Even Daz Bonez, the company's only top fighter, was forced by Gini to wear a suit and glasses.
Standing like that, compared to his usual bare-chested appearance, he actually looked somewhat like a real top fighter.
Gini then looked at his boss, still wearing a thin short-sleeved shirt and work pants, holding a one-handed axe.
He hesitated and reminded: "Boss, are you sure you don't want to change into something more formal? This is an official meeting. We can't lose face!"
The Capone Mafia Family's intentions were unclear, but as one of the Five Major Families of the West Blue, their status was obvious.
No matter the final outcome, Grado Security Company was bound to become famous just by meeting them.
However, Ian simply rested the axe on his shoulder and waved his hand.
"No need!"
He glanced strangely at the neatly dressed members behind him. "What are you all doing? Why so formal?"
"Alright."
Hearing the boss's response, Gini could only reluctantly accept it. He straightened his chest and said, "In any case, they are the Capone Mafia Family. We must not let those bastards suppress us in momentum."
"Whatever you want."
Ian rolled his eyes and said nothing more, looking at the sea before him.
Suddenly, he seemed to notice something and spoke calmly. "They are here."
"These bastards are finally here? Damn it, they made the boss wait so long."
Gini also noticed the giant three-masted ship approaching with the Capone Mafia Family flag flying. He immediately focused, became serious, and shouted: "Everyone, be alert! Don't embarrass the boss!"
"Understood!"
After everyone responded, Gini continued watching the ship approach.
When it was still some distance from Baiscaiborg Island's dock, the ship stopped and did not come any closer.
Gini and Daz Bonez immediately frowned, understanding what the other side wanted to do.
"These Five Major Families of the West Blue are really cautious! They don't even dare come closer?"
Gini complained impatiently, then turned to look at Ian, who was also frowning. He hesitated and asked, "Boss, should I tell them to bring the ship up to the dock?"
"No need."
Gini: "...?!"
Gini froze, then quickly said: "Boss, you can't be planning to go over there yourself, right? That won't do. They're clearly trying to intimidate us. You must not go over personally. At the very least, they should send a boat to pick you up."
"That won't be necessary either."
Gini: "..."
After hearing Ian's reply, Gini silently nodded in resignation. "Alright, fair point. With your strength, such petty tricks could never intimidate you. I'll arrange a boat to take you over."
However, just as he was about to arrange the boat, Ian reached out his left hand to stop him.
"There's no need for a boat."
Gini: "...?"
No need for them to come close, no need for them to send a boat, and now he didn't want to use a boat from their side either. How was the boss planning to go over there?
Fly?
He had heard that the Marines had a secret technique that allowed people to soar into the air.
But what about them? They can't do it!
Or did the boss not intend to go over at all?
Gini stared in confusion at Ian.
Before he could ask anything, Ian shook his head and said calmly: "Who said I'm going over there?"
Hearing that, not only Gini but even Daz Bonez behind him was stunned.
Not going over?
Then who would come over?
Was the boss planning to toy with them?
Before the two could react, the boss walked to the edge of the dock with his axe. He extended his left hand toward the ship in the distance, as if measuring something. He then lifted his head toward the sun high in the sky.
After a moment, he spoke with the same calm tone.
"This distance should be about right."
"...?"
What is the boss trying to do?
Just as everyone was stunned, they saw Ian, standing at the edge of the dock, stretch his legs out to shoulder level, raise the one-handed axe in his right hand, and twist his upper body slightly to the right.
Go over there?
For what?
The Capone Mafia Family came here for only a few reasons.
Either they were targeting Robin, him, or his business. No matter which one it was, he would never agree.
Since that was the case, what was the point of having a meeting?
At that moment, the people on the opposite side also seemed to notice that something was off at the dock.
"Boss Bege, w-what is he trying to do over there?"
"Damn bastard."
Capone Bege's face darkened instantly as he noticed it too. He hurriedly took the cigar from his mouth. "Start the ship! Get us out of here! That bastard never intended to talk with me!"
But could that guy really reach this side from there?
Wasn't he just a retired Marine lieutenant?
However... It was too late. Things were exactly as he feared. That guy really could hit them from there.
Under the bewildered gazes of everyone, Ian twisted his body forward and brought down the axe in his hand.
In the blink of an eye, a scorching light like the blazing sun slashed straight ahead.
The flying slash instantly cut across the ship, and it was not over yet.
Where the flying slash passed, flames surged up.
In that split second, the entire ship ignited. At the same time… a loud boom erupted.
The whole ship looked as if it had exploded from the inside.
Ian watched the effect of his new move and nodded with satisfaction.
Armament Haki's Emission, paired with Internal Destruction, made his move capable of igniting flames like the sun.
Ian put the one-handed axe on his shoulder while looking at the burning, sinking ship before him.
A satisfied smile spread across his face as he said, "Done!"
At that moment, all Grado members stared, jaws hanging open while watching the Capone Mafia Family's ship being blown to pieces and burning.
So the boss... Was this strong all along!
He really held back against Victor that day!
A wave of loyalty surged within them as they gazed in worship at the figure standing at the edge of the dock.
Even Daz Bonez felt the same, his deep and stunned eyes fixed on Ian.
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