Yes. Blackbeard is here. [Can't you just hear the distaste in his voice as he says that?] A threat that must be dealt with carefully.

I've just been watching him so far - seeing what I can learn. I've avoided revealing my presence for the time, and it seems he has not learned of me yet. But a confrontation is inevitable. There will be no alliance with him - he is powerful, yes, but he is also a dishonorable backstabbing snake and nakama killer to boot. We'd just end up getting screwed over and loathed by the villagers, who also do not think fondly of him.

Honestly, I'd toss him off a ice flow if I could, here and now, but sadly that is not possible.

So that leaves us to stand our ground when it does finally happen. The Strawhats at least seem to be honorable and they may stand with us, or at least offer aid afterwards. I... know what happened to Jewelry Bonney when she did face him, Bepo, but... this way we maintain our own self respect and honor. It is the better of the two evils.