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The Five Elders spoke amongst themselves, their words echoing in the grand chamber. This new development presented a unique opportunity, a way to not only control the Marines but also the Warlords. If the Warlords themselves recruited pirates, their grip on the world would tighten even further. A brilliant strategy!
However, for Ian, the title of Warlord held no allure or benefit. It granted two primary privileges: immunity from government pursuit and a frozen bounty. But Ian was not a pirate; he was a Vice Admiral in the Marines.
He had eliminated Crocodile because he couldn't stand idly by while the Warlord attempted to overthrow the Alabasta Kingdom and seize its ancient weapon, Pluton.
Ian's unwavering sense of justice, his unyielding determination to make evildoers pay for their crimes, meant he would never resort to plundering and pillaging. The second privilege of a Warlord was utterly meaningless to him.
"This is the best outcome. Let him proceed. I'm quite curious to see who he intends to recruit to fill Crocodile's vacancy."
After a moment of silence, the blonde-haired Elder finally spoke, his voice deep and thoughtful. He recalled the incident above Skypiea. Could Ian truly be responsible for that as well?
"In that case, withdraw our forces from Alabasta. This outcome benefits us greatly. We no longer need to wait for Crocodile to make his move. After all, the matter of Pluton…"
"Though it's likely lost to the annals of history, Poseidon hasn't been seen in centuries, and as for Uranus…"
"In any case, our focus now shifts to the reappearance of the Sand-Sand Fruit. It's a powerful Logia, and Crocodile's downfall stemmed from his excessive ambition… his desire to rule the world."
The discussion concluded. Fortunately, events were unfolding according to their plan. However, Ian's unwavering commitment to justice, coupled with his deep-seated aversion to pirates, had reached an alarming level.
At this rate, he might become even more difficult to control than Garp. If he discovered the World Government's dark secrets, he might turn against them in a fit of righteous fury.
Garp wasn't like Ian or Gol D. Roger. His reputation as the hero who had stopped the infamous Rocks Pirates, a crew that included the likes of Kaido, Big Mom, and Shiki.
Furthermore, Garp enjoyed the unwavering support of the Marine high command. Otherwise, the fact that he had raised a revolutionary leader like Dragon would have stripped him of his titles and accolades.
But Ian was just one man. No matter how strong he became, there were limits to his power. The World Government had more than just the Admirals and Fleet Admiral at its disposal. Even among the Five Elders, one possessed the power of an Angel.
A Devil? He would meet his match here.
Unless, of course, he ascended to the level of a god.
Several days later, news spread throughout the world through the latest newspaper edition: Marine Vice Admiral Ian had encountered Crocodile amassing weapons, intent on overthrowing the Alabasta Kingdom. Crocodile had attempted to eliminate Ian but was ultimately defeated.
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Somewhere in the first half of the Grand Line…
"It's him…" Fire Fist Ace muttered, staring at the newspaper with a contemplative expression.
"Ace-san, didn't you encounter this Ian before…?" Deuce asked cautiously.
"That's all in the past. We can't dwell on memories. We have to look forward." Ace tossed the newspaper aside, a faint smile gracing his lips.
"With Gramps' training methods for Observation and Busoshoku Haki, and my own Conqueror's Haki, I possess all three types. I won't lose to him now.."
"Ahem, Ace-san, are you sure about this? About confronting that man?"
Ace clenched his fist, his eyes burning with determination. "Of course! I'm going to take down Whitebeard, claim his head, and become the Pirate King! He and Shiki were closest to my father. And I hear they were close friends. I'll visit Shanks as well."
"He was my father's crewmate and Luffy's savior and idol. As his older brother, I have to pay my respects."
Ace declared. With Garp's guidance on Haki and the Six Powers, both he and his crew had grown significantly stronger.
Within months, he had earned the moniker "Fire Fist" throughout the Grand Line. But he knew he owed it all to that man. "Ian… a Vice Admiral?"
"A truly enigmatic individual. I look forward to our meeting. Garp, the Marine hero, and Roger, the Pirate King… I wonder if our paths will mirror theirs…"
The Spade Pirates were growing stronger and more united with each passing day. Ace believed that true strength lay in camaraderie, in the bonds forged between companions.
