Wano Country.
After two weeks of sailing, the Winged Dragon once again approached the shores of this nation. The swift currents and the rocky reefs made Ian feel a sense of joy akin to coming home.
Wano Country, your king has returned!
The large ship slowly navigated into the harbor's passage, and as it traversed the long waterway, the port of Mogura Port reappeared before Ian's eyes.
The moment the Winged Dragon docked...
"Lord Ian! It's Lord Ian's return!"
The entire port erupted in cheers.
All the pirates at the harbor were celebrating Ian's arrival.
"That was an incredible fight, Lord Ian!"
"Lord Ian humiliated Marco! No one can rival Lord Ian!"
This was the Beast Pirates; only the strong earned respect and heartfelt admiration from all the pirates.
The cheers even made Ian's ears tingle.
He already held a high position within the Beast Pirates, and after the battle at Hive Island, his standing among the pirates should now be comparable to that of Uncle King and the others.
"Brother Ian, you're so popular!"
Ulti held her brother's hand with one hand while tugging at Ian's pants leg with the other, looking down at the jubilant pirates from the side of the ship.
"Of course!"
Jack wore an expression that suggested it was obvious. "That's Brother Ian!"
However, Yamato looked a bit sullen, puffing her cheeks in discontent.
Ian knew exactly what she was thinking, so he casually said, "One day, they'll cheer for you too."
"Of course!"
Yamato lifted her chin defiantly.
Her talent was undeniable.
Although she didn't play much of a role in the battle at Hive Island, it wasn't her fault—it was Marco's.
Marco was just too strong, overshadowing Yamato's presence.
At just thirteen years old, with her Conqueror's Haki and Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, coupled with outstanding talent, her future as a top-tier fighter was almost guaranteed.
"Let's head back to Onigashima."
They took the massive lift back to the interior of Wano and then traveled to Habu Port to switch ships. It wasn't long before they reached Onigashima.
At the Main Building of Onigashima
Ian and the two siblings, Ulti and Page One, arrived to meet Kaido.
"Gahaha! The name 'Ian the Skyfire' sounds quite impressive, doesn't it?"
As soon as they stepped inside, Kaido's laughter greeted them.
"Dad! We're back!"
Yamato waved cheerfully at Kaido.
Kaido looked up and down at Yamato, confirming that his daughter was unharmed before giving a satisfied hum.
"It's a nice name, but what a shame," Ian shrugged. "I can't team up with Uncle King and the others anymore."
Their nicknames are all so different.
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
Kaido scoffed. "What makes you think you can team up with them?"
He glanced at Ian's back. "Are these two little brats Joseph's kids?"
"Exactly."
Ian stepped aside so Kai could see Ulti and Page One clearly. "Her name is Ulti, she's seven, and her brother is Page One, five."
"Lord Kaido!"
Ulti bowed seriously to Kaido. "Thank you!"
If it weren't for this lord, she and her brother might have perished long ago.
"Thank you!"
Page One imitated her gesture.
"There's no need for thanks; I'm just repaying your father's kindness from back in the day,"
Kaido replied casually. "Kids, remember this: if you want to survive in the Beast Pirates, don't be weak."
Is he really giving life advice? Kaido-sensei, you're so gentle now!
"I understand!"
Ulti replied loudly. "Pay-tan and I will definitely become strong!"
"Exactly!"
Page One mustered his courage as well.
"Alright, Black Maria, take the kids away."
Kaido waved his hand.
Maria understood that serious matters were about to be discussed, so she took the siblings away. Even Yamato followed along willingly, showing no interest in the meeting whatsoever.
Only Jack remained silently to observe.
"So, what do you think, kid?"
Kaido asked Ian with great interest, "About the upcoming war."
"I don't really have much of an opinion," Ian scratched his head. "Anyway, it's not like I'm the one dealing with Whitebeard. Other than him, the rest are pretty much the same."
Having already clashed with Marco, Ian thought the other members of the Whitebeard Pirates were just okay. Did they even understand the significance of an initial bounty of eight hundred million?
"Wuhahaha!"
Kaido laughed heartily. "You're right; that guy Whitebeard is indeed my opponent!"
"You're still a bit too early, though," Kaido's smile widened as he leaned slightly forward, looking down at Ian.
"But don't keep me waiting too long, kid."
Ian twitched the corner of his mouth.
Kaido, your gaze is a bit frightening.
"Anyway, let's get ready for war!"
Suddenly, Kaido burst into laughter again. "Wuhahaha! Defeating the Whitebeard Pirates! Who in the New World can stand in my way?"
Kaido, are you getting a bit too inflated with confidence?
Is defeating the Whitebeard Pirates really that easy?
**********
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