An Equal Deal

"Marshall D. Teach, this is really surprising... I thought you had lost this Den Den Mushi a long time ago."

The Den Den Mushi in his palm opened and closed its mouth, emitting a sound that Blackbeard was most familiar with yet most 'fearful'.

"Haha... How could that be? We've always been good friends..."

Marshall D. Teach composed himself, and his words carried a more assertive tone than usual.

"Good friends, huh... hehe."

With a chuckle, he muttered, "I heard you've been chasing after those people from the Whitebeard Pirates... Based on your understanding of the Whitebeard Pirates, you must have been seizing quite a bit of their territory and resources lately, right? Your One Piece crew is the best candidate to gradually erode Whitebeard's foundation. You should be able to achieve a significant increase in strength and overall power in a very short time. No one but you can do that."

"Hahaha..."

Blackbeard burst into laughter.

The God Slayer was praising him; this was the first time.

He certainly wouldn't lose his 'mind' because of the other party's few simple words.

What could make even the most noble and aloof God Slayer 'intentionally' become humble?

Blackbeard's eyes were cunning.

"Oboro... you chose to call me at this time, there must be something wrong, right? I heard... your Hell Pirates are in a lot of trouble right now." Marshall D. Teach stopped being polite and immediately got to the point.

Although he phrased it somewhat euphemistically, his tone still carried a hint of schadenfreude.

"That's right, I have something I need you to do."

"Oboro said."

"You said it."

Marshall D. Teach silently grinned and exchanged a knowing glance with the other members of the group beside him.

"I need you to lead a raid on Dressrosa and, incidentally, block all ships heading to Dressrosa, whether they are One Piece, merchant ships, or government vessels."

"Doflamingo's territory?"

Although Marshall D. Teach had learned a lot about what the Hell Pirates were going through from newspaper articles and rumors, he still lacked details and only knew the general situation.

"This is quite dangerous... I bet most of the World Government's people are there right now?"

"Hahaha... Here's what we'll do: I'll discuss this with the crew. Wait for my reply, okay?"

Marshall D. Teach responded in a perfunctory manner.

Van Augur and Lafitte, who knew him well, both saw through Blackbeard's intentions: to neither refuse nor give a clear answer, thus stalling for time. In short, they were unlikely to lend a hand to the Hell Pirates; as mentioned before, the longer the God Slayer was in trouble, the more advantageous it would be for them.

"Marshall D. Teach, don't try to fool me."

However, before he could hang up, Long's voice turned cold, "It's not like I'm asking you to do things for free... You took a risk, so I definitely have to reward you."

"Hahaha... God Slayer, don't be angry. I didn't say I wouldn't help you. You have to let me plan something... After all, attacking Dressrosa isn't something that can be done so easily." Marshall D. Teach said with a mocking laugh.

The fact that he addressed Oboro by his title instead of his name already indicated a breakdown in relations. In fact, ever since the contact during the Summit War, when Oboro took Whitebeard's Devil Fruit power, the conflict between the two One Piece crews had become irreconcilable.

The main problem was that Marshall D. Teach couldn't take it anymore.

Moreover, both Marshall D. Teach and Oboro are very intelligent; they both know that the other is wearing a mask.

Previously, the Blackbeard Pirates were weak and could only bow down and admit defeat in the face of Oboro, but the situation is different now... Marshall D. Teach doesn't want to be used by Oboro anymore, so there's no need for him to pretend anymore. However, based on Oboro's strength and past deeds, Blackbeard still has some shadows around him, so... he is still a little careful when he speaks.

But his real intention was... he didn't want to be Oboro's 'dog' anymore.

He wanted to watch the God Slayer sink into the 'quagmire' and be persecuted little by little by the World Government and the three Yonko.

"The puppy has grown up..."

Oboro wasn't surprised at all that Marshall D. Teach spoke to him in such an 'equal' manner and tone; instead, he sighed in admiration.

"My abilities... mean that only a very small number of people in this world can target me. Whether it's the World Government or Shanks... it's impossible for them to kill me in a short time. For example, even though things are in chaos outside right now and the situation is very unfavorable for me, I can still roam freely in the sky and go anywhere on the sea... Do you think your current One Piece crew is confident that you can deal with us?" Oboro's words were undoubtedly a threat and intimidation.

It's like telling Marshall D. Teach, if you don't do your job... I'm coming to find you right now.

"Hahaha... God Slayer, this isn't how you ask for help."

Upon hearing Marshall D. Teach, Teach burst into laughter, speaking with even greater arrogance and bluntness, "This is the New World. Do you still think you can do whatever you want like before? To put it simply, looking across the entire ocean right now, the only one who can help you is probably me... Otherwise, why would someone with your personality call me? Moreover, even if you really want to go to war with us, given the current situation, I can easily get any of the Yonko to join forces, and they definitely won't refuse. Even though I have some grudges with Shanks... I believe that in order to get rid of you, he and I can temporarily 'bury the hatchet,' and your situation will only become more difficult."

Marshall D. Teach immediately grasped the crux of the situation.

The Hell Pirates have been hiding, unable to reveal their whereabouts or location.

The Hell Pirates must be plotting something! And it's extremely important.

Based on Marshall D. Teach's understanding of Oboro, this man was unlikely to be a coward, and the people on the other ship were all ruthless characters... Under normal circumstances, he would have already engaged the World Government and Shanks. The latter's alliance sounded intimidating, but given the abilities of God Slayer, it wasn't necessary to confront them head-on. The Yonko and their forces weren't always together... They could be defeated one by one through guerrilla warfare or surprise attacks.

In short, just get started.

But despite searching for so long and turning the New World upside down, Shanks and his Hell Pirates.

The God Slayer never showed himself... which was quite obvious to Marshall D. Teach.

For some reason... Oboro is deliberately hiding in the shadows, not planning to make a big move.

This is inconsistent with the Hell Pirates' usual flamboyant style.

Furthermore, if God Slayer were to come after him, it would essentially mean all his previous efforts were wasted. If he were to also ally with Shanks and the others, Hell Pirates were to search for them, it would only give God Slayer a group of enemies an opportunity.

"Hehehehe..."

The Den Den Mushi laughed.

As expected of Marshall D. Teach... he's got a sharp mind.

Oboro couldn't help but look at Blackbeard with even greater respect, realizing he wasn't going to fool the guy.

Honestly, in the world of One Piece, someone like Marshall D. Teach should be the protagonist, not Luffy.

Alas...

"Very well, Captain of the Blackbeard Pirates... Marshall D. Teach, I now formally want to discuss a business deal with you."

What do you want?

Oboro changed his tune; the conversation was no longer oppressive but rather one of equal cooperation.

"You know what I want... Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit."

Marshall D. Teach's voice became increasingly excited.

"Hmm... I'll give it to you, do you dare take it?"

"My divine blessing must be given in person... Since you have chosen to speak with me as an equal, it means you have shaken off the shackles I previously tied around your neck... You are no longer my pet, and I might actually have murderous intentions towards you... So, do you dare to come face to face with me?"

"I can give it to you... the question is, do you dare?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Marshall D. Teach was immediately speechless.

He looked nervous and swallowed hard.

The Tremor-Tremor Fruit is undoubtedly important to him and to the God Slayer.

He's now using a somewhat opportunistic approach to get the other party to release the Tremor-Tremor Fruit... Anyone with a brain knows the God Slayer will be displeased.

They could kill him without batting an eye.

What should we do?