Chapter 81 : War!!

"It's not that simple, Gion," On the Navy warship, Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke calmly, "Doflamingo holds the secret of the Celestial Dragons. The World Government fears that if he's cornered, he might become desperate and lash out." 

"Ian is Kaido's disciple, and the girl beside him is Kaido's daughter. If we make a move against them, we have to consider the possibility of Kaido going berserk." 

The strength of the Beasts Pirates has reached a level where declaring war against them is no longer something one can do lightly. 

"You didn't call me over just to play a game of Navy vs. Pirates, did you?" 

The woman named Gion seemed a bit dissatisfied. "I might as well stay in the New World and join Vice-Admiral Sakazuki in hunting pirates." 

"That will depend on what they say," Vice Admiral Tsuru replied. 

"Oh! I get it now!" 

Gion's eyes brightened. "We can't just attack them, but if they make a move against us, then it's a different story, right?" 

Vice Admiral Tsuru remained silent. 

Is sending just Gion really enough to take down Ian the Skyfire, and Doflamingo? 

At that moment, Ian had no idea that, despite his efforts to avoid trouble, trouble had already arrived. 

He had just landed on the country that was currently in a state of war. 

Not many people landed with him—aside from Yamato, there was only Doflamingo and his subordinate Pica. It was just the four of them. 

Whether there were many or few didn't matter. Both Ian and Doflamingo didn't think there would be anyone on this island who could threaten them. 

Interestingly, Doflamingo had taken all of his subordinates with him when they left. 

According to him, he was always on the run from the Navy. Although he had stayed in Spider Miles for a long time, if the pursuers caught up, he would have to flee at a moment's notice. 

So, he wouldn't leave his subordinates behind. 

Ian then recalled that before Doflamingo became a Warlord of the Sea, he had indeed been hunted by Vice Admiral Tsuru. 

But it's truly impressive how this guy managed to escape so many times. 

Vice Admiral Tsuru's strength should be formidable, being a legendary Navy figure from the same era as Garp and Sengoku. 

Even if she wasn't at Admiral level, her strength would surely be on par with that of the "Admiral Candidate" level. 

She was definitely much stronger than Doflamingo is now. 

As they entered the city, which was currently embroiled in battle, the remnants of gunpowder filled the air. 

Collapsed buildings, shattered walls, and occasional glimpses of corpses along the streets painted a picture of devastation before Ian's eyes.

Of course, entering such a chaotic warzone meant encountering soldiers from both sides of the conflict. 

However, these soldiers posed no real threat to Ian and his companions. Before they even got close, Doflamingo used his Conqueror's Haki to wipe them all out in an instant. 

Speaking of which, it seemed that Doflamingo awakened his Conqueror's Haki around the same time as Ian and Yamato. 

Considering how much time has passed, his strength was undeniably impressive. 

Too bad, though, he couldn't keep up the pace. 

At first, a small number wasn't a problem, but once it piled up, he couldn't keep it in check anymore.

After crossing the city, they found themselves in an even more chaotic battlefield.

Two opposing armies were locked in a fierce clash on the plains. 

Cannon fire roared, musket shots rang out, and soldiers wielding swords and knives charged in groups. What unfolded before their eyes was a brutal and savage purgatory, where blood and death never ceased.

But…

"Hahaha! What a lively scene!" 

On a high ground behind the battlefield, Yamato didn't show the slightest discomfort. Instead, she grinned and offered her commentary, "It's just that everyone's a bit too weak. Not very interesting. If there were some stronger opponents, it'd be much more fun."

Even Doflamingo couldn't help but glance at Yamato.

No wonder she was Kaido's daughter; her brutality was unmatched, even putting Doflamingo to shame.

Behind them stood a man, incredibly muscular, dressed in military attire, and carrying a large axe on his back. 

This was the general that Doflamingo had mentioned, the one he had manipulated.

Upon hearing Yamato's words, the man's expression changed slightly.

Wasn't there enough death already? 

However, he dared not say anything.

How could he speak in front of Ian, the one known as Ian the Skyfire?!

Doflamingo, you bastard, why didn't you mention that your weapon came from the Beasts Pirates before?! And now, the supplier is here, inspecting the buyers! This is turning everything upside down!

