Yasopp and Lucky Roux both possessed Strong Yonko Commander–level strength. That alone was astonishing.
At present, not a single member of the Phoenix Pirates had reached that level. In fact, not just the Phoenix Pirates—even the second-in-command of the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates only stood at ordinary Yonko Commander level.
Yet within the Red Hair Pirates, Yasopp and Lucky Roux were merely the third and fourth most prominent figures.
'The Red Hair Pirates really are a mirror of the Roger Pirates…' Marco couldn't help but marvel. Whether it was the Roger Pirates, the Red Hair Pirates, or the Straw Hat Pirates, all three followed the same elite path—small crews, but overwhelming individual strength.
If one judged purely by high-end combat power, the Red Hair Pirates undeniably outclassed the other three Yonko crews.
Two Yonko–level fighters and seven Yonko Commander–level combatants—no wonder Sengoku had granted Shanks' request during the Marineford War.
With a lineup like that, the Marines had every reason to be cautious.
Jinbe stared at the approaching Red Force, his expression grave.
"Why is Red Hair here?"
"Who knows?" Marco replied lightly. "Maybe he's been waiting for us on purpose."
As he spoke, Marco transformed into his Phoenix form and turned to Ace and the others.
"You all stay on the ship. I'll go see what's going on."
Ace and the rest nodded without hesitation.
Marco then took off from the Moby Dick, flying straight toward the Red Force. He preferred to take the initiative—if Shanks boarded unannounced and casually released his Haki, half the crew would be unconscious in an instant.
Landing on the Red Force's deck, Marco greeted him calmly.
"Red Hair. Long time no see."
Shanks looked up and broke into a wide grin.
"Long time no see, Marco! It's only been half a year, but you've changed a lot."
It really had only been half a year since they'd last met, yet the aura surrounding Marco was completely different now—steady, imposing, unmistakably that of a true Yonko. No wonder he'd been able to defeat Big Mom.
The last time Shanks had seen Marco properly was the original Marco; during Marineford, they'd only exchanged a distant glance before parting ways.
Marco chuckled.
"Isn't rebirth from the ashes a Phoenix's specialty? After everything that's happened, growth was inevitable."
Shanks laughed and nodded.
"That's true. Back then, I only thought of you as Whitebeard's right hand. I didn't expect you to inherit everything so completely—and so quickly."
Marco met his gaze, sincere gratitude in his eyes.
"Speaking of which, I still haven't properly thanked you for what you did at Marineford. I've wanted to, but never found the chance."
Shanks waved it off with a carefree grin.
"Hahaha, don't worry about it."
Then Marco got straight to the point.
"So—what brings you here? You didn't just happen to run into us, did you?"
Shanks tilted his head, feigning innocence.
"Why can't it be a coincidence?"
Marco sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Don't play dumb. The sea's too vast for this to be accidental."
"Hahahaha, exactly!" Shanks laughed heartily. Then his expression shifted, eyes growing sharp.
"Still, Marco—why are you heading to Wano Country? You shouldn't really have any reason to go."
"And what about you?" Marco shot back calmly. "Why are you going?"
Shanks answered without dodging the question.
"I heard you were heading to Wano. That's why I decided to take a look for myself."
"I see." Marco nodded and explained, "After my decisive battle with Kaido on Nanku Island ended, he invited me to Wano as a guest. I agreed back then, so this trip is simply me honoring that invitation—nothing more."
He shrugged slightly, sounding relaxed.
"The Phoenix Pirates are stable for now, and I don't have any urgent matters to deal with. Since Kaido is hosting a banquet, I figured I'd go eat for free and see what he's really up to."
Shanks burst into laughter, but Benn Beckman, standing behind him, spoke with a grave expression.
"I'm afraid Kaido's intentions won't be that simple."
Marco turned his gaze toward Beckman—the man widely regarded as the sharpest mind on the Grand Line.
"Do you have a guess, Benn Beckman?"
Beckman exhaled slowly.
"I've pieced together a possibility, but nothing conclusive. That said, one thing is certain—whatever Kaido is planning, it won't be good news. At least not for the Red Hair Pirates."
Shanks nodded and looked straight at Marco.
"That's exactly why I waited for you here. I want to propose a temporary offensive and defensive alliance."
"Kaido and Big Mom were once crewmates, and their relationship back then was… close. Even if the chances are slim, if they're plotting something against you or us, we need to be prepared."
