The Eve Before Departure

Onigashima.

The once ferocious beast, which had been baring its fangs and claws, visibly weakened and finally collapsed to the ground.

The once ferocious giant lion was now as weak as a cat.

"Call--"

Standing before the enormous lion, Ian, now in a state of Awakening, smiled with delight.

It turns out that as long as someone is in control, even a ferocious beast that lacks complete intelligence can have its power drained.

This means that Aquaman, who was initially thought to be of little use in this war, is now able to play his part.

This means they have absolutely no idea how to lose.

Even though Im's abilities have changed somewhat compared to eight hundred years ago, the essence of those abilities remains the same.

Even though he had acquired new cards during this long period, Ian had already seen through most of them.

If that's the case, then what is there to be afraid of?

"Let's have a banquet!"

Ian laughed loudly, "Let's celebrate our impending victory!"

What's wrong with opening champagne early?

Open it!

And so, on Onigashima, at the headquarters of the Beasts Pirates, a grand and lively banquet began.

"Mama, Mama!"

Aunt Linlin and Teacher Kai, along with other old acquaintances, sat together, stuffing a huge cake into their mouths while loudly mocking Ian, who sat at the head of the table, "You're already so sure you'll win before it even starts? What an arrogant brat!"

"Because,"

Ian had very sharp ears, and even in such a noisy environment, he keenly caught Aunt Linlin's voice. He then replied with a smile, "If we fail, we probably won't have another chance to host a banquet."

"That's right!"

Red-Haired and his companions gathered together, one arm around Yasopp and the other around Beckman, laughing heartily as they declared, "Whether victory or defeat awaits us, at least this banquet allows us to let go of all burdens and enjoy ourselves to the fullest!"

"So,"

Ian raised his glass high. "Everyone, let's drink to our hearts' content!"

"Hehehehe!"

Teacher Kai raised his glass to Aunt Linlin.

Aunt Linlin had been making sarcastic remarks just moments before, couldn't help but smile slightly as she picked up the huge wine glass beside her with her hands still covered in cream.

"Drink it!"

Ace and Sabo put their arms around each other's shoulders, and the two boys even jumped up and down laughing.

"Snort."

Hawk Eyes's lips curled into a smile, and he had just picked up his glass when Red-Haired came over with two bottles of liquor, winking at him.

"Mihawk, how about a match after all this time?"

"Afraid of you?"

Hawk Eyes sneered.

The Revolutionary Army sat together, and Dragon raised his glass, saying, "Regardless, the final battle is about to begin!"

"For victory!"

The Okama King shouted loudly.

"Of course, it will only be victory!"

On the Beasts Pirates ' side, Law stated matter-of-factly, "We can't find a reason to fail!"

"Hahahaha! Drink to your heart's content! Then, fight with all your might!"

The colossal Giant King, holding a massive wine cup the size of a water vat, was also drinking heartily.

This was indeed a delightful banquet that everyone could fully immerse themselves in.

All concerns and disagreements are left behind at this moment; at least for this instant, all that's needed is to drink heartily.

The lively and boisterous banquet continued until late into the night.

Given the physical condition of the people attending the banquet, they could have easily continued for another two days and two nights.

However, since the official departure was scheduled for the next day...

Onigashima gradually fell silent.

But Ian was still awake. He went to the top of Onigashima and quietly gazed at the bright moon in the sky.

This bright moon has shone on the world for countless years. Countless heroes Hero appeared and disappeared, and countless waves have risen and fallen, but it remains eternally bright and clear.

Only the bright moon still illuminates the dark night sky with its gentle light.

Ian suddenly curled the corners of his mouth into a smile.

But he won't be the moon.

It's not just a moon that softly illuminates the earth, yet cannot even tear through the darkness.

Instead, it will be the sun, radiating boundless light and using its strongest light and heat to make the whole world revolve around it!

"We're leaving tomorrow?"

