Just as the battle in the Goa Kingdom came to a close, in the heart of the World Government's center, Mary Geoise.
Within the depths of Pangu City, in an office where the power of the Five Elders was concentrated, the five old men, who controlled the world's highest authority, looked at each other in silence.
After a long while, the Five Elder with golden hair spoke in a strange tone, "In all these centuries, has there ever been someone who, at the age of fifteen, mastered the Conqueror's Haki Infusion and reached the level of a top-tier fighter?"
Mars, with his long beard, shook his head. "Even Joy Boy from 800 years ago wasn't this terrifying."
"Could Ian be the second Joy Boy?"
The bald-headed Topman Warcury suddenly spoke up.
"Ian is nothing like Joy Boy,"
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, wearing a white robe, shook his head. "Joy Boy was a tragic idealist, but Ian is ambitious."
The other Elders nodded in agreement.
Joy Boy from 800 years ago was a liberator.
But Ian, now, was an oppressor. The things he had done in Wano Country were clear to the Five Elders.
Although in the end, the residents of Wano didn't really suffer, and even gained more wealth.
The truth was, Ian's intentions were far from noble.
Moreover, over the years, the Beast Pirates' external expansion was led by this guy.
For anyone daring to stand in his way, Ian showed no mercy.
The two were completely different types of people.
"However, there is one thing they have in common," The bearded Saturn spoke coldly, "Fish-Man Island, the Mink Tribe, the Giant Kingdom, all have a strong connection with Ian."
Joy Boy from back then was the same.
"But getting rid of Ian is no easy task."
Mars sighed. "His strength is already extraordinary. The combination of his fire avatar and flying ability makes it nearly impossible to catch him, and now his strength has taken a huge leap."
If possible, simply eliminating Ian would be the best solution.
But it's difficult, very difficult.
His flame avatar, almost untouchable, and the destructive fire that can destroy everything.
This guy's ability has never been heard of, but it's terrifyingly strong.
As long as he wants to escape, catching him or even killing him is nearly impossible.
"Looks like we still have to focus on the Beasts Pirates."
Saturn said, "We can't stop trying to turn him against Kaido. A divided Beasts Pirates is a good Beasts Pirates."
One Ian is already troublesome.
A Beasts Pirates with Ian is even more troublesome.
Ian and Kaido together—this combination, while not as terrifying as the Rocks Pirates of the past, is still incredibly dangerous.
It's fortunate the government's earlier strategy to stir up conflict between master and disciple was correct. Now, Ian and Kaido are at odds.
The next step is to make this conflict even bigger.
"Let CP0 send someone to Hive Island."
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro said, "Make Ian and Kaido more estranged."
"As for CP0, there's a perfect person for the job."
Mars said, "That woman, Stussy, has been lurking in the New World. She's now a well-known figure in the underground world of the New World."
"Then it's settled!"
The Five Elders had made their decision.
A terrible conspiracy has been heading toward Ian—has it?
East Blue.
The time had already reached the next day.
Last night, they had left the Goa Kingdom in the middle of the night and had been sailing on the sea for quite some time.
By the time Ian finally rested, it was already very late, so when he woke up, it was almost late morning, which was very rare for him, as he was usually very diligent.
However, the new member on board, Ace, woke up very early.
On one hand, it was because he wasn't used to the unfamiliar environment, and on the other, it was the excitement of finally becoming a pirate.
He had left the room that had been arranged for him and began exploring the Golden Dragon ship. The planes on the deck, the giant beasts locked in the ship's hold, and the fishmen and mermaids on board were all things he had never seen before, which filled him with awe and joy.
This was the adventure.
But his solo adventure didn't last long, as the ship's officers began to wake up one by one.
The tall and intimidating man, whom Ian called Jack, along with two others named Zoro and Kuina, prepared to begin their training.
While Ace was curiously watching, Jack glanced at him and impatiently said, "What are you still standing there for? Come over here."
"Me?"
Ace pointed at himself. "Do I join in too?"
"Of course!"
Jack said matter-of-factly. "Whether I teach one or two, it's the same. Come join us for the basic training of the Six Styles."
The more Jack taught the kids, the more he realized how powerful the Six Styles were.
For someone like Ian, a super expert, this set of martial arts might not mean much, and even strong fighters like Yamato or Hancock wouldn't need it.
But, it was the perfect way to start training.
It was true all-around physical training.
Speed, physical abilities, strength, defense, awareness, and even Haki.
It's perfect for building a foundation.
However, this set of superhuman techniques isn't something just anyone can learn; the entry requirement is quite high.
Of course, the kids that Brother Ian brought back are all extremely talented. Jack was completely sure of this—they wouldn't have any issues.
"I'm really strong, you know!"
Ace proudly walked over. "What can you teach me?"
Even though he was only ten today, back in the deep mountains of the Goa Kingdom, he was unbeatable.
Whether it was the fierce tigers in the forest or the crocodiles in the water, they all ended up as his meal.
"Really?"
Jack sneered. "Then let me see just how strong you are."
Really strong?
How strong could he be?
Jack had personally witnessed Brother Ian's strength as a child.
That was what could be called truly strong.
"Then I won't hold back!"
Ace, seeing that Jack didn't seem much older than him, immediately grinned and charged at him.
He wasn't joking. Even the pirates from Gray Terminal weren't his match.
"Ah!"
Ace cried out in pain as he was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing hard into the outer wall of the ship's cabin.
The force of the hit was so strong that he stuck to the wall like a painting, only slowly sliding down a few seconds later.
"This guy!"
Ace looked up in shock, staring at Jack, who stood not far away like a towering iron pillar.
So strong!
At first, Jack just stood there and let him attack.
But even when Ace gave it everything he had, he couldn't make Jack move an inch.
Instead, a casual slap from Jack sent him hanging on the wall!
Are all the people on the Golden Dragon Ship this strong?
"Once you understand your own level, then start training!"
Jack didn't mind.
Bullying a little kid wouldn't give him any sense of accomplishment.
He just hoped the kid would grow stronger, not to disappoint Brother Ian's expectations!
"Okay!"
Ace stood up, his eyes full of excitement.
Getting stronger? He had never been opposed to it.
This guy really might have something!
So, he joined Zoro and Kuina in their training.
Enel, as usual, was training his haki nearby. His physical strength was also quite decent, and after so much time training, he had gradually started mastering the Rokushiki.
When Ian woke up and stepped out of the cabin, this was the scene he saw.
"Not bad."
He praised.
Talking about talent aside, it was the heart to get stronger that was key to growth.
Take Zoro, for example. No doubt, he was the weakest of the three currently training. He was even slightly weaker than Kuina, let alone compared to Ace.
But he didn't get discouraged at all; if anything, he worked even harder.
This was what they called the heart of a true warrior.
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