"Could it be that the Marines are deliberately hyping up this new guy? I've never even heard of this 'Black-Winged Devil' Vice Admiral!" Igaram exclaimed, his curly hair bouncing with each word.

They knew about Crocodile's presence in Alabasta. He had even repelled numerous pirate attacks, earning him a dubious reputation as a hero. Initially, they had feared that Alabasta would become another victim of legalized plunder under the Warlord system and had cursed the very institution.

Could it be that the Marines were planning to dismantle the Warlords?

"Why would they sacrifice two Warlords just to promote a rookie? The Marines have been discreet with their troop movements, but our soldiers have detected their presence. They granted Crocodile the right to plunder legally, so why would they need a demonstration of power?"

Chaka questioned the logic behind such a costly move. The Warlords, alongside the Marines and the Yonko, maintained the delicate balance of power in the world.

"I don't believe Crocodile is genuine either. He might have simply chosen our kingdom due to his sand-based powers, making it easier to cross the New World and reach the first half of the Grand Line. After all, he's a man who once vied for the title of Pirate King alongside Whitebeard. A pirate will always be a pirate. Good deeds don't change that."

"If that were true, then true goodness wouldn't exist. If he truly desired to retire, he could have chosen any peaceful town. There was no need to become a hero." Pell, the falcon-human, interjected. Pirates were pirates, through and through.

"Indeed. With his abilities, Crocodile could have easily created a town of his own, given enough time. A ruthless pirate masquerading as a hero, it's all too suspicious," King Cobra added, his voice laced with suspicion.

"He must have crossed half the world, enduring defeat at the hands of Whitebeard, for a specific purpose, something that could grant him even greater power. And let's not forget that our Nefertari lineage relinquished the privilege of becoming Celestial Dragons, likely to protect something... Perhaps that's what Crocodile is after - the inscription on the ancient poneglyph."

"And his partner, Nico Robin, is a survivor of Ohara, isn't she? The island with the Tree of Knowledge, a vast library holding the world's wisdom, and scholars capable of deciphering the poneglyphs. It all makes sense now."

"Really?" Pell exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise. "As expected of King Cobra! You've uncovered his true intentions so easily. Should we apprehend the remaining Baroque Works agents?"

"Unforgivable!" Chaka roared, his anger flaring. "To think he would target our people! He only stopped the pirates to prevent them from interfering with his plan and stealing his prize. How cunning!"

Through their deductions, they had effortlessly pieced together the truth. It was no wonder the Marines had willingly sacrificed two Warlords. If Crocodile obtained the secrets of the ancient weapon, he would become a force to be reckoned with, potentially surpassing even the Yonko in power.

"There's no need. Nico Robin might be following Crocodile seeking protection. After all, she's a survivor of Ohara. She's been through enough."

"And she had a 79 million berry bounty at the age of seven. It's been over twenty years. As Crocodile's partner, she's not someone you can defeat. Rest assured, infiltrating our palace wouldn't be easy. Let's simply observe and avoid provoking them."

Cobra reassured them. "While the thought of such a threat lurking within our kingdom is unsettling, I'm relieved that I chose not to become one of those despicable Celestial Dragons. Speaking of which, where's Vivi?"

"Honestly, a princess with no sense of decorum!" The thought of his daughter's rebellious nature made Cobra's blood boil. "We appreciate her free spirit! Her kindness, vivaciousness, and optimism make her an ideal successor to your throne."

"But tonight, we celebrate! Our kingdom has averted a disaster. While it remained unseen, this peace is hard-earned. I wish they could remain oblivious forever. Ignorance is bliss!"

"We should express our gratitude to the Marines. Let's send some of our finest delicacies to Marine Headquarters, along with a letter of thanks," Koza suggested.

Preparation and vigilance were crucial. One could never be certain if they could withstand the consequences of inaction.

"A celebration! Wise decision, Your Majesty..."

Time rewound to a few days earlier…

"Such a remarkable young man! To defeat a Warlord at the age of eighteen! He's destined to become an Admiral!"

The base commander watched as Ian and Tashigi departed, marveling at the rapid changes sweeping across the sea.

He was ecstatic. The haul of weapons seized from Whisky Peak, originally intended for Crocodile's coup d'état, courtesy of Doflamingo, was substantial.

They would be well-stocked for a while. Initially, he had hesitated, fearing Doflamingo's retribution. However, with Ian's assurance and the authority of the Marines behind him, he had cast aside his doubts.

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Why not seize this opportunity?

If the sky fell, someone taller would hold it up!

"What's wrong, Tashigi?" Ian asked, noticing her somber expression as Whisky Peak, reduced to rubble, disappeared from view.

He was still too weak. He had merely leveled the island, not erased it from existence.

The bounty hunters would likely reclaim this haven for pirate hunting, but rebuilding would take time, ensuring a period of peace. Tashigi, however, seemed troubled.

"Vice Admiral Ian, is it true? If you can't find a suitable candidate, you'll become a Warlord yourself?"

After a long silence, Tashigi finally voiced her concern.

"Yes." Ian nodded calmly, offering no pretense. "If the World Government and the Marines require the Warlords to maintain balance, why not entrust those positions to individuals we can trust?"

