Betrayers and Moria's Death

Even though we've never met, there's no way I could mistake him for someone else!

This man is undoubtedly the most famous person in the world today, and his handsome face is the most recognized face in the world!

Chinjao would never have any doubt about this.

Who in the world wouldn't recognize this man?

The undisputed World's Strongest, a monster who commands the World's Strongest pirate crew, and the Pirate Emperor who has dominated the New World like never before!

"How could someone like that be here!"

Chinjao simply couldn't understand how the Pirate Emperor, who ruled the New World, could be here.

Surely this guy isn't also a member of the Cross Guild, is he?

And it's not just Ian!

Behind this man stood two equally infamous monsters!

Charlotte Linlin! Dracule Mihawk!

One was someone who, many years ago, was briefly known as an emperor alongside Ian! The other is the world's most renowned swordsman!

How did these two end up standing behind Ian?

Chinjao keenly realized that he seemed to have been drawn into something quite terrible.

But why is this burning heart in my chest beating more violently than ever before? What is it yearning for?

"Ian!!!"

The piercing scream nearly stirred up the dust on the floor. The moment Moria saw Ian's face, he screamed, "You dare show your face in front of me?!"

ah?

Ian raised an eyebrow.

Moria's words are indeed somewhat difficult to understand.

In this world, the only person who should have the right to say such things to me is that guy Im.

"Ian! What do you mean by this?"

Crocodile's voice was chillingly cold, as if frozen in ice, "Why are you here?"

He then looked behind Ian. "And Big Mom, Mihawk, what are you two up to?"

He and Mihawk were old acquaintances, but even so, he couldn't understand why Mihawk was now standing behind Ian.

As for Charlotte Linlin, that was even more baffling.

Although there is some friendship between this old woman and the Beasts Pirates, judging from recent events, it seems to be more of animosity.

Although the battle that took place six years ago at the Charlotte Family's stronghold was kept secret, it wasn't entirely unknown.

When asked by an old acquaintance, Mihawk simply shrugged slightly. "I'm just working for someone else now. Of course, I can only go wherever the boss tells me to go."

Crocodile's pupils instantly contracted to the size of pinpoints.

He looked at Mihawk in disbelief, then at Ian.

Does that mean Hawk Eyes joined the Beasts Pirates and became that bastard Ian's subordinate?

But why is that?

How could someone as arrogant as Hawk Eyes willingly become someone's subordinate, even if that person is Ian?

Seemingly sensing Crocodile's confusion, Mihawk chuckled softly, "It's just to see the view from a higher vantage point."

Crocodile remained frowning, completely baffled by what this meant.

Hawk Eyes, however, had no intention of explaining further; those who hadn't witnessed Ian's true power wouldn't understand.

"So,"

Redfield couldn't help but show a look of astonishment. He stared at Charlotte Linlin in disbelief, "You don't mean even Big Mom has become a member of the Beasts Pirates, do you?"

Hawk Eyes, being a lone wolf, is one thing, but how could Charlotte Linlin possibly submit to someone?

"No, that's not it."

Ian smiled and said, "Aunt Linlin has simply decided to cooperate with our Beasts Pirates."

"The reason I specifically called her over was to set an example for you."

Aunt Linlin's lips twitched slightly.

This brat really has a talent for talking nonsense.

Are you sure you brought me here by force not to use me as a hostage?

"Give us an example?"

Crocodile raised an eyebrow, immediately realizing what he meant. "So, Ian, you mean you're here to seek cooperation with us?"

"Certainly."

Ian readily agreed, "I've come to invite you to join me in defeating the World Government."

He said, "Let's unite as pirates and destroy the World Government, creating a world ruled by pirates, how about that?"

Crocodile's lips twitched involuntarily.

This guy is treating people like idiots.

If we really overthrow the World Government, do you think we'd have any chance against the Beasts Pirates?

What do you mean by a world ruled by pirates? If that time really comes, won't it be a world ruled by you?

At this moment, Crocodile and his former Aunt Linlin reached a strange consensus.

He was convinced that Ian, that bastard, simply wanted to use them as cannon fodder.

However, Crocodile also realized something from Ian's invitation.

The Beasts Pirates are preparing to take action.

They are about to wage their final battle against the World Government!

Wow, that was fast!

The strength that their Cross Guild had gathered at this time was still too weak. Although they had recruited a bunch of pirates from the West Blue, they were still no match for the Beasts Pirates and the World Government.

"What a joke! You actually have the nerve to come up to me and talk about cooperation, you damn brat!"

While Crocodile was still pondering, Moria could no longer contain himself and exploded, "I'll never forgive you!!"

Almost twenty years have passed since the war, or rather the massacre, that took place in Wano Country.

Throughout those years, Moria never forgot the desolation and pain of that time.

His cherished companions were slaughtered right before his eyes.

He will never let those two bastards, Kaido and Ian, get away with it!!

"Oh?"

Ian's lips curled slightly. "So, this means you're going to reject me?"

"Mama, Mama!"

A gloating smile involuntarily appeared on Aunt Linlin's face.

So the next step is to completely eliminate this group.

Isn't that pretty good too?

"Moria! Don't do anything rash!"

Crocodile quickly stepped forward and grabbed Moria's wrist.

Are you kidding me? If war breaks out now, is there any other possibility besides their complete annihilation?

Back when they were fighting for the Vampire Fruit, Ian's strength completely overwhelmed them.

Not to mention that Ian is now accompanied by Charlotte Linlin and Dracule Mihawk, oh, and a strangely large guy.

The force that Ian brought alone already completely surpasses that of their Cross Guild.

"Ian!"

Crocodile looked at Ian with a serious expression. "Before we cooperate, I have one more question!"

His eyes sharpened. "How did you know we were here?"

