Ain looked up at Ian, who was holding her.
At that moment, blood was gushing from her back and waist, and coupled with the injuries from Vergo's kick, she looked quite disheveled and weak. But upon seeing Ian, she felt a sense of relief for some reason.
But thinking of Vergo's strength, he had mastered the Six Style of the Marines to such perfection that even the elite Vice-Admirals within the Marine Headquarters couldn't reach his level of prowess; he was simply... Too strong.
"Ian..."
"Where's Binz?"
Ian raised his head to look around, and then he saw Binz, who had fainted, pinned to the ground. "Passed out?"
Then he looked at Ain again.
"Since you have already investigated, why didn't you notify me first?"
To be honest, Ian didn't really care whether they could find something or not.
If they couldn't find anything, he would just treat it as a sea trip and return.
If they did, it would be considered a gift for Zephyr.
After arriving at the Sibia Village, the old man, despite knowing he couldn't join the Marine Headquarters, had remained for some reason.
And he had indeed been quite kind to him during his stay there.
So, on this trip... Ian had set out with the mindset: if I run into trouble, I'll deal with it.
If not, I'll just leave it be.
To his surprise, these two guys were quite capable. Vergo, who had been lurking in the Marines for so many years, had actually been discovered by them.
"We didn't actually find anything."
Ain admitted, her calm expression showing a hint of shame. "It's just that once he noticed we were investigating him, he had no intention of letting us leave alive!"
Ian: "..."
Hearing Ain's words, Ian fell silent, but before he could say anything else, Ain's expression changed again.
"Ian, this guy is hiding his real strength, and the G-5 branch can no longer be trusted. We must leave and report the situation to the headquarters as soon as possible!"
"I understand."
But contrary to Ain's concerns, after hearing her words, Ian remained calm.
He looked up at Ain in his arms and said: "Can you get down now?"
Ain: "..."
At this moment, seeing Ian's nonchalant expression, Ain, who was about to say something, finally realized what was happening. Her face flushed, and she quickly stepped down from Ian's arms.
She lowered her head and said: "Thank you!"
"Bandage your wound first."
Ian said, raising his head to look at Vergo across from them. "As for leaving... It looks like he has no intention of letting us go."
As soon as he finished speaking…
"Purururu"
The Den Den Mushi on Vergo's pocket rang out.
Frowning, he stopped in place.
After exchanging a calm glance with Ian, he took out the Den Den Mushi.
As if he had already guessed who was calling, he said calmly yet respectfully "Young master."
"Fufufu."
The Den Den Mushi's face morphed into one wearing sunglasses and let out a distinct laugh.
Then, with a strange tone, it spoke. "Vergo, how are things going there? I heard your cover has been blown out. Do you want to come back?"
"Indeed, I have been exposed, but don't worry, young master."
Vergo glanced at Ian and continued respectfully: "Marine Headquarters hasn't noticed anything yet."
"Marine Headquarters hasn't noticed anything? Fufufu! That's really good news!"
The snail laughed gleefully, then suddenly frowned as if realizing something.
"Vergo, what's going on over there?"
"Nothing serious, just a few bugs that somehow learned some secrets!"
"Fufufu, bugs who know some secrets?"
The Den Den Mushi, as if understanding Vergo's meaning, laughed loudly before revealing a sinister grin. "Do you need my help?"
"No need, young master. I can handle it quickly."
Vergo refused the offer without a second thought.
"Young master, please let me deal with these bugs first, and then I'll report back!"
"You have my thanks."
"It's no trouble, young master."
"Click… Gacha!"
After the line was cut, Vergo calmly put the Den Den Mushi away and looked toward Ian and Ain.
But before he could speak…
"A Warlord of the Sea!"
Ian seemed to have guessed who was behind this guy from the previous conversation. His face darkened, and he gritted his teeth: "Donquixote Doflamingo!"
"It seems I really can't let you leave. Otherwise, it will bring trouble to the young master."
Hearing Ian's words, Vergo pushed his glasses up and looked expressionlessly at Ian.
Then he said elegantly yet calmly: "It seems you already know it before. Can you tell me where you learned that from?"
"Ian, find a way to get out of here!"
After hearing that it was one of the Warlords, Ain's face turned gloomy.
She had been feeling somewhat confident since Ian's arrival, but now... She was already feeling uncertain.
Covering her wound with a pale face, she ignored Vergo and said to Ian: "I'll find a way to stop him. You must leave before the Warlord arrives. Please be sure to give this information to Zephyr-sensei."
"No need. Go and tell him yourself!"
However, faced with Ain's words, Ian refused without hesitation. "Take Binz and go. I left a boat at the eastern shore of the town. You can use it to get away."
He had left it there specifically in case of any accidents. Although the situation hadn't gone as he'd expected, the unreliability of the G-5 branch still left him feeling a bit frustrated.
Luckily, he had prepared a boat; otherwise, he would probably have to rob another one!
As for helping Marine Headquarters clean up the G-5 branch? Sorry, he had no such intentions.
"Ian..."
Ain opened her mouth, but seeing Ian, who ignored her and continued to stare at Vergo, a complex emotion flashed across her eyes.
Then, as if making a decision, she gritted her teeth and ran towards Binz, who was lying down.
Just as she was worried about whether Vergo would attack, and if so, whether Ian could stop him, Vergo seemed not to notice her.
He ignored her until she reached Binz's side, and even seemed to pay no attention when she carried Binz away.
"Ian!"
Ain gave Ian another complicated look. "I'll wait for you at the shore!"
"No need. Just set sail. I'll catch up soon."
Ain: "..."
Hearing Ian's words, Ain's face froze, but after another deep look at Ian, she ran towards the town without looking back!
She had to hurry and leave this place before... Doflamingo arrived!