"Granting power to criminals is foolish. It only provides them with an excuse to exploit their authority, leading to countless innocent lives being destroyed. Perhaps I should have accepted Moria's position from the start, but I hadn't earned the trust of Headquarters then. They could only offer me a Vice Admiral position."

"But I have no regrets. Because I met you." He gazed intently at the young woman, his words causing her to blush and avert her gaze.

Thump, thump, thump… Her heart pounded in her chest.

"... Why do I feel like prey being stalked?" Tashigi thought, her heart racing. Ian's unwavering gaze, his stoic expression inherited from Ulquiorra, was unsettling.

His romantic gestures, his words of affection, felt possessive, like a wolf eyeing a rabbit, a Devil fixated on a helpless bird.

"If that's the case, then I'm willing to become a pirate alongside you!" Tashigi declared, her voice firm with resolve. "I've witnessed a unique sense of justice in you, Vice Admiral Ian, something even the Admirals lack. You're willing to sacrifice your chance to become an Admiral or even Fleet Admiral for your ideals. How can I stand idly by? It's not just because of the immense debt of gratitude I owe you."

She had benefited from his guidance in swordsmanship, received a Devil Fruit and a renowned katana as gifts, but most importantly, she admired his unwavering commitment to justice, a justice that transcended the boundaries of factions, punishing corrupt Marines and sparing good pirates.

It was as if God, descending to Earth to spread his light, had mistakenly entered the body of a Devil, while an angel, corrupted by darkness, wreaked havoc upon the world, its heart unchanged.

"Silly girl, it would break my heart to see you become a pirate." Ian gently patted Tashigi's head. To have such a loyal companion by his side, someone willing to sacrifice everything for him, was worth more than life itself.

He abandoned his plans to visit East Blue. A new thought had taken root in his mind. Initially, their primary objective had been to acquire Crocodile and Enel's Devil Fruits, with a side trip to Shimotsuki Village in East Blue to investigate the connection between Tashigi and Kuina, their striking resemblance.

Pure curiosity had fueled that desire, but now, with Tashigi by his side, he no longer felt the need. She was unique, her own person.

What would knowing the answer change? Would he abandon her?

More importantly, he didn't want to inadvertently alter the destinies of the Straw Hat Pirates, the protagonists of this world. While their journey was fraught with challenges, they had their dreams, their unwavering bonds, and a future filled with both joy and sorrow.

Would he turn Luffy into a Marine? Only someone with a twisted sense of humor would entertain such a notion. He sought to experience the wonders of this world, perhaps even defeating the Yonko before Luffy set sail, then traveling the world as a free spirit. Preventing Ace's death was worth considering, and as for Momonosuke… his demise was inevitable.

Tashigi, thankfully, had retained her individuality, her moral compass unclouded by the indoctrination of "Marine Justice," similar to the "Will of Fire" in the ninja world. She had her own convictions, a spirit akin to the Fairy Tail guild's unwavering motto, "We are Fairy Tail!," shouted even in the face of death.

"Why am I silly? While I might not be as monstrously strong as you, Vice Admiral Ian, I was among the top students in the elite training camp. I might not excel in any particular skill, but I'm proficient in all of them!" Tashigi retorted, puffing out her cheeks, her glasses glinting as she channeled her inner detective.

"..." Her stubbornness, her refusal to back down, was endearing. It was all thanks to Ulquiorra's influence, his cold, stoic demeanor. Even the most sincere words of affection sounded like declarations of ownership.

"Onwards! Our next destination… Reverse Mountain!"

"Set sail! Full speed ahead!"

Ian drew his Zanpakuto, mimicking a charging warrior, his voice booming across the sea.

"Don't change the subject! Or I won't steer the ship…" Tashigi threatened, her competitive spirit burning bright.

"... So unreasonable." Ian thought, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Arguing with her was a futile endeavor.

But that was precisely what made her so formidable.

Reverse Mountain, where the Red Line intersected with the Grand Line, creating two distinct entry points: Reverse Mountain itself and Mariejois, the Holy Land of the Celestial Dragons. Beneath Mariejois, at the bottom of a deep trench, lay the underwater paradise of Fishman Island.

Reverse Mountain was both the starting point and the endpoint of the Grand Line. Beyond it lay the New World, the final stage of the journey.

Every pirate, regardless of their origin, had to pass through Reverse Mountain to enter the Grand Line for the first time. The second encounter with the Red Line signified that they had circumnavigated half the world. And those who witnessed the Red Line for the third time were considered to be at the pinnacle of piracy, having reached Laugh Tale, the final island.

Only Gol D. Roger's crew had successfully completed a full circumnavigation of the world. Its location remained a mystery, a legend whispered among pirates.

Some sought shortcuts, attempting to reach Laugh Tale directly from Reverse Mountain, bypassing the treacherous journey through the Grand Line.

The currents of the four seas were incredibly powerful, strong enough to defy gravity and flow upward. Fearing Doflamingo's pursuit, Tashigi had increased their speed.

She had heard tales of Doflamingo's ruthlessness, his willingness to cross oceans to eliminate his enemies. She was deeply concerned.

Within a day, they spotted the towering red wall of the Red Line. Even if Doflamingo sought to reach them from the New World,

Even if Doflamingo possessed the ability to fly, it would take him several days. And it wasn't as if they couldn't fly themselves.

Vice Admiral Ian was even faster…