A Scheme Within a Scheme! The World's Strongest Master and Disciple Clash
Ian's brow was furrowed.
Although he admitted that what was said in the article was indeed reasonable, it still felt like he was stirring up trouble.
Don't you know you shouldn't say things that are detrimental to unity?
What will outsiders think of the Beasts Pirates?
Won't our Beasts Pirates ' corporate image be damaged?
Others might think our Beasts Pirates are some kind of evil place where masters and disciples kill each other and fathers and daughters fight.
Oh, so the Beasts Pirates were already seen as a vicious and ruthless place by the world?
That's alright then.
Ian was only slightly surprised, and didn't take it to heart at all.
He didn't care about public opinion, because the Beasts Pirates believed in the principle of "the strong are respected," a rule followed by everyone in the group.
When he becomes stronger than Teacher Kai, he will naturally become the new leader of the Beasts Pirates.
It's that simple; there's no need for intrigue or backstabbing.
However, Ian quickly realized something was wrong.
When he was eating with his friends, everyone looked at him strangely.
Ian was somewhat puzzled by the stares.
He looked at Yamato, who was grinning expectantly, Yamato, "What's going on with you guys?"
"Ian! When are we going to challenge Daddy?"
Yamato's first words nearly made Ian spit out the food in his mouth.
"I've been waiting for over a decade!"
Yamato looked eager to try, "If I defeat Dad, I can gain true freedom and do whatever I want!"
Ian almost forgot that this girl had vowed to surpass Kaido when she was very young, so that she would no longer be bound by any constraints.
Very good, Yamato. Seeing that you are still taking care of your daughter in mourning as you have for ten years, I am relieved.
However, it's not just Yamato.
"We will fully support you, Ian!"
Not to be outdone, Hancock leaned over and grabbed Ian's hand, her beautiful eyes shimmering. "After all, it's only natural that you become the leader of the Beasts Pirates!"
Although her strength is already exceptionally formidable, with her Internal Destruction level Armament Haki combined with the power of the Love-Love Fruit, her overall strength has definitely reached the level of a calamity.
But her hands were as smooth as a freshly peeled egg; one could only say that the world truly favored her.
However, Ian didn't even have time to appreciate the smoothness of Hancock's skin before Yamato slapped her hand away. The white-haired girl gritted her teeth, "You! I told you to stay away from Ian!"
"Who would know how!"
Hancock glared angrily.
Ian has already witnessed enough of their rivalry.
He simply looked at the other kids and asked, "Is that what you think too?"
Black Maria smiled and said, "Anyway, Ian, you're going to become the new leader of the Beasts Pirates sooner or later."
Jack's expression was quite conflicted, but he still said, "Brother Ian, whatever you want to do, I'll support you!"
Drake replied matter-of-factly, "Everyone knows that, right? Lord Ian, you are the one who truly manages the Beasts Pirates."
"I don't care,"
Law yawned lazily. "But Ian, I'm your subordinate, not Kaido's."
Hancock's two younger sisters followed in their sister's footsteps, saying, "Our sister's decision is our decision!"
Finally, Violet, a sixteen-year-old girl, rolled her eyes. "What I say makes no difference? I just do whatever you say."
Ian gasped.
Wow, you guys really know how to surprise me!
Are you really going to create a new Beasts Pirates?
Ian immediately became alert due to his friend's attitude.
Those who have lived by his side the longest, those who know him best, are like this; what about everyone else?
Ian immediately summoned Babanuki.
This guy has been on the ship since he was transferred to the Golden Flying Dragon more than two years ago, and by now he is considered one of Ian's confidants.
So, the moment this guy approached Ian, he greeted him with an undisguised smile. "Lord Ian, when shall we begin our operation?"
Although Kaido is indeed a remarkable leader.
But it's clear that Lord Ian has a brighter future!
This person is only fifteen years old.
It's unimaginable how bright his future will be!
This lord is the one destined to lead the Beasts Pirates forward in the future!
But now, this "future" has arrived sooner than expected.
Ian pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're not going to tell me that the others on the ship think the same way, are you?"
"Of course, Lord Ian!"
Babanuki assumed Ian was asking if there were any traitors on board, so he quickly and firmly replied, "Everyone on the Golden Flying Dragon is your most loyal follower!"
