You Wouldn't Want Vegapunk...
The entire Hachinosu Island was in an uproar.
The avenue leading from the dock to the Skull Building was packed with pirates who had come to watch the spectacle. If it weren't for the Beasts Pirates maintaining order, this wide avenue, specially built by Senior Ochoku Zhi for his grand entrance and wide enough for giant Sea King to pass through, would have been completely blocked.
The Golden Flying Dragon has returned! Lord Ian, the master of this island, has returned!
However, the pirates' main focus was not on this Pirate Emperor.
Rather, it was the monsters following Lord Ian.
"Hehehehehe!"
Solemn, carrying a massive golden warhammer, looked around with a grin. The giant, who was about twenty-five or twenty-six meters tall, made the ground tremble slightly with each step he took.
"It seems like they're all coming for us!"
He licked his lips, his eyes gleaming dangerously as he looked at the pirates. "I wonder how much wealth they have?"
"Don't cause trouble here, Solemn."
Ian said calmly.
"Of course, boss!"
Solemn chuckled, "This is our territory! Of course I wouldn't cause trouble here! I'm just curious, hehe, just curious!"
You don't seem to be just curious.
This guy is definitely an extraordinary money-grubber.
If it weren't for his own constraints, he would probably already be directing the giants to wipe out these pirates and then plunder them on a massive scale.
But he's right, the pirates were indeed after the giants.
Three hundred giants formed a terrifying line behind Ian.
Their steps weren't perfectly synchronized, yet they seemed to shake the entire Hachinosu Island.
"They're all giants! Am I really not dreaming?"
"There must be hundreds of them, right? I never imagined I'd see so many giants all at once in my lifetime!"
"This is Lord Ian! It's terrifying! He subdued so many giants in one go? He's built a terrifying Giant Legion!"
"Such a terrifying army, what in this world can withstand it? What the hell can withstand it?"
It was truly difficult for the pirates not to be shocked.
This was a true Giant Legion; nothing like this had ever happened on the high seas before.
Even the Giant Warrior Pirates, which were famous throughout the world ninety years ago, had no more than one hundred members in total.
Even among the Giant Vice Admiral recruited by the navy, the total number was no more than twenty.
But what appeared on Hachinosu Island at this moment, and what stood before them, were two or three hundred real giant warriors!
How exaggerated!
Unprecedented, absolutely shocking!
Ian's lips curled into a smile.
If I'm not mistaken, it probably won't be long before the news of him building an army of giants spreads throughout the world.
Therefore, when we return to Wano Country, we must first have a proper battle with Teacher Kai.
But before that, Ian turned his head slightly and glanced at the woman walking behind him.
The woman named Stussy maintained her previous elegance, but her slightly pale complexion gave her a stiff appearance.
You don't need to guess what this woman is thinking.
"Ian!"
Hancock glanced at Stussy, gritted her teeth slightly, stepped forward to stand beside Ian, and whispered, "Who is this woman?"
How dare they stand so close to Ian just now!
She has already chosen a path to her death!
"Shigure."
Ian chuckled softly.
He is my brother, Doflamingo.
Hancock tilted her head, looking puzzled.
However, this did not stop her from turning around and glaring fiercely at Stussy.
Stussy returned the smile.
She certainly knew Hancock's identity; to be honest, this high-ranking officer on the Golden Flying Dragon was far beyond her capabilities to handle.
But now is not the time to worry about this.
Stussy couldn't help but glance at Ian's retreating figure again.
What exactly does this boy know?
Why would Queen suddenly bring up Dr. Vegapunk in front of me? Did he sense something?
But there's no reason for it.
Queen had no idea that he had replaced Stussy.
Calm.
Stussy, calm down now.
Even if this boy finds out about my relationship with the professor, it's really not a big deal, right?
Rather, it's more accurate to say that one could build a closer relationship with Queen by contacting him.
Furthermore, when he feels he has a secret, isn't it easier for him to get close to him?
Stussy thought.
"Hey! What are you looking at?"
Hancock noticed Stussy's gaze, her lips curled into a sneer, and she snorted angrily, "Is there some other scheme you're plotting?"
Having regained his composure, Stussy returned a bright smile, "Because no matter how many times I see it, I still think it's amazing. To achieve such accomplishments at such a young age, truly worthy of Lord Ian."
Hancock narrowed her eyes, her gaze filled with a fierce light.
Do you think you can get away with praising Ian?
"Alright, Hancock,"
Ian said calmly, "Stussy is my guest."
"Yes!"
Hancock changed instantly, becoming gentle and understanding.
Stussy also gave a slight smirk.
As expected, the rumors were true: Ian, Yamato, Hancock, the three most powerful people on the Golden Flying Dragon, were in a love triangle.
