Super Card System
Chapter 494: The Grand Opening

Ian nodded and then asked about Tashigi’s situation.

Originally, he thought that after Kuina had been transferred to Tsuru’s command, Tashigi might also have joined her. However, the results of his inquiry surprised Ian greatly. Tashigi was still following Smoker.

It seemed that Kuina had caught the attention of Tsuru, perhaps because of her Devil Fruit abilities, and had been recruited as an elite female soldier!

Perhaps in the future, once Kuina made contributions under Vice Admiral Tsuru’s command and rose to the rank of Captain, she might have the authority to lead her own team, just like Tashigi.

Thinking of this, Ian suddenly realized that his sister had indeed grown up. Perhaps one day in the future, she would become a mature and beautiful female Marine, gaining immense prestige within the Navy, just like Hina.

Since Kuina had chosen the path of the Marines, Ian would do his best to assist her. Maybe he could secretly lend her a hand in the future, helping her capture some of the notorious pirates with bounties exceeding several hundred millions…

As they walked and thought, Ian and the others followed the guidance of the Rear Admiral and arrived at the 64th Yarukiman Mangrove. They boarded a Marine ship that was waiting there, and this Marine vessel turned around and set sail in the direction of Marineford.

…………….

Meanwhile, in the Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Sengoku was also calculating the time of Ian’s arrival.

Previously, he had sent members of CP6 to convey a message to Ian, primarily to prevent Ian from meeting with Red-Haired Shanks. However, the subsequent news had given Sengoku another throbbing headache.

It seemed that in all matters concerning Ian, Sengoku couldn’t help but feel vexed. At times, he wondered if this rascal Ian had been specifically sent to make trouble for him… 

Not only had Red-Haired Shanks met with Ian, but according to CP6’s reports, they had even hosted a banquet together. This suggested that Red-Haired Shanks held a favorable opinion of Ian, leaving Sengoku to wonder what they had discussed…

First, it was the Whitebeard, and now it was Red-Haired Shanks. Ian seemed to possess an inexplicable charm, one that had earned him the favor of two Emperors of the Sea. 

Now, not only had Ian’s strength grown, but his background had also become increasingly formidable. This made Sakazuki hesitate once more about whether to proceed with their current arrangement.

On the other hand, Dr. Vegapunk from the Marine Science Division had been pressuring Sengoku to acquire Germa’s technological data. However, Sengoku was becoming more reluctant to cooperate with Ian due to the perceived threat he posed. He found himself in a difficult position.

Ian was now aboard a Marine ship and would soon arrive. Sengoku needed to make a decision within this timeframe.

After some contemplation, he raised his head and lazily inquired of Aokiji, who was lounging in his office, “Kuzan, have we received any updates from Sakazuki?”

Aokiji opened his eyes and nodded slowly. “We received news this morning that the Whitebeard’s crew, who were escorting Teach, have arrived. According to the original plan, it will be another two to three days before we see the outcome.”

Sengoku lightly tapped his desk and pondered, “If Teach’s plan truly succeeds, the Marines will have to fulfill their promise and appoint him as one of the Seven Warlords. But have you considered, Kuzan, how Ian might react if Teach becomes one of the Seven Warlords?” (T/N: ah how nice, they are concerned about Ian’s feelings hahaha)

“I’m not sure,” Kuzan shook his head. “But what’s clear is that we cannot allow them to meet at Marine Headquarters. If they do, there’s a possibility of a confrontation that could spiral out of control, potentially endangering the stability of our operations here.”

Sengoku nodded in agreement, acknowledging the wisdom in Kuzan’s words. Then he suddenly asked, “Do you think Ian would turn against us if Teach becomes a Shichibukai?”

“It’s hard to say,” Kuzan replied, sitting up unusually serious. “In theory, Ian needs that Shichibukai title. It’s because of that title that he was pardoned for attacking the Celestial Dragons and burning down Mary Geoise. If he doesn’t want the Navy on his tail again, he won’t easily relinquish that Shichibukai status.”

“So, even if his enemy becomes his peer, he might have no choice but to tolerate it?” Sengoku asked.

“It’s difficult to predict. He’s quite the exception,” Kuzan shook his head. “The uncertainty lies precisely there. He’s the youngest among the Warlords, and it’s precisely because of his youth that his actions might be impulsive and unpredictable. If he can’t swallow his pride and chooses to take down Teach, even at the cost of giving up his Shichibukai status, there’s not much we can do. We can’t be certain of the extent of his current strength either.”

