Chapter 247: Stirring Up Trouble
Hearing this, Ian couldn't help but look Blackbeard Teach up and down. He always felt that Teach was acting strangely today.
What is this guy trying to pull? Ian wondered, but he replied, "No need for thanks. I never saved you!"
With that, Ian turned his head, intending to ignore him. However, Teach, acting as if they were old friends, reached out from behind and tried to put his arm around Ian's shoulder.
But because Ian had always been wary of Teach, he had instinctively activated his Psychic Field the moment Teach appeared, monitoring his every move. So when he noticed Teach's reaching gesture, Ian flinched, spun around, and in an instant, drew his Thousand Cherry Blossoms, pressing the blade against Teach's neck.
"What do you think you're doing!?" Ian asked coldly.
"Don't misunderstand, don't misunderstand!" Teach quickly waved his hands and said, "We're friends, aren't we? I was just trying to show some friendliness! By the way, do you want some cherry pie? I'll treat you!"
Ian snorted coldly, "Not interested. Go eat it yourself. And I don't think we're friends..."
However, before Ian could finish, someone suddenly walked over and asked, "What's going on? What happened?"
Ian turned to look and saw that it was Sachi, the commander of the Fourth Division.
When Ian suddenly drew his sword, the commotion had already attracted the attention of those nearby. Sensing something was off, Sachi came over to check.
Seeing Sachi approach, Teach said with a hint of grievance, "It's nothing. It seems Young Master Ian doesn't like me very much."
At this moment, Teach indeed looked simple and honest, like a straightforward man. Ian stared at his expression but could detect no flaw at all. He couldn't tell if Teach's expression was genuine or just an act. If it was acting, Teach could easily win an Oscar for it.
Hearing Teach's words, Sachi was momentarily stunned. Then he glanced at Baby-5 standing among the crowd and thought he understood. He laughed and said, "Haha, Teach, you can't blame others for this. Who told you to flirt with Ian's beautiful crew member before?"
Ian was taken aback. Flirt with his crew member? Who? Margaret?
Baby-5 had never told Ian about her encounter with Blackbeard, so Ian was still in the dark when he heard this.
Believing he had figured out the truth, Sachi said to Teach, "Teach, you haven't even apologized to Ian. Of course, he doesn't want to talk to you. If you want to be friends with him, you'd better apologize properly first!"
Then Sachi smiled at Ian and said, "Don't mind it, Ian. Teach is just all talk. He's not a bad guy at heart!"
Ian looked at him speechlessly, thinking how absurd it was for Sachi to say that. Not a bad guy at heart? Brother, when he kills you to steal your Dark-Dark Fruit, I wonder if you'll still think that!
Before Ian could react, Teach scratched the back of his head and said, "Oh, so that's it. I didn't even remember. Sorry, Ian. My bad last time!"
Then Teach looked at Baby-5 and said, "Miss, my apologies for that day!"
But Baby-5 didn't forgive Teach just because of the apology. Instead, she hid behind Fujitora, cautiously peeking out with half her head to look at Ian.
Despite her carefree and eccentric personality, Baby-5 was actually quite sensitive. She knew that her fear of Teach that day was real. This seemingly simple and rough pirate had a viciousness deep inside him—like Trafalgar Law when he was a child. Just one look from him made Baby-5 feel scared.
Seeing Sachi step in, Ian knew he couldn't do anything to Teach for now. He snorted coldly and sheathed his Thousand Cherry Blossoms.
Although he couldn't openly turn against Teach on Whitebeard's ship, Ian didn't want to deal with him either. He was about to take his Dragon Hunter Pirates back to their own ship when, unexpectedly, Marco crossed his arms and spoke up from the side, "Men settle misunderstandings with a fight! If you're still upset, Ian, have a spar with Teach. Beat him up, and your anger will fade!"
What the hell, Marco, you pineapple-head, why are you butting in!?
Ian nearly jumped out of his skin, but before he could speak, Vista, the Flower Sword, stroked his mustache and added with a smile, "That's right. Over the past month, Ian, you've sparred with almost everyone on the Whitebeard Pirates, but it seems you've never fought Teach, have you?"
Jozu, the Diamond, nodded firmly and echoed, "Never fought!"
Are you guys trying to stir up trouble!?
Ian looked helplessly at the gathering Whitebeard Pirates members. He saw many familiar faces wearing excited expressions—the kind of look that said they were ready to be spectators!
