Especially Blackbeard, a dual Devil Fruit user himself, already possessed terrifying combat ability. Combined with the suppressive power of the Dark-Dark Fruit against other Devil Fruit users, he might normally still fall slightly below a Marine Admiral in overall strength. However, after merging with the shadows, Blackbeard temporarily reached power comparable to that of a Marine Admiral.
Next was Shiryu.
Although his original strength was inferior to Blackbeard's, the enhancement from the shadows pushed him close to Admiral level as well. With the demon sword Raiu in hand and his killing intent fully unleashed, his threat level rose dramatically.
As for the rest of the Blackbeard Pirates, none of them could be underestimated.
Even if the strength they gained was temporary, facing so many powerful opponents at once left Redfield with only one realistic option, retreat.
Without hesitation, Redfield reached into his pocket and took out several Transform Leaves.
These special leaves were created by his former companion, Pato, abilities capable of transforming memories into physical replicas.
With a flick of his hand, the leaves scattered into the air.
In the next instant, several legendary figures appeared before him.
Whitebeard, Gol D. Roger, Golden Lion Shiki, Monkey D. Garp, and Sengoku stood on the battlefield.
The sudden appearance of these monsters of the old era stunned the Blackbeard Pirates.
Blackbeard's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Whitebeard? Impossible! He's already dead!"
"They're fakes created by an ability," Shiryu said coldly as he rushed forward.
His blade flashed.
A fierce slash cut directly through the illusionary Whitebeard.
As expected, the figure split apart instantly. Instead of blood, the body dispersed into smoke before reverting into a torn leaf that drifted to the ground.
Seeing this, Blackbeard immediately understood the truth.
"So they're just tricks," he sneered while staring at the escaping Redfield. "I already told you, you're not getting away today."
"Dark Water!"
As Redfield spread his wings and attempted to fly away, a terrifying gravitational pull suddenly seized him again.
His body was forcibly dragged backward toward Blackbeard.
At the same moment, Shiryu appeared behind him like a phantom.
With Blackbeard attacking from the front and Shiryu closing in from behind, Redfield was instantly trapped in a deadly pincer attack.
Far away, in the New World.
After Marco incorporated Zou into his territory, he officially recruited Nekomamushi and Inuarashi into the Phoenix Pirates. Along with them came two hundred elite warriors of the Mink Tribe, greatly strengthening the crew once again.
Earlier, Marco had already informed Kaido and Big Mom of his long term plan.
Once all territories in the New World were secured, the Yonko alliance would unite their forces and wage a decisive war against the Marines, completely driving Marine influence out of the New World.
Meanwhile, deep beneath Beehive Island.
Inside a heavily reinforced prison cell, Admiral Kizaru lay lazily on a bed.
His wrists, ankles, and neck were locked with Seastone chains, completely restricting his Devil Fruit abilities. Despite being imprisoned, Kizaru looked unusually relaxed, smoking while casually reading a book as if he were on vacation.
Outside the cell, more than a dozen pirates stood guard in rotating shifts.
At that moment, the door opened.
Seeing the newcomer, the guards immediately straightened.
"Captain Marco."
Marco gave a slight nod, signaling for them to leave.
After the guards withdrew, Marco turned his attention toward Kizaru inside the cell.
"Long time no see, Kizaru," Marco said calmly. "How's the room? You look like you're enjoying yourself. If anything feels uncomfortable, you can tell me."
Kizaru did not even sit up. His tone remained as relaxed as ever.
"If you really want to help this old man, how about removing these chains?"
Marco smiled faintly and shook his head.
"That wouldn't work. If I unchain you, this place wouldn't be able to hold you for even a minute."
He stepped inside the cell.
This prison had been specially reconstructed for Kizaru. Originally built during Wang Zhi's rule over Beehive Island, the underground structure already existed, but Marco had extensively modified it after capturing the Admiral.
The dungeon was located one hundred and fifty meters underground, the deepest level of the island.
Although it resembled a living room more than a prison, Kizaru had no privacy at all. Guards monitored him around the clock.
Marco looked at him thoughtfully.
"I used to think you were just someone clocking in and out of work every day," Marco said. "But I was wrong. You're actually a true Marine."
During this period, Marco had attempted multiple times to recruit Kizaru using different methods, yet none of them worked.
Kizaru never showed the slightest intention of defecting.
Marco eventually realized that despite his lazy personality, Kizaru possessed an unshakable sense of justice. As an Admiral level fighter, his will was far stronger than ordinary persuasion could break.
Kizaru clicked his tongue slightly.
"Listen to yourself," he said lazily. "This old man has always been a Marine. What do you mean, 'actually a true Marine'?"
Marco chuckled.
"I know you're not going to join a pirate crew. That's obvious." He paused briefly before continuing. "But if one day I overthrow the World Government, I hope you'll consider something else."
Marco's gaze became serious.
"When a new world order is established, I want you to become the Fleet Admiral of the government I create."