Since taking the Quake-Quake Fruit, Blackbeard has become listed as one of the Four Emperors, replacing Whitebeard after the latter's death, and he is at this time continuing to expand his growing army.
He's also dangerously cunning and intelligent, having had the bright idea of flooding the lower levels of Enies Lobby's main building to drown the Straw Hats and their allies.
His magma-powers are so potent that not only was he able to smother Ace's fire powers and later kill Ace with one punch, he also melted off half of Whitebeard's face and incinerated several Marines who attempted to desert the battle.
