Seeing that Imu showed no reaction at all, Marco clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Damn it, after living for hundreds of years, has she lost all her emotions?"
Eight hundred years was no short time. Even if Imu had once been a transmigrator, she had likely long forgotten anything from a previous life. Trying to confirm it with those phrases now felt ridiculous.
Even if she truly had come from another world, how long had she been here? Her mind, body, and soul were probably already completely assimilated into this world.
And more importantly, she stood at the very top.
The ruler of the world.
Even if she really was from the same origin as him, what did that change?
The idea of people from the same homeland recognizing each other and bonding was nothing more than a joke. In reality, people from the same place deceiving each other was far more common.
If anything, that would make her even more dangerous.
Imu's indifferent gaze remained fixed on Marco as she spoke again.
"Logically speaking, someone of your age should not possess such strength, unless you are favored by destiny, yet you clearly are not."
"If you were truly chosen, your talent would have manifested early in life."
She paused briefly, then continued.
"But one year ago, you could not even defeat an Admiral. Yet now, in less than a year, you have killed Mars."
Her voice grew colder.
"This level of growth is abnormal. It is as if you suddenly obtained power that does not belong to this world."
The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere shifted.
Big Mom, Kaido, the Marines, and the surrounding pirates all turned their attention toward Marco.
Since the war at Marineford, his rise had been undeniable. His strength had increased at an astonishing rate, far beyond what should have been possible.
He did not train obsessively like others, yet his power continued to surge.
It made no sense.
Marco frowned slightly. He had not expected Imu to see through him so easily.
She was right. His power did not entirely belong to this world.
The System.
That was the source of everything.
With it, his strength grew rapidly, far faster than normal. Still, for Imu to notice it so quickly was unsettling.
Was it instinct, or did she truly know something more?
Marco did not intend to explain anything.
At his current level, he already stood near the peak. In this world, the only one who could truly threaten him was likely Imu herself.
And the one standing before him now was not even her true body.
There was no reason to fear.
At the same time, a trace of curiosity rose within him.
Imu seemed to know more than she should, perhaps even about things beyond this world.
"Oh?" Marco said, narrowing his eyes slightly. "From the way you speak, it sounds like you know about other worlds."
Imu did not respond.
Her expression returned to that same cold indifference, as if his question held no value.
Marco felt irritation rise again.
"You really are cold," he muttered.
Before Imu could reply, Big Mom's voice suddenly rang out.
"Hey, Marco! Is what she said true? Did you really obtain some special power to become this strong?"
Her question immediately drew even more attention.
If Imu's words were true, then everything made sense.
Marco's strength used to be on par with Charlotte Katakuri. Yet now, he had reached a level that was clearly beyond normal.
Even Big Mom herself had felt the difference.
Just half a year ago, she could still stand on equal footing with him. Now, without even needing to fight, she could tell that Marco had far surpassed her.
Marco merely glanced at her but said nothing.
Instead, he turned back to Imu, a faint smirk forming on his lips.
"You really are an eight hundred year old monster. Just a few words from you, and you nearly led everyone to the wrong conclusion."
His tone was calm, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.
As he prepared to make his move, Imu spoke again.
"Marco, do you possess power that does not belong to this world?"
Her voice carried the same authority as before.
Marco's expression darkened slightly.
He had no intention of revealing anything about the System. Whether he spoke or not would not change the outcome, but there was no benefit in exposing it.
He only needed to continue growing stronger.
As long as he avoided direct confrontation with Imu for now and continued completing the System's tasks, his strength would keep increasing.
Still, her words stirred his curiosity.
Marco fixed his gaze on her.
"Do you actually know about powers from other worlds? Or do you possess such power yourself?"
Imu ignored his question.
Instead, she spoke in a commanding tone.
"If you truly possess power beyond this world, then I can offer you an opportunity."
"As long as you submit to me, you will obtain supreme power, power that surpasses even the Five Elders."
Those words only deepened Marco's suspicion.
Either Imu had access to other worlds, or she herself had gained something beyond this one.
That thought intrigued him.
"What exactly is this power you're talking about?" Marco asked, his tone sharpening.
Imu remained calm.
"You have not answered my question."
Hearing that response again, Marco's patience wore thin.
A cold glint appeared in his eyes.
"Then answer mine first," he said evenly. "Once you do, I'll give you my answer."
For the first time, Imu's expression shifted.
Her face darkened slightly.
In all her years, no one had ever dared to bargain with her.
"No one has ever negotiated with me," she said coldly. "You are the first."
Marco let out a short breath, his irritation finally breaking through.
"That condescending tone of yours is really annoying."
The air between them grew tense, as if a storm was about to erupt.