Ian furrowed his brows.
Although he did admit that what was said in the article made sense, why did it feel like they were fanning the flames?
Didn't they know that saying things that harm unity was not a good idea?
How would people outside view the Beast Pirates now?
Wouldn't our image as a group be damaged?
Others might think that the Beast Pirates are a place where masters and apprentices fight, or fathers and daughters are at odds.
Oh, the Beast Pirates were already seen by the world as a ruthless and evil place, right?
Well, then it's fine.
Ian was just a bit surprised but didn't give it much thought.
After all, no matter what the public thought, he didn't care. The Beast Pirates followed the rule that power determined status.
When his strength surpassed Kaido's one day, he would naturally become the new leader of the Beast Pirates.
It was that simple, no need for schemes or intrigue.
But then, Ian soon realized something was off.
While eating with his friends, everyone's gaze at him was a bit strange.
Ian felt confused by their stares.
He looked at Yamato, who was grinning and seemed eager. "What's going on with you guys?"
"Ian! When are we challenging Dad?"
Yamato's question almost made Ian spit out his food.
"I've been waiting for over a decade!"
Yamato looked excited, "Once we defeat Dad, we'll have true freedom. We can do whatever we want!"
Ian almost forgot that this girl had already set her goal at a young age to surpass Kaido-sensei and free herself from any constraints.
Very good, Yamato. Seeing that you're still the same after ten years, carrying the burden of being a filial daughter, I feel at ease.
However, it's not just Yamato.
"We will support you with everything we have! Ian!"
Hancock wasn't willing to fall behind and even leaned forward to grab Ian's hand, her beautiful eyes shimmering, "After all, it's only natural for you to become the captain of the Beast Pirates!"
Though her strength was already exceptionally powerful, with her internal destruction level Haki and the power of the Love Fruit, her abilities had definitely reached a Disaster level.
But her hands were as soft as freshly peeled eggshells. One could only say that the world was truly biased in her favor.
However, Ian didn't have the time to appreciate the delicacy of Hancock's skin, as Yamato had already forcefully pulled her hand away, the white-haired girl gritting her teeth, "You! Didn't I tell you to stay away from Ian?"
"Who would do that?!"
Hancock glared back angrily.
Ian had seen enough of their rivalry.
He simply looked at the other companions, "Do you all feel the same?"
Black Maria smiled softly, "Anyway, Ian, you're eventually going to become the new leader of the Beast Pirates."
Jack's face was quite conflicted, though he still said, "Ian-nii, no matter what you want to do, I support you!"
Drake naturally said, "It's obvious, right? Ian-sama, you're the real leader of the Beast Pirates."
"I don't really care," Law lazily yawned, "But Ian, I'm your subordinate, not Kaido's."
Hancock's two younger sisters followed their older sister's lead, "What our sister decides, we follow!"
Finally, it was Viola, now sixteen years old, who rolled her eyes, "Do my words even matter? Isn't it just that whatever you decide, I'll follow?"
Ian took a sharp breath.
Oh, you all really know how to surprise me.
So, you're really planning to form a new Beast Pirates, huh?
The attitude of his companions instantly made Ian alert.
If those who had always been by his side and knew him best were thinking this way, what about the others?
Ian quickly called for Babanuki.
This guy had been on the Golden Dragon for over two years, and by now, he had become one of Ian's most trusted subordinates.
So, when this guy appeared in front of Ian, he showed no signs of holding back his smile. "Lord Ian, when do we start?"
Although Kaido was indeed impressive.
It was clear that Lord Ian had even greater potential!
This lord was only fifteen years old this year.
The future ahead of him was beyond imagination!
This lord was destined to lead the Beast Pirates in the future!
However, this "future" was arriving sooner than expected.
Ian pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're not telling me that the others on the ship think the same way, are you?"
"Of course, Lord Ian!"
Babanuki thought Ian was asking him if there were any traitors on the ship, so he quickly responded, "Everyone on the Golden Dragon is your most loyal follower!"
Looking at Babanuki's face filled with loyalty, Ian couldn't help but facepalm.
So, they really plan on crowning me with a yellow robe, huh?
But after a brief thought, Ian realized he couldn't really blame these guys.
Forget the internal matters of the Beast Pirates; even on a global scale, everyone knew that he was the future successor of the Beast Pirates.
And when this successor displayed such overwhelming power, the people below him would naturally wonder if the time to take the top spot was coming sooner, especially in an environment like the Beast Pirates, where the law of the jungle prevailed.
In the following days, the discussion in the newspapers about whether the Beast Pirates would replace their leader became increasingly heated.
Major newspapers took turns publishing, and many journalists voiced their opinions.
The overall consensus was simple.
Ian the Skyfire would eventually become the new leader of the Beast Pirates. Given his growth speed, he might replace Kaido much sooner than many expected.
Interestingly, no one mentioned that Kaido was still only 46 this year, at the peak of his prime, far from being ready to retire.
If there was no one behind the scenes pushing this along, Ian would find it hard to believe.
Even the pirates on Hive Island looked at him with intense, burning gazes.
There's nothing to say about it; for something like this, you need to consult your good friend right away.
Ian made a phone call to Morgans.
"Hehehe, I noticed it too," Even though his heart had been ripped out by Ian, Morgans still showed no change in attitude, maintaining a carefree and mocking demeanor. "Even my World Economic News has received a lot of similar reports."
Ian rolled his eyes. "Cut the crap, what's the conclusion?"
He didn't believe Morgans had done nothing.
"Hehehe, I really can't hide anything from you," Morgans laughed and said, "But honestly, this doesn't even need any investigation."
"Who else in the world could do such a thing?"
Ian snorted. "Who else but the World Government?"
The World Government, are you trying to sow discord?
They probably thought that completely wiping out the Beast Pirates would be troublesome, but they couldn't just stand by and watch the Beast Pirates grow stronger, so they decided to stir up trouble and create internal division within the Beast Pirates.
The main method was to provoke a conflict between me and Kaido-sensei.
"What should we do, Ian?"
Morgans said with a smile, "Although I have some influence in the news industry, it's impossible to make everyone refuse the world government's demands."
Ian narrowed his eyes, thinking for a moment.
Then he grinned. "There's no need. Just do what you need to do."
**********
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