The large ship drifted aimlessly across the West Blue sea, not even confining itself to the area it occupied.

Even the World Government should have a hard time finding them, so why did that bastard Ian come knocking on our door?

"Oh? This one?"

Ian smiled. "Of course, someone told me where it was."

"Hahaha, I should apologize first."

Behind Crocodile, a man slowly walked over until he stopped in front of Ian.

"Lord Ian! I have been waiting for you for far too long!"

The man immediately knelt down on one knee in front of Ian.

"Thank you for your hard work, Shiryu."

Ian smiled and said, "This time you've really been a big help."

Strictly speaking, he and Shiryu had only met once before, during their struggle for the Vampire Fruit.

However, when he recently contacted Shiryu was on his way to war, through CP0 in Stussy's possession, the man swore allegiance to him without hesitation.

It is my greatest honor to serve you.

"Shiryu said excitedly."

Crocodile took a deep breath.

"Shiryu??"

Moria was so angry that his facial muscles trembled, and his eyes almost spit fire. "You bastard, you betrayed us?"

"Betray?"

Shiryu turned around with a smile.

His face was full of smiles, but his eyes were utterly cold. "What are you talking about? Didn't we agree from the beginning that we were just a group of people sticking together for warmth?"

"Since it's just about sticking together for warmth, isn't it only natural to leave when I've found a warmer place?"

Are you kidding me!

Compared to the Beasts Pirates, what is the Cross Guild?

Only by following Lord Ian can you fight against the world's most terrifying enemies and witness the ultimate battles!

Redfield remained calm and silent.

He actually quite liked the Cross Guild and considered some of its members as partners.

However, Shiryu is definitely not one of them.

He was just curious: when did Ian get involved with Shiryu?

Was it during that fight for the Vampire Fruit?

The two of them should have only had contact that one time.

Chinjao suppressed a laugh, a hint of schadenfreude in his expression.

You've been so arrogant, now Ian will teach you a lesson!

That's it.

Ian smiled and said, "Shiryu has set an example for you all, so please make your choice."

Crocodile gritted his teeth slightly.

This is really bad.

"Enemy!!"

The wall next to him suddenly shattered, and a figure rushed straight towards Ian.

"World!!"

Crocodile exclaimed.

World has some mental issues; he's only thinking about taking revenge on the World Government and isn't interested in anything else.

But this time, he actually struck first?

But as for the result...

"Bandi World."

Ian's lips curled into a smile.

Buzz!

The next instant, the burly man who had been rushing towards him suddenly went limp and collapsed to the ground in front of Ian.

"What?"

Redfield stared wide-eyed, somewhat bewildered as to what was happening before his eyes.

Conqueror's Haki, is that the domineering Haki of Conqueror's Haki?

Could Conqueror's Conqueror's Haki fighter like World incapable of fighting?

Ryde's eyes lit up instantly.

How could it be this strong?

"It would be such a waste if your abilities were to die here like this."

Ian smiled and looked down at World, who was lying in front of him. "So? Are you going to accept my invitation? To wreak havoc on the World Government, to repay you tenfold, even a hundredfold, for everything you've suffered. I can even take you to bomb New Mary Geoise. That's what you want, isn't it?"

World was visibly shaken upon hearing this, and abruptly looked up. "You're not lying to me?"

"My only goal was to win you over to help me fight the World Government."

Ian chuckled softly.

"I agree!"

World was almost impatient, "When are we going to war with the government!"

This guy was turned by the World Government and his comrades turned against him, then thrown into a vat and frozen for decades.

His hatred for the World Government was what kept him alive.

"It'll be soon."

Ian nodded slightly.

If this guy's More-More Fruit were paired with Pluton, would it produce a rather strange chemical reaction?

Even without Pluton, it would still be a very beautiful sight with Dyna Stone and Kuma.

"Hahaha! World, you made the right decision!"

Shiryu, looking rather smug, glanced triumphantly at Ryde, Crocodile, and Moria. "It's about time you made your choice!"

"I'll choose you my foot!!"

Moria roared.

His power had been activated; the castle was trembling slightly, and a multitude of footsteps were approaching from all directions.

Zombies!

Like a tidal wave, zombies poured in through the doors and windows.

Moria glared at Ian, "You brat! You'll pay for my friends' lives!!"

Is that so?

Ian nodded slightly. "After Teacher Kai and I defeated you all back then, Teacher Kai said he would leave you to me to deal with."

He seemed quite emotional, "So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. Now that you've made your choice, let me fulfill the promise I made back then."

"Lord Moria!!"

The little girl with pink pigtails couldn't help but cry out in fear.

Are we really going to fight this monster?

That's the Pirate Emperor!

Perona! This is none of your business!

Moria yelled, "I'm announcing now, you're fired!"

"Scattered bats!!"

The shadow beneath his feet transformed into countless bats, tearing directly at Ian.

"So gentle."

Ian sighed.

Although they are enemies, it must be said that Moria is truly exceptional when it comes to treating those he considers his allies.

It can only be said that he chose the wrong opponent back then, and he still hasn't chosen the right one now.

"They're really courting death."

Uta made his assessment.

Ian simply raised his right hand and flicked his index finger lightly.

"Finger Pistol"

The air bullet flicked from his fingertip was infused with Two-Color Haki, causing the invisible air to turn pitch black, as if it had truly become a bullet.

"Forehead!!"

Moria's body shuddered violently, his eyes bulged, and he staggered backward before collapsing to the ground.

He lowered his head, stunned.

There was a fist-sized hole in his chest, which pierced through his chest and back.

Blood gushed out like a fountain.

He looked up and stared blankly at Ian.

Crocodile remained silent.

He just moved his fingers?

"Moria!"

Ryde's expression changed.

I'll make up the missing chapter tomorrow...