture drained by her ability.
Ace grinned. "Smoothie, one of the Sweet Commanders, huh?"
Though her bounty was 932,000,000 Berries, higher than his own, Ace's real target was behind her—Katakuri.
"Brothers, charge with me!" Ace yelled, urging his crew forward.
Katakuri's eyes locked on Marco. Years ago, they had fought to a draw. Marco's regenerative abilities had matched Katakuri's precognitive Observation Haki, their battle lasting an entire day and night without resolution. Katakuri had drained his mental energy using Observation Haki, while Marco's Zoan endurance kept him going. Had the fight continued, Katakuri might have been the one to falter.
Now, facing Marco again, Katakuri knew this would not be an easy fight.
The plaza became a stage for an inevitable clash of titans, the air thick with tension and the roar of pirates ready to fight for their honor.