Punk Hazard.
Marine Science Division.
The Marine base built beneath the sprawling mountain range was now on the verge of being abandoned.
The gates, usually sealed tight, stood wide open. One massive warship after another slowly sailed out from the enormous doors.
On the lead ship, Vergo silently observed the man pacing across the deck, reminding marines not to damage his instruments. Even Vergo couldn't help but feel a sense of shock.
The reason was simple.
That head… wasn't it far too big?
It was like a towering hill, intimidating just to look at.
So this was Vegapunk? It wasn't exactly the image of the mad scientist Vergo had imagined.
"Will we really never be able to return here again?"
After finishing his instructions to the marines, Vegapunk turned back with a trace of melancholy in his eyes, gazing at the island behind them.
It was impossible not to feel anything. Ever since being forcibly recruited by the World Government, he had spent more than twenty years conducting research here.
"That depends on when the Government manages to bring down the Beasts Pirates."
Sitting lazily on a chair, slurping noodles at his own pace, Kizaru answered in his usual drawl. "The entire New World has already been completely abandoned."
"This sea now practically belongs to Ian. These warships were directly transferred from G-5 under my orders. Every base established in the New World is being abandoned."
"Has it really come to this? Even the World Government can't do anything now?"
Vegapunk's voice carried a disbelief he couldn't hide.
Not even the Rocks Pirates of the past had achieved something like this, right?
Forcing the World Government to give up the New World entirely, even abandoning more than a dozen allied nations in these waters?
"The Beasts Pirates… or rather, Ian's strength has reached an incomprehensible level."
Kizaru slowly shook his head, his tone carrying a rare weight. "Those who haven't fought him can't possibly understand what it feels like."
Perhaps the word was despair.
No matter what kind of attack, it couldn't hurt him. On the other hand, his attacks were utterly impossible to withstand.
Once, in Kizaru's eyes, men like Sengoku, Garp, or even pirates such as Kaido, Whitebeard, and Roger were the pinnacle of strength.
But now… he felt that none of them could even touch the hem of Ian's cloak.
That man was on an entirely different dimension of power.
As long as he stood there, no one could ever reclaim the New World from his hands.
Vegapunk only stared at Kizaru's strangely helpless face.
It was rare for him to ever see such an expression on his old friend.
Was Ian the Skyfire truly such a powerful man?
Hm?
A sudden thought flashed across his mind.
If it were that man… could he protect him?
"Let's go, Doctor," Kizaru said. "We can no longer linger in the New World. Even the G-1 base must be abandoned."
"Perhaps even Mariejois will have to be relocated."
Without any barriers left, keeping Mariejois directly facing the New World would be far too arrogant.
The Celestial Dragons had no intention of playing the role of guardians.
"The world…" Kizaru slowly set down his chopsticks, sighing deeply. "It's already been completely changed."
What followed would be a brand-new era.
The World Government's forces began withdrawing from the New World in full.
One after another, Marine bases were evacuated, and allied nations received notice that they were being abandoned.
And yet, for now, the outside world remained unaware of these decisions.
But soon, everything would explode into the open.
With Kuma's ability aiding them, Ian and his companions quickly returned to Wano.
The news of victory filled all their friends with joy.
Without a doubt, though the battle hadn't been an absolute triumph, it had proven that the Beasts Pirates possessed the strength to stand as equals against the World Government.
The age of endless clashes—pirates against pirates, pirates against marines—was over.
Now, the new theme of the world would be the struggle between the Beasts Pirates and the World Government.
And naturally, such a moment could only be celebrated with the grandest of feasts.
Thus, on Onigashima, a lavish banquet began.
"Celebrate to your heart's content!"
From the rooftop of the keep, Ian raised his voice to the pirates gathered below in the great plaza.
"The New World has become our inner sea! We have conquered the strongest waters in the world!"
"Ohhh!!"
The pirates across the entire island had exploded into cheers.
"Long live Lord Ian!!"
"Ian is the strongest!"
Shouts of celebration rang everywhere.
Ian smiled, drained his cup in one gulp, then turned and walked back into the keep, into the banquet hall reserved for the officers.
"Ian…"
Yamato staggered over, wrapped an arm around his waist, her flushed face nuzzling his chest as she rubbed, her horns nudging at his chin.
The girl didn't drink well; after that round with Hancock she was already dizzy.
Ian simply tucked her under his arm like a quilt and hugged her back to his seat.
His butt had barely touched the cushion.
"Ian…"
From the other side came a soft, kitten-like voice; Hancock, cheeks warmed, had leaned in gently.
Black Maria, acting as a makeshift geisha and plucking the shamisen, shook her head at the scene with helpless amusement.
Ian had finally gone too far down the road of a cad to turn back.
"Guffaw—!"
Kaido, seated lower at the table, laughed heartily, as if approving the big disciple's left-and-right embrace.
Ian, used to it by now, set down his cup, caught Yamato's drunken hand as she poked his cheek, and looked around at the assembled officers.
He said, "Celebrate all you want, but there's still a lot to do."
It felt a little out of place to talk business during a victory feast.
But there really were many tasks — might as well use the time.
"Next, we'll take the whole New World."
Ian said, "But with our current forces, that goal will be difficult."
Even combined, the Beasts Pirates barely numbered a hundred thousand — trying to control the entire New World would be a huge undertaking.
Fortunately, each country already had its own armies; all we have to do is conquer those nations.
Even so, the Beasts Pirates still didn't have enough manpower.
The New World was simply too vast.
"We need to expand our forces," Ian said.
"Hehehehe! Boss, should I head back to the Giant Kingdom and recruit more warriors?"
At this moment, Solem winked at Ian. "Right now, Elbaf should be willing to give you their full support."
"That would be perfect," Ian nodded with a smile.
It was no exaggeration to say that in war, the strength of a single giant could outweigh that of a thousand men.
**********
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