Hachinosu Island, Central Plaza.
Countless pirates had gathered here.
"Gurd, this is the liveliest place on Hachinosu Island. Pirates often play the Three Coins Game here."
Marco was introducing the local customs of Hachinosu Island to Gurd.
Located deep in the New World, just a few stops away from the end of the Grand Line, Hachinosu Island held a special position.
Pirates who couldn't find Laugh Tale had no choice but to turn back. With nowhere else to go, aside from pledging allegiance to the Four Emperors, they could only stay on lawless Hachinosu Island.
Over time, Hachinosu Island became a paradise for pirates.
But problems soon followed.
With so many pirates gathered in one place but no increase in resources to plunder, it inevitably led to mutual slaughter and absorption.
To reduce bloodshed, the pirate recruitment game was born.
Gurd let out a long sigh.
"No matter where you go in this world, the flames of war never cease. If only there were a place where people could live in peace."
"If only such a place existed."
Marco shook his head bitterly.
The only place that could be called a paradise was probably the peaceful East Blue, but that was a playground for the privileged—pirates couldn't set foot there.
For people like them, having a place to call home was already a blessing.
"There will be such a place!"
Gurd looked at Marco, his tone as solemn as if making a vow.
Heh, that was exactly why he was here!
Marco was taken aback.
Seeing Gurd's serious expression, he felt inexplicably moved. Gurd seemed different from them.
This man was dead serious!
"Coo~ Coo~~"
A News Bird circled overhead.
Gurd waved at the News Bird and spent 50 Berries on the latest newspaper. At this point in time, newspapers hadn't gone up in price yet.
In another two years, when Luffy set sail, newspapers would cost 100 Berries each.
"Huh?"
As Gurd read the exaggerated headline, his brow furrowed, his expression turning grave—though inwardly, he was delighted.
Taking things out of context, distorting the facts.
This was the charm of journalism at its finest!
Hehe, just as he'd expected. That bird really knew how to seize the spotlight. Truly a master of journalism.
Marco, noticing Gurd's increasingly dark expression, felt a pang of unease.
"What's wrong?"
"See for yourself."
Gurd shook his head and handed the newspaper to Marco.
The more Marco read, the worse his expression became.
"That bastard Morgans!"
Although most of the article was speculation without concrete evidence, that wasn't how the world would see it.
Sure enough.
"Look! Big news! Whitebeard and the Beasts are going to war!"
"Really?!"
"Hahaha, count me in!"
Their fears were quickly realized. As more and more people got wind of the news, the pirates in the plaza erupted in excitement, raising their weapons and cheering.
For their drunken, dreamlike lives, only war could bring back that long-lost thrill!
"It's Commander Marco!"
Many pirates had noticed them.
"Marco, let's get out of here."
"Right!"
The two hurried away. If they didn't leave now, they'd be surrounded by frenzied pirates, making escape impossible.
Moments later, in a secluded alley.
Gurd smiled wryly and apologized.
"Marco, this is all my fault."
"Don't say that. It's not your fault."
Marco shook his head gloomily.
This matter isn't actually that serious.
After all, it's just an exaggerated rumor.
But if not handled properly, the Old Man's authority will inevitably be affected, just like the pirates on the island whose emotions have been stirred up.
They've already sharpened their blades, ready for a big fight, only to be told it was all a misunderstanding?
They'd explode!
"Gurd, I'll contact the Old Man first."
Marco took out the Den Den Mushi.
With something this big happening, the Old Man had to be notified as soon as possible.
The next moment, Marco was dumbfounded.
"What? You set sail already?!"
"Hey, are you kidding me?!"
"What about me? I'm not even on the ship yet!"
"You're just gonna leave me alone to deal with these rampaging pirates?"
"Where are you? I'll fly over—"
Click!
The Den Den Mushi cut off the connection.
Marco stared at it in silence for a full three minutes.
He'd been abandoned.
"AAAAAH!!!"
"Bastards, not a single one of you has any loyalty!"
Whitebeard had set sail?
Gurd narrowed his eyes, his mind immediately bubbling with mischief.
Whitebeard choosing to lay low would indeed cool things down, but it also gave him more room to maneuver.
Without Whitebeard around to keep things in check, his land-grabbing and property-buying plans could be more aggressive. Now that the whole world was watching them, every move would be magnified endlessly.
He was going to capitalize on this hype.
But there was still one last condition missing!
This play, directed by him, still lacked its final actors.
"Marco."
Gurd smiled faintly. "Right now, the pirates on the island are too worked up. If left unchecked, things could easily spiral out of control. I think we should secretly gather the captains, explain the situation clearly, and have them help suppress the unrest."
"Hmm, you're right."
Marco thought it over and found the idea reasonable.
Hachinosu Island was their stronghold—they couldn't just stand by and let things escalate. If they didn't settle this quickly, who knew what reckless things the pirates might do?
Gathering the captains discreetly and having them calm their crews afterward would indeed be more efficient.
He wasn't worried about the captains objecting. Compared to the empty-headed pirates, the captains were far more rational and easier to reason with. Besides, they'd still have to give him face.
He was, after all, the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Ever since the Old Man stopped handling affairs, practically everything in the crew had fallen to him.
The captains had to defer to him!
But there was one problem.
Gathering the captains naturally meant meeting at a place like a tavern, and drinks would have to be on him—which would be no small expense.
Treating a few captains wouldn't be an issue, but treating dozens of them to drinks...
Marco's face twisted in distress.
"Gurd, uh..."
"Don't worry, I'll cover it!"
Gurd waved a hand grandly.
"I don't have many virtues, but I do have a bit of filthy money to spare."
"Uh, thanks."
Marco thanked him awkwardly, feeling both grateful and a little sour.
Damn it, being rich must be nice!
He could just casually offer to pay as if money were paper.
He wanted to be rich too!
Night fell.
The largest tavern on Hachinosu Island was still brightly lit, echoing with the laughter of pirates as the most prominent captains arrived one after another.
Outside on the street, pirates from the Beasts crew carried wooden crates into the tavern.
"Oof!"
One of them seemed to trip, falling to the ground along with the crate he was carrying. The lid opened, scattering swords and firearms across the ground.
"Damn it, what are you doing?!"
"Sorry! I'll clean it up right away!"
The pirate frantically gathered the weapons.
In the shadowy alley, Drake watched the scene from beneath his cloak, his eyes sharpening with intensity.
"So it really is weapons!"
They had received intelligence that Marco had summoned various pirate captains to gather at the tavern, seemingly to discuss important matters.
Now it appeared the situation was more serious than anticipated.
Drake pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his coat.
"Kujaku, how's it going on your end?"
"Don't worry, I'm inside!"
In the tavern, a beautiful waitress carrying a tray lifted her head, observing the rowdy pirate captains. She licked the corner of her lips with her tongue.
These bad boys... they'd be quite fun to discipline!
(End of Chapter)