Somewhere in the New World, a massive golden ship floated silently on the sea.
"Ian is being way too much!"
Yamato paced anxiously across the deck, gnawing at her fingernail in frustration. "He brought us all the way here, and then just left us behind to wait for him!"
Ian hadn't come alone—he brought his crew along.
But the one heading to Sleeping Ancient Town… was Ian alone. He said it was far too dangerous, and that he could handle it by himself.
"I don't get it! I really don't!"
Yamato shouted, clearly annoyed. "If it's dangerous, wouldn't it make more sense to go together?"
"Maybe he thinks we'd just slow him down?"
Law sat casually by the ship's rail, responding indifferently. "To be fair, the Marines' lineup this time is kind of terrifying."
"Iron Fist Garp, Black Arm Zephyr, and Admiral Aokiji," Jack, who had been quietly training nearby, finally spoke up.
"It's no joke. And on top of that, the Cross Guild is involved too—and they're definitely not allies. If we charged in recklessly, there would be casualties."
"On the other hand, if it's just Ian going alone, there's really no one in the world who can stop him," Black Maria said with a smile.
Maybe that sounded exaggerated, but truthfully, when Ian was by himself, he really was invincible.
"So we're just too weak, huh?"
Yamato clenched her fists in frustration. "Then we've got no choice but to get stronger!"
"Hey, Snake Woman!"
She suddenly turned, glaring at the woman leisurely sitting on the ship's edge, painting her toenails with the grace of royalty.
"Let's fight! I feel like I'm finally about to grasp the secret of Conqueror's Haki infusion!"
Hancock gave her only a sideways glance, saying nothing as she calmly continued painting her nails.
Of course she was just as eager to grow stronger.
Only by becoming stronger could she truly help Ian—and surpass that damn white-haired woman.
But still... why should she listen to her?
Who even cares what she says?
Just then, Hancock and Yamato simultaneously looked up. From the sky, a meteor streaked downward, transforming into the golden giant Surtur, who landed beside the ship's railing.
"Yo, kept you waiting, huh?"
Ian landed lightly on the deck. "Let's head back!"
"Ian!"
Yamato immediately rushed over. "Come train with me!!"
"Huh?"
Ian pressed a hand against her round forehead. "Give me a break, will you? I just fought a bunch of guys who were as strong as monsters. I'm totally worn out."
"Ian-bro,"
Hearing this, Jack couldn't help but ask, "Did it not go well?"
"Not really."
Ian took out a small box, opened it, and showed the Devil Fruit inside to his companions. "I got it just fine."
"Oh! So this is—"
Law leaned his head closer.
"Mythical Zoan-type Bat Fruit, Model: Vampire Form," Ian said.
"It actually exists?"
Law smacked his lips in surprise.
Ian gave the kid a sideways glance. So you're the one who doubted the reliability of my intel, huh?
But now, there was still one problem left.
Who should eat the fruit?
Ian looked a bit troubled.
There weren't many people around him who didn't already have Devil Fruit powers.
And there were even fewer who were worthy of a Mythical Zoan-type fruit.
The first choices would naturally be Sanji and Zoro.
Those two had the potential to become top-tier powerhouses.
But neither of them needed a Devil Fruit to reach the peak.
They didn't really seem to suit the Vampire Fruit.
Then how about giving it to Tesoro?
After all, that guy currently runs the business side of the Beasts Pirates. He's as capitalist as a capitalist can get, and the Vampire ability fits him perfectly.
Besides, in the movie, the strength he showed wasn't weak at all. He even managed to suppress Luffy in Gear Fourth for a time.
At the very least, he's at the level of an Emperor's right-hand man. Giving him the fruit wouldn't be a waste.
I'll ask for his opinion when we return.
No matter what, the Golden Dragon began its journey back.
"Everyone, hold on tight! I'm about to speed up!"
At the bow of the Golden Dragon, the dragon head carved in Ian's beast form wore an excited expression. Without anyone's control, the ship surged forward on its own.
This ship—this very Golden Dragon—had previously been turned into a Homies by Big Mom.
Which just proves how convenient Homies really are.
However, not long after setting sail, Ian received a call.
From someone completely unexpected.
"Vergo?"
Ian was genuinely surprised. Why was this guy calling him?
"Lord Ian," Vergo's voice on the other end was extremely respectful. "There was a pirate attack on the G-5 base. I believe you should know about it."
"Speak."
Ian didn't waste time on pleasantries and got straight to the point.
"Edward Weevil attacked the G-5 base. His mother claimed they came to become the new Shichibukai."
Vergo didn't beat around the bush and spoke directly.
"Who did you say?"
Ian paused for a moment. "Edward Weevil? That 'Whitebeard Jr.' guy?"
"That's him."
Vergo's tone held a hint of lingering fear. "It's said he has power rivaling Whitebeard in his youth—and it's no exaggeration."
"He slaughtered an entire ship of Marine recruits. When the base commander ordered his capture, he destroyed five of our warships in one go before we finally brought him down."
"And that was only because he had trouble fighting in the water, and his mother got separated from him during an explosion—allowing us to catch her too."
Ian immediately caught two key points in what Vergo said. "An entire ship of Marine recruits? What do you mean? And… Weevil has already been captured?"
"Yes, Lord Ian. Both Whitebeard Jr. and his mother are currently imprisoned in the G-5 base."
Vergo continued, "As for those recruits—they were brought to the New World by Black Arm Zephyr for Marine boot camp. Since Zephyr went to fight the Cross Guild, he left them temporarily at the G-5 base."
"Oh?"
Ian's lips curled into a grin. "There's actually something like that?"
Was this some sort of bizarre twist of fate?
Over a year ago, he had cut off Zephyr's arm in the North Blue. And now, Zephyr's students had all been slaughtered cleanly by that so-called 'Whitebeard Jr.'
Truly, the future was becoming more and more intriguing.
"So, what do you all plan to do with Whitebeard Jr.?"
Ian asked with interest.
"The base commander's current idea is to temporarily hide Whitebeard Jr.'s intention to become a Warlord from the government," Vergo replied.
"That guy killed the Navy's most promising young talents this year. The base commander wants to hand him over to Zephyr to deal with personally."
"How bold."
Ian chuckled. "Taking a stipend from the World Government while keeping secrets from them."
"Vergo, this is an opportunity for you."
Ian said, "Show the World Government just how loyal you truly are."
"I understand, Lord Ian."
The call ended.
But the smile on Ian's lips never once disappeared.
So, what will you choose next, Zephyr?
**********
Support me on my patreon and read upto 20 early chapters.
patreon.com/PirateKing24