Ian, though somewhat educated, had little understanding when it came to science and technology.
From the massive library shelves, he pulled out several books containing records of ancient technology, but he couldn't make much sense of them.
Still, Ian could clearly tell that the technology described in these books was extraordinary.
In his previous life, Vegapunk had once been called an "archaeologist" on major forums, with people saying he was basically the "localization team" for ancient technology.
That alone spoke volumes about the value of these technologies.
Copying all the scientific materials here would, of course, be a good thing.
However, the workload was immense — tens of thousands of technological books and journals were stored here, far from something that could be copied in a short time.
But Ian wasn't in a hurry. After all, the Giant Kingdom wasn't far from Hive Island. Once everything was copied, his friends could deliver it to him immediately.
Then…
Ian turned his gaze to Aokiji, who wore a somewhat pensive expression.
"Kuzan, you seem pretty deep in thought, huh?"
Aokiji seemed to snap back to reality, raising a hand in mild surprise to scratch his face. "I don't recall us being close enough to be on a first-name basis."
"But never mind. Are we going to start now?"
He didn't seem to care anymore. The confusion in his heart had almost entirely dissipated. Even if he died now, he would have no regrets.
"Eh?!"
Saul's expression changed drastically. "Ian, you and Kuzan aren't friends? I thought you came here together!"
"Ah la la… Isn't it strange for a pirate and a Marine to be friends?"
Aokiji said casually, without a hint of fear or nervousness — instead, he appeared calm and collected.
"Though I don't plan on being a Marine anymore."
"I see!"
Saul grew tense and quickly turned to Ian. "Ian, just like Kuzan said, he's no longer a Marine. You're not enemies anymore, so there's no need to fight!"
Aokiji couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart.
No matter what, to be able to reunite with an old friend at the final moment, and to clear the doubts in one's heart—wasn't that a good thing?
"No matter what! Ian, please spare his life!"
The massive giant even bowed deeply to Ian, showing just how deep his bond with Aokiji truly was.
Ian only smiled. "I never said I was going to kill him, did I?"
"Oh?"
Saul immediately raised his head, his eyes lighting up.
"I've said before—Marine Admiral Aokiji deserves to die. But the wandering Kuzan, who has left the Marines… is different."
Ian spoke calmly. "The World Government is too powerful, isn't it? Any force that could stand against them shouldn't be wasted."
"That's right!"
Saul was overjoyed, his enormous head nodding repeatedly. "If we want to overthrow the World Government, we must unite every possible power!"
"Only by bringing all forces together can we accomplish the great cause that even Joy Boy failed to achieve eight hundred years ago!"
"So—"
Ian extended his right hand. "Kuzan, will you join me? This is a sincere invitation."
Truth be told, when he heard Ian's words, Aokiji froze on the spot.
"Huh?"
It wasn't just Aokiji—even Saul looked bewildered.
Sure, Aokiji had already decided to leave the Marines, but for a pirate to openly invite a former admiral to join his ranks… wasn't that a bit much?
"Ara ara…"
Aokiji seemed a little baffled. "Even if I'm no longer a Marine, that doesn't mean we can just shake hands and be friends."
Was this guy joking?
Had he forgotten that just a few months ago, he killed Tokikake right in front of him and burned off one of his arms?
"Since you've already decided to abandon being a Marine, why not leave the past grudges behind as well?"
Ian spoke casually. "Before, we were enemies—pirates and Marines—so conflict was inevitable. But now… can't we be friends?"
"I'll pass on that."
Aokiji's lips twitched. "For now, I can't accept such a drastic reversal of roles."
"What an ungrateful man!"
Hancock's lips curved into a faint sneer as she clenched her fist, black lightning beginning to crackle across her knuckles. "Ian, since he dares to reject you, let's just kill him here."
"What's this talk about leaving the Navy and betraying the World Government? In the end, it's just a desperate measure to survive."
"Let me take him down!"
Yamato straightforwardly drew her kanabo.
Fighting another ice user—that's the kind of opponent that feels satisfying to beat!
"This…"
Saul felt a bit troubled.
What should he do now?
Although he no longer held much prejudice against pirates, he knew all too well that overthrowing the World Government was impossible without their help.
Still, he couldn't just openly say it. Could he really let his old friend, who held justice in his heart, become a subordinate of a Pirate Emperor?
Ian's lips curved into a smile. "Then let's do it this way."
"Huh?"
Aokiji was taken aback.
Saul froze as well, and so did everyone else.
"Ian!!"
Yamato looked at him in disbelief.
Ian simply said calmly, "Don't worry about it. I told you before—any force that opposes the World Government should be valued."
He looked deeply at Aokiji. "My invitation will remain open. Take your time to think about it, Kuzan."
This guy…
Aokiji frowned.
What exactly is this guy thinking? Why is he being so lenient toward me?
Does he really believe that one day I'd willingly join his crew?
"Ah-la-la… Then I'll think it over carefully."
Since this arrogant bastard Ian had said so, of course Aokiji wouldn't refuse.
Surviving wasn't a bad thing, after all.
Having already decided to leave the Navy, there were still many things Aokiji wanted to do. He wasn't ready to end his life here.
Saul let out a heartfelt sigh of relief. This should be fine now, right?
Yamato shot Aokiji a hateful glare, the white-haired girl clearly still unwilling to accept this.
Ian patted her on the head and said with a grin, "Alright, don't sulk. We still have a banquet to attend—cheer up!"
"No doubt about it!"
Prince Loki laughed heartily. "I've already prepared the grandest feast inside the palace for you all—a welcome banquet to celebrate your arrival! Now, just enjoy yourselves!"
Ian turned his head toward Aokiji. "So, Kuzan, how about joining us?"
Aokiji's lips twitched slightly. "No, I think I'll pass."
Being around these guys made him feel uneasy, like a chill running down his spine. He couldn't relax for even a moment. Better to say goodbye early.
**********
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