Chapter 494: The Grand Opening
Ian nodded and then asked about Tashigis situation.
Originally, he thought that after Kuina had been transferred to Tsurus command, Tashigi might also have joined her. However, the results of his inquiry surprised Ian greatly. Tashigi was still following Smoker.
It seed that Kuina had caught the attention of Tsuru, perhaps because of her Devil Fruit abilities, and had been recruited as an elite female soldier!
Perhaps in the future, once Kuina made contributions under Vice Admiral Tsurus command and rose to the rank of Captain, she might have the authority to lead her own team, just like Tashigi.
Thinking of this, Ian suddenly realized that his sister had indeed grown up. Perhaps one day in the future, she would beco a mature and beautiful female Marine, gaining imnse prestige within the Navy, just like Hina.
Since Kuina had chosen the path of the Marines, Ian would do his best to assist her. Maybe he could secretly lend her a hand in the future, helping her capture so of the notorious pirates with bounties exceeding several hundred millions
As they walked and thought, Ian and the others followed the guidance of the Rear Admiral and arrived at the 64th Yarukiman Mangrove. They boarded a Marine ship that was waiting there, and this Marine vessel turned around and set sail in the direction of Marineford.
.
anwhile, in the Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Sengoku was also calculating the ti of Ians arrival.
Previously, he had sent mbers of CP6 to convey a ssage to Ian, primarily to prevent Ian from eting with Red-Haired Shanks. However, the subsequent news had given Sengoku another throbbing headache.
It seed that in all matters concerning Ian, Sengoku couldnt help but feel vexed. At tis, he wondered if this rascal Ian had been specifically sent to make trouble for him
Not only had Red-Haired Shanks t with Ian, but according to CP6s reports, they had even hosted a banquet together. This suggested that Red-Haired Shanks held a favorable opinion of Ian, leaving Sengoku to wonder what they had discussed
First, it was the Whitebeard, and now it was Red-Haired Shanks. Ian seed to possess an inexplicable charm, one that had earned him the favor of two Emperors of the Sea.
Now, not only had Ians strength grown, but his background had also beco increasingly formidable. This made Sakazuki hesitate once more about whether to proceed with their current arrangent.
On the other hand, Dr. Vegapunk from the Marine Science Division had been pressuring Sengoku to acquire Germas technological data. However, Sengoku was becoming more reluctant to cooperate with Ian due to the perceived threat he posed. He found himself in a difficult position.
Ian was now aboard a Marine ship and would soon arrive. Sengoku needed to make a decision within this tifra.
After so contemplation, he raised his head and lazily inquired of Aokiji, who was lounging in his office, Kuzan, have we received any updates from Sakazuki?
Aokiji opened his eyes and nodded slowly. We received news this morning that the Whitebeards crew, who were escorting Teach, have arrived. According to the original plan, it will be another two to three days before we see the outco.
Sengoku lightly tapped his desk and pondered, If Teachs plan truly succeeds, the Marines will have to fulfill their promise and appoint him as one of the Seven Warlords. But have you considered, Kuzan, how Ian might react if Teach becos one of the Seven Warlords? (T/N: ah how nice, they are concerned about Ians feelings hahaha)
Im not sure, Kuzan shook his head. But whats clear is that we cannot allow them to et at Marine Headquarters. If they do, theres a possibility of a confrontation that could spiral out of control, potentially endangering the stability of our operations here.
Sengoku nodded in agreent, acknowledging the wisdom in Kuzans words. Then he suddenly asked, Do you think Ian would turn against us if Teach becos a Shichibukai?
Its hard to say, Kuzan replied, sitting up unusually serious. In theory, Ian needs that Shichibukai title. Its because of that title that he was pardoned for attacking the Celestial Dragons and burning down Mary Geoise. If he doesnt want the Navy on his tail again, he wont easily relinquish that Shichibukai status.
So, even if his enemy becos his peer, he might have no choice but to tolerate it? Sengoku asked.
Its difficult to predict. Hes quite the exception, Kuzan shook his head. The uncertainty lies precisely there. Hes the youngest among the Warlords, and its precisely because of his youth that his actions might be impulsive and unpredictable. If he cant swallow his pride and chooses to take down Teach, even at the cost of giving up his Shichibukai status, theres not much we can do. We cant be certain of the extent of his current strength either.
