Super Card System
Chapter 491: The Celestial Dragons Must Die

The revelation of this hidden history between Shanks and Dragon took Ian completely by surprise.

Not only did they share a connection, but it also intertwined with Ian’s own past. Ian was at a loss for words regarding this revelation. However, this conversation with Shanks had peeled back some of the mystery surrounding Dragon, the enigmatic figure.

As a high-ranking member of the Revolutionary Army, it was rather awkward not to have any knowledge about their leader. After this conversation, Ian had gained a rough understanding of Dragon’s revolutionary intentions.

Ian had speculated before that the Revolutionary Army aimed to overthrow the World Government’s rule, but now it seemed that Dragon’s true objective lay in dismantling the privileged Celestial Dragons.

In fact, Ian suspected that even the Marines were excluded from Dragon’s plans!

This wasn’t too hard to fathom. While there were ruthless individuals within the Marines, many still upheld the principles of justice. The apparent misdeeds of the Marines were often a result of carrying out orders from the World Government.

The Marines protected civilians and fought against pirates, and this concept was undoubtedly valid. Their merits couldn’t be completely negated. However, the flaws within the Marines were apparent. As a violent institution under the control of the World Government, they often acted involuntarily. When superiors gave skewed orders, it naturally led to deviations in execution.

Dragon, having once been a Marine, understood this well. Witnessing Ban banrol incident, he had decisively left the Marines, effectively freeing himself from the constraints of the World Government.

While Ian pondered this, Shanks stretched and yawned, saying, “Alright, you know what you needed to. I’m off to sleep.”

With that, Shanks uncorked a bottle of alcohol, swayed over to the deck, found a spot, and lay down to sleep.

Robin watched Shanks depart and then softly asked Ian, “Are you… planning for revenge?”

“Perhaps,” Ian replied non-committally. “With my current strength, killing the king of Ilusia Kingdom might be an easy task. But if we can’t follow the example of Drum Island and have the people elect a better king, it would be equally futile. As long as the World Government and the Celestial Dragons exist, who can guarantee that another tyrannical king won’t emerge? Dragon-san probably understood this, which is why he spared no effort to carry out the Revolutionary Army activities in the Ilusia Kingdom. True freedom for a nation can only be achieved by breaking free from the constraints of the World Government.”

Robin nodded in agreement, silently reflecting. As a survivor from Ohara, she had a profound understanding of the power of the World Government. In her eyes, it was an unbeatable adversary.

She gently rested her head on Ian’s shoulder and said, “Though it pains me, you’re right. I know that my own strength is far too insignificant, even to seek revenge for those who perished in Ohara. That’s why… my hope rests in you. I hope that by following you, one day we can see the name Ohara reappear on the map, and people will once again remember this place.”

Ian heard the soft sound of drops falling and knew that Robin was crying. The sound of her tears hitting the deck echoed.

While Robin had been dedicated to replaceing the True History, who could say that she had truly let go of her resentment for the destruction of Ohara? Her mother, her mentor, her friends—all had perished in the Great Buster Call. It wasn’t that she didn’t want revenge; she simply felt powerless. She had continually sought refuge with the strong, both for protection and with the hope of using their strength for vengeance.

However, it’s unfortunate that even someone like Crocodile, a Shichibukai, wouldn’t dare to oppose the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. That was until Robin met Ian.

Perhaps initially, Robin joined Ian out of necessity due to his strength, but as she got to know him better, she gradually realized that he might be the person she had been searching for. Ian not only possessed sufficient power but was also a member of the Revolutionary Army. Most importantly, Ian had always held a strong disdain for the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, bordering on disgust.

Maybe, by staying with the Dragon Hunters Pirate Crew, they could see the day their revenge was realized.

Ian also understood Robin’s current emotions. After some thought, he helped her to her feet and extended his pinky, earnestly saying, “I can’t guarantee much right now, but how about we make a promise? We are the only two survivors, so let’s both give our best to overthrow the World Government and the Celestial Dragons!”

Robin smiled softly, extending her pinky as well, and they hooked them together.

The prophecy of an upcoming war was true. Thanks to the meeting between Ian and Shanks, Ian had come to learn about his own background. If Ian’s hatred for the Celestial Dragons had been based on a sense of justice and sympathy as an observer before, now it had become his personal cause. These two perspectives were entirely different.

Ian and his crew, along with Shanks and his Red-Haired Pirates, spent three days in St. Poplar. This also meant that the Ark Maxim and the Red Force stayed in the port for three days.

Two ships—one belonging to a Warlord and the other to one of the Four Emperors—parked so brazenly in the port was nothing short of intimidating. No pirate ships or even merchant vessels dared to approach. The sheer presence of these two ships sent a clear message: beware.

So, after purchasing the necessary materials and repairing their ships, Shanks decided it was time to leave. He even joked with Ian that if they stayed any longer, the people of St. Poplar might treat them like unwanted guests.

Indeed, having their ships parked in the port for so long had deterred anyone from approaching the Island. If they continued this way, the island’s economy would suffer a severe blow.

During these three days, Ian had also gotten to know the Red-Haired Pirates. Shanks, although a formidable opponent to his enemies, was an amiable person when it came to friends. So, when Ian saw Shanks and his crew preparing to leave, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of reluctance.

At that moment, Ian suddenly thought of something and said to Shanks, “Shanks, can I ask you a favor?”

“Of course, just say it!” Shanks thumped his chest. “If it’s something I can help with, I’ll definitely do it!”

Ian pointed to Reiju and Robin, saying, “You’re heading back to the New World this time, right? If possible, I’d like Reiju and Robin to go with you. I’m planning to make a trip to Marineford next, and their identities are not suitable for that place…”

Ian had already thought of a plan to split up their forces, and now that he had coincidentally met Shanks, it was even better. With Shanks’ assistance, no one would dare touch a hair of Robin or the others.

“No problem! I’ll make sure they get back to your territory safely!” Shanks readily agreed.

With the help of Matthew and Doroni, they began transferring the golden treasure they had obtained from Skypiea into Shanks’ ship.

Shanks was astonished when he saw the substantial amount of gold on their ship. He exclaimed, “Good Lord! You really are wealthy. I thought a ship made of gold was impressive enough…”

“Hehe,” Ian chuckled. “You’ve done me a favor, Shanks. If you want, you can take some of this gold!”

Shanks shook his head and said, “I don’t need it. Money is just a tool for us.”

Shanks had realized that this gold might be related to Ian’s Devil Fruit ability, so he had no interest in taking any of it.

After all the gold was transferred, Reiju asked Ian, “Should I contact Tesoro’s group and convert this gold into cash?”

Ian inquired, “Is that okay?”

“It should be fine,” Reiju replied. “I’ll ask Mr. Fujitora to join us. He probably wants to see that colossal gambling city as well.”

Ian nodded and said, “It’s all up to you. I’ll return as soon as possible.”

Once their arrangements were made, Ian pulled Shanks aside and whispered, “Shanks, about your arm… perhaps I can help you recover it.”