Threatening the Gorosei! War with Whitebeard!

Ian?

Cobra, still feeling dizzy from the blow to his head, sat up while clutching the wound inflicted by the gun butt. He heard a familiar voice coming from the Den Den Mushi, and Neptune's instinctive reply.

Is Neptune referring to Ian?

Cobra could never forget the man who had once visited Alabasta.

He didn't know whether to express his gratitude or not; his feelings about what happened that day were complicated.

He also knew that Fish-Man Island and the Beasts Pirates were connected; who on the high seas knew that Ian of the Scorched Sky had built a powerful Fish-Man Unit within the Beasts Pirates?

But he never expected their relationship to become this close.

Would Ian really be willing to help Neptune resolve the trouble he encountered in Mary Geoise?

But how did he do it?

Even though he's called the Pirate Emperor, he's still just a pirate. How did he manage to shake the Celestial Dragons?

Was that CP0 just now?

They actually managed to get CP0 involved!

Cobra wasn't the only one who heard the voice from the Den Den Mushi and Neptune's response.

Former Navy Admiral Zephyr immediately frowned.

"Oh dear, I really don't know what to say now."

Lieutenant Vice Admiral Kuzan kept scratching his head.

The fact that the King of Fish-Man Island was involved with Ian was already known.

But I never imagined their relationship would be so deep.

As a naval officer, should I just pretend I didn't see this?

More importantly, what exactly did Ian do?

He has once again forced the World Government to compromise.

This is truly... I don't know what to say.

Let's go back a little earlier.

The New World, Moby Dick.

The Whitebeard Pirates looked at the boy who was sitting at a table, eating heartily, with complicated expressions.

That bastard really doesn't consider himself an outsider.

What are you all standing there for?

Ian picked up a napkin and wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth, smiling broadly as he said, "It tastes really good, everyone come and eat!"

"Kid!!"

The Whitebeard senior sat imposingly in a chair to the side, his eyes filled with disgust as he looked at Ian. "How long are you going to dawdle?"

Ian put down the grilled meat he was holding and said with a smile, "Whitebeard- senpai surely knows that Fish-Man Island is going to participate in the Reverie, right?"

The Whitebeard frowned. "What are you trying to say?"

"Although Neptune and Queen Otohime both wanted to go to the Reverie and try to change the relationship between Fish-Man Island and human society, however,"

Ian paused, "The main reason is that the government said that if Fish-Man Island refuses their invitation, then Fish-Man Island will become an enemy of the World Government."

"What?"

Vista's expression changed. "So, Neptune and the others are under threat?"

Ian snapped his fingers and said with a grin, "That's exactly what I mean."

"So, what brings you here?"

Marco crossed his arms, his tone indifferent.

"Of course, it's to save Fish-Man Island, to save our mutual friends."

Ian looked up at Whitebeard. "Or is it that Whitebeard- senpai will hold a grudge against Fish-Man Island because of the cooperative relationship between Fish-Man Island and our Beasts Pirates, and sever all ties with them from now on?"

Many of the Whitebeard Pirates members had strange expressions on their faces.

They also felt that Fish-Man Island's actions were somewhat unfair.

The Whitebeard Pirates provided Fish-Man Island with protection for many years, but Fish-Man Island turned around and allied with their enemy Beasts Pirates, and even helped the Beasts Pirates create a Fish-Man Unit.

The Whitebeard Pirates didn't have Fish-Man Unit.

"If that's the case, then it can be explained,"

Ian smiled and said, "Our cooperation with Fish-Man Island is limited to recruiting immigrants; we haven't done anything else, and we haven't interfered in any of Fish-Man Island's affairs."

"Whitebeard, you wouldn't be so heartless as to let the Fish-Man and mermaids of Fish-Man Island lose their little dream of blue skies and sea breezes because of our conflict, would you?"

Don't talk like we interfered with Fish-Man Island!

Marco cursed inwardly, "It's because we've always maintained a policy of non-interference with Fish-Man Island that you, you bastard, were able to take advantage of this."

"So,"

Whitebeard finally spoke again, "Kid, what exactly do you want?"

"Without a doubt, whether it's because of my Fish-Man Unit or my Fish-Man mining operations, what's certain is that the World Government has its eyes on Fish-Man Island."

Ian said, "Our mutual friend has reached the edge of a cliff. As friends, shouldn't we offer some help?"

"I already told you, kid, just say what you have to say."

The Whitebeard frowned. "Stop hiding your true colors."

"Then I'll just say it directly."

Ian said, "I want to put some pressure on the World Government, but our Beasts Pirates alone might not be enough. So Whitebeard, just this once, only for Fish-Man Island, lend me your power."

Marco really hoped there was something wrong with his ears.

In that case, we wouldn't hear Ian's boastful words right now.

Does he know what he's saying?

You actually asked them for help?

Most of the Whitebeard Pirates shared his opinion, thinking that Ian had gone mad.

Many pirates even believe that Fish-Man Island's current predicament is entirely their own doing; if they hadn't gotten involved with the Beasts Pirates, they wouldn't be facing this situation.

What does this have to do with the Whitebeard Pirates?