Sengoku was well aware of everything Kuzan had said, and it was precisely because he could foresee these scenarios that he felt infuriated and distressed.
He slamd his fist onto the desk with frustration and said, Ive said it from the beginning, we shouldnt have allowed him to beco a Shichibukai. But the World Governnt and the Celestial Dragons insisted
Sengokus current feeling could be sumd up in an exasperated thought he dared not utter aloud. Dealing with such a group of unreliable allies had him feeling exasperated. If it werent for the Celestial Dragons insisting on retrieving that identity chip back then, which eventually led to Ian becoming a Shichibukai, he wouldnt be in this passive position now.
With Doflamingos downfall and Crocodiles imprisonnt, the Seven Warlords had suddenly lost two mbers. The Navy had been considering replacents ever since Lafitte had co to Marine Headquarters the last ti. Sengoku thought that if Teachs plan succeeded, it might not be a bad idea to offer him one of the Seven Warlord positions. However, the current situation presented a dilemma: if they recruited Teach as a Warlord, the Navy might risk losing Ian, their current Shichibukai.
Sengoku picked up a report on the relationship between Ian and Whitebeard Edward Newgate from his desk and examined it carefully. He contemplated whether he should take this gamble: the gamble on whether Ian would turn against the Navy at the cost of his title.
Sengoku was no gambler; he was known for his ticulous thinking. However, the circumstances he faced now left him with no choice but to make a decision.
After a prolonged mont of contemplation, Sengoku finally reached a decision. He set aside the report and addressed Kuzan, Once Ian arrives at Marine Headquarters, we must restrict information flow to him. Well use the pretext of dealing with Pacifista developnt and do our best to delay his departure from Marineford. We cannot allow him to leave until we receive confird news from Akainu. Only then will we ascertain his choice.
Kuzan nodded in understanding. He knew that Sengoku had decided to take the gamble, weighing the temptation of Whitebeards downfall against the risk of losing Ian as a Warlord.
With their discussion concluded, a Marine communication officer entered to report that Ian had indeed arrived at Marineford.
Sengoku took a deep breath and calmly instructed, Allow him in.
The Marine communication officer left, and shortly thereafter, Sengoku saw Ian entering his office, accompanied by an unfamiliar individual.
Sengoku couldnt help but wonder who the man with the white headband was. He eyed Enel with a sense of curiosity.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I hope youre well, Ian greeted Sengoku with a smile, then turned to Kuzan. Admiral Kuzan, Long ti no see.
Kuzan nodded noncommittally, and like Sakazuki, his gaze lingered on Enel for a mont.
This is the newest mber of my pirate crew. I brought him here to broaden his horizons, Ian explained, introducing Enel to both of them. He then found a chair and sat down.
Ian lightly tapped the briefcase in his hand and said, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Ive brought Germas data with . It wasnt easy to obtain from the Vinsmoke Family. What do you say? Do you want to verify its authenticity, or should we proceed with the trade directly?
Sengoku shifted his attention to Ian and began, Ian, Ive asked you here to deliver so news. The pacifists you requested were already en route but encountered a minor issue during transportation. Theyve been sent back to the Navys Science Division for adjustnts, so our trade will have to be delayed.
Upon hearing this, Ian furrowed his brows and fixed a stern gaze on Sengoku. Sengoku, however, remained composed, eting Ians gaze squarely.
After a prolonged mont of silence, Ian finally relaxed his brows and smiled at Sengoku. Thats unfortunate. How much longer will our trade be postponed?
It will take at least two to three days for the adjustnts to be completed, Sengoku responded.
In that case, Ian said as he stood and adjusted his briefcase, Ill return to Sabaody Archipelago and await further instructions. Please inform
when theres news.
However, Sengoku shook his head and firmly declared, Ian, its best if you stay in Marineford. I dont want you running into any trouble with the Celestial Dragons again on Sabaody Archipelago.
No worries, Ill make sure to avoid them, Ian replied with a sly smile.
No, youll stay here, Sengoku said decisively. Admiral Kuzan and Admiral Borsalino will serve as your guides and show you around Marineford.
With that statent, the atmosphere in the room grew tense and chilly. While Kuzan and Enel maintained their composure on the surface, their muscles tensed beneath, and Ian locked eyes with Sengoku in a cold standoff.
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