One Piece : Winged Dragons of the Beast Pirates

Flower Capital, Tenshukaku (Castle Tower), on a certain level's terrace.

Ian, now transformed into a golden-armored winged figure, sat cross-legged on the ground.

His right hand was open, palm facing upward, while his left hand gripped his right wrist. A golden flame surged from his palm, flickering continuously in front of him.

Ian's brow was furrowed, his eyes fixed intently on the flame.

He was training.

He couldn't quite grasp the concept of "willpower."

But since it was referred to as willpower, it must be connected to the mind, right?

At this moment, Ian was trying to focus all of his mental strength on the flame in his hand.

Focus. More focus. Think of nothing else. Let the flame completely fill his consciousness.

Let it be entirely under his control.

Ian's breathing had nearly come to a halt.

"Whoo—"

He let out a long breath.

It was completely useless.

Of course, it wasn't that easy to master.

But the method should be correct.

After all, isn't willpower just the strength of one's thoughts? 

Concentrating one's attention should be the right approach.

Take it slow. Eventually, success will come.

"Ian-sama!"

Fukurokuju hurried over, dropping to one knee in front of Ian. "The investigation is complete. The rebels from the three regions have merged forces. They're currently camped at the border between the Flower Capital and Udon. They will likely launch their attack tomorrow."

Ian returned to his human form. "Are the troops ready?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Fukurokuju nodded. "We can strike at any moment."

In his mind, a night raid while the enemy was resting would ensure a swift and decisive victory.

"Then we'll set out tomorrow morning," Ian said.

Fukurokuju was baffled.

No matter how you looked at it, a night raid would be far more advantageous than a direct confrontation, right?

"Understood," he replied respectfully, though still confused.

After all, he was just a ninja. His duty was simply to follow orders.

Ian's thoughts were quite simple. Since those ordinary soldiers were inconsequential, the real opponents were the few daimyo.

Whether he left early or late didn't matter, so why not get a good night's sleep?

"I'll go prepare first."

Fukurokuju took his leave.

Ian watched him walk away.

It must be said that although he was somewhat of a fence-sitter, his professional skills were indeed impressive. Everything he was assigned was handled in an orderly manner.

Ian was about to resume his training when he suddenly raised an eyebrow. A small, red horn appeared at the edge of the doorframe.

He smirked. "Come out."

"Hehe!"

Yamato's happy face peeked out from behind the door. "I heard it!"

"Huh? What?"

Ian looked puzzled. "What did you hear?"

"Don't try to fool me!"

Yamato stomped over with a pout, towering over Ian. "I heard everything! Ian, you're going to do something very interesting, aren't you?"

"I'm going too!"

She emphasized each word.

Ian pursed his lips. "It's not interesting at all."

War, after all, could never be described as interesting.

Killing was never something that brought Ian joy.

"And it's going to be very dangerous."

Ian looked seriously into the girl's golden eyes.

As for him, even if he couldn't win, his defense and flight capabilities would allow him to escape without anyone being able to stop him.

But this girl was different.

She indeed had exceptional talent, but she was still too young and too weak.

"That's exactly why I have to go with you!"

Yamato said matter-of-factly. "How could I let you face danger alone!"

Ian's mouth twitched.

It was touching, indeed, but wasn't it possible that bringing her along would only make things more dangerous?

"I don't care!"

Yamato sniffled, plopping down beside Ian and hugging his arm tightly, puffing her cheeks. "I'm going with you! If you don't agree, I won't let go!"

She meant what she said. Even when Ian went to bathe, she was ready to follow him into the bathhouse.

Ian had no choice but to endure her presence for now. After all, Yamato had always thought of herself as just a boy.

Even when sleeping, this kid didn't hesitate to burrow into Ian's bed, saying confidently, "It's been ages since I slept with Ian! We used to do it all the time!"

"You're growing up, kiddo."

When she was four or five, it was fine to sleep together and tell her stories, but as she grew older, it became less appropriate.

Wait a minute, did Kaido-sensei ever spoil Yamato this much? Am I the one playing the father role here?

Ian thought to himself, though he said out loud, "Because I'm afraid you'll wet the bed."

This kid has such deep sleep that once she's out, it's hard to wake her up, so she used to wet the bed a lot when she was younger.

"Hmph!"

Yamato showed no shame at all, instead proudly lifting her little chin, "I haven't wet the bed in a long time!"

Is that something to be proud of?

"Ian!!"

Yamato shook Ian's arm vigorously, "Let me go! I want to go too!"

So clingy.

But then again, they haven't been apart since she was two.

If she were going to do something dangerous, Ian wouldn't feel at ease either.

"Alright, alright,"

Ian said, finally a bit impatient, "Ask Kaido-sensei. If he agrees, I have no objections."

"Yay!"

Yamato bounced up instantly, "I'll ask Dad right now!"

The little girl dashed off.

Finally, it was quiet.

Kaido-sensei, you won't let me down, will you?

However, that trust was soon shattered.

Just as Ian had fallen asleep, the sound of hurried footsteps grew closer, and then the paper door was yanked open. The white-haired little girl leaped onto Ian, rolling around happily, "Ian! Dad agreed!"

Ian lay there expressionless, staring blankly at the ceiling.

As expected, I must be this kid's real dad, right? Is this what an old father would do?

Once Yamato had her fun, she grinned and snuggled into the bed, hugging Ian's arm with her eyes closed, "Okay, time to sleep!"

No sooner had she said this than her gentle breathing began.

It was truly heartless.

Ian closed his eyes helplessly. Well, he thought, he would need to be careful on the battlefield.

He fell into a deep sleep.

The next day, well into the morning, soldiers and ninjas gathered outside the castle tower.

Ian stood on the upper floor, gazing into the distance at the fields beyond the Flower Capital, then lowered his head.

"Let's move out."

The army began to march.

Time rewinds to a short while ago.

Udon Region.

The allied forces of the three daimyo had already started their fires and cooked their meals. Now, they too were assembled and ready.

"Move out!"

The three daimyo, riding their majestic steeds, led their troops from the front, drawing their swords and pointing them toward the direction of the Flower Capital.

On a nearby rocky hill, Toki watched them depart in silence.

This was the final battle of Wano Country.

A battle with a predetermined outcome.

She did not want to witness it. Instead, she turned and walked away.

This was indeed the final battle for the people of this country.

But it was far from the end. Absolutely not.

**********

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