However, one guy looked at Ian with obvious admiration.

Teach tried to lower his eyes.

That's amazing, Ian!

When needed, they will not hesitate to draw on the enemy's strength.

This is a level of courage and boldness that not everyone possesses.

Even Teach thought Ian's plan would succeed.

Because it's my Pops.

After a moment of silence, the Whitebeard senior finally spoke, "So, what are you planning to do, kid?"

"Pops?"

Vista was taken aback.

Are they really going to listen to Ian's ideas?

Whitebeard simply waved his hand, stopping his children from trying to offer further advice.

"This is the Whitebeard I know,"

Ian exclaimed sincerely, "So loyal and righteous, truly a paragon of virtue!"

"I don't have time to listen to your flattery."

Whitebeard's voice remained indifferent. "Tell me your plan."

"No one in this world is qualified for me to flatter them; I'm just telling the truth."

Ian chuckled. "As for my plan, it's even simpler. Please keep quiet."

He took out a Den Den Mushi and placed it on the table, then dialed a number amidst the surprised looks of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Brub brub brub.

The Den Den Mushi is buzzing.

The call was answered shortly afterward.

The Den Den Mushi instantly changed its appearance, now wearing a small black Caps and sporting a thick beard.

Is it Saturn?

Ian thought.

"Ian?"

A not-so-unfamiliar voice came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi: "I don't recall authorizing you to call us at will."

"Therefore, this phone call is by no means casual."

Ian said calmly, "You couldn't possibly not know why I called, could you?"

"The Gorosei."

A collective gasp filled the deck of the Moby Dick.

Gorosei?

Not to mention others, even the Whitebeard who had eaten and seen the food couldn't help but widen his eyes slightly.

Is this kid talking to the Gorosei right now?

"Is it for Fish-Man Island?"

Saturn said coldly, "Your relationship with that island seems to be better than we thought."

Who knows?

Ian said dismissively, "Answer me one question, Gorosei, what do you want to do to Fish-Man Island?"

Are you questioning me, Ian?

Saturn's voice grew increasingly indifferent, "Get your facts straight—"

Ian interrupted him abruptly, "I'm questioning you, but it's not just me, it's also Teacher Kai, it's our entire Beasts Pirates."

"You should understand how important Fish-Man Island is to our entire Beasts Pirates."

"... snort,"

Saturn snorted coldly, "You two are usually strangers, but you only unite when it comes to matters of vital interest. You really are a fine master and apprentice."

The members of the Whitebeard Pirates were somewhat surprised.

Does this mean that the relationship between Ian and Kaido is truly on the verge of conflict, as rumored?

This is good news for the Whitebeard Pirates.

But.

This guy is actually threatening the Gorosei!

Even his enemies, Vista, were amazed by Ian's courage.

This kid is truly fearless!

"It's not just us, master and disciple,"

Ian chuckled, picked up Den Den Mushi, and handed it to Whitebeard, who was sitting to the side. "Here, Whitebeard- senpai, say hello to him."

"What?"

Saturn was suddenly startled. "You mean Whitebeard?"

"Hmph, that voice... you were here with God Valley back then, weren't Gorosei?"

Whitebeard had already figured out Ian's plan. He snorted coldly, "Don't forget, Fish-Man Island is my territory!"

"..."

There was an instant silence on the other end of the phone.

Several seconds later, Saturn's somewhat annoyed voice rang out, "Whitebeard! Have you forgotten the hatred between you and Ian, and between you and the Beasts Pirates?"

"Do I need your permission to do what I want?"

The Whitebeard senior sneered.

Ian put away the Den Den Mushi and said with a smile, "So, you understand now, Gorosei? It's the Beasts Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates who are questioning you. It's me, Teacher Kai, and Whitebeard- senpai."

"Can your World Government give us an answer? Otherwise, we'll have no choice but to take action."

"... You brat!!!"

Saturn's voice was trembling. "Are you threatening me?"

You can think that way, no matter what.

Ian said casually, "Or perhaps you want to test us and see how far we can go?"

I'll say it again, even if he's an enemy, what this guy did is just too shocking!

Vista stared at Ian almost without blinking.

There was no response on the other end of the phone.

Ian wasn't in a hurry.

He figured the Gorosei would have done a risk assessment to consider the combined power of the three Four Emperors.

More importantly, if they actually fought against the Whitebeard Pirates and the Beasts Pirates, would the Revolutionary Army and the Charlotte Family simply ignore it?

By then, it might really be a world war.

World Government might not be afraid.

But the Gorosei might think, is it really worth it for Fish-Man Island?

Not long after, the Den Den Mushi changed its appearance, becoming bald with two upturned mustaches.

"Ian, what exactly are you trying to do?"

The voice has changed too.

Ian examined the Den Den Mushi's appearance. "This design... it's like Wild Boar, Warcury, isn't it?"

He said calmly, "Let's get one thing clear, Gorosei, it's not about what I want to do, it's about what you want to do."

"You know perfectly well how important Fish-Man Island is to our Beasts Pirates, yet you still attack it. That's a provocation."