This might be a breakthrough.
After all, everyone knows Yamato is Kaido's daughter; would any man just sit idly by and watch Ian be unfaithful?
In other words, Ian can't read minds, otherwise if he knew what Stussy was thinking, he would definitely laugh out loud without realizing it.
Let alone whether Teacher Kai is interested in getting involved in this kind of thing, even if he really wanted to get involved, all he would say would be one sentence.
"Handsome men are only meant for the strong."
Walking along this wide road, you will eventually arrive at the central hub of Hachinosu Island, the massive Skull Building.
The building was partially damaged in the battle between Ian and Marco, but Senior Ochoku has already restored it.
After Ian took over the island, he completely renovated it, erasing all traces left by Senior Ochoku.
He had originally planned to add two large horns to the skull.
However, he was forced to abandon the idea because he had to put on a show against Teacher Kai.
Later, we'll look at the upper part of this Skull Building, the area where the officers lived.
Black Maria brought Ais, Sol, and Kuina here, and said with a smile, "Go and choose the rooms you want."
"Can I choose anywhere?"
Zoro stared wide-eyed at the row of houses in front of him.
There are way too many rooms!
I must add that this skull-shaped building is quite large.
The building is thirty stories high and has thousands of rooms of various kinds inside.
After all, it was once the headquarters of the Wang Zhi Pirates.
Wuhu!
Ace cheered and charged straight out.
Zoro, not wanting to be left behind, quickly followed.
Kuina smiled slightly as she looked at the two anxious boys and slowly moved forward as well.
Soon, the boys and girls had chosen their rooms, all located directly in front of the skull, with windows offering a panoramic view of the boundless sea.
"Is this entire island Ian's territory?"
Zoro stood by the window, looking down at the massive Hachinosu Island. All he could see below were densely packed buildings and pirates swarming like ants.
This island is much larger than the island where his hometown Shimotsuki Village, is located.
"Big? It's a bit too early to be surprised now."
Laughter came from behind me.
Zoro turned around, Black Maria laughed, saying, "Who do you think you're on? Hachinosu Island is just a tiny, insignificant part of Ian's forces."
Zoro was speechless.
Is that really insignificant?
On the top floor, in Ian's private office.
"Please sit down."
Ian sat leisurely in his large office chair and casually pointed to the sofa opposite him.
Stussy smoothed the hem of her dress behind her back to make sure there were no wrinkles before gracefully sitting down.
With knees together and turned to one side, back straight, her breathtaking curves are on full display.
The beautiful woman's captivating eyes met Ian's, her red lips slightly parted, "What did you mean just now, Lord Ian? Why did you suddenly bring up Dr. Vegapunk?"
Still trying to get away with it?
Ian smiled. "There are only the two of us here, so there's no need to put on airs."
Ian didn't bring his friends along; it was just him and Stussy in the office.
"I don't quite understand."
Stussy smiled and leaned forward slightly, trying to project the aura of a mature and beautiful older sister.
"Yeah?"
Ian said slowly, "Then I'll tell you what I know."
"For example, the fact that you are not actually Stussy, but a clone created by Dr. Vegapunk."
Stussy's expression stiffened slightly.
Sure enough, the child knew about it.
But how did he know that?
Could it have been Stussy, the one whose identity he had stolen, who revealed it?
If so, then why?
She and the doctor must have made a deal back then.
The woman's expression shifted, but Ian didn't seem to care. Instead, he continued, "For example, the fact that you are actually an undercover agent sent by Dr. Vegapunk to infiltrate the World Government."
Although Old Beitou appears to be a traditional scientist with a brilliant mind but lacking emotional intelligence, he also understands the importance of being prepared for potential dangers even in times of peace.
He knew the World Government couldn't tolerate him forever, so he planted people within the government early on to prevent any trouble.
Before he could even utter those words, Stussy's expression changed drastically; he could no longer maintain his composure.
The woman froze almost instantly, all her muscles tensing, staring at Ian in disbelief.
How could that be!
How did he find out about this?
That's impossible!
Simply stating that his CP0 identity is already a highly classified secret, known to very few even within the government, there's absolutely no reason for it to have leaked to the Beasts Pirates.
The fact that he was assigned by the Doctor to infiltrate the World Government was something only he and the Doctor knew!
Of course, I haven't told anyone, and the PhD certainly wouldn't reveal it to outsiders.
So, how did this child find out about this?
Stussy's gaze toward Ian now held a hint of horror.
There's no reason for it!
This makes absolutely no sense!
"Really, what are you saying all of a sudden, incomprehensible, Lord Ian..."
Stussy forced a smile, his face almost deathly pale.
Still pretending, still trying to get away with it.
This is what they call being stubborn and refusing to admit defeat.
Do you feel you can't produce evidence?
