Chapter 51: Titanoboa!!

"Boss Snake is going to deal with those little brats from the Beast Pirates!"

On Hive Island, pirates rushed to spread the news.

In an instant, the entire island was buzzing with excitement.

It was well known that Boss Snake was a high-ranking officer of the Ochoku Pirates. If he was going to take action against the Beast Pirates, did that mean the Ochoku Pirates were preparing for war with them? Did it mean that Boss Ochoku was ready to confront Kaido? 

What an exhilarating prospect! It was a rare opportunity to witness a battle of strong foes; even if it meant risking their lives, it would definitely be worth it!

With such thoughts in mind, the pirates on the island gathered towards one direction.

Inside a dimly lit room of the skeletal tower, a conversation was unfolding.

"Boss Ochoku, is it really okay to ignore Snake? Kaido seems to take those little brats very seriously."

"What does that bastard Kaido think I am? He thinks a single call will make me cooperate with his little brats? What a joke! Let Snake teach them a lesson; Kaido should be thanking me for it."

"Does he really think he can cause trouble for me just because those little brats got beat up?"

Ian understood that his actions had drawn the attention of the entire island.

Because indeed, more and more pirates were gathering to watch.

However, these spectators didn't matter much.

Ian was focused on the long-faced man in front of him, listening to the discussions among the surrounding pirates, who seemed to be referring to Snake.

A familiar name—thankfully, he was a pirate, not a lawyer.

"Let's all go at once."

The man named Snake, slender and snake-like in build, slowly rolled up his sleeves. "Don't say I'm bullying little kids."

"This guy is too arrogant!"

Yamato was immediately infuriated, drawing out her spiked club. "I'm going to smash him! Ian! Stay out of this!"

"I can't do that."

Ian also rolled up his sleeves. "Yamato, can I take care of this guy?"

Although the Ochoku Pirates were certainly weaker compared to the top-tier pirate crews out at sea, it was clear that the officers under him were not as strong as King and the others.

However, even if they were at a disadvantage, this guy was likely quite powerful, far stronger than someone like Squard. It would be very difficult for Yamato to win against him.

"I refuse!"

Yamato retorted loudly.

"Then let's go together."

Ian rolled up his sleeves halfway, revealing arms that, while not overly muscular, were quite toned. The muscles beneath his skin flexed with his movements, giving off a steel-like impression.

"Maria, Jack,"

Ian didn't turn around. "Ulti and Page One are in your hands; make sure to protect them."

"Got it, big brother Ian!" 

Jack replied loudly.

He understood that Ian believed neither Yamato nor he could win against this man, and therefore, they wouldn't be able to help much.

Jack inwardly resented his own weakness, yet he resolutely assured Ian.

"Brother Ian—"

Ulti, carrying her brother, suddenly called out, looking at Ian's back. "Be careful! I heard someone say Snake is an ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit user!"

"Annoying little brat."

With a pale face, Snake squinted his eyes, making his gaze appear even more cold and damp, resembling a chilling snake.

"Ancient Zoan?"

Ian replied with a half-smile, "Sounds pretty impressive."

"Thunder Bagua!"

Yamato's reaction was much more direct. She launched herself forward, leaping into the air while dragging her spiked club. The iron rod, enveloped in Conqueror's Haki, swung around as he aimed for Snake's head.

"Thunder Bagua? You think you're worthy?"

Snake scoffed, leaning back, then suddenly thrusting his head forward.

Iron Head! Power level: 80!

Bang!

Yamato's iron rod collided with Snake's iron head, and the dark forehead sent Yamato's spiked club flying, along with Yamato himself.

However, Snake couldn't help but feel a shock in his heart. This girl has some serious strength! 

The shock lasted barely a moment before Snake's pupils narrowed to pinpricks.

In the split second that Yamato was sent flying, a sudden finger was already inches away from piercing his eye socket.

"Finger Pistol."

