Super Card System - Chapter 495

Chapter 495: Where Did Akainu Go?

Is there a problem!?

In fact, when the discussion with Sengoku about postponing the transaction with the Pacifista came up, Ian realized it immediately.

Before Sengoku sent CP6 agents in a hurry to inform him about the pacifista’ transaction, he already felt something was amiss. Now, after arriving at Marineford, they were saying that the transaction needed to be delayed!

Unless some unforeseen event had occurred, this situation was truly baffling!

Ian realized this and didn’t question it. Instead, he tried to compromise by wanting to return to the Sabaody Archipelago. He wanted to find out what was really going on before making a decision. However, what surprised him was that Sengoku intended to keep him confined within Marineford!

He even brought out two admirals, Kizaru and Aokiji, as a subtle threat.

What could have gone wrong? Ian kept his eyes locked on Sengoku while his mind raced.

It was highly improbable that the situation revolved around the three CP6 members eliminated by him. Those were just three insignificant subordinates. Even if CP6 was not directly under the jurisdiction of the Marines, Sengoku wouldn’t go to such lengths for three low-ranking subordinates like that.

So, was it about the pacifista’ matter? That was unlikely too. If Sengoku didn’t want him to obtain them, they could have just said so without making such a gesture.

Or was it because of the meeting with Red-Haired Shanks? Or perhaps, it was related to the Straw Hat Pirates’ rampage on Enies Lobby?

‘Well, these two possibilities do exist, but it’s not just me who has had contact with Red-Haired Shanks. Dracule Mihawk, the Hawk-Eye, is a close friend of Shanks. Why isn’t Sengoku showing the same level of concern for Mihawk? As for the Straw Hat Pirates… it couldn’t be that the Marines have discovered the relationship between me and the Straw Hat Pirates, could it?’

‘If it’s because of the Celestial Dragons, that would be even more far-fetched. Sengoku couldn’t possibly be unaware that, until he obtains the pacifista, I am not someone the Marines would want to antagonize.’

Due to the lack of information parity, Ian couldn’t deduce the reasons behind Sengoku’s actions. So, he shifted his focus to weigh the pros and cons of resisting Sengoku.

While Ian had Enel by his side, and if it was just Aokiji and Kizaru around, he was confident in their ability to escape if it were just the two Admirals here, but they were in the Marine Headquarters. In addition to the two Admirals, there was Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral himself, who possessed the mythical Zoan-type Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Daibutsu. This legendary Devil Fruit power was so enigmatic that not even Ian knew its true extent.

As Ian contemplated this, he realized that confronting Sengoku head-on wouldn’t seem to be in his favor.

With that in mind, a smile suddenly crept onto Ian’s face as he said, “Alright then, since Fleet Admiral Sengoku is so hospitable, I won’t be impolite. But I’d trouble you to arrange some accommodations for us. Also, one of my companions has quite the appetite, so I’m afraid your food supplies might take a hit!”

Sengoku nodded, “That won’t be a problem at all.” However, secretly, he breathed a sigh of relief. Honestly, in that tense atmosphere just now, Sengoku was the most worried one. He was afraid that Ian might act impulsively and initiate a conflict. That would have been troublesome.

Despite resorting to the intimidation of Kizaru and Aokiji, Sengoku was the last person who wanted to use them. Because no one knew what would happen if Ian, that little troublemaker, decided to start a fire in Marine Headquarters like he did in Mary Geoise…

Fortunately, Ian proved to be even more cunning than Sengoku had imagined. In the blink of an eye, Ian wore a smile on his face, acting as though nothing had happened, and even proclaimed himself a gracious guest.

This sly fox! Sengoku silently cursed, realizing that Ian was not easily fooled.

“Let’s go! I’ll escort you out,” said Kizaru as he stood up.

Ian nodded, patted Enel on the shoulder, signaling him to stay calm, and followed Kizaru out.

Guided by Kizaru, as they exited the Tower of Marine Headquarters, Ian spotted Aokiji, who seemed to have received orders from Sengoku and arrived as well.

“Yo, yo!” Aokiji, still displaying his laid-back demeanor and sporting his sunglasses, gazed at Ian with a feigned look of surprise. “Didn’t expect to see you again so soon after Salamis Island, Ian!”

“Admiral Aokiji!” Ian also greeted him with a cheerful wave. “Is your injury all healed up?”

Upon hearing this, both Kizaru and Aokiji paused momentarily.

At this moment, the two Admirals shared a common thought: Ian was pushing their buttons deliberately!

It was quite a coincidence that both of these high-ranking Marines had suffered injuries at Ian’s hands. Aokiji had his leg injured thanks to Ian’s actions, and Kizaru had been wounded by Ian during their battles. So when they heard Ian’s words, it grated on their ears in an irritating manner.