Whole Cake Island…
Charlotte Linlin, Big Mom, glanced at the newspaper before tossing it aside, a chilling smile spreading across her face. "Mamamama! What spirit! To take down that sandy crocodile bastard! But what a shame he's a Marine."
"Otherwise, I could have married one of my daughters to him. Such a capable young man!"
Katakuri stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the discarded newspaper. "Ian?"
"He defeated Moria not long ago, the same man who challenged Kaido and survived. Now it's Crocodile. Who's next? A Yonko?"
"Hmm!" Big Mom frowned, recalling Moria's challenge to Kaido. She, Kaido, Shiki, and Whitebeard had all sailed together on the same ship.
Her relationship with Kaido was particularly… complicated. She had even bestowed upon him the Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, a Mythical Zoan that granted him immense power. And among her children…
Even if Ian was a Marine, even if he possessed the strength to defeat a Warlord, if he dared to cross her, she would seize the opportunity to strike a blow against the Marines and eliminate him. A Warlord?
They were no match for the true power of a Yonko.
Somewhere in the New World…
"Crocodile's been defeated? Tsk. Must have been the work of a Marine Admiral. They broke the Warlord agreement, hence the news report."
Yasopp of the Red Hair Pirates remarked, holding the newspaper and clicking his tongue. "I told you those Warlords were playing with fire, making deals with the World Government. They're bound to be betrayed eventually."
"It's not that simple," Benn Beckman interjected, taking the newspaper and squinting at the article, a plume of smoke rising from his cigarette. "No, it was that newcomer who defeated Moria. He's a Vice Admiral now."
"What…?"
"Regardless, the other Warlords must be feeling uneasy. It happened so quickly."
"Heh!" The crew exchanged knowing glances, committing the name "Ian" to memory. However, Shanks' expression remained somber. When Ian had defeated Moria, he had sensed a power similar to Mihawk's. But now, after defeating Crocodile, it felt like something more sinister was brewing… like a Devil being born.
After all, a man who had defeated two Warlords in succession, even if he was a Marine Vice Admiral, had undeniably stepped onto the world stage.
"Crocodile's been defeated?"
"Gurararara… What a fine Marine! If he were a pirate, I'd make him my son!" Whitebeard boomed from the deck of the Moby Dick, a wide grin splitting his face.
Marco, his first division commander, chided him. "You idiot, your old habits are acting up again! He's already taken down Crocodile. He might become an Admiral soon. He's a threat!"
"Indeed. But the most concerned parties must be those Warlords who made deals with the World Government."
Vista, the Flower Sword, stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "This is a blow to their confidence. But didn't Crocodile challenge Pops back in the day? He's become so weak?"
"Ararara! You brats still want to challenge him? To think that Roger's era of piracy would be rivaled by this new generation." Whitebeard chuckled, taking a swig of sake.
"Of course!" Vista and Marco replied in unison, their voices unwavering.
The Whitebeard Pirates' commanders had undoubtedly taken note of Ian. However, there was a considerable gap in strength between a Warlord and an Admiral. Only when Ian reached the rank of Admiral would he pose a genuine threat to them.
And even then, it would be a minor threat. Their commanders, the All-Stars and Calamities, were comparable to Jinbe, a former Warlord who had once saved Fishman Island.
The current world order was delicately balanced. If the Marines gained too much power, for example, by adding a fifth or even sixth Admiral, the Yonko would likely strengthen their alliances, avoiding conflict with each other and focusing their attention on the Marines.
Even the Warlords might betray the World Government and join forces with the Yonko, knowing that once the Emperors were eliminated, they would be next. The Marines faced an uphill battle against the Yonko, even with two additional Admirals.
The Yonko also faced difficulties in challenging the Marines. Pirates were notoriously difficult to unite, and the Marines could still hold their own against at least two Yonko crews.
Therefore, even though Ian had defeated two Warlords, even if he became an Admiral, he wouldn't significantly disrupt the world's balance of power, unless he became a force like Red-Haired Shanks, capable of rivaling an entire Yonko crew on his own.
