"I left her in the care of two old timers: Crocus, Gol D. Roger's ship doctor, and a certain skeleton. Vice Admiral Gion is familiar with him, he's the afro-wearing musician they rescued from Moria's Thriller Bark. I trust both of them implicitly." He gave Momousagi and Kuzan a brief, somewhat vague account of the events.

"That's the gist of it. He sympathized with Nico Robin's plight and agreed to help protect her. I don't know the full extent of his strength, but he's definitely not weak."

"Oh dear, the old guard's social circles are quite tangled. Everyone seems to be connected somehow. A bit too many legendary figures popping up in just a few months, don't you think? Is the sea about to be thrown into chaos?" Kuzan mused.

"Even 'Dark King' Rayleigh is coating ships for rookie pirates in Sabaody, watching the changing of the guard. These old timers have a strange sense of amusement."

Tashigi and Momousagi shared Kuzan's sentiment. Moria, Crocodile, Mihawk, Crocus… even Brook, a relic from a bygone era.

It felt as though a storm was brewing, the calm before the tempest. Ian simply smiled, offering no comment. Yet, he knew his sudden appearance had triggered these events, a chain reaction of unforeseen consequences.

He was a catalyst, inadvertently setting these events in motion.

Based on his assessment, Brook was a sentimental soul, a man who honored his promise to Laboon, the whale, even in death. As for the Roger Pirates, while the world hailed them as the crew of the Pirate King, those in the know understood the truth.

They were more akin to adventurers, even sharing a similar heroic streak with Garp, having played a role in thwarting Rocks D. Xebec. But Roger had never sought fame or recognition, desiring only freedom and adventure.

"Well, I can rest easy now. With those two watching over her, I doubt Nico Robin will do anything to threaten the World Government. I staked my rank on her safety, after all."

Kuzan spoke, recalling the events of the Ohara Buster Call twenty years prior. Ohara, home to the Tree of Knowledge and the world's leading scholars and archaeologists, had been destroyed by the World Government, fearing the potential threat to their rule.

They feared the scholars would uncover the truth of the Void Century, the forbidden history that could shatter their carefully constructed narrative. Kuzan, entrusted by his giant friend, Jaguar D. Saul, had questioned his own sense of justice.

He had allowed Robin, a child at the time, to escape, staking his rank on her future conduct, vowing to eliminate her personally if she ever posed a threat to the world. An Admiral's intervention was a significant event, sending ripples throughout the world. His actions had earned him both respect and criticism.

"You weren't at the last headquarters meeting. Don't tell me you were chasing after Nico Robin because you heard about her joining Crocodile's Baroque Works and their plan to acquire Pluton and overthrow the Alabasta Kingdom?"

Momousagi inquired. Kuzan's expression turned serious. "That plan could have given rise to a power rivaling the Yonko. I couldn't allow it, even considering her tragic past."

"Oh, Kuzan, spare me the theatrics. Why not just eliminate her and be done with it? Aside from your dissatisfaction with the World Government, your friend's request, and your sympathy for the victims, I suspect you've developed feelings for her after all this time."

Momousagi teased. "Why not bring her back to headquarters and make her your subordinate? She's managed to survive in this world for twenty years, so she must be quite capable."

"You've practically witnessed her grow from a little girl into a young woman. Since when did our Admiral Kuzan develop a fondness for nurturing?"

"Oh dear, Gion, when did you become so fond of teasing?" Kuzan's denial was unconvincing.

"Admiral Kuzan, it's not a bad idea. Keeping her close would allow for better surveillance than letting her roam free. Considering Jaguar D. Saul's request, it's the responsible thing to do."

Tashigi offered a more rational perspective. Kuzan knew she wasn't joking. Tashigi might argue over trivial matters, but she was always level-headed when it came to serious issues. He couldn't help but consider her words. Perhaps it was a viable solution.

"Now that my issue is resolved, let's talk about yours. Using pirates to control pirates, that's the World Government's brilliant solution. The Seven Warlords, the Marines, and the Yonko, the three powers maintaining the balance of the sea. Losing two Warlords in such a short time will have serious consequences. This isn't easy to resolve."

Kuzan massaged his temples, a headache forming. "You're still young, Ian... You'll soon see the repercussions of your actions. Without the Warlords to keep them in check, pirate activity will surge, and the Marines will face even greater pressure."

"While we might not agree with giving pirates the right to plunder, the Marines need them for now. The World Government refuses to implement a worldwide draft, so we're stuck with this system."

"The rulers' greed… As descendants of gods, they fear the Marines might one day surpass them." Ian's voice was cold, his words laced with disdain. "Crocodile plotted to overthrow the Alabasta Kingdom, using Dance Powder to incite rebellion, and sought to acquire Pluton, one of the Ancient Weapons."

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

"I wasn't going to wait for him to wreak havoc before taking action. I couldn't bear to witness the suffering of the people of Alabasta. I just didn't expect him to be so weak." His words stunned everyone present. Such audacity!

He had single-handedly defeated two Warlords and held his own against Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman, in just a few months. It was almost unbelievable.

"I said I would handle this situation. Don't worry about it."

"Who is he?" Kuzan asked, intrigued. How did this newcomer, with strength rivaling an Admiral, possess such extensive knowledge?

"Just wait and see. Even if the Warlord system is abolished, he'll become an exceptional Marine." Ian smiled confidently. "And if no suitable replacement can be found, then I'll become a Warlord myself."