Ian's right index finger, enveloped in Armament Haki, was so close that Snake could almost see his fingerprints.

Combining Soru with a finger pistol, he aimed to enhance the power of his attack by rapidly closing the distance.

At the critical moment, Snake, who had already leaned back, slammed his head forward once more.

Boom!

The air trembled as black lightning erupted.

Ian was knocked back as if he had been electrocuted.

The Armament Haki was much stronger than that of Squard.

His index finger felt slightly numb.

So, as he was pushed back, Ian swung his long right leg, shouting, "Tempest Kick!"

A brilliant blue storm erupted, engulfing Snake within its fury.

"Ha!"

Snake let out a furious roar, and his entire body was suddenly enveloped in a deep black aura. The extravagant air blade storm felt like mere tickles against him.

His entire body was coated in Armament Haki, stronger than iron but only marginally.

In the original work, those who liked using this technique were basically all cut down.

However, for Ian, who was at a disadvantage with his Haki, this technique proved quite useful. 

"Whistle!"

Before Yamato even landed, she swung his spiked club with all her might.

The Armament Haki infused club transformed into a spear, directly piercing Snake's chest and pushing him back.

"You little brat!"

Snake barely had time to look up when Ian closed in again.

"Finger Pistol!"

Snake raised his left arm to block, swinging his right fist toward Ian's head.

The speed is impressive, but it's all about Observation Haki, kid!

His iron fist was about to crush Ian's skull.

But Ian's head indeed flattened.

The right side of his head caved inwards, allowing Snake's fist to pass right through.

"What?!"

Snake's narrow eyes widened in shock.

"Paper Arts!"

Ian countered with a punch to Snake's face, sending him flying.

"Ouch!"

As Snake soared through the air, he was dazed, his face slightly deformed.

This kid is stronger than that white-haired girl!

"Falling Iron Rain!"

Yamato descended from the sky, swinging the club that slammed into Snake's chest, causing him to plummet to the ground like a meteor.

"No way?!"

The surrounding pirates instantly became agitated. "Boss Snake has been overpowered?!"

"Those two little brats?!"

"These two kids have such great teamwork! They keep launching wave after wave of attacks, giving Boss Snake no chance to breathe!"

Yamato landed beside Ian, grinning. "Ian, don't hold back!"

"That's what I was about to say."

Ian chuckled lightly, "And this is just the beginning!"

The smoke from Snake's landing was quickly blown away, revealing the massive figure standing tall.

"Brats! How long do you plan to keep this up? Forcing me to this point, you should be proud!"

His enormous head loomed over Ian and Yamato, orange-yellow slit pupils fixating on them. "But the farce is about to end!"

"Wow, he's huge!" 

Yamato exclaimed, looking up in awe. "Even bigger than Ian!"

It was indeed an exaggerated size.

A snake, a colossal serpent over a hundred meters long, coiled before Ian and Yamato. Even with just its upper body raised, its height rivaled that of a skyscraper.

"It's here! Ancient Zoan-type, Snake-Snake Fruit Model: Titanoboa!"

A pirate gasped in amazement.

Titanoboa?

Well, that size isn't surprising.

Ian thought.

"Ian, big brother! Be careful!" 

Ulti, hiding behind Jack and Black Maria, gasped nervously. After all, it was just too huge!

"Don't worry, little Ulti." 

Black Maria said with a gentle smile, "Ian is much stronger than you think. He's about to get serious now."

Ian was indeed preparing to transform.

"Ian-sama!" 

A panicked shout came unexpectedly.

Ian turned to see Babanuki pushing through the crowd, sprinting towards him. "This is bad!"

Bad?

Could there be worse news than Ochoku's Direct Pirate Crew turning against them?

Babanuki shouted loudly, "The Whitebeard Pirates are here!"

"Uh?" 

Ian was taken aback.

There really was?

"Huh?" 

The Titanoboa also looked stunned.

"You mean, the Whitebeard Pirates?"

**********

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