One Piece: Start by Saving Roger, I Was Invited to Join the Crew

Marco stared at the massive golden figure in front of him, deeply shocked—not because Reid was exuding overwhelming pressure, but because he was astonished that Reid could actually transform into the Human-Human Fruit: Great Buddha form.

"Reid, I didn't expect what the newspapers said to be true."

"That's right. Though, the only thing that's true is my ability to transform into the Great Buddha. As for the part about me holding a secret comparable to the One Piece—that's total nonsense."

Reid had no intention of claiming that title. Even though Roger was still alive, the moment Roger declared the existence of One Piece in Loguetown, he had already kicked off the Great Pirate Era, driving pirates across the seas in search of treasure. If Reid were to take on such a name, he'd be as good as dead.

"Hey, I can tell you're a little nervous. Relax. I'm not interested in any secrets you might have. For us members of the Whitebeard Pirates, following Pops is enough."

Although Marco was only 21, he had been with Whitebeard since his teens. A seasoned veteran, he had seen all kinds of people. From Reid's facial expressions and tone, Marco could more or less guess what the younger man was thinking.

"Whitebeard is a man I admire as well. But for today's battle, I'll give it my all. You don't mind, right? I am a newcomer here."

"Haha, I was just about to see what you've got. Take this—Phoenix Seal!"

With that, Marco soared into the air, flapping his wings to release a powerful wave of blue energy, blasting toward Reid!

"You're just gonna start the fight like that? Too late to dodge now. That looks intense—I have to block it!"

Reid crossed his arms in front of his chest, bracing for the impact.

Clang! Marco's energy wave slammed into Reid's body, but he felt no discomfort—only staggered back a few steps.

"What a powerful shockwave... good thing my transformed form has incredible defense. Right now, it feels like there's thick golden armor wrapped around my body. I barely feel any pain. I guess it also helps that I am prepared to block it."

Reid was overjoyed—this result was undoubtedly thrilling.

"Not bad. With Marco taking the initiative to spar with Reid, it's a perfect chance for Reid to train in real combat," Rayleigh nodded slightly. During the earlier battle with the Marines, he had already noticed that Reid lacked combat experience. And not just Rayleigh—even Black Arm Zephyr had seen it too.

"Whoa~ That's amazing, Brother Reid! That was Marco's Phoenix Seal, and you blocked it so easily!" exclaimed Captain Mu Lian passionately, pounding his fist in excitement. Reid's performance had exceeded his expectations.

"Heh, his footing is way more stable now. Looks like his training with Rayleigh has paid off big time," Roger said, grinning as he glanced at Rayleigh, who was now also wearing a confident smile.

"Brother Reid is awesome! Hahahaha!" Dorinco cheered and flew into the air, his face beaming with joy.

"Ah… this… I didn't expect Reid to be this strong. I know Marco's Phoenix Seal well—it's pretty much his strongest attack in his hybrid form!"

Flower Sword Vista stood with his mouth open, unable to believe what he was seeing. From his judgment, Marco's Phoenix Seal should have knocked Reid down. Even if it didn't, it shouldn't have left him standing after just a few steps back—at the very least, it should've pushed him several more meters.

"What a powerful feeling… I wonder how he compares to Lord Oden. No, Lord Oden was incredibly strong—Reid definitely isn't his match," Izo murmured, gently biting his lip. His fair face and the disbelief in his eyes showed just how shocked he was.

Reid's entire body radiated with golden Buddhist light, exuding a sacred and inviolable aura.

The other members of the Whitebeard Pirates were all wide-eyed in disbelief.

Since when did Marco's Phoenix Seal become so easy to block?

"Hmm? Pretty strong defense."

Marco froze for a moment in mid-air, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Heh, you've got some skill. Then take this—Crane Claw!"

"...What? Did you say chicken claw?!"

Reid misheard and stood dumbfounded for a moment. He had mistaken "Crane Claw" for "Chicken Claw"—and to him, chicken claws were those pale, spicy ones, usually packed with a few pickled peppers.

Looking up at Marco in the sky, Reid couldn't help but notice: those bird talons really did look like a giant pair of chicken feet.

Bird claws, chicken claws—pretty much the same thing.

At that thought, goosebumps instantly spread across Reid's skin. He was, after all, just a regular guy—and now he couldn't help but imagine himself holding Marco's claws and gnawing away at them, occasionally showing a face full of joy and satisfaction.

Marco, of course, had no idea what Reid was imagining. His eyes turned serious.

He hadn't expected his Phoenix Seal to be blocked so easily.

That moment had definitely given Reid the upper hand in terms of momentum, and it annoyed him.

Marco suddenly dove downward at high speed.

"Take my claws!!"

Reid snapped back to his senses.

"Great Mighty Dragon Palm!!"

He shouted and unleashed the move he had once used against Sengoku the Buddha.

A dragon's roar echoed through the heavens, and the golden palm Reid struck out resembled the claw of a soaring dragon—full of explosive power!

The two collided fiercely. Marco's talons clashed against Reid's palm, sparking violently upon impact. The scene was nothing short of spectacular.

"What an incredible fight! What was that sound just now?"

Pankuro jumped and waved his fists excitedly like a little sprite, thrilled and amazed by the sound of the dragon's roar.

Jackson Banner was also gaping in excitement.

"Come on, Reid! Beat Marco!"

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Reid's palm techniques and Marco's Crane Claw clashed multiple times, and with every strike, Reid felt more confident.

"Haha, amazing! I'm feeling more and more in sync—like this Human-Human Fruit: Great Buddha Form was meant to be mine all along. This kind of physical combat is just so exhilarating!"

Seeing that the Crane Claw wasn't doing the trick, Marco kicked off to break the deadlock, and the two pulled apart.

"Marco, what are you doing?! Finish him off with everything you've got!"

Jozu shouted angrily, stomping and pounding his chest, clearly anxious.

If they couldn't defeat a rookie, it would be a disgrace to the Whitebeard Pirates.

"No... Reid's strength is real,"

Whitebeard replied, his expression unchanged.

But if one looked closely, his eyes held a rare glint of admiration for Reid.

"Hehehe..."

Roger stood nearby, grinning smugly.

"Reid, you're strong. A worthy opponent,"

Marco said as he soared high into the sky, transforming into his Phoenix Form.

He became a massive bird wrapped in vibrant blue flames, his figure blending with the blazing sun above, like a divine firebird gazing down from the heavens—majestic and radiant.

"Undying Phoenix: Dance of the Azure Flames!!"

Marco began spinning rapidly, his body forming a flaming cone wreathed in roaring blue fire.

A violent storm surge in all directions as his power stirred up dust and wind across the battlefield.

Marco dived straight at Reid!

"He's way faster now!"

Reid's heart skipped a beat.

"Alright, let's go all in—take this! Buddha's Rapid-Fire Palm Shockwave!!"