Soon after, the World Government published the news in the papers, confirming that Mary Geoise had indeed suffered an attack from the NEO Marines.
Along with the report, they released photos showing the devastation within the Celestial Dragons' residential area.
They harshly condemned the NEO Marines' atrocities, declaring that any form of evil would be brought to justice.
Whether justice would truly be served or not was uncertain, but one thing was clear—the news had once again shocked the entire world.
And the degree of shock was no less than when Ian unified the Beasts Pirates.
After all, the place attacked was Mary Geoise—the home of the Celestial Dragons.
The Celestial Dragons were the World Nobles, the so-called "gods" of this world, untouchable beings whose status could never be violated.
Yet this time, their very sanctuary had been bombed. Tens of thousands of Celestial Dragons had perished—something that had not happened even once in the eight hundred years of the World Government's reign.
It was nearly impossible for the people of the world not to be shaken.
Somewhere in the South Blue.
Dressed like a simple farmer, Dragon sat on the ridge of a field, chewing on a piece of bread while flipping through the newspaper. "What astonishing power. Dyna Stone truly lives up to its name—its force rivals that of the Ancient Weapons."
"Hee-hah! The NEO Marines have really stirred up some big news this time!"
Behind him stood a flamboyantly dressed man with heavy makeup and an oversized head. "I never expected them to be this radical."
"NEO Marines, huh?"
Dragon mused to himself. "It's been a long time since I last saw Uncle Zephyr. Perhaps… they could become our allies."
"Uncle Zephyr?"
The man, none other than Emporio Ivankov, the Queen of Kamabakka, let out a booming laugh. "That's right! Dragon, your relationship with Zephyr should be quite good, yes? Brilliant idea! The NEO Marines' goal should be the same as ours!"
"In fact, Zephyr is just like you—both of you deserted the Marines!"
Dragon said nothing, only pressing his lips together in thought.
Uncle Zephyr, huh?
Yes… it was time to reach out to him.
Somewhere on the seas of the New World.
The massive fleet led by Zephyr and the NEO Marines slowly advanced across the sea.
"Madman! Ian, that lunatic!"
Miss Gion flipped through the newspaper, gasping in shock. "He actually attacked the Celestial Dragons' gathering place!"
"Zephyr-sensei! The papers say tens of thousands of Celestial Dragons were killed!"
Standing at the bow of the battleship, Zephyr didn't even turn his head. He simply replied coldly, "Then at least he finally did something worthwhile."
Gion was momentarily speechless.
Yes… when it came to Celestial Dragons, the more that died, the better.
"Zephyr-sensei, what should we do once we reach the West Blue?"
"Wait."
"Wait?"
"The battle between Ian and the World Government won't be decided so easily."
Cross Guild.
"What's Zephyr up to?"
Crocodile frowned in confusion.
Does he really hate the World Government that much?
Still, Dyna Stone is truly a terrifying weapon.
Such destructive power!
The search for the NEO Marines must not stop!
On the other side, the Charlotte Family had similar thoughts.
Charlotte Linlin was both curious about Zephyr's motives and greedy for the power of Dyna Stone.
Wano Country.
"Wororororo! The Government actually thinks the NEO Marines did it?"
Kaido roared with laughter as though he had just heard the funniest joke in the world.
"Zephyr is a sly one," Ian said with a smirk. "I already took every last piece of Dyna Stone from him last year. But he was certain I'd never reveal that fact so easily. That's why he kept acting arrogant, boldly expanding his forces."
"And in the end, he managed to fool both the World Government and the great pirates of the New World."
"Everyone naturally assumed the Dyna Stone was still in his hands."
His strength may not be remarkable, but Zephyr's wits are not to be underestimated.
Latest reports say the NEO Marines have withdrawn their forces, abandoning all the territories they once held in the New World and vanishing without a trace.
And this happened even before the bombing of Mary Geoise.
Which means Zephyr realized, the moment I united the Beasts Pirates, that it was time to act—so he wasted no time and chose to retreat immediately.
Quite a cunning move.
"Heh heh heh heh, that kid,"
Kaido looked down at Ian from above. "What are you planning to do?"
"How could I let Mr. Zephyr take credit for my work?"
Ian said casually, "I've already had Morgans announce in the newspapers that I'm responsible for this attack."
"By the way, the title of Pirate Emperor should also become history."
The next day, when the World Economic News spread across the globe once again, the world was left speechless.
"Yes, Ian?"
"Exactly. Only someone this reckless would dare to do something like this!"
"Insane! Either he's gone mad, or the world has! Is he declaring war on the World Government?"
Today's newspaper was simple—just one statement, one photo, and one announcement.
A declaration by Ian claiming responsibility for the bombing of Mariejois.
A photo of Ian posing with a pile of Dyna Stones.
Just this simple statement and photo instantly quieted the undercurrents that had been stirring in the New World.
Mariejois.
"What a joke! What is that trash Zephyr doing?!"
The voice of the Five Elders' Peter already trembled with rage and almost sounded like a wail. "How could he let Dyna Stones fall into Ian's hands?"
Now he wished Zephyr was dead.
"This is truly the worst possible situation!"
Warcury's forehead was drenched in sweat. "The Beasts Pirates already possess unmatched strength, and now they have Dyna Stones!"
"Killing that bastard Ian is already nearly impossible; his flame form is practically invincible! And now this monster has Dyna Stones…"
The strongest conventional force combined with a weapon of mass destruction.
How should they deal with an opponent like this?
Just thinking about it sent shivers down their spines.
"This time, it's a warning!"
Saturn gritted his teeth.
"He's… telling us not to interfere!"
"Next time, it might be Pangaea Castle that gets bombed, maybe even Marineford!"
The Five Elders fell silent. Could they really ignore this warning?
Mars picked up the newspaper and glanced at the third section.
Ian's declaration.
He said, "The New World is mine. Those who don't want to die better leave."
He intended to become the king of the New World.
But how could the government stop him?
**********
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