Chapter 212: The Great Salamis War (Part 3)
Ain also served as a staff officer within the Pirate Hunter Unit, so she had investigated the Dragon Hunter Pirates back then.
She didn't know much about the Celestial Dragons, but she understood that the so-called slave system was a regression of civilization, so she had no fondness for them. When she discovered that the Dragon Hunter Pirates were composed of slaves who had escaped from Mary Geoise, subconsciously, she no longer regarded this pirate crew as true pirates.
However, her admiration for Zephyr was unparalleled, so upon hearing his words, she steeled her resolve, preparing to face the upcoming battle seriously.
On the surface, the forces the Marines had deployed this time consisted only of two Admirals, Zephyr and Kizaru, along with the soldiers from ten warships. But in reality, it was more than that. Just as Kizaru had brought his nephew Sentomaru, Zephyr also had his capable subordinates Ain and Binz. Additionally, each warship carried a Marine Rear Admiral.
So, to be precise, this force was likely even more formidable than a Buster Call…
As the Marines slowly approached the Salamis Duchy, Ian and his group had already landed on the island.
Although Ian's ship flew a black pirate flag and the people of this country knew they were pirates, they showed no fear upon seeing them.
The flag of the Whitebeard Pirates, scattered throughout the island, gave the people of this nation immense confidence.
In the New World, while the Four Emperors were a recognized concept, many people considered the Whitebeard Pirates the strongest among them. Whitebeard had been Pirate King Roger's greatest rival, so after Roger's death, the Whitebeard Pirates were seen as the most powerful crew. For the people of the Salamis Duchy, this was especially true. Whitebeard's protection was even more reliable than the Marines'!
As Ian and Fujitora walked into the country, they often saw children playing, hanging Whitebeard's emblem on their shoulders and role-playing as pirates.
This showed how deeply the Whitebeard Pirates were ingrained in the hearts of this nation.
Besides that, what Ian noticed most here were the many beautiful women. The climate in this country was hot, but not as scorching as a desert, so both men and women dressed lightly. Ian was a young man, and as he walked along, he saw many women with impressive figures, simply wearing a single piece of underwear as they strolled down the street. He felt a rush of blood to his nose.
This reminded Ian of the mature and sexy Nami from the future. The girls here dressed just like she would later.
A long-haired, black-haired older sister brushed past Ian and gave him a flirtatious glance. Just as Ian mustered the courage to strike up a conversation, she noticed Fujitora beside him, couldn't help but chuckle, and waved goodbye to Ian.
Ian immediately deflated like a punctured balloon!
Because just moments ago, when this older sister approached, sensing a beautiful woman nearby, Fujitora couldn't help but "stylishly" toss his head. But the problem was, he had a buzz cut, okay…
"Hey, old man, what were you doing just now?" Ian asked him.
"Hehe, don't underestimate me just because I'm blind. In the casinos, plenty of girls like to hang around me!" Fujitora said smugly.
Ian was speechless. Those girls were trying to scam you out of your money, you know…
After this little incident, Ian and Fujitora arrived at a tavern. At the counter, Ian slapped down two Berry bills, ordered two drinks, and asked the bartender, "I want to visit the Whitebeard Pirates. Can you tell me how to do that?"
There was a reason for asking the bartender. This place was different from Stripe Island. Stripe Island was just a small island with a small town, so the port was watched by Whitebeard Pirates. But here, it was a country, and as a country, it had its own army and soldiers, so the Whitebeard Pirates didn't need to maintain daily order.
The Whitebeard Pirates definitely had people in this country, but the problem was, among so many people, finding them was troublesome.
Hearing Ian's question, the patrons in the tavern all turned to look at him. Among them were real tourists and some pirates, all carefully sizing up Ian and Fujitora.
The bartender did the same. After scrutinizing Ian, he smiled and said, "Many people want to visit the Whitebeard Pirates, but visits and visits are different. Which kind are you?"
Ian immediately understood the bartender's meaning. There were probably plenty of people here who, after gaining some strength, thought they were impressive and wanted to challenge Whitebeard.
Bold, reckless, and clinging to wishful thinking—there were many such people. Remember, after Ian's photo was leaked, even knowing that a Marine Admiral was coming to hunt the Dragon Hunter Pirates, Ian and his crew still faced attacks from many pirates. The situation was the same.
So, the bartender's "visit" had two meanings: one was a genuine visit, and the other was a challenge.
Ian was here to find Ace, so it was a genuine visit. He nodded and said, "There's a friend of mine in the Whitebeard Pirates!"
Hearing this, most of the patrons in the tavern looked at Ian with envy. The bartender's attitude toward Ian also shifted, and he said eagerly, "Then you can check out the Oak Tavern. Members of the Fourth Division often hang out there!"
