The next morning.
The sea breeze swept across the deserted island, carrying a salty stench.
Several small boats docked at the shore, loaded with fresh water, medicine, barrels of liquor, and dried provisions.
Marco leaped ashore from the deck, a large sack of medicinal herbs slung over his shoulder.
These were the supplies they needed to keep evading the Marines' pursuit and gather the remnants of their crew.
But the moment he stepped onto the large ship, he sensed that something was wrong.
It was too quiet.
Marco frowned.
"What happened?"
No one answered.
Only after a moment of silence did Vista say quietly, "Teach met with Cipher Pol last night."
Marco's expression changed instantly.
"Cipher Pol?"
He strode into the cabin.
Teach was sitting at the table, with a new sea chart spread out before him.
Several routes secretly marked by the World Government stood out on the chart, painfully clear.
Marco stared at the chart, then looked at Teach.
"You're going to work with the World Government?"
Teach did not deny it.
"Zehahahaha..."
"Marco, don't make it sound so ugly."
"We're only using each other."
"You bastard!"
Marco slammed his palm onto the table.
"Have you forgotten how Pops died?"
"Have you forgotten what the World Government is?"
"And now you want to work with them?"
Everyone in the cabin fell silent.
Teach slowly raised his head, and much of the smile faded from his face.
"Of course I haven't forgotten."
"That's exactly why we need to survive."
Marco's gaze turned cold.
"Survive by relying on the World Government?"
Teach abruptly rose to his feet, his voice dropping as well.
"Then tell me, what else can we rely on?"
"Pops's name?"
"Pops is already dead!"
Those words were like a blade, viciously cleaving through the air in the