Deep within the New World lies Honeycomb Island, a place steeped in pirate history. Once the stronghold of the Rocks Pirates and later ruled by the great pirate Wang Zhi, the island underwent a violent change in leadership two years ago. Marshall D. Teach, known as Blackbeard, stormed the island with his crew, defeated Wang Zhi, and claimed the territory as his own pirate paradise.
Despite occupying a former seat of the Rocks Pirates, Blackbeard is far from achieving the legendary prestige of Rocks D. Xebec. In the current era, the sea is dominated by the terrifying alliance between Kaido's Beasts Pirates and Charlotte Linlin's Big Mom Pirates. This overwhelming power has forced even figures like Red-Haired Shanks to navigate the gaps between their territories, leaving Blackbeard with limited room to expand.
Blackbeard's primary obstacle, however, has been the enduring legacy of the Whitebeard Pirates. A year ago, "Fire Fist" Portgas D. Ace returned to lead the fractured crew. By embracing his heritage as the son of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, Ace successfully reunited many of his former allies and began rebuilding the prestige of the Whitebeard name. Yet, without the man himself, the crew remains a shadow of its former glory, losing more battles than they win against the Blackbeard Pirates. While they no longer command the status of a true Yonko crew, they remain a persistent thorn in Teach's side, frustrating his grander ambitions.
A Dangerous Proposition
Today, the status quo on Honeycomb Island was interrupted by the arrival of three unexpected guests. In Blackbeard's dim reception room, three figures stood out in sharp contrast to the surrounding pirates: members of the World Government's elite intelligence agency, CP0, wearing their signature white suits and masks. These agents had previously been stationed in Wano Country but were forced out when Kaido eliminated Kurozumi Orochi two and a half years ago.
"Zehahahahaha!" Teach's boisterous laughter echoed through the room as his ten Titanic Captains gathered around him. "This is truly rare. What business does the World Government have with a pirate like me?"
The lead agent, a short man who showed no sign of intimidation, spoke clearly. "Cooperation."
Teach grinned, his eyes gleaming with suspicion. "Cooperation? Don't tell me you want me to fight Kaido. I have no interest in seeking my own death."
The room grew tense. Following the recent chaos on Egghead Island, it was obvious to everyone that only the Beasts Pirates could force the World Government to swallow its pride and seek an alliance with a pirate.
"Nothing is impossible," the CP0 leader replied calmly. "It is only a matter of the stakes being high enough."
"Oh?" Teach leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Then tell me, what kind of stakes are we talking about?"
The agent did not hesitate. "The chance to become an affiliated nation of the World Government—and our help in eliminating the Whitebeard Pirates."
The Price of a New Era
The offer sent a ripple of surprise through the Blackbeard Pirates. Becoming a recognized nation seemed irrelevant to a group of outlaws, but the CP0 agent warned them not to underestimate the 800-year-old power of the Government.
Kuzan, sitting coldly to the side, brought up the elephant in the room. "Is this about Vegapunk's prophecy? That the world will sink into the sea?"
The mention of the world's end silenced the room. The CP0 agent offered no confirmation but suggested that becoming an affiliated nation might be the only "ticket" to surviving the coming era.
Turning back to the immediate threat, Teach asked how they intended to handle Ace and his crew. The agents revealed that their spies had already infiltrated the Whitebeard Pirates over the past year, making an "inside-out" assassination attempt on Fire Fist Ace a simple matter.
Teach laughed again, finding the terms tempting but still insufficient. "Wanting us to deal with Kaido is still suicide, regardless of your promises."
"We know that," the agent conceded. "We aren't asking you to move against Kaido yet. We want you to take down another of the Four Emperors: Charlotte Linlin."
The logic was cold and surgical: the Beasts Pirates' dominance relied on their alliance with Big Mom. If that pillar were toppled, Kaido's grip on the sea would weaken, and the rest of the world would naturally rise to challenge him.
"I can agree," Teach finally stated, "but I need to see your sincerity first. Help me wipe out Ace and the Whitebeard Pirates entirely. Then, we can discuss taking down Linlin."
The CP0 members exchanged looks before agreeing to seek final approval from their superiors, certain it would be granted. "Excellent," Teach roared. "To a pleasant cooperation!"
Shadows Over Cake Island
While the plot against her was being hatched, Charlotte Linlin was occupied with her own fury on Whole Cake Island. She towered over her son, Katakuri, her voice booming with rage.
"What is going on, Katakuri? Can't you handle even this?"
Katakuri, his forehead beaded with sweat, remained composed despite the pressure. "My apologies, Mama. Straw Hat Luffy's actions were unexpected. But I have tracked him to Dressrosa and sent Cracker to handle it. There will be no more mistakes."
Linlin's massive eyes narrowed as she stared at her strongest son. "I hope you don't disappoint me again."
"I will personally take action soon to ensure it," Katakuri promised.
"Excellent," Linlin growled. "Straw Hat... don't make me wait too long."
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