"Don't get agitated, Stussy,"
Ian smiled. "I don't think I need to prove anything to you."
"All you need to do is call the Gorosei and explain the situation."
There's absolutely no need for any evidence.
No! No way!
Stussy understood this too, and she finally couldn't hold back any longer. She leaped up and pounced on Ian's desk.
The beautiful woman was breathing heavily, her prominent breasts heaving.
"You can't do that, Lord Ian!"
There's no point in hiding it anymore.
This boy really knows!
If he were to tell the Gorosei about this, the Doctor would be finished.
Although the government will most likely spare his life because of his research abilities, he will certainly never have any freedom again.
"Of course I can do that."
Ian laughed and said, "I can even tell you that Vegapunk, Gorosei, has been studying the Poneglyph in an attempt to glimpse the erased history of eight hundred years ago; he's thirsting for the secrets of that Void Century."
"..."
Stussy's eyes were filled with fear as he looked at Ian.
He was clearly a handsome young man, but in her eyes at that moment, Ian was more terrifying and horrifying than a hundred thousand demons!
"So,"
Ian interlaced his fingers and said with great interest, "Beautiful lady, you may now begin to beg me."
"You wouldn't want to be wiped out by Dr. Vegapunk after the government has squeezed out all his usefulness, would you?"
Whether you say it or not, Vegapunk will ultimately meet the same fate.
A look of dejection gradually appeared on Stussy's face. Her tall body finally went limp, and she collapsed to the ground, bending deeply at the waist.
"I beg you... I beg you, Lord Ian, please don't hurt the Doctor!"
"Whatever you want me to do, I will do it."
They are truly loyal.
Ian remembered that on Bullet Island, she was even willing to stay behind to cover the retreat.
However, it was your line that made me feel like I'd wandered onto the wrong set.
But Mr. Ian is pure and innocent; you, this weird auntie who runs a club, shouldn't get involved.
"Excellent!"
Ian nodded slightly. "Then help me fool the World Government."
Stussy looked up blankly.
"Didn't the Gorosei send you here to sow discord between me and Teacher Kai?"
Ian smiled. "You'd better give them a good response."
"They need to know that Teacher Kai and I are truly at odds."
They even knew about this!
Stussy found it difficult to describe the confusion she felt at that moment.
This was an order directly issued by the Gorosei; even within CP0, very few people knew about it.
"I know what to do."
Despite his confusion, Stussy nodded gently.
So, Ian had already noticed the government's attempts to sow discord. Did he really have a conflict with Kaido?
What a terrifying man.
He even fooled the World Government.
"In addition,"
Ian chuckled and said, "You probably wouldn't mind being my informant within the government, would you?"
Stussy shook his head.
However, she was also somewhat surprised.
You already know this classified information, do you really need me to act as an informant?
The government has long been riddled with holes by your infiltration, hasn't it?
But since it was Ian's request, she couldn't refuse.
Otherwise, the doctor would be in danger.
Although he's a pirate, Ian actually has direct access to the Gorosei.
"Excellent!"
Ian clapped his hands. "Then let's get moving. Help me monitor a guy named Foz F. He's still alive, isn't he?"
"Foz Fur?"
Stussy paused slightly, then recalled for a moment, "Foz Fur in CP9?"
She knew why Ian had asked if Foz F. was still alive.
The woman nodded gently. "He was away on a mission when you attacked Enies Lobby last time, so he wasn't affected."
But why Foz-Foe?
Why just CP9? What's so special about him?
"Very good,"
Ian nodded slightly. "Then keep an eye on him for me. Notify me immediately if he goes on a mission to the East Blue."
East Blue?
Stussy didn't understand what Ian meant at all, but could only nod slightly, "I understand."
"And then..."
Ian then asked, "Can we get involved with Marineford?"
Is the Marine Headquarters next to CP9?
Stussy said softly, "The CP system has always had moles in various naval bases."
"Yeah?"
Ian couldn't help but laugh. "That's perfect. Help me keep an eye on Hero Garp's grandson, that brat named Luffy."
"This matter is quite simple."
Stussy said, "That child is the son of the Rebel Dragon, so there's a reason to monitor him."
"That's perfect. Don't worry about anything else. Just let me know immediately if any Devil Fruit gets close to him."
Ian said.
Stussy, however, was somewhat puzzled.
What does it mean when a Devil Fruit gets close to him?
But she still answered, "Yes."
Ian looked at the woman whose expression was gradually softening and asked with some curiosity, "Even if Dr. Vegapunk is the one who gave you life, is he worth you going to this extent?"
Even among biological parents, there are quite a few rebellious children.
I know someone like that.
Stussy paused slightly, then the woman said softly,
"The doctor not only gave me life, he also gave my life meaning."