"Speaking of which, I should thank you. If it weren't for you, I would never have imagined that I would one day be able to cooperate with Whitebeard- senpai."

"Snort."

Whitebeard snorted coldly, "I don't care what you do to this brat, but don't touch Fish-Man Island!"

That's exactly what I mean.

Ian said firmly, "If you want war, we'll fight you to the bitter end!"

"..."

There was only silence on the other end of the Den Den Mushi.

After a long silence, Warcury finally spoke, "We have no intention of doing anything to Fish-Man Island."

Marco's eyes widened suddenly.

The Gorosei's attitude has indeed softened!

"I just want to imitate your bastard Hachinosu Mining and create an agency to mine seabed minerals for our government," Warcury said.

Ian chuckled, "But without my call, who knows how many people on Fish-Man Island would have become your mining slaves?"

The Whitebeard sneered.

Although Ian is a bastard and a piece of trash, he's absolutely right about that.

"You can have the mineral deposits on the seabed,"

Ian said, "Let Fish-Man Island set up its own mining company. That would solve Fish-Man Island employment problem. Why don't you just buy from them? I can get Neptune to give you a discount."

Warcury remained silent.

Even with a discount, is buying from Fish-Man the same as having Fish-Man slaves mine at zero cost?

In short,

Ian said, "If Neptune and Otohime don't leave Mary Geoise safely, and if Fish-Man Island is subsequently invaded by you, then you'll be in for a world of hurt."

He hung up the phone immediately.

Silence fell over the deck of the Moby Dick; everyone stared at him in astonishment.

Is this a direct threat to the Gorosei?

Ian put away the Den Den Mushi, smiled, and said, "All done."

Mary Geoise, Pangu City, Between Powers.

"That bastard dares to threaten us! Who does he think he is?!"

After the call was disconnected, a dial tone sounded, and in a fit of rage, Warcury crushed the Den Den Mushi in his hand.

"But,"

The Gorosei, sword in hand, said calmly, "Is it really worth it to wage war against the entire Beasts Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates just for Fish-Man Island?"

"..."

The Gorosei fell silent instantly.

How many years would it take Fish-Man Island to mine enough minerals to offset the losses incurred by the government in waging war against these guys?

There's no need to even calculate this.

"So, we have no choice but to accept that bastard Ian's threats?"

Saturn was still somewhat unwilling.

If Ian is allowed to act so recklessly, where will the government's reputation stand?

Where will they put the faces of the Gorosei?

"Or,"

"Just as Ian said, we can choose to go to war with them," said Pistol, dressed in a red suit.

"..."

No one spoke again.

If it were just the Beasts Pirates, while they were already formidable, there was no need to be so wary.

But if you add the Whitebeard Pirates, then it's a different story.

"Um?"

Mars, with his long beard, suddenly twitched his eyelids. "Neptune and his wife have encountered Celestial Dragons."

The Gorosei looked at each other, and fell silent for a moment.

After a moment of silence, Warcury finally shook his head.

"Go stop that idiot."

They have made their decision.

Moby Dick

"Enjoy your Mary Geoise trip, Neptune, and make lots of friends."

"Ian??"

Before Neptune could ask anything more, Ian hung up the phone.

He believed the Gorosei knew how to make the choice.

Ian put away the Den Den Mushi and looked at Whitebeard.

"Then it's a deal, Whitebeard- senpai. If the World Government intervenes against Neptune and his wife's attack on Fish-Man Island, then we will launch a joint attack on them."

"You don't need to say anything more."

Whitebeard sneered, "Fish-Man Island is my territory, of course I'll protect it!"

"Excellent!"

Ian nodded slightly. "Then, I'll head back now."

"Go back?"

Whitebeard stood up, casually picked up the naginata lying to the side, and slammed the razor end heavily onto the deck.

"I don't think this matter is over yet. Why don't you stay a little longer, kid?"

"Oh?"

Ian smiled and turned around, taking Surtur off his shoulder.

"Was the Whitebeard senior always this hospitable?"

"The more passionate part is what you'll see now!"

The enormous naginata was already raised high.

Shockwave and Haki simultaneously enveloped the blade.

"Get out of the way! Everyone get out of the way!!"

Marco shouted, "Pops's going to fight!!"

Ian's lips curled into a smile, and with a flick of his wrist, Flame Sword instantly materialized, its surface covered in dark patterns.

Golden Fire spread across his body, and he instantly entered orc form.

In that case, let's properly test Whitebeard's strength.

"Kid!!"

Whitebeard roared, bringing his naginata down with a heavy slash.

Fish-Man Island should be alright now.

Then it's time to settle the score with this brat!

Oden, Toki, Izou, Nekomamushi, Inuarashi!

Their deaths were all inextricably linked to this brat!

And there's Thatch, Jozu, and his beloved sons!

Anger was infused into this strike!

The wind whipped Ian's hair wildly, and he laughed as he faced the merciless blow from his Whitebeard predecessor.

"Come on, Whitebeard- senpai!"

Grip the sword with both hands, then swing it!

When the two blades collide, the earth shakes and the sky trembles in an instant!

Boom!!!

As you know, as is customary, the sky cracked open.