Sengoku was well aware of everything Kuzan had said, and it was precisely because he could foresee these scenarios that he felt infuriated and distressed.

He slammed his fist onto the desk with frustration and said, “I’ve said it from the beginning, we shouldn’t have allowed him to become a Shichibukai. But the World Government and the Celestial Dragons insisted…”

Sengoku’s current feeling could be summed up in an exasperated thought he dared not utter aloud. Dealing with such a group of unreliable allies had him feeling exasperated. If it weren’t for the Celestial Dragons insisting on retrieving that identity chip back then, which eventually led to Ian becoming a Shichibukai, he wouldn’t be in this passive position now. 

With Doflamingo’s downfall and Crocodile’s imprisonment, the Seven Warlords had suddenly lost two members. The Navy had been considering replacements ever since Lafitte had come to Marine Headquarters the last time. Sengoku thought that if Teach’s plan succeeded, it might not be a bad idea to offer him one of the Seven Warlord positions. However, the current situation presented a dilemma: if they recruited Teach as a Warlord, the Navy might risk losing Ian, their current Shichibukai.

Sengoku picked up a report on the relationship between Ian and Whitebeard Edward Newgate from his desk and examined it carefully. He contemplated whether he should take this gamble: the gamble on whether Ian would turn against the Navy at the cost of his title. 

Sengoku was no gambler; he was known for his meticulous thinking. However, the circumstances he faced now left him with no choice but to make a decision. 

After a prolonged moment of contemplation, Sengoku finally reached a decision. He set aside the report and addressed Kuzan, “Once Ian arrives at Marine Headquarters, we must restrict information flow to him. We’ll use the pretext of dealing with Pacifista development and do our best to delay his departure from Marineford. We cannot allow him to leave until we receive confirmed news from Akainu. Only then will we ascertain his choice.”

Kuzan nodded in understanding. He knew that Sengoku had decided to take the gamble, weighing the temptation of Whitebeard’s downfall against the risk of losing Ian as a Warlord.

With their discussion concluded, a Marine communication officer entered to report that Ian had indeed arrived at Marineford.

Sengoku took a deep breath and calmly instructed, “Allow him in.”

The Marine communication officer left, and shortly thereafter, Sengoku saw Ian entering his office, accompanied by an unfamiliar individual.

Sengoku couldn’t help but wonder who the man with the white headband was. He eyed Enel with a sense of curiosity.

“Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I hope you’re well,” Ian greeted Sengoku with a smile, then turned to Kuzan. “Admiral Kuzan, Long time no see.”

Kuzan nodded noncommittally, and like Sakazuki, his gaze lingered on Enel for a moment.

“This is the newest member of my pirate crew. I brought him here to broaden his horizons,” Ian explained, introducing Enel to both of them. He then found a chair and sat down.

Ian lightly tapped the briefcase in his hand and said, “Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I’ve brought Germa’s data with me. It wasn’t easy to obtain from the Vinsmoke Family. What do you say? Do you want to verify its authenticity, or should we proceed with the trade directly?”

Sengoku shifted his attention to Ian and began, “Ian, I’ve asked you here to deliver some news. The pacifists you requested were already en route but encountered a minor issue during transportation. They’ve been sent back to the Navy’s Science Division for adjustments, so our trade will have to be delayed.”

Upon hearing this, Ian furrowed his brows and fixed a stern gaze on Sengoku. Sengoku, however, remained composed, meeting Ian’s gaze squarely. 

After a prolonged moment of silence, Ian finally relaxed his brows and smiled at Sengoku. “That’s unfortunate. How much longer will our trade be postponed?” 

“It will take at least two to three days for the adjustments to be completed,” Sengoku responded.

“In that case,” Ian said as he stood and adjusted his briefcase, “I’ll return to Sabaody Archipelago and await further instructions. Please inform me when there’s news.” 

However, Sengoku shook his head and firmly declared, “Ian, it’s best if you stay in Marineford. I don’t want you running into any trouble with the Celestial Dragons again on Sabaody Archipelago.”

“No worries, I’ll make sure to avoid them,” Ian replied with a sly smile.

“No, you’ll stay here,” Sengoku said decisively. “Admiral Kuzan and Admiral Borsalino will serve as your guides and show you around Marineford.” 

With that statement, the atmosphere in the room grew tense and chilly. While Kuzan and Enel maintained their composure on the surface, their muscles tensed beneath, and Ian locked eyes with Sengoku in a cold standoff.