The third battle, in the end, never began.
Bullet had been beaten far too brutally by Ian—no one could tell just how many of his bones had been shattered.
Although he did awaken his Clank-Clank Fruit ability at the brink of death, its awakening didn't come with some kind of miraculous full recovery like Nika's.
Before Ian could even finish warning him not to recklessly destroy Hive Island, the purple aura that had been covering the entire island completely faded.
Bullet lost consciousness completely.
He was immediately rushed to the newly built hospital on the island, where Hive Island's number-one doctor, Trafalgar D. Water Law, performed emergency treatment on him.
And even after he regained consciousness, Bullet didn't rush to challenge Ian again.
He was... actually taking time to recover properly!
Ian couldn't help but feel disappointed in him.
Why hadn't he come straight at him the moment he woke up?
Even after his injuries had mostly healed, he still didn't initiate a third battle.
That lunatic had quieted down, silently focusing on rehab and recovery training.
Ian felt a deep sense of regret.
He had thought he'd be able to bring the guy under his command right away.
Bullet, after mastering Conqueror's Haki infusion, already possessed strength close to that of a Yonko.
And now that he had awakened his Devil Fruit, he absolutely had the power to rival a true Emperor. Say what you will, but the guy could definitely go toe-to-toe with Big Mom.
Recruiting someone that powerful would've been thrilling for Ian.
It would've been like a card duelist getting their hands on a Blue-Eyes White Dragon worth 87 million Berries.
A dual-Yonko lineup? Why not?
Even the Roger Pirates back in the day weren't configured much differently.
But this bastard Bullet was just a letdown.
Sure, Ian was confident the guy wouldn't escape his grasp in the end, but come on—why wait? The earlier the catch, the earlier the fun, right?
And now, this maniac had gone quiet.
What could he possibly be thinking?
Hive Island – Hospital
"It's more or less done now."
Law spoke with a lazy drawl, eyes half-lidded as he looked at the absurdly large man before him.
"Eat more meat to replenish your strength."
Truth be told, these monsters really weren't human.
Bullet had broken dozens of bones, yet after just a few days of rest, he was already nearly fully recovered.
The man who had been so explosively violent in front of Ian now sat quietly in a chair across from Law.
He was… lost in thought.
Now that he had awakened his Devil Fruit, could he defeat Ian?
That bastard hadn't even used his ability the entire time.
Just the Haki he wielded was already terrifying.
Internal destruction from Armament Haki, Future Sight from Observation Haki, Conqueror's Haki infusion, and even the advanced "Observation Kill."
Each one of these techniques alone was enough to make someone a rare powerhouse on the seas. But Ian had already mastered all of them.
And yet, to Ian, Haki was nothing more than decoration.
His real terror… lay in his ability.
Everyone across the sea knew — Ian the Skyfire wielded the strongest Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit.
An untouchable form of living flame, and the crimson fire that devoured everything in its path.
Bullet couldn't even begin to gauge how strong Ian truly was.
Even after mastering Conqueror's Haki infusion, he had still been thoroughly and mercilessly beaten.
So then, even if he used his Awakening… could he really defeat Ian at full power?
Not strong enough.
Bullet clenched his fists tightly.
He still wasn't strong enough.
He had to become stronger.
Stronger.
Stronger still — only then could he defeat Ian!
He had to master Future Sight. He had to master the Observation Kill that could counter Future Sight.
Go hone your Haki until it's even more formidable.
Forge your body until it becomes unbreakable.
There's only one last chance left!
If he loses to Ian one more time, then according to their agreement, he'll have to join the Beasts Pirates and become that man's subordinate!
"Hm?"
Law raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Why the hell are you smiling?"
That guy wasn't just smiling—he was smiling in the most disgusting way!
This was supposed to be a hardened, iron-blooded warrior, and yet right now he had a soft, almost dreamy grin on his face.
What the hell was going on with him?
Smiling?
Bullet froze for a moment.
Instinctively, he raised his hand and touched his own face.
Had he just… smiled?
While thinking about how he'd have to join Ian if he lost again—he actually smiled?
Why?
Why would he smile at a time like this?
Bullet couldn't understand it.
But what he did know was that at this moment, he was overflowing with drive.
He couldn't wait another second.
He was desperate to get stronger and fight Ian again!
What a rush!
To battle against someone that powerful…
It felt just like those days back on the Roger Pirates, when he challenged Roger himself.
To unleash his power without restraint—and then to feel thrilled by the terrifying strength of his opponent!
In any case, a third battle wouldn't happen any time soon.
Bullet returned once more to the island he had claimed and resumed his monk-like training in solitude.
Ian, while a bit sentimental about it, had no choice. After all, this was something they had agreed upon.
Time now rewinds to just a little earlier.
Punk Hazard.
Marine Science Division.
"Ah la la... It hasn't even been a few months, and things have already gotten even more over-the-top, Doctor."
Kuzan looked up, staring at the colossal figure in front of him, unable to hide the awe in his voice.
Before him stood an enormous head—comically large and exaggerated.
Attached beneath that massive head was a comparatively tiny body.
"Hahahaha! Don't underestimate the accumulation of a genius's knowledge!"
Vegapunk—the man known as the world's smartest, a scientist said to be five hundred years ahead of his time—stuck out his long tongue and laughed gleefully.
"I improve every single day! I learn something new every single day!"
"Is that so?"
Kuzan nodded slightly.
"So then, Kuzan, what brings you to see me?"
His eyes shifted to the mechanical arm attached to Kuzan's left shoulder, and suddenly, a look of disbelief flashed across his face.
"Don't tell me… there's something wrong with the arm? That's impossible, isn't it? My tech shouldn't have any flaws!"
"Of course not."
Kuzan raised his right hand and gently touched the metallic arm on his left.
"This arm is excellent."
Cool to the touch—clearly made of metal—yet it could still sense being touched.
He had to admit, the doctor's craftsmanship was nothing short of miraculous. It was truly breathtaking.
"Then why are you here?"
Vegapunk was clearly curious.
If this had been an official mission from the government or the Marines, they would have issued a direct order.
There would've been no need to send an admiral in person—and certainly not Kuzan, who didn't even oversee the Science Division like Kizaru.
Kuzan paused for a moment. His Observation Haki swept through the area to ensure no one was eavesdropping. Only then did he speak calmly.
**********
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