In a sea area not far from the island where the Whitebeard Pirates and the Beast Pirates were set to clash, the Navy fleet had already retreated.
On the leading giant warship, Admiral Sengoku was reporting the battle situation to Navy Headquarters.
"... Yes, Fleet Admiral Kong. The Whitebeard Pirates have retreated, and the Beast Pirates do not seem inclined to pursue further. This war should be considered over."
"We have concluded our standoff with the Big Mom Pirates and are now on our way back to the G-13 base."
"Undoubtedly, the Beast Pirates achieved greater results in this war. Diamond Jozu was killed by Ian, along with three other captains, including the Fourth Division Captain, Thatch. The losses for the Whitebeard Pirates were substantial."
"However, overall, the situation in the New World won't change much. Whitebeard is still alive, and the main force of the Whitebeard Pirates remains intact. They may be severely injured, but they are far from defeated."
Sengoku paused. "I feel we must closely monitor the Beast Pirates, especially Ian the Skyfire!"
"That kid is only thirteen this year, yet he possesses the strength to easily kill Diamond Jozu! It's certain that in a few years, he will be capable of matching the top powers of the sea."
"As of now, we know he is a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user with multiple transformation stages. His inherent abilities include astonishing defense and the ability to manipulate incredibly hot flames. His most common form is a golden winged dragon, but in his Human-Beast Form, he can transform into an even more powerful defensive form."
"His strongest form allows him to become entirely engulfed in flames. In this state, even Haki-infused attacks are ineffective against him. He can also unleash a devastating red flame that even Diamond Jozu couldn't withstand."
"Fortunately, both the flame form and the red flames have a time limit and cannot be used indiscriminately."
The Navy had gained considerable understanding of Ian's abilities. After all, he had made quite a few appearances, and such conspicuous abilities are hard to conceal.
At the same moment, near the island where the battle against the Whitebeard Pirates was taking place, Ian stood at the bow of the Golden Dragon ship. He could see three massive ships emerging on the distant horizon, swiftly approaching.
As both sides moved towards each other, the ships soon came into clear view.
The leading ship bore a face that was not carved but rather vividly grinning.
"Is that the Big Mom Pirates?"
Jack stood behind him, arms crossed, speaking coldly as if he were an expert. "They say they're a powerful pirate crew not much weaker than the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Oh! That sounds interesting!"
Yamato sat on the edge of the ship, swinging her feet. "So, are we going to fight them next?"
"That's not a good idea," Black Maria replied leisurely. "We just finished a battle with the Whitebeard Pirates, and everyone is quite exhausted."
"Don't rush," Ian said calmly. "Charlotte Linlin and Kaido-sensei are old acquaintances. She's probably not here to start a fight."
"Eh?" Yamato looked disappointed.
It seemed she, like Kaido, still had not had enough of fighting.
"Wait, is that ship alive?"
Black Maria noticed the cheerful face on the ship's bow. "Is it singing?"
Faintly, they could hear a sound, as if a siren was swimming in the water.
"Charlotte Linlin is a Paramecia-type user of the Soul-Soul Fruit; she can give life to anything."
Ian explained briefly.
Well, this ability was indeed powerful, but it seemed to have limited application in high-level battles. The enhancement to combat power was quite restricted.
As the saying goes, high-level battles are the stage for Mythical Zoan fruits.
Otherwise, it would have to be something with the top destructive power, like the Paramecia type Tremor-Tremor Fruit.
Otherwise, in this world where Haki can resist Devil Fruit abilities, other flashy fruits don't hold much value.
"Giving life to all things? That sounds impressive."
Black Maria thought it was indeed impressive.
One could only say that the version hadn't been fully grasped yet.
The two fleets finally came to a halt, hundreds of meters apart.
A woman dressed in a pink dress sat on a white cloud, flying up from the deck on the opposite side.
"Mama Mama! Kaido! Aren't you coming to greet your benefactor?!"
Here she comes! Charlotte Linlin!
Kaido transformed into a giant azure dragon, soaring into the sky, eyeing the approaching Charlotte Linlin. "Linlin! You old hag! Why aren't you at home having kids? What brings you here?!"
"Isn't it to congratulate you on driving away that old bastard, Newgate?"
Charlotte Linlin laughed heartily.
Ian scrutinized this woman.
She hadn't yet reached the obesity of fifteen years later; for now, one could only say she was sturdy—her face and arms were plump, with broad shoulders and a wide waist. She was robust and imposing, clearly not someone to be trifled with.
Taking advantage of his decent eyesight, Ian gazed at the opposite deck where several high-ranking officers stood at the bow.
First was a long-tongued man holding a cane, licking it with his tongue—the eldest son of the Charlotte family, Perospero.
Then there was a man with a rough appearance and a tall stature, his expression stiff and unyielding, likely the one hiding behind the cookie armor—Cracker.
And then, standing between the two was a tall, fit man, his face obscured by a scarf.
"Charlotte Katakuri," A strange laughter echoed from behind. "That guy is a genuine monster; his Observation Haki is exaggerated. It's said he has never had his back touch the ground since birth."
"Ian, he might be tougher for you to deal with than Marco."
Ian slightly turned his head and spotted a bird-like face.
Seemingly sensing Ian's confusion, Morgans chuckled, "Linlin and Kaido's gathering might just be the prelude to the revival of the Rocks Pirates. How could I possibly miss it?"
Want to make a big splash, huh?
I advise you to think carefully.
Ian thought this as he observed the people across from him. They were also sizing him up.
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