After the defeats of Gecko Moria and Crocodile, two of the Seven Warlords, many expected the remaining Warlords to react with fear and uncertainty. However, while their reactions varied, they were not as dramatic as anticipated.
After all, they had joined for their own reasons. Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress, and Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea, sought to protect their respective people.
Mihawk roamed the seas, seeking worthy opponents. Kuma's motives remained shrouded in mystery, though he was secretly aiding the Revolutionary Army. The remaining Warlords, Crocodile, Moria, and Doflamingo, were notorious figures in the underworld, driven by greed and a thirst for power. Their downfall was not unexpected.
Somewhere at sea, Mihawk read the newspaper, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. Had Ian truly grown so powerful in such a short time? He was indeed a worthy opponent.
"Is that the man who defeated Moria-sama and left me homeless? He looks like a Devil!" Perona exclaimed, clutching her teddy bear and glaring at the newspaper article.
"Ghost Girl, go make lunch. It's midday." Mihawk called out, glancing at the blazing sun overhead. Perona glared at him.
"You jerk! Can't you see I'm upset? And I always cook. You never help!"
"I seem to recall cooking most of the time. And that was our agreement when you boarded my ship." Mihawk pointed out, dismantling her lies without hesitation.
He slightly regretted his decision to take her in. She was a noisy and demanding companion. But she had brought a certain warmth and joy to his solitary voyages.
Was this what having a family felt like? He looked up, a red continent appearing on the horizon…
Nearly everyone across the seas had taken note of Ian.
After all, he had defeated two Warlords in succession. Who would be his next target? A Yonko? An Admiral?
However, among the Warlords, only Doflamingo reacted with significant concern.
In a shadowy underworld location, Doflamingo, cloaked in darkness, held a Den Den Mushi to his ear, listening intently to Vergo's report.
"Fufufufufu… Diamante and Crocodile were defeated so easily?"
Doflamingo was surprised by Ian's strength, surpassing his expectations. But it was nothing he couldn't handle. Like the other Warlords, he hadn't dwelled on the World Government's reaction. But now, a wave of unprecedented rage washed over him.
The Warlords and the World Government were merely using each other. To believe that the Warlord title granted absolute immunity was foolish.
Weak Warlords were expendable. Strength was the only true currency in this world.
"It seems Ian is stronger than we anticipated." Trebol remarked, his voice laced with concern. "We should eliminate him as soon as possible. He killed one of our family. That's unforgivable."
"I'll keep a close eye on him." Vergo's voice, cold and resolute, emanated from the Den Den Mushi. "I'm a Vice Admiral now. I have access to a lot of information. I'll inform you when the opportunity arises."
They could either provide Doflamingo with Ian's travel plans or ambush him directly. Either option was preferable to exposing their identity by attacking Law directly.
Eliminating a Vice Admiral was a simple task for the Donquixote Family. But could Doflamingo even defeat Ian at his current level?
He was slightly stronger than Crocodile, but defeating Ian would be a difficult, if not impossible, feat.
Within a few months, Ian had slain two Warlords, an event that sent shockwaves throughout the world.
"Hahaha! I wonder if Crocodile regretted refusing my offer of alliance in his final moments. As a fellow usurper and seeker of ancient weapons, he should have learned from my experience."
"Ian, is it? Marine Vice Admiral or Admiral, it makes no difference. If you dare step outside Marine Headquarters, I'll make you pay for killing my family."
Doflamingo's sinister laughter echoed through his underground lair.
"He's come this far already?" Trafalgar Law, captain of the Heart Pirates, muttered, his voice heavy with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
"If only it were Doflamingo who died… No, avenging Corazon-san without my involvement is meaningless."
He didn't mind others seeking revenge on his behalf, but he had to be involved. Corazon had been like a father to him, granting him a second chance at life. Bepo, concerned for his captain's well-being, whimpered. "Captain…"
"Damn it!" In the South Blue, Kid roared in frustration, sending shivers down the spines of his newly assembled crew. He had just gained notoriety in the West Blue, following in Fire Fist Ace's footsteps.
He had recently challenged Don Chinjao, a veteran who had clashed with Garp in his youth, and suffered defeat.
"Forget that guy. Even Fire Fist…"
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Word Count [2363]
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To Be Continued..
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