"Ian?"
Cobra, still holding the wound caused by the butt of a gun, had just sat up, his head still a little dizzy.
He heard a familiar voice coming from the Den Den Mushi and Neptune's instinctive response.
Neptune was talking about Ian?
Of course, Cobra could never forget the man who once visited Alabasta.
He didn't know whether to feel grateful or something else; his feelings about what happened that day were complicated.
He also knew there was some connection between Fish-Man Island and the Beasts Pirates.
Who could have guessed that Ian the Skyfire had formed a powerful Fish-Man unit within the Beasts Pirates?
But he never expected their relationship to be this close.
Ian was even willing to step in and help Neptune deal with the trouble he encountered in Mary Geoise?
But how did he manage it?
Even though he was called a Pirate Emperor, he was still just a pirate.
How could he shake the World Nobles like that?
That was the CP0 just now, wasn't it?
To think they would deploy CP0!
Cobra wasn't the only one who heard the voice from the Den Den Mushi and Neptune's reply.
Admiral Zephyr immediately frowned deeply.
"Ah, this is truly hard to comment on."
Vice Admiral Kuzan kept scratching his head.
They had known for some time about the connection between the King of Fish-Man Island and Ian.
But they never imagined their relationship was this deep.
As members of the Navy, should they just pretend they didn't see it?
What's more important is, what exactly did Ian do?
He once again forced the World Government to compromise.
Honestly, it's hard to know what to say about that.
Let's rewind a bit.
New World, aboard the Moby Dick.
The Whitebeard Pirates watched the boy sitting at a table, devouring his food with complicated expressions.
That bastard really doesn't treat himself like an outsider at all.
"What are you all standing there for?"
Ian wiped the grease off the corner of his mouth with a napkin and smiled. "It tastes really good. Everyone, come and eat together."
"You brat!"
Whitebeard sat on a chair nearby, his gaze full of disgust as he looked at Ian. "How long do you intend to drag this out?"
Ian put down the grilled meat and smiled. "Whitebeard-san, you probably already know—Fish-Man Island is attending the World Conference."
Whitebeard frowned. "What are you trying to say?"
"Although Neptune and Queen Otohime want to attend the conference to try to improve the relationship between Fish-Man Island and human society," Ian paused briefly, "the main reason is that the government said if Fish-Man Island refuses their invitation, then Fish-Man Island will be considered an enemy of the World Government."
"What?"
Vista's expression changed. "So Neptune and the others were threatened?"
Ian snapped his fingers and smiled. "Exactly."
"So, what do you want from us?"
Marco crossed his arms, his tone cold.
"Of course, it's to save Fish-Man Island—save our mutual friends."
Ian looked up at Whitebeard.
"Or do you, Whitebeard-san, because of Fishman Island's cooperation with our Beasts Pirates, you would hold a grudge against Fishman Island and cut ties with them forever?"
Many members of the Whitebeard Pirates wore strange expressions.
They also felt Fishman Island had acted somewhat dishonestly.
The Whitebeard Pirates had sheltered Fishman Island for many years, yet Fishman Island had turned around and allied with their enemy, the Beasts Pirates, even helping them form a Fishman army.
The Whitebeard Pirates didn't even have a Fishman army of their own.
"If that's the case, then it can be explained," Ian said with a smile, "Our cooperation with Fishman Island is limited to recruiting immigrants. We haven't interfered in any other matters of Fishman Island."
"Whitebeard-san, you wouldn't be cruel enough to let our conflicts prevent the Fishmen and Mermaids of Fishman Island from realizing their small dream of blue skies and sea breezes, would you?"
Marco cursed silently in his heart: Don't make it sound like we interfered with Fishman Island! It's precisely because we've always had a non-interference policy that you punk found a chance to take advantage.
"So," Whitebeard finally spoke again, "Kid, what exactly do you want to do?"
"Without a doubt, maybe because of my Fishman army, or maybe because of my Fishman mining, one thing is certain: the World Government has set its sights on Fishman Island."
Ian said, "Our mutual friend is already standing on the edge of a cliff. As friends, shouldn't we offer some help?"
"I told you, kid, if you have something to say, just say it straight."
Whitebeard frowned. "Cut the evasive talk."
"I'll be straightforward then," Ian said, "I want to put some pressure on the World Government, but with just the Beast Pirates, it might not be enough. So, Whitebeard-san, just this once, and only for Fish-Man Island, lend me your strength."
Marco really hoped his ears were playing tricks on him.
Because if that were true, he wouldn't have to hear Ian's brazen words.
Did he even know what he was saying?
Asking them for help?
Most of the Whitebeard Pirates shared Marco's thoughts — they thought Ian had lost his mind.
Many pirates even believed the troubles on Fish-Man Island were their own doing, and if it weren't for involving the Beast Pirates, none of this would have happened.
What did this have to do with the Whitebeard Pirates?
But there was one person who looked at Ian with genuine admiration.
Teach lowered his eyebrows deliberately.
Ian was impressive.
When the time came, he didn't hesitate to borrow the power of his enemy.
That was a courage and boldness few ordinary men possessed.
Teach even believed Ian's plan would succeed.
Because, after all, this was the Whitebeard.
After a brief silence, Whitebeard finally spoke, "So, what exactly do you plan to do, kid?"
"Pops?"
Vista was stunned.
Was he really going to listen to Ian's idea?
Whitebeard simply waved his hand, stopping his children who were about to object.
"This is the Whitebeard I know," Ian said sincerely, "Loyal and righteous, with a sense of honor as vast as the sky."
"I don't have time to hear your flattery."
Whitebeard's voice remained cold. "Tell me your plan."
"No one deserves my flattery, just speaking the truth," Ian chuckled lightly. "As for my plan, it's quite simple. Everyone, please be quiet."
He pulled out a Den Den Mushi and placed it on the table. Amid the surprised looks of the Whitebeard Pirates, he dialed a number.
Brurururu...
The Den Den Mushi rang.
It didn't take long before the call was answered.
The Den Den Mushi instantly changed appearance — now wearing a small black hat on its head, and its chin covered in thick beard.
Was that Saturn?
Ian thought.
"Ian?"
A somewhat familiar voice came from the Den Den Mushi on the other end of the line.
"I don't recall authorizing you to call us whenever you please."
"So, this call is definitely not casual."
Ian replied calmly, "You must know why I'm calling."
"The Five Elders."
Suddenly, the deck of the Moby Dick was filled with gasps.
The Five Elders?
Not just the others, even Whitebeard himself widened his eyes slightly.
Is this kid really on the phone with the Five Elders?
**********
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