Bang!
With a loud thud, an axe fell to the ground, its handle tilted up, its blade firmly nailed into the ground.
Everyone stared at the axe that had cleaved the pirate in two with horror on their faces.
Who had done this?
But when they saw a figure walk up to the axe and effortlessly pull it out, everyone's attention was fixed on that figure.
As they gazed at that familiar figure, the villagers of Sibia Village erupted in excitement. "It's Ian! Ian's here!"
"Great! Ian is a retired Marine. With Ian here, we will be fine!"
"Ian will definitely drive all the pirates away."
Amid the cheers of the villagers, Ian unsheathed the axe with one hand, heaving it over his shoulder. Then he stared expressionlessly at the nearby pirates with a slight frown forming between his brows. "Giant Bear Pirates?"
At this moment, the captain of the Giant Bear Pirates noticed Ian's aura, which was unlike that of the timid villagers.
Remembering the blow just now, a hint of solemnity crossed his face.
But the captain of the Giant Bear Pirates remained unfazed. He, the Giant Bear, could also chop a man in half with a single slash.
A mere retired Marine couldn't stop him.
Seeing that no one else had come, the captain of the Giant Bear Pirates breathed a sigh of relief and laughed heartily.
"Kid, you've got skills. Want to join me? Become my crewmate, and I'll spare these stupid villagers."
This guy is quite capable, and perhaps he could be recruited. If so, his Giant Bear Pirates would be one step closer to dominating the Grand Line.
However, faced with the Giant Bear's offer, Ian remained expressionless and said: "I have no interest in becoming comrades with trash."
Without another word, he swung his axe, instantly cutting down four pirates as he strode toward the captain of the Giant Bear Pirates.
"You ignorant bastard!"
Seeing Ian not only refusing his offer but also daring to harm his crew right in front of him, Giant Bear was instantly enraged.
"I'm a pirate with a bounty of 60 million Belly. Do you think a mere retired Marine can stop me?"
With a wave of his hand, he dispatched the two men standing beside him.
"Beaumont! Rory! Show this ignorant fellow how powerful our Giant Bear Pirates are."
"Yes, captain."
"Understood, captain."
"…"
Looking at the two men charging towards him, they seemed to be Giant Bear's left and right arms, a boxer and a swordsman.
But Ian only frowned slightly, as if he wasn't at all concerned about the powerful men sent by the opposing side.
He simply spread his legs, leaned forward slightly, bent his right hand holding the great axe, and leaned back, his entire waist twisting nonchalantly.
As the two approached, his waist, which had been twisted in an exaggerated manner, instantly snapped back, and his slightly bent right hand began to rotate.
With a simple swipe, a sharp whirlwind forms around Ian like a barrier.
The two approaching pirates were instantly severed at the waist, and not only that, but also the other pirates nearby.
With a single strike, he cut down Giant Bear's left and right arms and several of his minions to pieces.
Giant Bear's pupils dilated instantly while staring at the scene in disbelief.
Where did this monster come from?!
Could a West Blue's marine truly be this strong?
And a retired Marine at that?!
At first, he thought he didn't need to worry, given his strength, but now it seemed… He was no match for this guy.
"Everyone, stop him!"
"Captain! That's a monster! The first mate was killed in one blow!"
"That's right, captain! We need to run away now!"
The rest of the crew all wore faces of terror at the sight.
Run... Away?
How could Giant Bear not know it?
Watching Ian cut down a man with a single swing, Giant Bear realized that if no one stopped him, they wouldn't have time to get the ship out of the dock.
"Stop talking nonsense! Follow me! How can a mere retired marine be my match?!"
"You bunch of losers!"
With that, Giant Bear charged at Ian. Seeing their captain already attacking, the other crew members, still trembling and hesitant, gritted their teeth and charged forward together.
"Go! He's just one man! With so many of us, we can definitely take him down!"
"That's right, the captain is so strong; if we all go in together, we'll win."
"Wine, women, and belly are still waiting for us!"
So many pirates coming at once put a serious expression on Ian's previously nonchalant face.
A large number of enemies was troublesome for him. Too bad he hadn't awakened Conqueror's Haki; if he had, a display of Conqueror's Haki would have wiped out all those minions in an instant.
Seeing so many people attacking Ian, Village Chief Martin, who had relaxed when Ian first struck, tensed again.
But thinking Ian was all alone, Martin clenched his teeth, picked up a pitchfork he had grabbed from somewhere, and shouted: "Let's go help Ian and drive these damn pirates out!"
"Drive the pirates out!"
"Don't let these pirates think Ian is the only man in Sibia Village!"
"Let's kill these pirates!"
Hearing Village Chief Martin's words, every villager gritted their teeth, showed fierce looks, raised weapons, and, without hesitation, followed Village Chief Martin to charge at the incoming pirates.
The entire dock erupted in chaos as villagers and pirates engaged in a chaotic battle.
Although it was a bit chaotic, it must be said that the villagers' actions did hold back many annoying lackeys for Ian.
Now he only needed to deal with the so-called captain of the Giant Bear Pirates.
Wanting a quick victory, Ian's eyes hardened as he looked at the charging Giant Bear, except why was this guy slower than his own men? And why did he turn and run somewhere?
As if noticing something, Ian's expression darkened. He kicked off with his right foot and charged forward.
But… It was too late.
"Hahaha."
Giant Bear, holding a panicked little girl hostage, flashed a cocky, excited grin.
"Stop it, you foolish villagers, especially you… "
With a sinister grin, he stared at Ian: "Why don't you put your weapons down, retired Marine?"