Over the next few days, Marco and Monet spent a lot of time together. Though Monet was a Devil Fruit user of the Snow-Snow Fruit, she was enthusiastic and proactive, using her abilities to support and entertain Marco. Naturally, Marco did not reject her efforts, and each day passed pleasantly and comfortably for him.
Fruit Island, so named because its residents cultivated a wide variety of fruits, also served as the Phoenix Pirates' storage for their supplies. Upon landing, the crew split up to gather fruits, while Monet stayed close to Marco, acting as his attentive aide.
At that moment, first division commander Sak approached, holding a letter. "Captain Marco, this is an invitation from the Beasts Pirates."
"Kaido…" Marco recalled. After their battle, Kaido had indeed extended an invitation, and Marco had casually agreed at the time. He opened the letter.
The message was simple: Marco was invited to Wano Country for a meeting. Nothing else was mentioned.
"He's not planning some kind of trap, is he?" Marco muttered under his breath.
He quickly dismissed the thought. In the world of the Pirate King, the gap between power was vast, far beyond ordinary threats. A simple ambush would be meaningless against someone of Kaido's caliber.
Sak continued seriously, "According to intelligence, Kaido has not only invited us this time, but also the Red Hair Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates."
Marco's eyes widened slightly. "Is Kaido planning a Four Emperors meeting? He's inviting the other three all at once… Is this his confidence after awakening his Devil Fruit?"
"So, should we attend?" Sak asked quietly.
After a moment of consideration, Marco decided, "Yes. Of course we'll go. Once everyone has gathered supplies, we'll decide who goes."
Sak nodded in agreement and left.
Turning to Monet, Marco asked, "One last time, are you really planning to join the Phoenix Pirates?"
Monet looked surprised. She hadn't expected Marco to ask this after their recent close encounters. Slightly embarrassed, she nodded. "Yes, Lord Marco. I have made up my mind."
Marco inclined his head slightly. "Very well. From now on, this Fruit Island will be under your management."
Monet's eyes widened in astonishment. "Lord Marco… I wish to stay by your side and serve you."
Marco smiled with a hint of teasing. "There's no need to stay by my side. You're joining the Phoenix Pirates. It makes no difference where you are."
Despite their fun intimacy over the past few days, Marco still could not fully trust Monet. She had once been a spy for the Donquixote Family, skilled in deception. Though Doflamingo was dead, the family still existed. Marco could not risk her accessing the core of the crew's intelligence. Keeping her slightly distant was the safest choice.
Monet's eyes flickered with disappointment. "Is it because of my past, Lord Marco?"
Marco's gaze remained calm. "Since you already know, there's no need to ask."
Though she had worked diligently and shown devotion, Monet realized Marco had not let his guard down. Even during their sexual moments, he had maintained caution. Her confidence wavered, but she still wished to remain by his side. She spoke earnestly, "Since Young Master died, I have had no contact with the Donquixote Family. If you have doubts about me, you can have anyone monitor me. If they contact me, I will report it immediately, and I can serve as a source for you to gather intelligence."
Marco shook his head, amused. "No need. Conspiracies and schemes are for small-time figures like Doflamingo. They lacked strength and relied on tricks. If I wanted to deal with the Donquixote Family, I could send any division commander to handle them."
He gave her a playful look. "Moreover, the more you try to stay by my side, the more suspicious I become. Sleeping together doesn't automatically make you mine. Above all, I trust my brothers first. If you truly want to be close to me, prove your sincerity over time, and I will recognize it."
"Of course, if you choose to leave, I won't stop you. We are pirates; it is your freedom," Marco added firmly.
Monet bowed respectfully, accepting his terms. "Yes, Lord Marco. I will show my sincerity and manage Fruit Island well. I will not disappoint you."
Marco nodded lightly and turned to walk toward the Moby Dick.
Meanwhile, news of Kaido's invitation spread like wildfire across the New World. Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, had invited the other three to a banquet in Wano Country. The Four Emperors were unparalleled powers, second only to the World Government, and during the Marineford War, the Whitebeard Pirates alone had demonstrated terrifying strength.
The world speculated endlessly about what might happen if all four Emperors gathered together. Even without the responses of the Red Hair Pirates, Big Mom, or the others, rumors and conspiracy theories filled the seas.
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