One Piece : Winged Dragons of the Beast Pirates

"Ian big brother!" 

As they landed on the deck, Jack was the first to run over, his tone filled with awe. "That's Marco the Phoenix! A powerhouse on the same level as King! You truly are incredible, Ian!"

"Looks like this time it will really shake the seas, Ian," Black Maria smiled as she added.

Ian merely smiled back lightly.

He felt a gentle nudge against his leg.

Looking down, he saw Ulti gazing up at him. "Welcome back, Ian brother!"

"Thanks, Ulti."

Ian echoed Black Maria's words, raising a hand to gently ruffle the little girl's hair.

"Hehe."

The girl beamed up at him, grinning widely.

In any case, the most important thing to do now was—

Ian gently set Yamato down, and his body suddenly transformed, elongating and becoming bulkier, sporting a few shields.

Sphere Mode: Human-Beast Form.

First, let's recover from these injuries.

"He's transformed again!" 

Ulti watched in astonishment.

Does the Zoan-type Devil Fruit have so many forms? 

Ian lazily sprawled out on the deck, limbs spread wide as he closed his eyes to rest. Finally, he could take a break.

Although he was tired, he maintained his spherical beast form, allowing his injuries to heal quickly. In just a few minutes, he had nearly recovered.

While this healing ability was nowhere near as impressive as Marco's, it was still quite remarkable.

"What are you doing?" 

Ian reluctantly opened his eyes.

His gaze felt sharp, like knives, making it impossible to ignore.

Yamato was kneeling behind him, leaning down so close that her eyes nearly touched Ian's as they locked gazes.

"I'm not happy."

The girl, who had been cheerful just moments ago, stared at him intently.

Ian brushed the hair off his face. "Why?"

"I should have stayed and fought alongside you."

Yamato pouted, her expression serious. "Ian, you're so selfish!"

"Am I the one to blame?" 

Ian's lips twitched in amusement.

"Hmph," 

Yamato straightened her back, looking down at Ian, her voice rising. "I will become stronger! Then, when facing strong enemies, I'll say, 'Ian, you all go ahead! I'll stay behind to deal with them!'"

Ian chuckled softly.

Wasn't that the point?

"Then you better work hard, because, look." 

Ian grinned proudly and raised his right hand.

Yamato stared at Ian's hand, a bit confused.

She saw an invisible haki manifesting around Ian's hand.

"Is that haki—huh?"

Yamato suddenly froze.

The invisible haki momentarily condensed and darkened around Ian's hand!

But it was just for an instant before the haki dissipated again.

"Hey!"

Yamato exclaimed in surprise as she grabbed Ian's hand. "Is that hardening? Ian, when did you learn that?"

"I realized it during my fight with Marco."

Ian said casually, "But there's still a bit more to go; I need some practice."

He didn't mention that his Observation Haki, which had been slow to awaken, was finally showing signs of awakening as well. It probably just needed a little more stimulation.

No wonder Rayleigh-sensei said that Haki evolves fastest in the heat of battle against strong opponents.

And wasn't that effect already showing?

"Damn it!" 

Yamato shook Ian's hand, unwilling to back down. "Teach me! Ian, please teach me!"

"Even if you say that, I'm not sure how to teach you," Ian replied.

He sat up, releasing his abilities and returning to his fresh youthful appearance. His injuries had completely healed, but his clothes were a bit tattered.

Ultimately, no matter which technique of Armament Haki you use, it all comes down to control. The theory is simple, but the practical application has to be explored on your own.

"In any case,"

Ian said with a smile, patting Yamato's head, "just keep working hard."

"Hmm!" 

The girl puffed up her cheeks. "Ian, you're so mean!"

Ian chuckled heartily.

"Ian-sama!"

At that moment, Babanuki rushed over, holding a Transponder Snail. "It's a call from Kaido!"

"Gahahaha! You did well, kid!" 

Taking the call, Kaido's voice boomed with vigor. "I've heard all about it from Babanuki."

"Whatever it is, I'm glad to hear it," 

Ian sighed with relief and stretched his body. "Kaido-sensei, from here on out, it seems like we're heading into war; Whitebeard is no easy opponent."

Even though Whitebeard wouldn't want more of his family to die for the sake of those he had lost, this time the casualties were too many.

Three pirate crews had been wiped out, and their captain, Izou, was dead.

If they didn't do something soon, how would the other allied pirate crews see Whitebeard?

Would they just let their lives be wasted?

Whitebeard, still at the peak of his power, and Kaido-sensei, who was also in his prime, were bound to clash in a fierce battle.

It was just uncertain how Whitebeard's crew would attack.

"Gahahaha! Isn't that just perfect? Let that guy come at us!"

**********

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