At this point... the natural way for Oda to introduce these guys, if he's going to use them, is though Cross Guild, right?
Cross Guild is very attractive to Bounty Hunter/Underworld types because it allows them to get work and work under a powerful umbrella, without having to sell themselves out fully. Like, the New Giant Pirates just straight up left.
Blackbeard wants allegiance; he'll let you do what you want, to a certain extent, but only if you're powerful.
Cross Guild gives Underworld operatives a huge means of making money without sacrificing autonomy.
Cross Guild is very attractive to Bounty Hunter/Underworld types because it allows them to get work and work under a powerful umbrella, without having to sell themselves out fully. Like, the New Giant Pirates just straight up left.
Blackbeard wants allegiance; he'll let you do what you want, to a certain extent, but only if you're powerful.
Cross Guild gives Underworld operatives a huge means of making money without sacrificing autonomy.