Chapter 31: Start of the Hunt

If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 50+ chapters at patreon.com/Darkphoenix11 Additionally, I have many other works you may be interested in. Please enjoy! 

----------

Stussy was quite cooperative; she dared not do otherwise. In the world of pirates, where strength reigns supreme, witnessing Marco kill three Vice Admirals in mere seconds had completely made her 'surrender' to him.

"I'll stay here and follow Sister Stussy!" Belivia suddenly declared. She had made up her mind: before she attained the absolute ability to assist Marco, she would remain here to improve her skills, striving to become a girl who would 'never drag behind' as soon as possible.

"Okay."

Marco was slightly surprised by Belivia's decision. The sensible, smart, and well-behaved girl was genuinely pleasing. He asked her for her life paper as well.

Belivia staying behind had the added advantage of keeping an eye on Stussy. Although Stussy was intimidated by Marco's strength and was unlikely to cause trouble, it was still safer to have a watchful eye.

"I got the latest news: the Blackbeard Pirates have appeared in the waters near Baldigo on 'White winter Island.'" Stussy entered from another room, having worked hard to gather the latest intel about the Blackbeard Pirates.

Marco had resolved to dismantle the Blackbeard Pirates gradually until they were completely eradicated. For him, the Blackbeard Pirates represented a hidden viper, one that could strike at any moment. Until they were dealt with, Marco couldn't feel at ease.

Thus, it was better to eliminate them.

Head-on combat, however, was clearly an unwise choice.

"So... all the members of the Blackbeard Pirates are in the waters near 'Baldigo'?" Marco pressed.

"Not all," Stussy replied carefully. She had reliable information. "Abaro Pizarro and Cisas Bashas have appeared together near the island of 'Stanselt' in the Grand Line. It is said that they are looking for a capable person on that island."

Abaro Pizarro and Burgess?

Were they attempting to capture someone with a unique ability?

It seemed that the Blackbeard Pirates had begun to act separately. Marco speculated that they were likely split up to capture ability holders to ultimately deliver their powers to Blackbeard, completing the final phase of their "hunting" strategy.

"Give me the exact coordinates."

"I have nautical charts."

As soon as Marco finished speaking, Belivia chimed in. Her long black hair swayed gently as her cute, big eyes looked earnestly at Marco. During the time of his battle, she had explored the island and bought the most comprehensive nautical charts she could find.

A massive nautical chart lay before them, highlighting key islands, though it couldn't encompass every island in the vast New World. Many uninhabited islands were subject to various natural disasters, such as storms, fires, volcanic eruptions, or inhabited by giant beasts, while others were shrouded in mystery and home to unknown races.

"This candy-shaped island is 'Stanselt.'"

She pointed to a candy-shaped island marked on the nautical chart, which would be Marco's first destination.

Not long after, Marco set sail.

On the Happy Street Islands, he procured several technical slaves, including those who could operate the ship, helmsmen, and those responsible for cleaning and maintaining the pirate ship. All were women, and they all looked good.

There was no doubt that having beautiful women on the ship made for a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. The best part was that Marco didn't need to pay anything; all expenses were taken care of by Stussy.

As for why he chose slaves...

They were reliable.

The bright sunshine bathed the ocean in a golden glow, making the water sparkle. Several seagulls chirped and glided over the surface, leaving shimmering ripples in their wake.

This was the New World, within the Grand Line, in a certain sea.

Above the cerulean waters, Marco's pirate ship sailed at full speed.

"The armed color domineering has improved once again!"

Marco felt joy as he reflected. During this time at sea, he had summarized all his abilities. His Immortal Phoenix fruit had gifted him innate talents, and combined with the auxiliary mechanism of the super assistance system, nearly all of Marco's abilities had improved to some extent.

"Boom boom!!!"

At that moment, a pirate ship resembling a steam locomotive appeared alongside, bristling with weapons. There was no warning; the steam-powered ship aimed directly at Marco's pirate vessel and began bombarding it!

"Are we under attack?"

Marco emerged from the cabin just in time to see shells raining down like a deluge. Shrugging off the impending chaos, he signaled for the slave girls to remain calm. "There are really a lot of rampaging pirates in this New World."

Crash~~!

Behind him, a pair of enormous flame wings, extending up to twenty meters, erupted. The blue flames with crimson streaks unfolded dramatically, soaring high into the sky. The torrential rain of cannonballs roaring toward them was instantly drawn into the flames!

In an instant, the cannonballs met their end, obliterated in the crimson flares without even causing a ripple in the sea.

"Wow! Lord Marco is so handsome!"

"That flame looks like a divine bird!"

"It's amazing!"

The petite slave girls, initially frightened, erupted in excitement, cheering for Marco as he stretched his wings and took flight.

On the opposing steam pirate ship, the captain scowled as he witnessed the display.

"Are you tired of living?"

Suspended in mid-air, Marco looked down at the oddly designed steam ship below. He couldn't help but admire the strange craftsmanship of the vessel. It not only resembled a steam locomotive but its pirate flag was peculiar as well—a naval emblem with a giant fork, hinting that the captain of this crew might have a dubious relationship with the Navy!

----------------

If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 50+ chapters at patreon.com/Darkphoenix11