The atmosphere at the port had turned tense in an instant.
Snake and Ian stared each other down, and it seemed like the air between them had nearly frozen solid.
However, not far away, the pirates watching the spectacle were already flushed with excitement.
"Stop staring each other down like that!"
"Boring! Come on, let us see some bloodshed!"
The Beasts Pirates, Ochoku Pirates, Whitebeard Pirates—this could turn into a full-blown clash at any moment! Even their weapons are ready to be drawn!
"Ian! Smash this guy to pieces!"
Yamato pulled out her kanabo, her face red with anger. "I'm definitely going to beat this guy up!"
"Ian," But Black Maria, looking anxious, glanced back at the blue Phoenix that was drawing closer and closer. "That's Marco the Phoenix!"
The second-in-command of the Whitebeard Pirates, captain of the 1st Division, a renowned pirate whose name resounded across the world's seas!
Dealing with someone like him is already troublesome enough. If we end up in a fight with the Ochoku Pirates as well, things could get really messy.
"If you know what's good for you, then back off!"
Snake took a step forward, and in the next moment, his body suddenly expanded, transforming into a Titanoboa. His gigantic head loomed over Ian and the others, looking down at them like a house-sized predator. With just a single slam of his massive tail against the ground, the entire port trembled.
If we want to protect Babanuki and the others, we need to get them to Hive Island.
And if we want them to set foot on Hive Island, Ian thought, lifting his head to gaze at the Titanoboa's head.
"The real problem's already here."
Snake sneered coldly.
"It's you guys, right?"
The blue flame bird had already flown over the port, and though it was only about the size of a person, it looked absolutely tiny compared to the over 100-meter-long Snake. It even had a pair of glasses-like decorations around its eyes, making it appear almost comical.
Yet, not a single person in the entire port dared to laugh at this man.
Because he was Marco, Marco the Phoenix!
He glanced down at Ian and Yamato, who were standing on the dock. "You're the ones who killed Squard and kidnapped Momonosuke, right?"
Ian glanced up at Marco.
He even had three long tail feathers trailing behind him, and a tuft of yellow flames blazed atop his head.
"Come back with me. Pops wants to see you."
Marco flapped his wings and descended a little lower. "Everyone knows what happens to those who dare to lay a hand on our crewmates."
"Marco! I've already ordered these brats to get out of here!"
Snake extended his neck, a crimson forked tongue flickering out of his mouth. "Hive Island isn't a place for you lot to mess around! If you want to fight, go out to sea!"
"Don't worry," Marco's tone was a bit lazy. "I won't take up too much of your time."
He had already landed, and dealing with these little brats would only take a moment.
"Looks like there's no room for negotiation. In that case, let me take up a little of your time first."
Ian cracked his neck and shouted towards the nearby Winged Dragon ship, "Babanuki, get everyone off the ship now."
"Brat! I've already made myself perfectly clear—"
Snake lowered his head angrily. "Get off this island!"
"I've already made it clear. You're in my way."
In the midst of that deep voice, Snake saw a flash of fire.
The golden-colored flame burst out in an instant, and a dark shadow shot through the air.
Snake's eyes rolled back instantly, his tongue flew out of his mouth, almost tearing away. His massive body arched violently from the middle and bent backward. At that moment, his entire upper half snapped like a bow, forming a sharp "<" shape.
The terrifying power directly blasted the Titanoboa, over a hundred meters long, into the air. It wasn't just the pirates from Ochoku's Pirate Crew who were following behind Snake who were affected; even the pirates further away, who were merely watching, suffered the impact.
The Titanoboa swept through everything behind it. The buildings and houses on the dock were thoroughly cleared away.
"Eh! Boss Snake got blown away!!"
The surviving pirates were left staring, their mouths wide open.
They looked back, and in the distant ruins, the massive serpent had disappeared without a trace.
One hit and Boss Snake was knocked unconscious?
They were both using their abilities, so how did the gap become so vast and unimaginable?
"The battlefield is clear now."
Ian, transformed into a Winged Dragon Form, retracted his right leg and lightly flapped his wings before turning around.
The bird-faced Marco's expression visibly shifted.
Such speed, such power.
The Savage Snake was a well-known pirate in the New World, yet he didn't even have time to react before this kid kicked him away.
Babanuki, who was leading his men off the ship, looked at the blown-away Snake, nearly in tears.
Is this what asking for Ochoku's help means?
"Babanuki, head inland. Set up the formation and prepare for battle."
Babanuki was puzzled.
Are we even giving up our landing position?
Is Ian-sama planning to fight some sort of noble's war?
Support me on my and read upto 15 early chapters.