The roar of massive explosions shook the battlefield without pause.
Saturn and Mars blocked Ian's advance with reckless self-destruction, almost as if they were sacrificing themselves.
Poisonous orbs and blazing fireballs erupted one after another, forcing Ian to remain in his flame state the entire time.
At that moment, Warcury unleashed a torrent of Conqueror's Haki in a devastating shockwave, cutting off any chance for Ian to pursue.
He could only watch helplessly as the enormous black dragon spread its wings and soared into the sky.
"So it really is a Mythical Zoan, huh…"
Even as the bombardment raged around him, Ian couldn't help but mutter in awe.
This is bad.
Even if it's just a Mythical Zoan, if such powers become too common, won't it feel cheap?
Still…
A black dragon.
The symbolism behind it feels… heavy.
Surely it's not like Mary Geoise has some ancient tree waiting for him to gnaw on the roots, right?
…Oh.
Actually, Mary Geoise really does have a tree like that.
"You bastard!!"
The sudden retreat of Garling and the others only fueled the fury of Ian's companions.
Kaido roared, instinctively grabbing hold of his flame cloud as he tried to give chase.
But his flight speed was far too slow, nowhere near enough to catch up with a black dragon soaring freely with real wings.
If he shifted into his Human-Beast Form, he could sprint across the clouds at great speed—but going alone would serve no purpose.
"That's enough for now."
Ian smiled faintly. "Gorōsei, how about we have a little chat?"
"What?"
The Gorōsei, who had been fighting desperately to stop him, were stunned by his words. Seeing that Ian had no intention of chasing, they were caught off guard.
Saturn immediately bellowed in rage, "What could we possibly have to talk about!?"
"Don't say it like that," Ian smiled and said, "At this point, in this final battle for supremacy, the only ones who can win besides your World Government… are us, the Beasts Pirates."
"Don't be so full of yourself, Ian!!"
Peter's voice carried an indescribable hatred. "A battle for supremacy? No one in this world has the right to start such a war with us!"
"Is that so?"
Ian stepped forward with a smile, and the Five Elders instinctively stepped back.
"Then who is it you fear right now?"
The faces of the Five Elders stiffened.
"Empty bravado only further exposes your helplessness."
Ian said, "Admit it—before my strength, you are powerless."
"…You brat!!"
Warcury's teeth ground together with an audible creak.
"Alright then, let me ask directly," Ian said, "What's the truth behind your so-called immortality? Is it the result of the Ope Ope no Mi's Eternal Youth Surgery?"
"You think we'd ever answer that?"
Nusjuro sneered coldly. "If you're interested, try finding out yourself."
"I see."
Ian nodded lightly, clearly never expecting these old men to reveal their secrets so easily.
"Ian—"
At that moment, Mars suddenly spoke up.
"Oh?"
Ian raised an eyebrow. "Does this Elder have something else to say?"
Mars hesitated for a moment, then said, "If we allowed you to come to Mary Geoise and become the head of the World Nobles' twentieth family… would you accept?"
"Ha! That's an invitation I never thought I'd hear."
Ian couldn't help but laugh heartily.
Who would have thought—the Five Elders actually inviting him to Mary Geoise to become a new Celestial Dragon.
"So? Your answer?"
Mars asked urgently.
This monster was absurdly strong, and his abilities made it almost impossible to kill him.
A man like that— even if he stood alone— would still be the government's most dangerous enemy!
To oppose him would be foolish. Better to turn an enemy into an ally.
In fact, if Ian were willing to become a Celestial Dragon, then all the destruction he had caused over the years would be forgiven as if it never happened.
"Gu-hahaha! A Celestial Dragon!"
Unable to catch the enemy, Kaido strolled over with his spiked club, laughing heartily. "That doesn't sound too bad, does it, Ian? What do you think, brat?"
"Isn't it amusing?"
Ian laughed loudly. "Then let me become the King of the Celestial Dragons."
"Ian! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
Warcury roared in anger. "Allowing you to become a Celestial Dragon is already a rare mercy! Don't dream of more than that!"
There had only ever been one King of the Celestial Dragons— for over eight hundred years, there had been only one.
"The title of King of the Celestial Dragons may be off-limits, but… letting you stand as our equal, one who shares the highest authority in this world, is not impossible," Mars said seriously.
"That does sound tempting."
Ian chuckled softly, then raised his head. "But I refuse."
"Ian!!"
Mars shouted furiously. "Think carefully! If you refuse now, there will never be another chance for reconciliation!"
"My favorite thing is telling self-righteous people 'No.' Besides…"
Ian swung his sword in a single motion, splitting the Itsumade form that Mars had manifested clean in half.
Under the burning glares of the Five Elders, Ian laughed wildly.
"In this world, no one is allowed to stand above me. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease!"
"This guy…"
From the sidelines, Mihawk looked on in surprise.
This was the first time he had seen Ian openly declare his ambition without restraint.
But looking at the situation now… it was true. Even the Five Elders had been trampled underfoot by him. Who else in this world had the right to stand over his head?
"Ian!!"
Beside him, Hancock's eyes sparkled with infatuation. She nearly threw herself into Ian's arms on the spot.
"Hahaha!"
Yamato burst out laughing.
She was the first to know—the very first to understand what Ian intended to do.
"Madman!!"
Nasujuro gnashed his teeth in fury.
That meant there was no room for discussion anymore.
In this world, only one person was qualified to stand at the very top—and that was the great Lord Imu!
"What's the point of wasting words with them?"
Bullet's killing intent surged. His fight with Garp had ended without resolution, leaving his rage burning hotter than ever. "Let's just finish them off!"
"I'm afraid that won't be so easy," Ian replied with a smile. "They're immortals—you can't kill them at all."
"Today ends here, Ian!"
Warcury glared at him coldly. "But don't think this is over. Your arrogance won't last long!"
"Don't be in such a rush."
Ian waved his hand casually, signaling for them not to leave just yet. "There's still something important I haven't said."
"From now on, the New World belongs to me. Tell your people to stay far away."
"Otherwise, I might take a stroll to Marineford or even Mary Geoise—maybe bring along a few barrels of Dyna Stones while I'm at it. What do you think of that?"
**********
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