Honestly, Ian wasn't sure what to do with these Marines right now.
Let's not even mention Vice-Admiral Tsuru. As for Gion, her strength was no doubt formidable.
Fifteen years later, as an Admiral-Candidate, Gion would probably have strength on par with, or even surpassing, that of Marco and King.
So, fifteen years ago, her strength couldn't have been much weaker than King's and the others. Without a doubt, she possessed calamity-level strength.
Add to that the high likelihood of Vice-Admiral Tsuru being even stronger than a calamity-level threat, and the Navy's combat power was, to be honest, a bit tricky.
If you think about fighting them, they seem really strong.
But if you think they can't be fought, it feels like it might actually be possible to clash.
There's also the issue of what to do after winning a fight.
Ian wasn't alone—he had the Beast Pirates behind him. So, he had to consider his crew as well.
This old woman's prestige in the Navy probably rivaled that of Garp and Sengoku. She guided the Navy's advance with her wisdom.
If Ian were to really take down Vice-Admiral Tsuru, how would the Navy react?
Veteran comrades like Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr would probably drop everything and head straight for Wano.
What would he do then?
Even if the Beast Pirates could escape, what about Wano?
Would they abandon years of hard work and the hidden Pluton buried in Wano?
So Ian thought—fighting was fine, but only to a point.
Pirate tradition: a quick hit, no overkill.
"Judge," Ian said, "Turn around, we're leaving."
Judge froze for a moment. "Aren't we going to fight?"
"Leave the fight to us," Ian replied. "We'll hold them off. You guys leave, we'll catch up soon."
Doflamingo immediately understood what Ian meant. "Hehehe, then let's do it that way."
"Judge knew it was not the time to hesitate. After giving a slight nod, he quickly turned and walked back."
Ian once again looked at the navy.
Let's not make things too awkward for either side.
He didn't believe the navy would dare to make a move against him or Doflamingo so recklessly.
In the original story, Doflamingo had the World government under his thumb, threatening them at will. Now, would the navy really have the guts to just take him out?
"Enough with the nonsense."
Ian spoke with a smile.
The goal had been achieved, and Ian wasn't interested in wasting time with these self-righteous people.
If they believed they were protecting justice, so be it.
Respect—that was his stance.
Gion drew her beloved sword, Konpira.
She was eager for a fight, wanting something to help her forget the uncertainty she felt inside.
"Yamato! Freeze them!"
The young girl leaped into the air, her body sprouting white fur as she soared. The dense mist wrapped around the pristine wolf fang staff in her hand.
With a powerful swing, a massive white slash surged downward.
As a grand swordmaster, Gion effortlessly countered with a flying slash, cutting through the freezing wave of Yamato's attack.
However, Yamato's strike wasn't a slash—it was simply the cold mist continuing to fall.
In the next moment, a layer of frost covered the surfaces of the naval ships. Many of the navy soldiers were instantly coated in a layer of ice.
Even more astonishing was the sea. The water beneath the ships had frozen solid, transforming the area into a vast ice field.
Gion couldn't help but be stunned. "I thought only Kuzan-senpai could do something ."
"Still a long way off."
Vice-Admiral Tsuru spoke calmly, "Well, perhaps this isn't such a bad thing after all."
Having a battlefield isn't entirely a disadvantage.
Gion was launched from the warship, her feet seemingly walking on air as she dashed toward Ian like a phantom.
"Thunderous Eight Trigrams!"
However, a figure shot up, and a pure white wolf fang staff suddenly came crashing toward her.
Gion raised her sword in a cross to block.
With a loud explosion, Gion lightly fell to the ground.
She glanced at her beloved sword, now covered with a layer of ice.
Ahead of her, a white-haired girl chuckled, "Your opponent is me!"
Gion raised an eyebrow slightly.
Though she too was extraordinary, this girl was still far from being able to stand up to Ian the Skyfire.
"I am Yamato!" the girl declared.
"Doflamingo, help Yamato."
Ian ordered, "Take everyone with you!"
On her own, Yamato would never be able to defeat Gion.
Or rather, even with Doflamingo, they wouldn't win.
So, it was clear they needed everyone together.
Doflamingo raised an eyebrow. "What about you?"
"I'll take care of the remaining opponents," Ian replied.
Support me on my and read upto 15 early chapters.