"It's not that I want you to follow me, but you don't necessarily have to be a pirate to get freedom."
Hearing Ace's words, Ian shook his head and said directly, "Besides, a promise to pursue freedom together? Your brother probably won't be watching you from heaven."
"Huh? Mr. Ian, what do you mean? Does this mean Sabo is in hell?"
Ian: "..."
Ian looked speechlessly at Ace's dumbfounded expression and said irritably, "Is it possible he's not dead yet?"
(T/N: Speaking of which, Ace died without ever knowing that Sabo was alive.)
Ace: "...?"
"Never mind, none of that matters."
Ian waved his hand, ignoring Ace's expression that seemed to say: "These things are important!"
He turned to Nami, who had been silent all along, and said, "Looks like you've made up your mind?"
"Yes, please, Captain Ian."
Nami smiled. "Although I no longer doubt your words, I still hope to return to Cocoyasi village and see it for myself!"
After what happened on Skypiea, she understood... That Arlong was indeed just a little fish in front of this group of vicious creatures!
As she spoke, a hint of hesitation crossed Nami's face: "But..."
"But what?"
That hesitant expression made Ian frown again, and he said, "Don't worry, Cocoyasi village will be fine."
"No, that's not what I'm worried about, Captain Ian."
Nami stuck out her tongue and said, somewhat embarrassedly but with shining eyes, "I heard you're recruiting agents?"
"Agents?"
Ian was surprised, then seemed to realize something, and said, "You mean selling wine?"
He frowned again while stroking his chin: "As for the East Blue, it's already been handed over to Ace's grandfather. Well, that old guy probably won't do business properly, so recruiting another one won't be a problem."
Looking at Nami, he smiled and said, "I'll have someone deliver the wine to Cocoyasi village in a while."
"That's wonderful! Thank you, Captain Ian!"
Hearing Ian's words, Nami excitedly raised her fist and shouted: "Don't worry, I'll definitely sell the wine well!"
"Well, since it's decided."
Ian turned to Kuma and said, "Kuma, thank you for your help."
"Cocoyasi village?"
Kuma didn't hesitate at all, a peaceful smile appearing on his honest face. "I haven't been to Cocoyasi village before, um..."
"Can I take you to the Conomi Islands?"
"Sure, once I get to the Conomi Islands, I can get back to my village myself."
Nami grinned while raising her fist with a confident smile. "Don't underestimate me, I'm Nami!"
"Please be careful, I'll control my strength."
Hearing Nami's answer, Kuma didn't hesitate. He pulled out his glove and, before Nami could say anything, slapped her.
"Wait, wait a minute, I haven't said goodbye to Vivi yet!"
But it was too late. After leaving only those words, Nami was sent flying.
After seeing Nami off, Ian looked at Crocodile and Vivi, the master and apprentice, and said, "What about you two? Do you need me to take you back?"
"You don't need to."
…
After bidding farewell to Crocodile, only Ace, Ian, Kuma, Dorry, and Brogy, who would continue their duel on the island, remained on the field.
"Crocodile will have someone send some wines over in a few days."
Ian said with a smile while looking at Dorry and Brogy. "After that, every now and then, someone will bring wine and meat."
"Hahaha, that's fantastic!"
Hearing Ian's words, Dorry and Brogy laughed excitedly.
"Ian, you're already a friend of the giants. If you have time, you must come here and have a drink with us."
"Dorry is right, Elbaph. The giants will definitely welcome you. There are many powerful, giant martial arts techniques there."
"Elbaph, the kingdom of giants. I will definitely go if I have time. Thank you for your guidance these past few days."
Ian didn't refuse and nodded while smiling.
Looking at Kuma beside him, he said: "Then let's set off!"
Next, they would head to the North Blue.
Gini had already found Swallow Island, but Kuma didn't have the coordinates.
Therefore, they could only go to the nearby sea area near Swallow Island first, then take a ship to Swallow Island.
Once they reached their destination and found the person, Kuma would take his daughter there.
If the treatment failed, they would try to find Vegapunk for help. As Ian finished speaking, a flicker of excitement crossed Kuma's face.
After so long... Bonney finally had hope of recovery! How could he not be excited?
"I understand, Mr. Ian!"
Without hesitation, Kuma launched the bear paw express plane at Ian, Ace, and himself.
The three of them instantly took to the air and flew towards the North Blue.
On the island, Dorry and Brogy, seeing this, chuckled and waved at the three of them. "What a convenient ability!"
"I wonder if it can send us back to Elbaph, too?"
Brogy added with a smile. "I really want to try. By the way, the God of Sun..."
"Ian isn't the God of Sun, you should know that."
Before Brogy could finish speaking, Dorry shook his head, his expression serious. "Although his ability is very unique, he is not the legendary God of Sun."
"I know."
Brogy said cheerfully. "I just wanted to ask you, do you think the World Government will treat him as the God of the Sun?"
"I don't know, but..."
Hearing Brogy's words, Dorry also grinned. "I believe this guy will definitely give the World Government a headache."
Meanwhile, in the sky.
"Purururu!"
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi rang.
Ian, who was in the sky, looked surprised, but quickly answered the Den Den Mushi. "Hello!"
"Hahaha."
That familiar laughter immediately told Ian who was calling, and he raised an eyebrow.
Sure enough, Garp's voice rang out again: "Kid, is my grandson... with you?"
"Yes! What's up? Do you need him for something?"
"Nothing, I was just asking casually."
Just as Ian was about to hand the Den Den Mushi to Ace, Garp's Den Den Mushi cheerfully said again: "I'm here to see you!"
Ian: "...?"
Before Ian could ask what this guy wanted…
"I've taken care of your matter, just as you said."
Garp's boisterous voice rang out again. "I've arrested that rat and those Fish-Men. Don't forget our agreement."
"Take care of it already? I understand."
Ian seemed unsurprised, speaking calmly as always. "Your grandson plans to stay with me for a while. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up."
"Hahaha, is that so? That's great news!"
Hearing Ian's words, Garp laughed heartily, then added: "I have one more thing!"
"What is it?"
"Hurry and send some wine over. I have sold out the rest."