If it were just an average pirate crew, Kid and his crew wouldn't have hesitated much. After all, being forced to join meant they could find an opportunity to leave in the future.
It's not a matter of shame, but the pirates before them are the Blackbeard Pirates, and it's widely known that Blackbeard and Whitebeard are natural enemies.
The entire world is aware that Whitebeard has died because of Blackbeard. Now that he's back from the dead, Blackbeard is undoubtedly the target of Whitebeard's revenge.
The entire world is eagerly anticipating this spectacle. If they join with the Blackbeard Pirates, wouldn't they inevitably confront the Whitebeard Pirates in the future?
This is unquestionably unacceptable, but their current position is under threat.
Refusing Blackbeard might lead to their death. That ruthless Blackbeard would undoubtedly carry it out without hesitation.
Therefore, Kid remained silent for an extended period, and Blackbeard began to display impatience.
"Give me an answer now. What's your decision?"
Blackbeard pressed impatiently.
Upon hearing this, Kid and Killer exchanged glances, both recognizing the compromise reflected in each other's eyes.
"We promise to join your pirate crew"
Kid declared without any hesitation.
Blackbeard immediately laughed: "Zeehahaha, that's the spirit! Those who grasp the current situation are truly wise. You're all smart people. Join me, and you'll have a brighter future."
"Burgess, escort them and make the necessary arrangements," Blackbeard ordered.
"Yes, Captain"
Burgess acknowledged, directing Kid and Killer accordingly.
"Anything noteworthy going on with the Whitebeard Pirates lately?"
Blackbeard asked, expressing considerable interest in the matter.
"I heard there's been some interaction with the Red Hair Pirates lately. Shanks paid a visit to Whitebeard, but the details are unclear"
"Moreover, the Marines launched an attack on them. Garp and Kizaru were leading, but it seems they didn't achieve much in the end"
Shiryu quickly responded. Hearing this, Blackbeard furrowed his brows in concern.
"I truly wish Marine could eliminate this Whitebeard"
Blackbeard remarked bitterly.
"Captain, let's focus on actions instead of empty words. I'm concerned that these lower-tier combat powers won't be able to handle the Whitebeard Pirates"
Van Augur suggested.
Every member of the Blackbeard Pirates feared Whitebeard's presence, yet at the same time harbored a strong desire to eliminate him.
This conflicting sentiment is quite normal—it's a psychological aspect often found in those who follow Blackbeard.
Blackbeard suddenly fell into deep thought. He said with great regret: "Currently, Big Mom and Kaido are not giving us much attention, and Red Hair can't join forces with us. It's indeed a disappointment."
Initially, Blackbeard had hoped to form an alliance with one of the Four Emperors, which would have increased the likelihood of success against Whitebeard.
However, he didn't anticipate that both of these forces would decline the proposition.
It's understandable, as Blackbeard only took into account Whitebeard's threat to the world but overlooked another crucial factor.
The entire world is aware of the animosity between Whitebeard and Blackbeard. Hence, whenever Whitebeard decides to confront the Four Emperors, dealing with Blackbeard becomes a priority.
Therefore, currently, nobody is willing to form an alliance with Blackbeard pirates
Wouldn't that be voluntarily aiding Blackbeard in resisting Whitebeard, and depleting one's own strength for no apparent reason?
Hence, with foresight, any of the Four Emperors would prefer to stay on the sidelines, watching Whitebeard and Blackbeard clash, knowing it will inevitably deplete their strength.
As a result, none of the Four Emperors are willing to join forces with Blackbeard. Consequently, Blackbeard can only gather lower-tier combat forces
"Captain, if Whitebeard comes after us now, I'm afraid we won't have anything to defend ourselves"
Burgess expressed with concern.
This concern is the same for Blackbeard. Being a traitor to the Whitebeard Pirates, he has always lived under the shadow of Whitebeard.
Especially with the ongoing rumors suggesting that Whitebeard's strength has surpassed his previous peak.
Even though Blackbeard hadn't witnessed Whitebeard's feats firsthand, he couldn't escape a sense of fear in the midst of these persistent rumors.
While he is confident that the information is likely accurate, he remains uncertain. Even with the ultimate Logia Dark Fruit power, he feels a sense of unease.
Despite Blackbeard's formidable strength, he doesn't believe he can defeat Whitebeard.
"Captain, if you can hold your own against Whitebeard, our Titanic captain should be able to solve Whitebeard's division commanders"
At this time Shiryu tried to comfort Blackbeard.
Blackbeard fell into deep thought upon hearing those words. Previously, Whitebeard had sixteen division commanders.
Though not a small number, the core commanders are only a few.
Marco, Vista, and Jozu, these three are more difficult to deal with, the others are not to be feared.
On Blackbeard's side, the key members include the Champion Jesus Burgess, Shiryu of the Rain, Van Augur, Avalo Pizarro, Laffitte, Catarina Devon, Sanjuan Wolf, Vasco Shot, and Doc Q. If he insists, Blackbeard is confident he can emerge victorious in a war against those division commanders.
Nevertheless, the most unpredictable factor in this equation is Whitebeard himself
Blackbeard doubts his ability to stand against Whitebeard. If he is defeated, regardless of the battlefield situation, the Blackbeard Pirate will face destruction.
Therefore, for the time being, Blackbeard acknowledges the need for additional strength, but there is no big force willing to join him.
Blackbeard not only approached the Four Emperors but even tried reaching out to the Shichibukai, yet none of them agreed to join him.
Of course, in this special period, Whitebeard is in the limelight, and no one dares to provoke him at this time.
"Yes, Captain, you can definitely fight Whitebeard with your abilities"
Burgess added at that moment.
Burgess, Blackbeard's loyal captain, has always stupidly followed Blackbeard who possesses two Devil Fruit abilities.
Since the Summit War, Blackbeard has acquired Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit, becoming the first person to wield the power of two Devil Fruits at the same time.
Blackbeard possesses both the power of vibrations and the abilities of the Dark Fruit, making him a rare and formidable dual Fruit user.
Even so, Blackbeard still senses that he is not a match for Whitebeard.
Even though he hasn't directly contacted Whitebeard recently, Blackbeard has been keeping up with the news.
Defeating Kizaru, Garp, Hawkeye, and Red-Haired Shanks is nothing challenging for Blackbeard. He believes he could accomplish it, but what matters more to him is something else.
The information Blackbeard received indicates that Whitebeard effortlessly defeated these individuals and later confronted both Garp and Kizaru simultaneously, still managing to defeat them.
Based on this account, it implies that Whitebeard must possess strength equivalent to at least two Admirals.
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TO BE CONTINUE
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