In stark contrast to the decline of Marine Headquarters, Whitebeard's death had unleashed towering waves across the seas of the New World.
The balance of the Four Emperors, maintained for decades, shattered with Whitebeard's fall. These waters, known as the "Great Pirate Era Vortex," plunged into the chaos of rival powers vying for supremacy.
Under Marco's leadership, the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates withdrew to their core territory in the New World. But with Whitebeard and Ace gone, the crew's strength had diminished greatly. The various forces once cowed by Whitebeard's might swarmed in like sharks scenting blood and began devouring his territory.
In the waters near Sphinx Island in the New World, the Moby Dick lay quietly at anchor in the harbor.
Marco stood at the bow, looking at report after report of territories being seized. Blue Phoenix flames flickered faintly at his fingertips, and his eyes were filled with exhaustion and anger. In just three days, they had already lost five affiliated islands. Countless pirate crews had stirred at the news, and even some crews that had once served under Whitebeard had turned against them, seeking to tear a chunk of flesh from the Whitebeard Pirates.
"Marco! We can't take this anymore!" Jozu clenched his fists, his diamond body crackling as he roared, "Those bastards dare covet Pops's territory? Then we'll go over there and slaughter every last one of them! Let them know the Whitebeard Pirates haven't fallen!"
Vista gripped his twin swords and said gravely, "Marco, Jozu is right. If we keep giving ground, those bastards will only push further. We can't just lose the territory Pops spent his whole life winning."
The other division commanders voiced their agreement, their eyes filled with fury and defiance.
Marco looked at his sworn brothers and slowly shook his