Marco frowned slightly, then shook his head.
"That seems unlikely. Kaido may be eccentric, but he's straightforward. He doesn't strike me as the type to rely on schemes and underhanded tricks."
He paused, then added seriously,
"Still, your caution makes sense. Being wary never hurts. Let's do it—form a temporary alliance. If Kaido makes a move against either the Red Hair Pirates or the Phoenix Pirates, the other will step in. Agreed?"
Shanks smiled broadly.
"Agreed."
According to Beckman's analysis, Kaido's sudden invitation to all the Yonko was almost certainly a move with hidden intent. There was even the possibility that Kaido intended to use the banquet to display his power—coercing or enticing the other Yonkō into forming a massive pirate alliance.
If such an alliance were to take shape, the balance of the New World would be shattered in an instant.
Originally, Shanks had no interest in Kaido's invitation. But after hearing Beckman's concerns—and learning that the Phoenix Pirates were also heading to Wano—he could no longer remain idle. Even if the odds of Kaido succeeding were slim, the consequences of success would be catastrophic.
That was why Shanks had rushed here—to warn Marco in advance.
If it had been Whitebeard, Shanks wouldn't have worried at all. Whitebeard would never have allied himself with anyone. But Marco was different.
For a long time, Shanks had seen Marco as Whitebeard's capable right hand. Now, however, Marco was a captain in his own right—and Shanks could no longer be certain what path he would choose.
Two days later, the Red Hair Pirates and the Phoenix Pirates arrived at Wano Country, successfully navigating the perilous waterfall via its unique ascending passage.
After crossing into Wano's territorial waters, the Moby Dick followed a Beasts Pirates guide ship, steadily advancing toward Onigashima.
Vista gazed at the distant land. Even from afar, the towering chimneys scattered across Wano were clearly visible, belching thick plumes of smoke into the sky. His expression turned heavy as he spoke.
"It's been nearly thirty years since we last set foot in Wano… Back then, we even met Oden here. I never imagined Wano would become like this."
Izo stared at the factories dotting the landscape, his fists slowly clenching. His face darkened.
"So this is what Wano has become…"
This land was his homeland. Kozuki Oden was once his lord. When he learned of Oden's death at Kaido's hands, the desire for revenge burned fiercely in his heart—but he had been powerless to act.
Most of the Phoenix Pirates, aside from a handful of veterans, knew little about Kozuki Oden. To them, he was merely a former Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates—someone who later joined the Roger Pirates and never returned.
Before long, the fleet reached Onigashima.
Waiting at the entrance were the three All-Stars: King the Conflagration, Queen, and Jack. Though all three were infamous pirates with bounties exceeding one billion, the arrival of not one, but two Yonkos caused their expressions to grow solemn.
Marco casually activated his level detection.
King — Ancient Zoan, Dragon-Dragon Fruit (Pteranodon), Yonko Commander Level
Queen — Ancient Zoan, Dragon-Dragon Fruit (Brachiosaurus), Yonko Commander Level
Jack — Ancient Zoan, Elephant-Elephant Fruit (Mammoth), Weak Yonko Commander Level
King stepped forward, his voice deep and controlled.
"Red-Haired Shanks. Phoenix Marco. Kaido-sama has been waiting. Please, follow us."
Shanks' lips curved upward into a relaxed smile.
"So you're King the Conflagration? I've heard quite a bit about you—the Beasts Pirates' second-in-command. Say, how about joining my crew?"
King's eye twitched. Just two days earlier, Big Mom had made a similar offer. His reply was cold and immediate.
"I refuse."
Marco, standing nearby, sighed.
"Hey, Red Hair, are you obsessed with poaching second-in-commands? First me, now King."
Shanks laughed cheerfully.
"When you see talented people, it's hard not to try, right?"
Marco rolled his eyes, momentarily speechless.
Soon after, the Phoenix Pirates and the Red Hair Pirates followed the three All-Stars into the depths of Onigashima.
By the time they reached the performance floor, everything had already been prepared. Kaido and Big Mom stood side by side. Kaido threw his head back and laughed loudly.
"Worororo! Red Hair! Marco! Welcome!"
He waved his hand grandly.
"Oi—our guests have arrived! Let the banquet begin! Bring out the finest wine and the best meat!"
"Ohhhhh——!"
At that moment, Queen sprang onto the stage without warning, striking a flamboyant pose before launching straight into a song-and-dance performance, instantly igniting the atmosphere.
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