Suddenly, a soft body pressed against his back, the scent of alcohol lingering behind his ear. Yamato rested his chin on Ian's shoulder, his soft cheek rubbing against Ian's.

"Hehe! It's finally the final battle!"

Some of the drunken women slurred, "Ian, your dream is about to come true! After this victory, no one will be able to make you uneasy anymore."

"You still remember?"

Ian chuckled softly.

"Of course... hiccup... how could I forget!"

Yamato hiccuped, released his arms from Ian's waist, grabbed Ian's left arm, moved around to his side, rested his head on Ian's shoulder, and nuzzled Ian's face with his red horns.

"Ian has helped me fulfill my dream!"

The childhood friend rambled on, "Although I haven't become stronger than my father or become the captain of the Beasts Pirates, I am now freer than anyone else, and I can do whatever I want."

"So, now it's my turn to help Ian fulfill his dream."

"Ian's dream is also my dream. I'm sad when Ian is frustrated because he can't achieve his dream."

Although the wind on Onigashima was a bit chilly at night, Ian only felt warm.

He didn't say anything, but simply raised his left arm and embraced the girl he loved.

"Did I come at the wrong time?"

A sound colder than the sea breeze at night came from behind.

Ian didn't hesitate for a moment. He simply put his arm around Yamato and extended his right hand to the woman behind him, saying with a smile, "No, you've come at just the right time."

Hancock, her face flushed and even more beautiful in the moonlight, glanced at the drunken Yamato nestled in Ian's arms Yamato pursed her lips.

Without hesitation, she grabbed Ian's hand and snuggled into his arms.

We must never admit defeat!

That stinky white-haired girl is the only one I absolutely cannot lose to!

Ian's embrace was quite broad, easily accommodating both of them, considering Hancock's size was much smaller than his and Yamato's.

However, the two girls then began a fierce battle.

You elbow me, I bump you, we can't wait to push each other out.

Ian didn't care at all.

They have a long life ahead of them.

If further development of their Awakening abilities is successful, they will have virtually unlimited time to spend together.

Even if they don't get what they want, with the effect of Pure Gold, there are at least tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of years waiting for them.

"Ian ..."

Hancock gently nuzzled against Ian's chest, specifically the lower part.

Given her height, this is the only spot she can reach.

"Go and seize victory!"

"Certainly,"

Ian chuckled, "We have no rivals ahead of us."

The next morning, everyone was ready and boarded the well-equipped Pluton.

Then, the massive warship crushed the waves and set sail with a roar.

Ian is about to fight his final battle.

Our next destination is New Mary Geoise.

Although the central city newly built by the World Government was located in a secluded place, Ian had certainly determined its location much earlier.

Just go directly there.

All we need to do is get there in the shortest time possible, and then Pluton cannon will obliterate the Celestial Dragons and Im together with a single shot.

Not long after they set off, a bolt of lightning struck down from the sky.

Enel certainly wouldn't miss out on this war.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that he had long been eager to start a war with the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.

After all, he already knew all the historical truths and how his ancestors had disappeared from this sea.

Seeking revenge for one's ancestors—isn't that a virtue that descendants should possess?

Not far ahead, Uncle Jhin, who had been stationed at the G-5 base, also returned.

The betrayal of the Lunarian almost directly led to the collapse of their great nation.

Although Joy Boy's writings do not record the final fate of the Lunarian.

However, judging from the fact that the Lunarian has almost disappeared from the sea, and that the only remaining member, Uncle Jin, was captured and used for research, the Lunarian did not have a good ending afterward, and of course, they were also purged by Im.

After that, the Lunarian must have regretted it, otherwise Uncle Jhin wouldn't have waited for Joy Boy's return.

Uncle Jin, of course, also wanted revenge.

However, it was at this moment that Ian received a message from Stussy.

"The World Government has begun to act!"

The first thing the double agent said caught Ian off guard.

"Are they preparing to launch an attack as well?"

Ian raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Perhaps it's not preparation, but rather that action has already begun!"

