"Hey, hey, hey! Marco! What nonsense are you spouting!?"
Teach frantically waved his arms and cut Marco off, hopping around like a dancing wild boar—ridiculous beyond belief.
"Lord Ian is more sincere than anyone when it comes to cooperation! Every partner is a valued friend of the Beasts Pirates! How could we ever harbor ill intentions toward you?"
Linlin and Redfield completely ignored him as if he hadn't spoken at all.
"Pops!"
Teach shouted toward Whitebeard, his voice ringing across the deck. "Don't listen to Marco's nonsense! How could Lord Ian ever be that kind of despicable person?"
"Just agree to Lord Ian's request with peace of mind. I'm your son—would I ever deceive you?"
"Oh, and Lord Ian is planning to head to the Final Island next. All he's missing is the Road Poneglyph in your hands!"
At last, Whitebeard's expression shifted ever so slightly.
He slowly looked Ian up and down.
The fact that Ian knew he possessed a Road Poneglyph didn't surprise him at all.
After all, that stone had been gifted to him by Neptune of Fishman Island, and Fishman Island had been the most steadfast ally of the Beasts Pirates for many years.
Now, the entire country practically existed under the protection of the Beasts Pirates.
Whitebeard was simply sighing over one thing.
This kid… is he really just one step away from becoming Pirate King?
Roger, is this the man you were waiting for?
Even as an enemy, Whitebeard had to admit that this youngster was an unprecedented monster.
There was no need to even mention his strength. Over six years ago, he was already able to fight on equal footing with Whitebeard himself. Thanks to his unique Devil Fruit, no one could do anything to him.
Soon after, he went on to seize control of the New World, leaving even the World Government helpless against him.
As for how strong he had become now… even Whitebeard found it hard to guess.
Aside from sheer strength, the New World under this kid's rule had completely transformed.
Though Whitebeard hadn't set foot in those seas since he left them, it didn't stop him from hearing reports through various channels.
That sea was now, in the truest sense, the safest region in the entire world.
Bases belonging to the Beasts Pirates were scattered across the New World like countless stars.
From those bases, their warplanes constantly patrolled the skies, striking down any pirate without mercy.
In the rest of the world's seas, pirates were as common as grains of sand, but in the New World, they had become a rare species.
Just a few years ago, the New World had been the most chaotic sea in existence, a gathering place for the world's strongest pirates.
And Ian had changed all of it.
Even as an enemy, Whitebeard had to admit—it was truly remarkable.
Even his homeland, Sphinx, now enjoyed the protection of the Beasts Pirates, and the lives of the people there were gradually returning to normal.
In every way imaginable, this kid possessed the qualifications to become the Pirate King.
"Teach! Shut your mouth!"
Marco, already furious, felt his limited strands of hair lift as if stirred by flames. "I've heard enough of your nonsense! If you want that Road Poneglyph, then come and take it yourself!"
"Exactly!"
Vista raised his blade, its tip aimed straight at Teach. "If you want to be Ian's dog, don't think you're dragging us along with you!"
"This…"
Teach looked helpless. He turned toward Ian. "Lord Ian, my apologies. It seems I can't convince them."
Shanks's expression remained unreadable. He couldn't shake the feeling that Teach was intentionally provoking Whitebeard's crew.
Ian simply sighed, sounding genuinely regretful. "Whitebeard, if you cannot become my ally, then you leave me no choice but to treat you as my enemy."
"The war that's coming matters greatly to me. And, honestly, it'll probably matter just as much to the world. I can't afford any unexpected complications."
"So before the final battle begins, I intend to clear away all other enemies."
Whitebeard's expression hardened instantly.
"Let me ask one last time," Ian said. "Whitebeard, even if it means all your sons dying with you, will you still reject my offer?"
Talking to Whitebeard was always difficult. In the end, things had escalated to the point where Ian had to threaten his sons to force an answer.
Whitebeard's face froze for a brief moment.
Then—
"Pops! Don't let him threaten you!"
Vista shouted without a hint of hesitation. "We're a family—always standing together! We live and die with you!"
"That's right, Pops! If we become the reason you're threatened, then we might as well be dead already!"
"Do whatever you need to do, Pops. You're our pillar—and we're your shield!"
Whitebeard's massive frame trembled. A faint shimmer welled up in his eyes.
His lips slowly curled into a smile. "I really do have the best kids!"
Even if life were to stop at this very moment, he would accept it willingly.
"Charlotte Linlin, Redfield! Why are you still standing there in silence?"
Marco had also realized the critical situation they were in. If they didn't act now, their entire crew would be completely wiped out.
But, at the same time, wasn't this also an opportunity?
"Whether Ian wins or loses in the upcoming battle against the World Government, do you really think you'll have a happy ending?"
Marco's mind raced faster than ever before. He had never felt such clarity in his life. At this moment, his words flew like bullets.
"If he wins, will he spare you—his former enemies? If he fails, will the World Government let you go?"
"From the moment you were forced into his hands, your path of no return began!"
It was obvious— Linlin and Redfield's expressions had darkened considerably.
"Tch."
Hawkeye found it all incredibly boring.
From the very beginning, the Whitebeard Pirates had misunderstood one thing.
Redfield, Shanks, and Charlotte Linlin—these three weren't called here by Ian for help.
They were hostages.
"Now is the perfect chance. The top officers of the Beasts Pirates aren't here!"
Marco shouted loudly. "No matter what Ian threatens you with, as long as you take him out here, it's over!"
"The Beasts Pirates are strong, but without Ian, they'll collapse instantly, just like the old Rocks Pirates once did!"
"Not bad."
Ian couldn't help but admire him.
He even felt like applauding Marco.
Linlin and Redfield exchanged a glance, their expressions changing.
It seemed… he made some sense.
"Shanks! You're Shanks, right?"
At that moment, Hiyori Kozuki pushed through the crowd. She looked at Shanks and shouted, "Do you remember me? I'm Hiyori Kozuki, daughter of Kozuki Oden!"
Shanks's expression shifted as well.
**********
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