Big Mom's words hung in the air, leaving the Beasts Pirates in stunned silence. Kaido's Azure Dragon Devil Fruit had actually come from Big Mom herself?
Kaido's annoyance was evident, but he did not deny it. True, the Azure Dragon Fruit had contributed greatly to his current strength. Still, Kaido was confident that even without it, he could have risen to become one of the Four Emperors, though perhaps not reaching the heights he held now. After all, the Azure Dragon Fruit was undeniably a top-tier Devil Fruit.
"Hmph, old history. Why bring it up now?" Kaido muttered, trying to dismiss the subject.
Big Mom, however, remained firm. "No, this is a lifelong favor. If what you had back then had been a normal Zoan, would you have dared to reach your current position?"
Kaido was momentarily speechless. Snorting coldly, he ceased arguing and changed the subject. "Linlin, I didn't invite you here to discuss old debts."
Big Mom's smile widened. She had brought it up only to subtly remind Kaido of the favor, nothing more.
"Speaking of which, why invite all four Emperors to Wano? What's your purpose?"
Kaido's lips curled into a sly grin. "worororo, I had planned to discuss it after everyone arrived, but for you, I'll tell you in advance. Come with me. We'll talk inside."
Meanwhile, the Moby Dick sailed toward Wano Country, when it encountered the Red-Haired Pirates' flagship, the Red Force.
The two ships gradually closed the distance. Compared to the massive Moby Dick, the Red Force was medium-large at best. Marco, perched high above, activated his strength-detection ability.
Shanks: Strong General Emperor Level
Benn Beckman: Admiral-Emperor Level
Yasopp: Strong Emperor Subordinate Level
Lucky Roux: Strong Emperor Subordinate Level
Hongou: Yonko Commander Level
Bennedick Snake: Weak Emperor's Second-in-Command Level
Benk Binji: Yonko Commander Level
Mashed: Captain Level
Limejones: Yonko Commander Level
Roaring Gabu: Weak Emperor's Second-in-Command Level
Only about twenty members were present, yet each was a monster-level fighter. The Red Hair Pirates were unique in having not one but two Admiral-Emperor Level fighters and seven Yonko Commander Level executives.
No wonder the Marines call them the Iron Wall Pirates. Marco thought. Their elite power is overwhelming. Even the second-in-command of the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates haven't reached Strong Emperor Subordinate Level, yet the Red Hair Pirates have multiple fighters at or above that level.
Jinbe's expression darkened. "Why is Red Hair here?"
"Who knows? Maybe he's deliberately waiting for us," Marco replied, shifting into his Phoenix form. "Ace, everyone else, stay on the ship. I'll go see what's going on."
Ace and the others nodded.
Marco flew directly to the Red Force, determined to prevent Red-Haired Shanks from accidentally using Haki that could knock out his crew. Landing on the deck, he greeted Shanks warmly.
"Red Hair, long time no see," Marco said.
Shanks' face brightened. "Long time no see, Marco! Only half a year, but you've changed a lot!"
Half a year had indeed passed. The aura surrounding Marco was immense; he had fully matured into a true Four Emperor. No wonder he had been able to defeat Big Mom. The last time Shanks had seen him was fleetingly during the Marineford War.
Marco smirked. "Isn't it the nature of a Phoenix to rise from the ashes? Life has forced you to grow—you had no choice but to become stronger."
"That's true!" Shanks agreed with a chuckle. Initially, he had considered Marco a competent first mate. But now, in just a few months, Marco had transformed into a formidable Captain, capable of carrying on Whitebeard's legacy.
Marco's expression softened as he continued, "By the way, thank you for everything at Marineford War. I've wanted to thank you in person, but I never had the chance."
Shanks laughed warmly. "Hahaha, don't worry about it."
Marco's tone shifted, curiosity in his voice. "So, are you waiting here for a reason? I assume this isn't a coincidence."
Shanks grinned teasingly. "Why can't it be a coincidence?"
Marco rolled his eyes. "Come on, the sea is vast. You don't expect me to believe this 'chance encounter' nonsense."