Stussy's voice was cold. "I've been ordered to investigate the situation in Wano Country and confirm the current movements of the Beasts Pirates."

"But when I tried to take a closer look at the situation in Neo Maria, I discovered that all communication channels had been blocked. The World Government must have already begun its operation!"

"I see?"

Ian nodded slightly.

It must be said that Stussy's guess was very reasonable.

It is only natural that the World Government would take action.

In Im's mind, he had not yet found the Final Island, nor had he obtained Joy Boy's legacy, so he naturally had to prevent this from happening.

It's unclear what their next move will be now that they haven't obtained the Holy Mother's Flame. Will they simply gather all their forces and launch a full-scale attack?

In that case, the plan may need to be changed.

"Stussy, confirm the World Government's movements."

Ian said, "At the very least, we need to figure out where the top brass of the World Government are and confirm their attack routes."

If this cannot be confirmed, then there is no point in wiping out all the Celestial Dragons remaining in New Mary Geoise, or even in taking down the Marine Headquarters.

If we can't take down that guy Im, then everything will have been for nothing.

"Yes."

Stussy hung up the phone.

so,

Since the World Government's target is Wano Country, let's think about it another way: we just need to wait in Wano Country, and the World Government will come to us on its own.

All you need to do is confirm their attack route, then wait on the way and give them a surprise.

but.

Is it a good idea to set the battlefield in the New World?

This sea area, which has been painstakingly built up, could easily be wrecked if used as a battlefield, given the presence of Ancient Weapon.

Is it really worth it?

Absolutely worth it!

As long as we can destroy the World Government and Im, then everything will be worthwhile!

The world will be grateful for this sacrifice.

So--

Almost at the same moment.

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

This great fortress of justice was now completely silent.

"What is that?"

Kizaru unconsciously pushed his glasses, which were perched on his nose, up to his forehead.

Even the most experienced Marine Admiral couldn't help but swallow hard at this moment.

There was no way around it; what appeared before him was simply too astonishing.

"Wow! That's so cool! It's an aircraft!!"

From nearby came the exclamation of Mr. Garp's eldest grandson, "It's huge! It's practically an island!"

There was indeed an island floating above Marineford at that moment, much larger than Marineford; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a country flying in the sky!

"Is this the legendary Ancient Weapon?"

Vice Admiral Tsuru beside him looked grave. "We don't even need to open fire. Just looking at its scale, we know it possesses world-destroying power!"

Forget about firepower; just the sheer size of that object would be devastating if it crashed down directly.

"We can win!"

Fleet Admiral Sengoku clenched his fist.

If such a weapon existed, even Ian wouldn't be able to do anything about it, right?

No matter how formidable that guy's abilities are, facing Im, who is stronger than him, and with this world-destroying weapon, he should win this time, no matter what.

"Come on, sailors!"

Above, from within the enormous Straw Hat- shaped flying machine, came a booming voice. "Board this ship and proceed to the final battlefield!"

At this point, Marineford was actually quite empty.

Long before, Sengoku had already evacuated a large number of naval soldiers in accordance with the World Government's request.

At this time, only high-ranking officers of the rank of Rear Admiral general or above remained here, truly an elite force.

Let's go.

Sengoku took a deep breath and said loudly.

"Luffy, you wait here for me to come back."

The naval hero patted his eldest grandson's shoulder and gave him earnest instructions.

"Hey!"

Luffy, looking disappointed without his Straw Hat, exclaimed, "I want to go find Ace! Ace is with the Beasts Pirates, right?"

"You bastard! Now is not the time for you to be willful!"

The naval hero, enraged, punched his grandson in the head, leaving a large bump, then lowered his voice, "I will bring Ace back!"

As he spoke, he followed the Marine Fleet Admiral forward.

But at this moment, Luffy, who had been crouching on the ground covering his head, suddenly Luffy his eyes and muttered, "I don't want to stay here."