Chapter 643: The Grudge of Killing a Friend?
The warship of the Marine Science Unit was like a steel fortress, cutting through the waves and heading straight for the Salamis Duchy.
On the deck, Ian stood at the bow, his gaze fixed on the distant island. Behind him, the officers of the Marine Science Unit were busy, but no one dared to disturb him.
"Commander Ian."
A young Marine officer walked over cautiously, holding a Den Den Mushi. "A communication from Marine Headquarters. Fleet Admiral Sengoku wants to speak with you personally."
Ian took the Den Den Mushi, and the snail's expression instantly turned serious, mimicking Sengoku's voice. "Ian, I've received intelligence that the Donquixote Pirates have appeared near the Salamis Duchy. Doflamingo is likely planning something."
"I know," Ian replied calmly. "I'm already on my way there."
"Be careful," Sengoku's tone carried a hint of warning. "That bastard Doflamingo is not only a Seven Warlord of the Sea but also a Celestial Dragon. If you act rashly, the World Government will..."
"I understand the consequences." Ian interrupted him, his tone flat. "But if he gets in my way, I won't show mercy."
Sengoku was silent for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, I'll leave it to you. But remember, the Marine Headquarters can't openly oppose the Celestial Dragons."
"I know my limits."
Ian hung up the Den Den Mushi and turned to look into the distance. The silhouette of the Salamis Duchy was already faintly visible on the horizon.
"Commander, we'll arrive in about thirty minutes," the young officer reported.
"Mm." Ian nodded, his gaze deep. "Get ready. This time, we might be facing a tough battle."
At the same time, on the Salamis Duchy, the atmosphere was tense.
In the central square of the duchy, a group of pirates wearing flashy cloaks and sunglasses stood arrogantly. Leading them was a tall man with a golden blond mullet, wearing a pink feather coat and a pair of distinctive sunglasses—Donquixote Doflamingo.
"Hehehehe..." Doflamingo let out his signature laugh, looking down at the trembling duke and his people before him. "So, you've decided not to pay the 'protection fee'?"
"Lord Doflamingo," the duke said tremblingly, "we've already paid this year's Heavenly Tribute to the World Government. We really don't have any extra money..."
"That's your problem." Doflamingo's smile grew even more sinister. "Since you refuse to cooperate, don't blame me for being ruthless."
As his words fell, the pirates behind him drew their weapons, their gazes fierce.
"Wait!"
A clear voice suddenly rang out. A young girl rushed out of the crowd, standing in front of the duke. "Father, don't beg them! These pirates are nothing but bullies!"
"Konenai!" The duke's face changed drastically. "Get back here!"
But it was too late. Doflamingo's gaze had already locked onto the girl.
"Oh? A brave little girl." He slowly walked up to Konenai, looking down at her. "What's your name?"
"Konenai!" The girl stared at him fearlessly. "I'm not afraid of you!"
"Hehehehe... interesting." Doflamingo suddenly reached out and grabbed Konenai's neck, lifting her up. "But a brave little girl like you... I wonder how long you can keep up that courage?"
"Let her go!"
The duke rushed forward desperately, but was kicked away by a pirate.
"Father!" Konenai struggled, her face turning purple from the lack of air.
"Don't worry, I won't kill you." Doflamingo's voice was as gentle as a devil's whisper. "I'm going to take you back to Dressrosa and make you my toy. That way, you'll be brave forever, won't you?"
"Bastard!"
A furious roar came from the sky. A figure descended like a meteor, slamming straight into Doflamingo.
Boom!
A violent shockwave erupted, and Doflamingo was forced to release Konenai, stepping back several paces.
"Who?!"
He looked up and saw a young man in a Marine coat standing before him, his gaze cold.
"Marine Science Unit, Ian."
Ian helped Konenai up and whispered to her, "Are you alright?"
Konenai nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Big brother Marine..."
"Don't be afraid, I'm here." Ian turned to face Doflamingo, his eyes sharp. "Doflamingo, your actions have crossed the line."
"Hehehehe..." Doflamingo laughed instead of being angry. "So it's the famous 'Black Dragon' Ian. I've heard a lot about you."
"I don't need your compliments." Ian's tone was cold. "Leave the Salamis Duchy immediately, or don't blame me for being rude."
"Rude?" Doflamingo's smile grew even more sinister. "I'd like to see how you plan to be rude."
As his words fell, the atmosphere suddenly became tense. The Marines and the Donquixote Pirates faced off, and a battle seemed imminent.
"Commander Ian!"
A Marine officer ran over and whispered in Ian's ear, "We just received intelligence that the Revolutionary Army's Dragon is also active near the Salamis Duchy. It seems they're targeting something."
Ian's brow furrowed slightly. "Dragon... what is he planning?"
"Hehehehe..." Doflamingo suddenly laughed. "Looks like you've got your hands full, Commander Ian. How about this: I'll give you face and leave for now. But..." He glanced at Konenai, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "We'll meet again."
After saying that, he turned and led his men away.
"Commander, are we just going to let them go?" a Marine officer asked unwillingly.
"No rush." Ian shook his head, his gaze deep. "Doflamingo is not that easy to deal with. Besides, we have more important things to do right now."
He turned to look at Konenai, his tone softening. "Little girl, are you hurt?"
"I'm fine." Konenai wiped her tears and shook her head. "Thank you, big brother Marine."
"You're welcome." Ian smiled and rubbed her head. "Go take care of your father."
As he watched Konenai run back to her father's side, Ian's gaze turned serious again.
"Commander, what should we do next?" the officer asked.
"First, stabilize the situation on the island," Ian ordered. "Then, send someone to investigate the Revolutionary Army's movements. I have a feeling... this incident isn't that simple."
"Yes!"
As the Marines dispersed to carry out their orders, Ian stood alone on the square, looking up at the sky.
"Dragon... Doflamingo... What exactly are you planning?"
A breeze blew by, carrying a faint, almost imperceptible sigh.