Looking at the guy's face full of loyalty, Ian couldn't help but facepalm.
You guys are really planning to stage a scene of someone being forced to wear the imperial robe, aren't you?
However, after a moment's thought, he realized he couldn't really blame these guys.
Not only within the Beasts Pirates, but even worldwide, everyone knows that he is the future successor of the Beasts Pirates.
When this successor displays overwhelming power, those below naturally wonder if his ascension to the throne should be brought forward, especially in a dog-eat-dog world like the Beasts Pirates.
In the following days, the discussion in the newspapers about whether the Beasts Pirates should change their leader was rampant.
Major newspapers took turns publishing articles, and numerous contributors expressed their opinions.
There is only one core idea in the whole.
Ian of the Scorched Sky will eventually become the new leader of the Beasts Pirates, and given his growth rate, he may replace Kaido much sooner than many people think.
Quite coincidentally, no one mentioned that Kaido only forty-six years old this year, absolutely in his prime, far from the age of retirement.
Ian thinks it would be strange if this lively scene wasn't orchestrated by someone behind the scenes.
Even the pirates on Hachinosu Island were looking at him with intense fervor.
There's not much to say; you should consult a good friend immediately in this kind of situation.
Ian made a phone call to Morgans.
"Hehehe, I noticed that too,"
Even after Ian ripped out his heart, Morgans ' attitude remained unchanged, still displaying a dismissive and mocking demeanor. "Even my World Economic News Report has received many similar articles."
Ian rolled his eyes. "Stop talking nonsense, what's the conclusion?"
He didn't believe that Morgans, that bastard, hadn't done anything.
"Hehehe, you can see right through anything!"
Morgans chuckled and said, "But actually, there's no need to investigate this at all."
"Who else in the world is capable of doing this?"
Ian scoffed. "Who else could it be but the World Government?"
Is Byd, the World Government, trying to sow discord between me?
They probably felt that completely eliminating the Beasts Pirates would be too troublesome, but they couldn't just stand by and watch the Beasts Pirates continue to grow stronger, so they planned to sow discord within the Beasts Pirates.
The main tactic was to incite conflict between herself and Teacher Kai.
"What should we do, Ian?"
Morgans laughed and said, "While I have some influence in the news industry, it's impossible to get everyone to refuse the government's demands."
Ian narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment.
Then he grinned, "No need, just do what you need to do."
"Oh?"
Morgans ' tone held a hint of surprise. "Is this really a good idea?"
"Isn't this great?"
Ian said calmly, "If the government gets what it wants, it won't think about resorting to other underhanded tactics."
"Oh, I see. You're planning to turn the tables on me, but Kaido?"
The World Government's tactics are practically an open secret.
But it's just so hard to resist.
Once suspicion takes hold, it will only grow endlessly.
Because at this point, Ian had indeed become a huge threat to Kaido.
but.
"Don't underestimate the bond between me and Teacher Kai! We're the Beasts Pirates!"
Ian felt as if he were the protagonist of Shonen Manga, uttering those words with such righteous indignation, ready to unleash a battle hymn and obliterate his enemies with a single Winged Dragon's Iron Fist.
Morgans didn't quite understand, but still said, "I understand."
The call has ended.
I need to go back to Onigashima.
It's not that I'm in a hurry to go back and explain to Teacher Kai.
Since the decision has already been made to play along, then the act must be performed to the fullest extent.
As for whether Teacher Kai would actually suspect this, Ian never doubted it.
The government officials and the Gorosei probably wouldn't understand that even the ruthless, cunning, and tyrannical Teacher Kai still adheres to a certain morality and never doubts the companions he trusts.
This is basically a characteristic of this world; even villainous groups are often very united, and there is virtually no infighting.
This applies to Baroque Works, CP9, Moria, the Donquixote Family, and the Charlotte Family.
On the contrary, the relationship between the World Government and the Navy is very delicate. If the story were to unfold as it does in the original work, Ian could be almost certain that the Navy, or at least some of its members, would betray the World Government.
When Ian said he would temporarily halt his plan to occupy the surrounding islands Wano Country first, his friends were ecstatic.
Yamato exclaimed even more directly, "Yay! Are we going to start a war with Daddy?"
Don't talk nonsense.
Ian tapped the girl on the head. "This is a conspiracy by the World Government."
