Area 11 of the Sabaody Archipelago witnessed the encirclement of Blackbeard's group by a significant number of Marine soldiers.
Despite the unfolding situation, Blackbeard remained unperturbed. Having consumed the Dark-Dark Fruit, these soldiers appeared insignificant in his eyes.
As the soldiers cleared a path, Akainu's imposing figure emerged before Blackbeard and his crew.
"Jie hahaha... I'm not looking to engage in a war with the Marines just yet," Blackbeard grinned, glancing at Akainu. "Moreover, I possess a secret that could shake the world. I've made a pact with the Marines on the condition of joining the Shichibukai."
A hint of disdain flickered in Akainu's eyes as he conveyed in a measured tone audible only to Blackbeard, "Is it Ace's secret?"
This revelation remained confined to the upper echelons of the Marines. Sharing it with the soldiers present would only complicate matters.
Upon hearing this, Blackbeard's eyes widened in disbelief. "No... that's impossible!"
Ace's secret served as his trump card, a lifeline, and a crucial element of his future plans. Now, if the Marines were privy to this information, it would render everything futile.
"Nothing is impossible. Prepare to meet your end," Akainu's eyes gleamed with a tinge of murderous intent.
Panicked, Blackbeard hastily interjected, "Wait... I can assist the Marines in capturing Ace."
"Marines disdain cooperation with pirates," Akainu sneered. His molten right arm expanded, delivering a forceful blow towards Blackbeard.
Instantly...
All Marine soldiers present simultaneously pulled their triggers.
Countless gun muzzles quivered, illuminating with dazzling flames as warheads spun, tracing fiery red trajectories.
"Then let the war begin." Blackbeard's face lost its timidity, replaced by ferocity.
He extended his hands, summoning forth a vast area of darkness, releasing numerous absorbed objects.
Boom...
A violent explosion ensued, splashing lava and turning the surrounding grass into scorched earth. Despite Blackbeard blocking Akainu's attack, they were both thrown back by the explosion's aftermath. Blood trickled from their mouths, their bodies scorched by the searing lava, appearing highly disheveled.
"A fruit never seen before." Surprise flickered in Akainu's eyes.
Before he could say more, Blackbeard's darkness rapidly expanded toward the Marine soldiers.
Wherever the darkness touched, large structures were sucked in and submerged. Soldiers caught off guard were also swallowed by the darkness.
"Mr. Akainu, consider this a parting gift." Blackbeard chuckled malevolently.
The darkness behind him surged forth, releasing the buildings and soldiers it had just absorbed, hurtling toward Akainu and the Marine General.
Among the chaos, remnants of buildings, severed limbs of soldiers, and visceral remains became visible to all present. Some lucky survivors, their bodies divided, screamed in agony.
The pungent scent of blood wrinkled even Akainu's brow.
Seizing Marine's confusion, Blackbeard obscured Akainu's vision with darkness and swiftly evacuated with his crew.
...
Blackbeard and his crew fled to a dark, secluded corner, their eyes reflecting both sobriety and lingering wariness.
That had been Admiral Akainu just now!
If he made a mistake just now, he would be dead for sure.
"Captain, what's our move?" Badger's voice was hushed, fearing the nearby searching Marines.
"My trump card isn't spent yet. Just because the Marines know about Ace's past doesn't mean the Four Emperors are aware," Blackbeard's expression was so dark it seemed to drip water.
"What do you mean?" Badger, Du Q, and others' hearts sank.
"Since we can't escape Sabaody Archipelago, let's stir up some chaos here to give us a chance to flee." Blackbeard retrieved a phone bug from his belongings.
The call connected swiftly, and a middle-aged woman's voice spoke, "Mama... Blackbeard?"
"BIG MOM, you've always wanted to take over Fish Men Island and savor its cakes, haven't you?" Blackbeard's smile was malevolent. "Now's your opportunity. Ace, Whitebeard's second division captain, is Roger's son. Marine is after him. You know what to do next."
After his message, Blackbeard ended the call and glowered at the nearby sea, as if discerning countless surging undercurrents beneath the waves.
---
Cake Island, on Whole Cake Island.
The table in front of BIG MOM was adorned with cakes, but she couldn't focus on them. Her thoughts were entirely disrupted by Blackbeard's revelation.
At that moment, Katakuri entered the castle and announced, "The intel is confirmed. Marines have indeed dispatched a large force to pursue Ace, even sending an Admiral!"
BIG MOM's eyes gleamed upon hearing this news, dispelling all her doubts. After all, for Marine to mobilize an Admiral to capture the Whitebeard Pirates' captain...
"Now, spread the news worldwide that Ace is Roger's successor!" BIG MOM instructed and then produced a phone bug with twin horns.
Soon, the call connected, and a resonant voice echoed in the castle, "Linlin?"
BIG MOM playfully indulged in a piece of cake before suggesting to Kaido, "Don't you fancy sparking the grandest war in the world? Now's your moment."
After narrating the whole incident, a deafening silence echoed from the other end of the line.
The motive behind BIG MOM informing Kaido was purely self-serving, hoping to exploit the situation. Prompting a clash between Kaido, the Whitebeard Pirates, and Marine would divert attention and resources, enabling her to seize control of Fish Men Island.
Eventually, Kaido's response came, measured and deliberate: "I don't need your guidance on how to operate."
BIG MOM didn't show any irritation, just smiled and ended the call, aware that Kaido's interest had been piqued and he would likely take action soon.
Once the BIG MOM Pirates disseminated this news, all focus shifted to Sabaody Archipelago, with various factions making strategic moves.
---
Back at the tavern,
After Ace departed, Rayleigh didn't linger for long. He finished his drink and left the establishment.
Just as Ron was about to lock up and conclude the night's business, a sudden system prompt disrupted his plans:
[Ding, customer Ace and Rayleigh have finished their conversation. ]
[Ding, the person the customer mentioned, Whitebeard, is expected to visit the tavern soon.