Ian crossed his arms over his chest, showing no particularly strong reaction.

He wasn't a person with great empathy. He generally adhered to the principle of respecting others' misfortunes without judgment and not intervening when it didn't directly concern him.

He simply thought, just as Yamato had said, it was indeed quite boring.

Pure killing and war were truly tiresome activities.

Killing and war should be means to an end, not something enjoyable. Ian had never found such things interesting.

On the contrary, Donquixote Doflamingo cheerfully remarked, "If some strong person interferes, our weapons won't be able to sell."

"Right, David?" 

He grinned as he turned to the general carrying a massive axe.

The general, named David, stiffened. If that bastard Doflamingo would personally help out instead of just selling weapons, things wouldn't be this chaotic. The war would have ended long ago! David would have already become king by now!

But in the end, he still forced a smile, "Of course, of course."

It was then that he understood.

Doflamingo didn't care about the outcome of the war at all. He had provoked it simply to sell weapons.

But it was too late. The rebellion had already begun, and it wasn't something that could be stopped now.

Damn Doflamingo!

That bastard deserved to die!

But General David could only smile.

Because he had no choice but to smile.

"So, how is it, Ian?" 

Doflamingo walked up to Ian's side, "Did I prove my abilities?"

Since General David had been called in, it was clear that Doflamingo had easily started a war in just a few days. 

"If you still don't believe me, we can even visit the palace and let the king witness it too."

David pursed his lips.

Indeed, how could the king ever care about this guy?

He suddenly felt a wave of hopelessness.

Even if he became king, what would change?

Faced with these monsters, aren't they just waiting to be slaughtered?

These countries, not part of the World Government, won't get any protection from the Navy.

But then, he thought to himself, "Damn it, after all this trouble, if I back down now, would all that anger have been for nothing?"

At the very least, while he could still purchase weapons, Doflamingo wouldn't just ignore him, right?

"No need," Ian shook his head.

There was nothing to doubt after all.

The concept of "nation" was too insignificant in this world.

Most countries in this world were at the mercy of the strong, unable to resist.

Doflamingo didn't need to lie about that.

After confirming his operational efficiency, that was enough.

"Let's go back," Ian said.

"Of course."

Doflamingo flashed a radiant smile.

It seemed like he had earned Ian's approval, right? Heh heh heh! If that's the case, their cooperation with the Beast Pirates should be considered completed, right?

---

Meanwhile, earlier at the kingdom's palace...

"Damn David! How dare he! That bastard, how dare he!!"

The king, old and bloated, furiously slammed his crown to the floor, sending the large red jewels embedded in it flying in all directions.

"What are the soldiers doing?! It's been so many days! Why haven't they taken down the rebels yet?!"

The king roared in fury.

The ministers who were scolded all lowered their heads, nervously silent.

That bastard David somehow managed to gather a large stockpile of weapons, plus he already had a bunch of elite soldiers. 

The king's army, which could barely gather weapons, had held out this long without being crushed—his soldiers had shown incredible fighting spirit!

At the end of the day, though, where had all the military funds meant for the army gone?

Of course, no one dared to say that.

"Forget it," the king muttered.

Just moments ago, the king, who was furious, suddenly calmed down and sat back on his throne. His rapid change in expression left his ministers stunned, unsure of how to react.

"Once they get here, David is nothing more than a small fry! Totally no match!" 

However, the king's calm demeanor lasted only a few seconds. The next moment, the fat old king flew into another fit of rage. "But why haven't they arrived yet?! Damn it! I paid them, so why haven't they come!" 

He roared as he jumped up, kicking a minister to the ground with a single blow. 

All the ministers lowered their heads, not daring to utter a word, and even dared not breathe too loudly, fearful of further provoking this volatile king.

It was at this moment that...

"Your Majesty!! Your Majesty!!" 

A guard rushed in, stumbling while holding a Transponder Snail. He cheered with joy, "They're here! They've arrived!!" 

"Oh!!"

The king looked up, his face lighting up with excitement.

Off the coast of the island, massive snails were crawling across the sea, and behind them, dense clusters of buildings could be seen. This was a country that wandered the seas!

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