Everyone was speaking up for Teach, trying to help him resolve the conflict with Ian. What was going on? Was Teach really that popular on the ship?
Actually, Ian was mistaken. He hadn't considered the situation from their perspective. Teach was a veteran on the Whitebeard Pirates. He had been on the ship for ten to twenty years. Many of the lower-ranked commanders had joined after him. He always acted simple, honest, and uninterested in power struggles, so most of the crew had good relations with him. Naturally, they sided with him.
"Come on, have a fight!"
"Yeah, Teach is pretty strong too. Spar and see who's better!"
Over the past month, those who had bonded with Ian through spars were now cheering and egging him on. A few gambling enthusiasts had even started taking bets on who would win between Ian and Teach.
Ian was bombarded with their chatter. Before he could even get a word in, it was decided that he would spar with Teach. This was really...
And at that moment, Blackbeard actually pulled out a rare weapon and slipped it onto his right hand.
It was a long, sharp iron claw, like an extended version of Wolverine's claws. Ian had never seen anyone use such a weapon before, and it was also the first time he had seen Teach's weapon. He couldn't help but stare at it for a moment.
So this was the weapon that left the claw scar on Shanks's face...
"Zehahaha! Looks like you want to fight me too, Ian!" Teach seized the opportunity and laughed loudly. "Come on then! If you're stronger than me, beat me up to vent your anger!"
Ian frowned slightly again. He felt that Teach's behavior today was very unusual. It had been over a month. Teach should have known by now that Ian didn't want to deal with him. Why was he so eager to get close to him today?
Because he found Teach's behavior strange, Ian actually didn't want to bother with him. Even if he just turned and walked away, it would only embarrass Marco and the others for a moment. Nothing serious.
However, Ian glanced at Ace beside him, who still looked clueless, and suddenly changed his mind.
Blackbeard Teach was too deceptive. Apart from Ian, who knew the truth, even Red-Haired Shanks had fallen for his act back then, let alone Ace. Instead of letting Teach continue to deceive everyone, Ian might as well test how strong Teach really was, so he could be mentally prepared.
So he nodded, said nothing, and walked directly to a spot not far from Teach, standing still.
Seeing that Ian was willing to spar, the surrounding people immediately made space—a conditioned reflex formed over the past month.
Ian rested his right hand lightly on the hilt of his Thousand Cherry Blossoms, staring intently at Teach across from him. Teach also assumed a stance, on guard against Ian. His eyes began to grow serious, and Ian finally saw the ferocity and malice lurking beneath the surface.
Marco, Vista, and the others watched with their arms crossed, smiling.
But what they didn't expect was that Teach was the first to make a move!
Teach's build was massive. When he moved, his heavy footsteps thudded loudly on the deck, but he charged at Ian with considerable speed. His empty left hand was open and extended forward, while his right hand, equipped with the iron claw, lagged slightly behind. When he reached Ian, he thrust the claw sharply at him.
But Ian moved as well. Though he acted later, he struck first. His Thousand Cherry Blossoms turned into a gleaming arc, slashing toward Teach's chest.
Teach hastily withdrew his attack and used the iron claw to block in front of him, parrying Ian's slash.
However, Ian knew from the moment he executed this draw-and-slash technique that he wouldn't hit him. So as he withdrew the blade, he quickly spun it around and brought both hands down in a powerful overhead chop at Teach!
Teach raised his right arm horizontally to protect his head. Ian's blade clanged against the guard of his iron claw.
This chop was delivered with Ian's full strength, but to his surprise, Teach's strength was immense. He held off Ian's slash with just his right arm, and his wrist showed no sign of strain or trembling.
Up close, Ian and Teach were face to face. Teach grinned, looking fierce, and swung his right arm forcefully, knocking Ian's blade aside. Then his empty left hand clenched into a fist and punched toward Ian's right ribs.
Ian withdrew his blade and used the hilt to strike the incoming fist. Teach's fist was deflected, and he followed up by kicking at Ian's abdomen. But at that moment, Ian stepped forward, dodging the kick, and instead slashed at Teach's supporting leg.
Startled, Teach quickly pulled his leg back and tried to stomp on Ian's blade to pin it down.
But Ian's sword speed was much faster. Since Teach had changed his move mid-action, he couldn't keep up. Ian's blade sliced into his thigh, drawing a spurt of blood.
Teach fell backward onto the deck, hissing in pain as he sucked in cold air.
This result surprised not only Ian but also Marco and the others watching.
"That easy!?" Ian stared in disbelief at the wounded Teach...