"..."
Whitebeard's face was calm but stern.
The pirates on deck were already in a heated argument.
Some thought that if they were forced to leave the New World by that bastard Ian, what face would the Whitebeard Pirates have left? And what about the islands protected by them?
Others believed that compared to the survival of the crew, a little face didn't matter.
As for the protected islands, there was no need to worry—everyone knew the countries and islands under Ian's command would only get better, so there was nothing to fear.
Both sides held their ground. The faction urging resistance called the others spineless for bowing to Ian, while the group advocating leaving argued that only by leaving could the Whitebeard Pirates survive.
Fighting the Beasts Pirates with Dyna Stone would be a reckless move.
At that moment, Fifth Division Captain Vista suddenly spoke, his teeth nearly gritted as he said, "I truly hate that guy, Ian. I wish he'd die a miserable death right now. And to leave the New World just because of his threats—it's humiliating beyond measure."
"However," he continued, "more than the shame, I cannot bear the thought of losing my family."
He lifted his head and looked at Whitebeard. "Pops, let's leave the New World!"
Marco glanced at Vista, took a deep breath, and spoke seriously, "Pops, I agree with Vista's opinion."
Whitebeard's crescent-shaped mustache trembled slightly. He finally spoke. "Turn course. Head for the North Blue."
He let out a light sigh. "Inform the allied pirate crews. Those willing to go with us to the North Blue can join us. Those who aren't… better behave themselves. That bastard Ian hates every pirate except himself."
"Pops!"
Marco's eyes widened.
His father's voice was soft, yet in that moment, it struck Marco's ears like a thunderclap.
The man he had always revered had finally bowed his head.
But what made Marco feel ashamed was that, at that very instant, he found himself exhaling in relief.
The realization hit him like lightning.
Marco… are you afraid of that Ian guy?
In the crowd, a dark-skinned, stout man lowered his eyebrows.
Pops… you've grown old.
In this era, there's no ship left for you to board.
That night, as the Moby Dick sailed toward the North Blue, something happened.
"Pops! Teach is missing!"
Vista hurried to Whitebeard. "One of the lifeboats is gone. He must have left on his own."
"Teach?"
Whitebeard paused, slightly stunned.
The man who had long been hailed as the strongest in the world now looked slightly worn, a shadow of his former self crossing his face. He sighed, "It seems I've disappointed Teach."
"Don't worry about him."
He spoke with a hint of dejection, "Since he's decided to leave the ship, then let him go."
Vista clenched his fists as he watched his father's despondent expression.
Nothing could be a greater blow to a father than seeing his children depart.
And Teach wasn't killed by anyone—he had made the choice himself.
In any case, the Whitebeard Pirates would soon be leaving the New World.
Before departing, Whitebeard paid visits to all the nations and islands that had originally belonged to him, ensuring they would properly submit to the Beast Pirates.
Ian may have been a bratty little jerk, but at least he had no interest in tormenting civilians. On the contrary, he cared deeply about the development of the territories under his command.
Somewhere in the New World.
"Next, we'll leave the New World for a while too."
Shanks stretched lazily, completely unburdened by the kind of deep grudges the others carried. "Hahaha, Ian really is something else—so overbearing!"
"I wonder what this sea will look like the next time we come back?"
With that, the strongest pirate crews in the New World began to collectively depart.
Combined with the NEO Navy that had already left, the New World was now left under the sole dominance of the Beast Pirates. No other force remained that could challenge them.
In Wano Country, Ian soon received the news.
Morgan personally arrived, excitement written all over his face. "Hahaha! Lord Ian! The Whitebeard Pirates, the Charlotte Family, and the Cross Guild! They've all left the New World one after another!"
"The Whitebeard Pirates and the Charlotte Family have gone to the North Blue, while the Cross Guild, like the NEO Navy, has headed to the West Blue!"
"You are now truly the rightful King of the New World!!"
"King of the New World?"
Ian's lips curled into a smile. "That title isn't bad, but it's still a bit too early."
For now, they had only driven the monsters out of the New World, but the sea had not yet been fully conquered.
"Only once the World Government gives up its unrealistic fantasies will this title truly be deserved."
"Hahaha! That's truly something to look forward to!"
Morgans trembled with excitement. "Will the next battle truly be a war that decides the fate of the entire world?"
Would the World Government still launch an attack?
Would they risk war even under the threat of Dyna Stone?
It was truly exhilarating to anticipate.
"Who knows."
Ian's lips curved slightly.
He was still waiting for news as well.
Mary Geoise.
The Celestial Dragons' city, bombed and in the process of repair, now felt somewhat empty.
The Celestial Dragons had been urgently relocated, and the world's nobles would never risk a second bombardment by staying. Only the slaves who couldn't be moved remained in the city.
Deep within Pangaea Castle was a special room, blooming with countless flowers.
Its name: Room of Flowers.
"Lord Imu!"
The five elders, holding the highest authority in the world, knelt before a tall, thin figure draped in a black robe.
"We have decided to eliminate Ian and his Beasts Pirates!"
Warcury, with the presence of a Gorosei leader, spoke respectfully, "Even though the other pirates of the New World have been scared off by Ian, even though he possesses Dyna Stone, this battle must be fought!"
"Because Dyna Stone will not disappear! Delaying further will only make Ian stronger!"
"We can no longer afford to procrastinate. We have decided to go all out with a decapitation operation!"
"Because of Dyna Stone's existence, deploying a full army would be a burden. We will concentrate all our top forces to crush the Beasts Pirates in one strike!"
The tall figure paused briefly, then nodded gently. "I agree."
**********
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