Super Card System

Chapter 435: Annoyed

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“Damn it!”

After recovering a bit, Zoro angrily punched the ground, expressing his frustration at his own failure.

Although he had forced Ian to reveal his true strength, such a strength made Zoro even more disheartened. He didn’t expect that in just one or two years, Ian had already surpassed him by a long shot. 

Back then, in the village of Shimotsuki, they were evenly matched, with victories and defeats… Zoro couldn’t believe how far behind he had fallen.

Looking at Zoro’s appearance, Ian didn’t know how to comfort him. To be honest, although Ian set sail earlier than Zoro, the real reason for his strength leap was because of his card system’s help.

As the saying goes, ordinary people can’t beat those with natural talent, those with talent can’t beat those with buffs, and those with buffs can’t beat those who cheat…

Approaching Zoro, Ian looked down at him and said, “What now!? Is that all it takes to get you down?”

“How could it be!” Zoro stood up, staring at Ian. “Don’t get too cocky. I’ll catch up to you!”

Ian patted his shoulder and said with relief, “That’s more like it, that’s the wild boar of a kid I knew back then!”

It was the same phrase that Koshiro had used to describe Zoro when they first met. Hearing it from Ian made Zoro’s face freeze as he remembered the shame of his boastful declaration at the dojo.

Luffy also stood up, his usually carefree expression now wary as he looked at Ian.

Sanji did the same. In fact, when Ian beat him up at Baratie restaurant, he was still a bit resentful, even though Zeff had told him Ian’s identity. Until now, he realized how naive he had been… Even if the three of them teamed up, they couldn’t defeat Ian.

“Are all the pirates on the Grand Line monsters like you?” Sanji lit a cigarette and asked Ian dejectedly.

Ian chuckled, “Let me clear things first! What I used just now is a unique power called Haki, which you guys haven’t heard of yet. So, facing me, you won’t have a chance fighting me. But this power can be acquired. If someday you can master it, the gap between us may not be so significant.”

“Oh, by the way!” Ian said, smiling at Zoro. “I just received news that perhaps Kuina has also awakened her Haki. That means she’s ahead of you too!”

Hearing this, Zoro had an urge to vomit blood out of frustration. How was it that everyone was leaving him so far behind!?

However, regardless of the situation, through this battle, the three of them had some understanding of what Haki was. They believed this term would be deeply rooted in their minds from now on.

Realizing that the power difference was too significant, they had to give up the fight and return to the Going Merry with Ian. After sitting down again, Sanji didn’t dare to be reckless and obediently listened to Ian speak.

Ian didn’t hide anything and explained to Zoro and the others what Haki was.

However, while they were chatting, a ship suddenly appeared on the sea and was heading towards their ship.

“Oh no, it’s the billionaire of the Baroque Works!” Princess Vivi couldn’t help but exclaim when she saw the Baroque Works logo on the sail of the ship.

Robin was also a former member of the Baroque Works, so she understood what was happening. “It seems that Baroque Works is preparing to hunt down the traitors!” 

The traitors, of course, referred to Vivi and her group. Vivi’s identity had been exposed, and she had come with Luffy’s crew to prevent the escalating rebellion in Alabasta. However, Baroque Works was not to be underestimated, and they probably already knew about their arrival in Alabasta.

“We can’t stay here for long!” Vivi anxiously told Luffy and the others.

Nami giggled and said, “Don’t worry, have you forgotten? We have a beast around! If we can get him to help, even Crocodile won’t be a threat!”

She leaned in close to Ian and said with a grin, “Isn’t that right, Big Brother Ian?”

Correct! Vivi, Igaram, Usopp, and Chopper all perked up when they heard Nami’s words. Of course, we have another Warlord here!

However, when faced with Nami’s request, Ian firmly shook his head and said, “I told you, I won’t get involved in Alabasta’s affairs! The way I see it, Blackbeard’s threat is much greater than Crocodile’s!”

“Aww, come on, why are you like this?” Nami pouted and couldn’t help but cling to Ian’s arm, “Big Brother Ian, please help us!”

Ian was both amused and irritated. He reached out and pinched her cheeks, pulling them to the side, and said, “Nice try, Nami. But using your charm won’t work until your bust size goes up a few more sizes!”

It wasn’t that Ian didn’t want to help them, but as long as Teach hadn’t shown up yet, and if they want to stop the rebellion, they must continue to move deeper into Alabasta. Ian was afraid that if he followed Luffy and the others, Teach would land in Alabasta without anyone noticing.

Furthermore, that Crocodile guy had just returned to Alabasta not long ago after finishing his job with Ian, and he justgot back the missing chunk of his soul from Ian. If Ian were to lead Zoro and the others to attack him again, Crocodile would surely be pushed to the brink of madness.

This is a level of bullying that even the toughest pirates had never witnessed before.josei

But more importantly, Ian believed that even without his help, the Straw Hat Pirates were capable of taking down Crocodile. Ian wanted to see Zoro gain more experience, and if he took care of everything himself, how would they grow?

Ian is their big brother, but not their babysitter…

However, that Baroque Works ship was within their reach. Ian turned to Ace and asked, “Shall I take care of them, or will you?”

“I’ll go!” Ace said, putting on his cowboy hat and striding to the edge of the ship. He gazed out at the approaching Baroque Works ship, a confident grin spreading across his face.

On the enemy ship, there were already many of Baroque Works lower-ranked members standing, all of them holding weapons and shouting, ready to fight.

However, waiting for them was Ace’s legendary Fire Fist!

A huge fireball erupted from Ace’s hand, brimming with unparalleled power. It struck the ship with devastating force, causing it to explode in an instant. Burning ship fragments rained down like sparkling fireworks, leaving the Straw Hat Pirates awestruck.

They were thinking, “Damn! We’ve got a badass on our side!”

After Ace took care of the Baroque Works ship, he turned back and exchanged a glance with Ian. The two of them nodded, then simultaneously took off their hats.

From inside their hats, they each took out a piece of vivre card. Ace handed his to Luffy, while Ian gave his to Zoro.

“Take good care of it!” Ian instructed. “This is my vivre card. I also gave a piece to Kuina. This paper will guide you to my location. If you ever need to find me, just follow the direction it points to!”

Zoro stared blankly at the piece of paper in his, not saying a word, and took it from Ian, tucking it away carefully.

“Off you go then!” Ian patted Zoro’s shoulder. “Do what you need to do. It was great to see you. When you become a great swordsman, come challenge me anytime!”

Zoro snorted. “I don’t need you to tell me that. I already know.”

Meanwhile, Ace had finished giving Luffy instructions, so Ian and his group left the Straw Hat Pirates’ ship. After all, the Straw Hat Pirates were heading to Alabasta by canal, while Ian and his friends had to wait at the port for a while. They had to split up for now.

As they were leaving, Zoro finally spoke up without looking back at Ian. “Take care. Don’t die on us.”

Ian smiled slightly and was about to reply when Sanji suddenly yelled out, pointing at Ian. “Ian! If you dare to hurt my sister’s feelings, I’ll make you regret it! You better remember that!”

Ian was taken aback by Sanji’s words. Before he could even figure out what he meant by that, Sanji had already sneakily run away.

“What…what did he mean?” Ian turned to Reiju and asked in confusion.

Reiju chuckled. “It seems like he misunderstood our relationship.”

What the hell? Ian suddenly realized that Sanji’s protective attitude was like that of a little kid protecting his older sister. Did he really have to deal with this?

As he watched the Straw Hats’ ship disappear into the distance, Ian gritted his teeth and made a decision. Next time he sees Sanji, that perverted cook, he would give him a good lesson!