"Thanks!" Ian raised his glass, downed the drink in one gulp, and said to Fujitora, "Let's go, old man!"
Fujitora finished his drink as well, and after they left, he said, "It's clear that the people of this country deeply respect the Whitebeard Pirates. That's not a good thing."
"Because they protect this country!" Ian said with a smile.
The two set off again, asking for directions to the Oak Tavern, and finally found it in the city center.
After buying two more drinks, Ian asked the bartender where the Whitebeard Pirates were. The bartender pointed to a corner of the tavern, where several sofa booths were set up.
Ian and Fujitora walked over and found several pirates sitting there—four men and one woman. Without exception, all five had the Whitebeard Pirates emblem tattooed on them.
Seeing this, Ian couldn't help but think about getting a Dragon Hunter Pirates tattoo himself. Such a mark was indeed eye-catching, representing not only identity but also pride.
"Can we help you?" The leader of the five, a man with a Mohawk haircut, frowned and asked as he saw Ian and Fujitora.
"Are you from the Fourth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates?" Ian sat down on the sofa in front of him and asked.
The five exchanged glances, and their hands instinctively moved to the weapons they carried.
"Don't misunderstand!" Ian smiled, seeing their reaction. "I have a friend who seems to have just joined your crew. I'm here to ask about him."
"Oh? What's your friend's name?" The Mohawk man relaxed. If it was a brother's friend, there was no problem.
"His name is Ace. Fire Fist Ace!" Ian said.
Hearing this name, the five looked at Ian in surprise. The Mohawk man even jumped up in shock and exclaimed, "Fire Fist Ace!? The one with the 220 million Berry bounty!?"
"Yeah, do you know him?" Ian asked, a bit surprised. At this time, Ace's bounty was indeed that amount. His 550 million Berry bounty came after he became the Second Division Commander, so the Mohawk man was right.
Know him? The Mohawk man stared at Ian, never expecting that Ian was Ace's friend.
Fire Fist Ace, though a rookie with only a 220 million Berry bounty, was now known throughout the entire Whitebeard Pirates. Back then, Ace had arrogantly declared he would take Whitebeard's head, but Jinbe stopped him. They fought for five days and five nights without a clear winner. In the end, the Old Man himself had to step in to bring Ace aboard.
Now, Ace had joined the Whitebeard Pirates, and it was clear that the Old Man valued him highly. Such a powerful Logia Devil Fruit user strengthened the crew significantly. Everyone could see that within a few years, Fire Fist Ace would grow into a new Division Commander candidate.
So, upon hearing that Ian was Ace's friend, the Mohawk man and his group didn't dare to be negligent. They quickly said, "Know him? Of course we do! By the way, since you're Ace's friend, what's your name…"
"Oh, I'm Ian, captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates, and this is my first mate, Old Man Fujitora!" Ian introduced. "Can you tell me where I can find Ace?"
But unexpectedly, after Ian introduced himself, the entire tavern fell silent. Including the Mohawk man and his group, everyone stared at Ian and Fujitora in shock.
"Captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates!? You… you're that Burning Blade Ian with the 500 million Berry bounty!?"
The Mohawk man snapped out of his daze and exclaimed in shock.
The tavern erupted into chaos. A great pirate with a 500 million Berry bounty had appeared in this tavern!?
Although the people here often saw members of the Fourth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates, not even the Fourth Division Commander, Thatch, had a bounty higher than Ian's!
And that old man was his first mate? That meant this small tavern was hosting a pirate crew worth 800 million Berry in bounties!?
For a moment, many people looked at Ian and Fujitora with awe and respect.
The Mohawk man hurriedly and respectfully poured Ian a drink, then said, "Boss Ian, please wait here for a moment. Actually, the Old Man already knows about you. He's been looking for you with Boss Ace. I didn't expect you to show up here. I'll go contact our commander and inform him!"
"Your commander, Thatch, isn't here?" Ian asked, puzzled. "And why is Whitebeard looking for me?"
"I don't know the reason. Commander Thatch and the other commanders are mostly on the Old Man's flagship!" the Mohawk man explained. "I'll notify them, and they might come to Salamis. Just wait a while!"
"Alright!" Ian had no choice but to agree.
After the Mohawk man left, the remaining three men and one woman awkwardly entertained Ian and Fujitora.
Meanwhile, the tavern patrons buzzed with discussion.
Whitebeard himself was coming here!? His health wasn't great, was it? And he was making a special trip for this Dragon Hunter Pirates!?
Was this a dream? Some people secretly pinched their thighs, only to wince in pain, looking at Ian and Fujitora with even more reverence.
Could it be that this captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates would also join the Old Man's crew?
If so, the Whitebeard Pirates would become even stronger…