Otherwise, it would truly be difficult to sustain these two money-devouring monsters.
Ian returned to his residence.
The two children, Aria, were still studying, while Aikes was holding a wooden sword and practicing on his own, having a great time.
Do not underestimate that wooden sword. It was specially commissioned by Instructor Zephyr and carved by a master from the famous Treasure Tree Adam.
It was extremely durable.
Its toughness alone was not inferior to some famous blades. If it were in the hands of certain swordsmen, after further tempering, it might even become a truly famous sword.
Robin and Ain had also woken up.
Robin was accompanying Aria as she read, while Ain was helping her son hone his swordsmanship.
The scene before him stirred a trace of warmth in Ian's heart, and the corners of his mouth could not help but curve slightly upward.
Perhaps, as a transmigrator, he was a failure. He did not possess the power to challenge the heavens and the earth, and his dream of dominating the seas had died in the year he retired.
If he had not eaten the Light-Light Fruit, he might truly have lived a simple, ordinary life in this world until the end.
But even after eating the Light-Light Fruit, and with his current strength being far from weak, Ian still had a clear understanding of himself.
Without any stat boosts, he could still fight the Four Emperors, but as for whether he could kill Imu, he did not know.
Of course, at present, he had no intention of conquering the seas, becoming the ruler of the world, or saving the world.
Living like this, accompanying his family, was not bad either.
However, he also clearly understood that strength was everything. And at his current level, any delay could bring disaster to himself and to those around him.
The moment he showed any sign of slackening, the World Government, Marine Headquarters, and ambitious schemers coveting his position would show him no mercy and strike at him.
Therefore, even if he only wanted to guard his own small piece of land, continuing to move forward was still necessary.
Just as Ian's eyes gradually grew firm…
"Ian, you're back?"
As if sensing something, Robin, who was reading, slightly raised her head and smiled at Ian.
"By the way, news just came from the harbor. Instructor Zephyr's fleet is about to enter the port. They should have already arrived by now."
"They've arrived?"
Hearing Robin's words, Ian came back to his senses, smiled, and nodded. "Let's go see what Hajrudin wants with me."
No sooner had his words fallen…
"Hahahaha."
A familiar burst of loud laughter rang out.
Ian and Robin looked at each other, then smiled helplessly.
"They're already here?"
As they spoke, the two of them raised their heads and looked ahead. Sure enough, they saw two figures.
One was Instructor Zephyr, and the other... That enormous figure was none other than the giant tribe's prince, Hajrudin.
Before Ian could even greet him, Zephyr directly ignored Ian and cheerfully rushed over to Aikes, picked him up, and rubbed his face against Aikes's. "Aikes, did you miss your grandpa?"
"Yes!"
After receiving the affirmative answer, Zephyr burst into hearty laughter again, as if the fatigue from sailing had been completely swept away. He directly hoisted Aikes onto his shoulders and bounced him around.
Ian showed a speechless expression at this sight, though he did not bother with that guy any further. He turned his head to look at Hajrudin, who was still waiting nearby, and smiled as he said, "Hajrudin, long time no see. Weren't you going to look for Dorry and Brogy before? It looks like things didn't go very well. Don't tell me you couldn't find them and come to the West Blue to ask me again?"
"I've already found them. Thank you for your concern. Dorry-sama and Brogy-sama also asked me to send their regards to you, Mr. Ian."
Hajrudin gave a serious salute, then looked at the black-haired woman beside Ian. He seemed to have already guessed who she was.
After hesitating for a moment, he still saluted the black-haired woman as well. "Madam Robin, hello. Someone asked me to pass on a message to you. He said that seeing you living well and not being immersed in the disaster of Ohara made him very happy. He also said that if you have time, you could come to the Elbaph. He will be waiting for you there."
Robin: "...?!"
As soon as these words fell, Robin froze completely. She stared blankly at Hajrudin, as if she had thought of something. Her mouth trembled as she opened it, wanting to say something, yet not knowing how to begin.
It was only after she felt the familiar warmth coming from her right hand and felt the corner of her clothes being tugged by a small hand that her heart finally calmed down.
Holding Ian's hand and Aria's hand, she smiled and nodded. "I understand. Please rest assured, I will definitely go to Elbaph. Also, if you see him, please tell him that I am doing very well, and also..."
Lowering her head, she smiled at her daughter beside her, then raised her head again to look at Hajrudin. "I have a daughter now. She's very cute, and very smart too."
"I will."
Hearing Robin's words, Hajrudin nodded solemnly. He also glanced at the girl beside Robin and smiled as he said, "She really is very cute, madam Robin!"
After seemingly finishing delivering someone else's message, Hajrudin raised his head again and looked at Ian solemnly.
Then, before Ian could say anything, the guy directly knelt down, his tone filled with pleading.
"Mr. Ian, please save Gerd!"
…
"North Blue? One week later, alright, I understand."
Ian hung up the call to Gini, held the Den Den Mushi in his hand, and fell into contemplation.
After a moment, he raised his head and looked at Hajrudin, who stood before him with a hesitant expression, clearly wanting to speak but afraid of disturbing him.
He smiled and said, "It's the underworld forces in the North Blue that captured Gerd, but there's no need to worry. She was sent by the North Blue's underworld forces to the Sabaody Archipelago. News has already come from there. One week later, the Celestial Dragons will descend to the Sabaody Archipelago. Gerd, as an important commodity, will therefore also be auctioned one week later."