"Conspiracy?"
The others were all taken aback.
Then Ian explained to them what the government had actually done.
The group of friends were all startled.
"How despicable!"
Yamato shouted angrily, "You've made me happy for nothing!"
Ian glanced at the guy.
You are truly Teacher Kai's good daughter.
In conclusion, the Golden Flying Dragon returned home.
Meanwhile, in Mary Geoise.
"Ian has already begun returning to Wano Country, and he hasn't even had time to occupy the territory left behind by the Ochoku."
"Looks like that kid finally got anxious and is eager to go back and explain to Kaido."
"But he even killed Ochoku? It seems it won't be long before he surpasses Kaido."
"The King Punch, is it really such an interesting move? Let CP0 go to Prodence."
What's the situation with the Beasts Pirates?
"Many pirates on Onigashima have reacted enthusiastically to this. Ian has gained a lot of prestige within the Beasts Pirates over the years."
"It seems our plan is progressing smoothly. Now it's up to Kaido to react. Keep a close eye on the situation on Onigashima."
The Golden Flying Dragon returned at full speed, and with the help of the Sea Beast, it took less than a week to get back to Wano Country.
Ian was too lazy to go through the Port of Stealth again, so he transformed into a giant Golden Flying Dragon, grabbed the large ship, Wano Country Sea.
Before long, Onigashima reappeared before Ian.
When Ian returned to Onigashima, he could clearly feel the eerie atmosphere.
The pirates looked at him with rather strange eyes.
Some reacted with skepticism and astonishment, while others were filled with fervor and anticipation.
It seems the government's propaganda campaign is quite effective; even the pirates on Onigashima have been affected.
Beneath the already turbulent surface of the sea, it seems that two superfluous emotions are brewing.
Fortunately, the cadres should be fine.
I had already spoken with Teacher Kai before returning and explained the whole story.
Even with special encryption, Den Den Mushi) is not so easily eavesdropped on.
"Ian! You little bastard, you actually dared to come back!"
The enormous Brachiosaurus stormed out of the main gate of Onigashima, roaring at Ian, "You ungrateful brat, I heard you're trying to usurp Kaido's position!"
Ian's lips twitched slightly. It felt like he'd seen this scene countless times before.
However, her acting skills are alright.
Queen's loud voice attracted the attention of many pirates.
Just as Ian was about to say something...
"Kid! Get up here!"
A thunderclap resounded atop the Onigashima.
"Ian!"
Yamato, instantly eager to try, tugged at Ian's sleeve.
Just like countless times before, she wanted to face her elderly father with Ian.
But this time Ian shook his head, raised his hand and ruffled her hair. "Let me go by myself."
"Ian?"
Hancock was somewhat worried.
Ian simply smiled and said, "It's just the usual master-disciple fight."
After saying that, he sprang into the air and headed straight for the top of Onigashima.
He soon spotted Teacher Kai standing in the middle of the uneven, flat ground, carrying an iron bar.
Ian landed lightly on the ground. "Teacher Kai, it seems we need to put on a good show for the government."
The Beasts Pirates are now far too powerful.
If we can't put the World Government at ease, then we'll likely face their swift and severe retaliation.
That would be troublesome.
"That kind of thing doesn't matter at all."
Teacher Kai's lips curled into a smirk. "Hehehehe! Kid, since you want to be above me, then show me your power!"
Ian paused for a moment.
No, Teacher Kai, didn't I already call you and explain things clearly?
Why are you acting like you've never heard of this? All you want to do is fight, huh?
Wait a minute, could it be that what Uncle Queen did just now wasn't acting at all?
However, it is true that I have been frequently away from home for the past two years and have not fought with Teacher Kai for quite some time.
Seeing Ian's stunned expression, Teacher Kai immediately frowned and angrily shouted, "What are you standing there for? Don't you want to surpass me?"
Ian paused slightly, then a smile played on his lips. "Of course, I dream about it!"
If what I seek is ultimate peace of mind, then no one in the world should be above me! Not even Teacher Kai!
"Hehehe! What are you waiting for!"
A carefree smile spread across Ian's face.
Honestly, I almost forgot. There was no need to deliberately plan it. What's about to happen is exactly what the World Government wants to see.
"Then witness my growth, Teacher Kai!"
The World's Strongest master and disciple fight, let's begin!