"Oh, you're quite the comedian, Ian. With your potential, you could easily replace one of us Admirals." Kuzan chuckled, assuming Ian was joking.

He had no idea Ian was serious. In this world, if he were to remain a Marine, bound by rules and regulations, he wouldn't be able to achieve his true goals.

He wouldn't hesitate to disobey orders, which would inevitably lead to his dismissal. Not that he cared about rank or position.

Overthrowing the World Government, challenging the Yonko, conquering Mariejois, and eradicating the Celestial Dragons, these were his ultimate goals. But he wasn't ready yet.

If he revealed his true ambitions too soon, he would be deemed a threat and eliminated by the Five Elders. That was the reason he had joined the Marines.

Pirates, even Kaido and Big Mom, would likely try to recruit him. Whitebeard might even offer him a position as a son, and Shanks… But the true rulers of the sea were the Marines, and that had never changed.

The World Government's strategy was to eliminate any potential threats before they could fully develop. That was how they maintained their control.

Ian spent the next few days at Marine Headquarters, asking Tashigi to use her authority to locate Issho, the blind swordsman, known as Fujitora in the future.

In his spare time, he visited the training grounds and the elite training camp, a decision he immediately regretted. He was swarmed by female Marines, eager to meet the Vice Admiral who had defeated two Warlords and held his own against Mihawk. He had become a celebrity overnight.

His demonic appearance, which he had attributed to a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, further fueled their fascination.

Tashigi, slightly annoyed by the attention he was receiving, had become less diligent in gathering information. The male Marines were divided into two camps. One viewed him with resentment, envious of his strength and the attention he received from the female Marines. They muttered about luck and Devil Fruits, claiming they could achieve the same feats if given the opportunity.

The other camp sought his guidance in swordsmanship.

After all, he had fought Mihawk to a standstill without relying on his Devil Fruit, leading them to believe he was a master swordsman. Ian found himself in a predicament.

While his sword strikes were incredibly powerful, his actual swordsmanship was rudimentary, relying solely on his spiritual pressure and monstrous physical strength.

"Vice Admiral Ian, we've located the blind swordsman you were looking for!" After days of seclusion, he finally emerged, only to be greeted by another throng of female Marines.

While they were all impressive individuals, they couldn't compare to Tashigi and Ain, the two flowers of the Marines. Tashigi had graduated from the elite training camp with near-perfect scores.

She was also a skilled instructor, often seen guiding new recruits, her gentle demeanor and captivating beauty earning her widespread admiration.

They were becoming the Marine Headquarters' own legendary couple. Meanwhile, Chaton's persistent pursuit of Momousagi was met with ridicule.

"Sabaody Archipelago." Tashigi replied. After all, Fujitora was a rather distinctive figure.

"???" Ian was taken aback. If he recalled correctly, Rayleigh was also in Sabaody. Were the two gambling legends engaging in a secret duel?

Fujitora, with his exceptional Observation Haki, was practically unbeatable in gambling.

Rayleigh, on the other hand, seemed to be perpetually plagued by bad luck, often losing and being forced to sell himself to repay his debts.

But this was merely a facade, a playful act. As the right-hand man of the Pirate King, his Observation Haki was undoubtedly formidable. He wondered what a meeting between these two would entail.

"I won't be taking you with me this time. Fleet Admiral Sengoku has been hounding me about the importance of the Warlords. I'll be back soon to silence him."

Buggy, after signing the Warlord agreement, had returned to East Blue, nearly causing the Marines to rescind his title. They had appointed him to help control the pirates in the Grand Line and the New World, but he had chosen to become a local kingpin in the weakest sea, much to their frustration.

At the very least, he could have remained in Paradise. However, they had reluctantly accepted his decision, realizing that it would keep Garp away from his grandson, Luffy, who also resided in East Blue. Both Gol D. Roger and Dragon had hailed from East Blue. Perhaps Buggy's presence would maintain peace in that region.

Sengoku's incessant complaining had given Ian a headache. But locating Fujitora would require time and effort.

"Alright. I'll be waiting for your return." Tashigi smiled sweetly. She had visited Sabaody countless times, so she didn't feel the need to accompany him.

Sabaody Archipelago was another location on Ian's list, similar to Whiskey Peak, a crucial junction between Paradise and the New World.

Countless pirates gathered there, creating a chaotic environment despite its proximity to Marine Headquarters. Slave trading and arms dealing flourished openly, even attracting the attention of the Celestial Dragons.

It was a place where souls were plentiful. Perhaps it was time to capture some pirates and pay a visit to Impel Down.

Fishman Island was similar, forming a straight line with Sabaody and Mariejois.

However, under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates, it remained relatively peaceful, except for the occasional disturbance caused by the New Fishman Pirates, who had foolishly challenged the Straw Hat Pirates, a crew blessed with plot armor.

"Resurrección, Murciélago!"

As the release command echoed through the air, a pair of massive black wings unfurled, their shadows stretching across the sky. The usual downpour and surge of spiritual pressure were suppressed. This was Marine Headquarters, after all.

Even with the presence of Admirals, the Fleet Admiral, and even Garp, the majority of the personnel were ordinary Marines. He couldn't risk harming them.

Whoosh! He soared into the sky, even passing by the sun, leaving a trail of awe and wonder in his wake.

The Marines below erupted in cheers and gasps of amazement…