"I don't think there's anything worth cooperating on with you lot!"
Aunt Linlin sneered coldly. "Who in this world doesn't know that the Beasts Pirates are now the largest pirate crew on the seas? The only force that can stand on equal footing with the World Government!"
"You're already so impressive—what could you possibly need my help for? Or is there even anything I can help with?"
Oh my, she's being very sarcastic.
Looks like Aunt Linlin's resentment really is quite deep.
And no wonder. Six years ago, when Bullet and the others came to get the Road Poneglyph's copy, they practically stomped the Charlotte Family's pride—Aunt Linlin's face—straight into the mud.
For a woman who was never known for being gentle in the first place, her anger is completely understandable.
"Don't be in such a rush to refuse, Aunt Linlin. At least hear me out before deciding," Ian said with a smile. "Who knows? You might find it very interesting."
"Linlin."
At that moment, Kaido—who had been standing behind Ian—took a step forward, his voice low and heavy. "Listen carefully."
"Hm?"
Aunt Linlin's brows tightened instantly. Her blade-sharp gaze swept up and down Kaido. "Kaido, you brat… are you trying to order me around?"
"If you don't want to end up regretting things in hell, you old hag—!"
Kaido shot back without a shred of politeness, roaring, "Then shut up and listen to what I'm saying!"
"That's right, Charlotte Linlin. Just listen to Ian," Kuma added, speaking with earnest seriousness. "This won't bring harm to your family."
Katakuri had already sensed that something was very wrong.
The words exchanged between Kaido and Kuma carried a clear message: if she dared to refuse Ian, something very bad was bound to happen.
"Mama!"
Katakuri quickly spoke up. "It won't waste much of our time anyway. Why not listen first?"
"Hmph!"
Charlotte Linlin had already sensed that something was off. Kaido and Kuma seemed to be warning her.
With Katakuri giving her a way out, she snorted coldly and shot Ian a sideways glance. "Fine. Let me hear it. What crazy stunt are you planning now, you little maniac?"
Crazy.
To Linlin, Ian was indeed the craziest brat she had ever encountered.
Even Rocks, who had once dared to attack the Celestial Dragons head-on, wasn't nearly as bold as Ian.
This bastard truly dared to bomb Mary Geoise, and he genuinely intended to destroy the World Government completely.
Now, she couldn't help feeling curious. If someone as insane as Ian had come to her on his own… what unimaginable thing was he here for this time?
"Oh, Aunt Linlin, I'm glad you're being so understanding."
Ian smiled cheerfully. "In that case, let's talk while we eat."
Even with Kuma's help, the trip here from Wano hadn't been exactly short.
When Ian said he was hungry, he wasn't joking.
Aunt Linlin clenched her teeth silently.
This damned brat was far too arrogant.
He was treating this place like his own territory, not even pretending to show her respect!
Charlotte Linlin really wanted to chop off this brat's head with a single swing of her blade.
But she couldn't.
Ian and Kaido together could easily wipe out the entire Charlotte Family.
So, with great reluctance, Aunt Linlin held a small banquet to welcome Ian and his group.
Every notable member of the Charlotte Family was summoned.
"Oh! This looks great!"
Ian praised without hesitation. "I don't care about the rest, but Aunt Linlin, your chefs are definitely no worse than the ones on Onigashima!"
After all, Aunt Linlin had extremely high standards for food quality.
She loved sweets the most, but that didn't mean she lowered her requirements for anything else.
Aunt Linlin sneered.
What did he mean by 'I don't care about the rest'?
Even at a time like this, this brat never forgot to be arrogant.
She glanced at Kuma, who was goofing around with Bill, then at Kaido, who sat calmly drinking, and finally at Ian, who was happily devouring the food.
"So, brat… what reason do you have for personally coming to my country, when you haven't stepped foot outside Wano for so many years?"
"I don't recall having anything left in my hands that someone like you would still be coveting!"
After all, hadn't this bastard already stolen the most valuable Road Poneglyph?
"Don't underestimate yourself, Aunt Linlin," Ian finally lifted his head from his work, speaking somewhat casually. "You and your Charlotte Family are a mighty force known across the seas. No one can afford to ignore you."
"That's why I've come to ask for your help."
Katakuri seemed to realize something. His deep voice cut in, "Ian… don't tell me you're finally going to war with the World Government?"
Haki sparked in Ian's hand and along his lips as he flicked away the greasy residue sticking to him. He grinned. "As expected of Katakuri. Sharp as ever."
"It's not time to start the war just yet… but it probably won't be long."
Katakuri's pupils shrank.
So it was true.
Besides waging war against the World Government… what else in this world did the Beasts Pirates need outside help for?
But this fast?
Was the final battle that would decide the fate of the world… really approaching so soon?
Ian.
He must have truly witnessed the World Government's real power.
Six years ago, in some unknown place where no one else knew the details, a huge battle between the Beasts Pirates and the World Government must have taken place. Otherwise, there would be no reason the World Government suddenly ceded the New World.
But after taking control of the New World, Ian stopped expanding.
So Katakuri concluded that the Beasts Pirates must have taken losses too. Ian was wary of the World Government.
And now… that wariness had vanished?
"Ian," Aunt Linlin finally realized what he was aiming for. She couldn't help but exclaim, "You brat—are you asking me to help you fight the World Government?"
"What do you say, Aunt Linlin?"
Ian smiled. "Interested in joining the battle that will change the world?"
"And why should I charge headfirst for your sake?"
Aunt Linlin felt this little bastard was completely treating her like a fool.
Even if a war truly breaks out, it should be between the Beasts Pirates and the World Government. What reason does the Charlotte Family have to get involved?
She could have just sat back and watched the tigers fight on the mountain. Why would she risk her life for that bastard Ian?
If the World Government were some small, insignificant organization, then fine—joining the war wouldn't cost much.
But the problem was that the World Government was the strongest organization in the entire world.
Even the current Beasts Pirates were only considered comparable to the World Government, not superior to it.
Charlotte Linlin felt she must be out of her mind to even consider getting involved in a war between these two colossal forces.
**********
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