" Marco! Were you ambushed by the Blackbeard Pirates? How could you all be wiped out?"
While eating, Vic didn't stay idle. He asked Marco about what had happened. He still had some questions in his mind. In the original story, Marco and his crew were able to escape from Blackbeard, who had obtained the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power. Why couldn't they escape from Blackbeard, who only had one Devil Fruit power, now?
Vic was very curious about this. He thought that Blackbeard had lost the Tremor-Tremor Fruit ability, so he was more cautious when facing Marco and the others and resorted to a sneak attack. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense.
"It wasn't exactly an ambush! They found their way here. The two sides were evenly matched, but Teach's Devil Fruit ability was too troublesome. It completely countered other Devil Fruit abilities, and none of us dared to fight him at close range. In the end, I lost my temper and let him provoke me. I'm the one who got everyone into trouble!"
Marco remained silent for a few breaths before speaking in a desolate tone. This battle with the Blackbeard Pirates made him realize their strength. Without his Pops, Whitebeard, their strength had instantly dropped several levels, which made him very disappointed!
Blackbeard may be the first to covet their territory, but he's definitely not the last. There might be even stronger Four Emperors crews to make their move later, and things won't be easy for them in the future. They'll have a hard time holding onto the territory left behind by their Pops!
" Blackbeard's Devil Fruit ability is indeed a bit abnormal, especially against Devil Fruit User. If you encounter him in the future, never try to fight him with Devil Fruit abilities. It's best to use physical skills and Haki. If things get dangerous, get away as soon as possible. After this incident, Blackbeard shouldn't bother you for a while, but you still need to think carefully about how you plan to go from here on out!"
Vic wasn't just reminding Marco and his group, but also Rebecca and the others. Ace had been full of confidence back then, but ultimately he still fell to Blackbeard.
Vic didn't want Rebecca and the others to get involved with Blackbeard, that sinister guy. As for getting involved with other people, he wasn't too concerned. Vic also mentioned Marco and the others' situation, hoping they would take it seriously.
"I know it's difficult for us to hold onto the territory Pops left behind, but there are places in those territories that Pops cares about, and we can't give them up no matter what. As for the other territories, we don't care that much, but we don't want to give Teach to that bastard Teach either. Vic! What do you think we should do?"
Marco was self-aware enough to know that they couldn't hold onto such a large territory on their own. He had already prepared for the worst. Apart from the island that his Pops cared about, everything else could be abandoned, and they would discuss the rest after Ace returned from his training.
But after this great battle, his feelings became clearer: as long as Blackbeard didn't get the territory, he was willing to accept anything else. He was leaning towards Vic and Red-Hair.
However, when making his decision, he still wanted to test the waters to see if Vic's visit was for territory or something else. In any case, he felt that Vic's arrival was too coincidental, and Vic's words were quite suggestive, which made Marco somewhat wary. One should always be cautious, lest one drive away a wolf only to welcome a tiger.
"The most suitable person would be Red-Hair. He's powerful, influential, and he treats the islands under his jurisdiction quite well. You could have Red-Hair temporarily take over their areas, and then return them to Ace when he comes back."
Given Red-Hair ' character, he wouldn't embezzle it. It's just a matter of whether he'll agree. You should have his contact information, right? Whatever the outcome, give it a try."
Vic is extremely sensitive to emotions because of the changes in the body's bioelectricity when emotions change. Although Marco's speech and expression were very natural just now, Vic could still sense his emotional changes.
Vic wasn't angry; that's only natural. His appearance was indeed too coincidental, giving the impression of him taking advantage of a favor.
While it's possible to ignore the major battle and then take over from Blackbeard later—a more moderate approach—why not take Whitebeard's territory without losing a single soldier and maintaining a clean reputation? This speculation is quite logical.
Although it's a bit complicated, the scheming and backstabbing in the pirate world is nothing out of the ordinary. But no matter what Marco was thinking, Vic had no intention of restricting his actions; he was talking about the most suitable solution at the moment.
"This... will the Red-Hair agree? He's not exactly keen on things on his turf!"
Marco hadn't expected Vic to be so frank, not mentioning any other methods at all. This made him feel a little ashamed. Someone had come all this way to save you, and this was how you maliciously assumed your savior's intentions?
However, Marco knew Shanks ' personality quite well and was unsure whether he would agree to the offer, given that it was a rather significant matter.
If Red-Hair really agrees, he will occupy most of the New World alone, which will definitely attract more challenges and intensify the friction between him and the other two Four Emperors. For Shanks, this is a thankless task, and there is no reason for others to agree to it, as their relationship has not reached that point yet.
"Let's ask first. If it really doesn't work, we can pay a price. Your territory has always been the largest among the Four Emperors. It won't hurt to hand over some territory to him later!"
Normally, you don't need them to step in if you have any problems; you can handle them yourselves. If you really can't solve something, then just ask Red-Hair to step in. I'm here to help if I can. Try contacting him first!
Vic viewed the territory as a burden, bringing him little benefit. With Ban's intelligence system, the territory had become quite useless to him.
Given Shanks ' personality, territory isn't important to him. As a guide, he needs to reach a higher position and acquire more resources so that he can provide Luffy with the greatest help when he needs it in the future.
In return, he has to go around putting out fires and suppressing those who want to seize his territory and challenge his position. This is exhausting, and Vic doesn't want to be that kind of person. He's also not sure if Red-Hair will agree to Marco's request.
"Okay! I'll give it a try!"
Marco accepted Vic's suggestion, walked aside, and made Den Den Mushi call to Shanks. He returned shortly afterward looking dejected. Everyone could tell from his expression that the deal hadn't gone through, and no one asked him anything.
" Red-Hair didn't agree, but he said I could contact him anytime if I needed help, and he told me to be especially careful of Teach. I told him everything that happened yesterday, Vic! Guess what Red-Hair said?"
Marco stared intently at Vic. Shanks had indeed rejected him, but he had offered a suggestion: to temporarily cede the territory to Vic. With Vic's strength, no one could take it away. In any case, the two of them were giving each other advice, trusting each other and somewhat afraid of trouble.
Didn't you negotiate with him?
Vic could probably guess something, but he didn't say anything. He didn't even look Marco in the eye, showing a nonchalant attitude. He didn't want to take the burden on himself.
"I talked to him, but he refused. He even suggested you. I told him about your timely rescue, and he said you wouldn't take advantage of the situation. Teach ran away as soon as he saw you. He said it would be easy for you to get territory, and there was no need to put on an act!"
Looking back on your behavior, I realize I was being petty and overly sensitive lately, given all the ups and downs. I'm sorry, Vic!