Chapter 67: Strength is the Ultimate Currency!

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Upon their return to Marine Headquarters, the Vice Admirals, among others, no longer held any dismissive thoughts toward Ian. Their gazes were filled with respect.

After all, consecutively defeating two Warlords and fighting the world's strongest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, to a draw spoke volumes. Strength was the ultimate currency in their world.

Garp escorted Buggy and his companions to Sengoku's office to finalize the Warlord agreement.

Then, he would be free to choose a territory for his "legitimate" plundering, as long as his actions didn't threaten the World Government. Beyond that, they wouldn't interfere.

Ian and Tashigi headed to their office, which, thanks to regular cleaning, was still in decent shape despite their months-long absence. Upon receiving news of their return, Momousagi, also at Headquarters, hurried to meet them. "You really are a monster, Ian. Defeating two Warlords and matching Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman?"

"That's the ultimate goal for us swordsmen!"

Momousagi pushed open the door and strode in, her pink Vice Admiral coat billowing behind her, her long, shapely legs accentuated by her attire. She exuded an alluring charm.

No wonder Chaton was so infatuated with her, relentlessly pursuing her affections despite a hundred rejections. Perhaps his near-Admiral level strength was fueled by his desire to be worthy of her.

Even most Vice Admirals were captivated by her charm, but Ian wasn't among them. Momousagi was old enough to be his mother. Among the Marines he knew, only Ain and Tashigi were close to his age, and neither was currently attached.

Tashigi was already his.

He wasn't interested in pursuing women who were already in relationships. Not only would it be difficult to win their affections, but it would also be morally reprehensible. As someone who had received a proper education on Earth, such behavior was unacceptable.

His gaze shifted to the small white dog that. Once his devil fruit awakened, it could either enlarge itself or shrink Shirahoshi, bridging the gap in their heights. It seemed such a waste of potential.

"Hey, Vice Admiral Ian… Vice Admiral Gion is calling you…" Tashigi called out, snapping him out of his thoughts. Momousagi had refrained from interrupting him, assuming he was deep in contemplation.

After all, his stoic expression could be quite misleading. Who knew what kind of nonsensical thoughts were running through his head? He returned to the present and replied,

"It's nothing special. The Warlords aren't my ultimate goal. Admirals, Yonko, the Fleet Admiral… those are the powerhouses I aim to challenge."

He added, "After all, my strength isn't limited to swordsmanship. I also have my Devil Fruit abilities."

"You sound awfully cocky. It's like you're saying you could defeat Mihawk or even challenge a Yonko if you used your full power." Momousagi teased, taking a sip of tea. She felt comfortable teasing him, after all, she had been the one to recruit him.

But deep down, she knew it wasn't entirely impossible. His growth rate was terrifying. When she had first encountered him months ago, he was undoubtedly strong, capable of easily defeating Kid, a Supernova with a bounty exceeding 100 million. On their way back to Headquarters, he had ventured into Gecko Moria's territory.

He had claimed the black blade, Shusui, and now he had defeated Crocodile and fought Mihawk to a draw. His power was skyrocketing. Tashigi chimed in,

"It's not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Reports indicate that Shanks and Mihawk frequently spar, and their duels always end in a draw. However, that's because Shanks refrains from using his Conqueror's Haki."

"Vice Admiral Ian's battle against Mihawk, while aided by his Mythical Zoan's physical enhancements, resulted in Mihawk being injured. This proves their swordsmanship is comparable. If Ian utilizes his full power, including his Devil Fruit abilities, he might stand a chance. After all, in this world, swordsmanship, Haki, Devil Fruits, even cunning and strategy, are all aspects of one's strength. Honor and rules are privileges reserved for the strong."

Both Momousagi and Ian fell silent. This young woman's information gathering skills were truly impressive.

"That's a sound analysis, Tashigi. But it sounds like you're singing your Vice Admiral Ian's praises a bit too much, don't you think?" Momousagi teased, a playful lilt in her voice, causing Tashigi's face to flush crimson.

"N-no, Vice Admiral Gion! It's not like that! We have a normal superior-subordinate relationship!" Tashigi stammered, flustered.

Momousagi rose from her seat and approached Tashigi, her eyes twinkling. "Really? I don't believe you. He's showered you with Devil Fruit, pets, and renowned swords. I'd be smitten too!"

She continued, her voice filled with amusement, "I have no idea what kind of spell you've cast on our lovely Marine, you Kid. But I imagine you have quite a few admirers among the female Marines now."

"Too bad I was born too early. Only Chaton has the courage to pursue me. Otherwise, I might have set my sights on you." Momousagi joked. "I won't interfere with your personal affairs, after all, a beautiful woman deserves a hero. In this vast ocean, there are plenty of powerful women. But when it comes to our Marines…"

"If you break her heart, I won't forgive you…"

Tashigi was touched by Momousagi's words. Was she looking out for her?

However, it was embarrassing to have such a conversation in front of Ian. But seeing him nod in agreement, acknowledging her importance, filled her with joy, eclipsing her shyness.

Momousagi's words reminded Ian of Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin, a woman who had single-handedly built a Yonko crew through her numerous offspring.

Unlike Whitebeard, who valued camaraderie and loyalty above blood ties, Big Mom believed that family bonds were paramount. However, this had resulted in a crew of mostly subservient children, while Whitebeard's crew viewed him as a true father figure. Kaido shared a similar philosophy, valuing strength and loyalty above all else.

His crew consisted primarily of Zoan-type Devil Fruit users, reflecting his own animalistic nature. The Red Hair Pirates were the smallest crew, but each member was an elite warrior. Blackbeard, on the other hand, cared little for morality or loyalty, recruiting anyone with sufficient strength, regardless of their past deeds or affiliations.

This ruthless pragmatism had allowed him to quickly rise to the position of Yonko, filling the void left by Whitebeard.

Each of the Five Emperors had their own unique approach to leadership and power.

Seeing Ian's response, Momousagi was satisfied. She could tell that while he might be charming, he wasn't a womanizer. He wouldn't pursue women unless he felt a genuine connection or a debt of gratitude.

As long as Tashigi was by his side, he would maintain a connection to the Marines. She and Sengoku shared this hope, unaware that Tashigi had already been captivated by Ian's unique sense of justice, willing even to leave the Marines and become a Warlord if he asked. They had miscalculated.

"Enough about that. I have a gift for you…" Ian retrieved a box from his Garganta, a pocket dimension accessible to Arrancar, and presented it to Momousagi.

Inside, a single Devil Fruit lay nestled…

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Word Count [1258]

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To Be Continued..

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