However, if Ian was the cunning fox, then Aokiji was the sly old fox. He maintained his composure and replied, “Just minor injuries, nothing serious at all!”

“That’s good to hear!” Ian nodded with a smile.

Next, Aokiji and Kizaru led Ian and Enel on a tour of Marine Headquarters, where they had originally been stationed on their warships. During this time, Doroni and Matthew, who had received word, arrived to join Ian’s group. Aokiji and Kizaru then took the four of them to a Marine dormitory, where they were settled.

“What should we do, Captain? It seems like we’re being watched!” Although Doroni was typically goofy, it didn’t mean he lacked insight. He had already realized that something was amiss.

Ian didn’t immediately respond. After pondering for a moment, he squinted and said, “Staying here might be a good idea. We can take the opportunity to find out what’s really happening on the Marine’s side.”

In fact, just moments ago, Ian had astutely noticed a situation. Among the three Marine Admirals, currently, only Aokiji and Kizaru seemed to be present at Marine Headquarters. As for Akainu, Sakazuki, his whereabouts were unknown—he had disappeared!

Furthermore, during their brief tour, Ian observed that there was a significant increase in activity at Marine Headquarters. He frequently saw junior officers enthusiastically greeting their colleagues. It struck him as odd that officers who were originally stationed at Marine Headquarters and knew each other well would be so fervent in their greetings. Combining this observation with the information he had received from the Marine Rear Admiral who had received him earlier, Ian surmised that these officers might have been summoned back to Marine Headquarters, much like what had happened with Kuzan and Borsalino.

Akainu was missing, and Marine Headquarters had suddenly seen an influx of elite Marines. Ian immediately realized that the Marines might be planning something significant!

If events were unfolding as per the original historical timeline, Ian would have immediately thought of the Summit War. However, he couldn’t be certain now because Ace hadn’t been captured as he was in the original history. So, where would the Summit War even begin?

Nevertheless, regardless of the specifics, this situation was cause for Ian’s vigilance. He needed to find out exactly what was happening.

Coincidentally, Kuina is currently in the Marine Headquarters. If he could encounter her, perhaps he could gather some information.

Ian had a nagging feeling that this Marine operation might be aimed at Whitebeard. However, he couldn’t confirm if his guess was correct because he believed that even Akainu wouldn’t be capable of confronting Whitebeard singlehandedly. The Marines weren’t that foolish!

Could it be related to Blackbeard, Teach!?

At this thought, Ian suddenly stood up in astonishment. Could it be that Teach had conspired with Akainu to collaborate secretly and do something against Whitebeard!?

Even Ian was shocked by his own idea because it was so audacious that he had never dared to consider such a possibility before!

In the original history, the Marines had to assemble all three Admirals and even seven Warlords, setting a carefully laid trap at Marine Headquarters to confront Whitebeard and his crew. That’s what it took to face Whitebeard’s Pirate Crew. Now, with Teach and Akainu alone, could they possibly achieve that!?

The reason Ian had refrained from thinking in this direction before was precisely because of this. But now, based on the various circumstances he had observed within Marine Headquarters, Ian found himself unable to avoid entertaining this possibility.

Ian immediately took out his Den Den Mushi and attempted to contact Ace. However, he found that there was no signal at all. It seemed that the Marines had employed special means within the Marine dormitories to block the biological signals of the Den Den Mushi.

Unable to reach Ace, Ian quickly retrieved the Vivre Card that Ace had given him and checked it. Fortunately, the Vivre Card showed no signs of any changes. This meant that Ace was safe and sound.

However, Ace’s safety didn’t necessarily guarantee Whitebeard’s safety. Ian had a hunch that Sengoku might be considering his relationship with Whitebeard.

No, he needed to find out where Akainu had gone!

Ian realized that if the Marines were indeed planning to target the Whitebeard, it was unlikely to happen at Marine Headquarters this time. Even if he stayed here, he wouldn’t have witnessed the Summit War that occurred in the original timeline due to his influence. However, a similarly large-scale war might take place, and knowing where Akainu was would reveal the location of the upcoming conflict!

“I’m going out!” Ian said to Enel and the others. “Doroni, when the time comes, you go to the Marine cafeteria and eat as much as you can. Enel, and Matthew, stay with Doroni at all times. Once the opportunity arises, we leave!”

“Opportunity?” Enel asked, somewhat puzzled. “What kind of opportunity?”

Ian couldn’t easily explain, so he didn’t. However, the opportunity he mentioned might indeed present itself when the Straw Hat Pirates arrive at Sabaody Archipelago!

By then, the two Marine Admirals responsible for monitoring them might leave one behind and head to the Sabaody Archipelago. That would be the perfect moment for Ian and his group to escape!

For now, Ian’s objective was to go outside and see if he could find Kuina, hoping to learn about the possible whereabouts of Akainu through her…