"History is like a little girl anyone can dress up—just look away."
Zenkichi spoke calmly, trying to soothe Robin, whose emotions had grown unsteady after learning the truth.
Robin had just heard the full account of the Void Century from Silvers Rayleigh, the forr right-hand of the Pirate King. She now knew the secrets buried for 800 years, the truths the World Governnt tried so desperately to erase.
For Zenkichi, however, these revelations held little weight.
With the power to reshape the seas, to rewrite the course of history itself, he saw no need to dwell on the past. What mattered was the world he was carving through strength.
Suddenly, Rayleigh's expression shifted, sharp and alert. He turned his gaze toward Zenkichi.
"The old man from the Sengoku era brought three admirals with him. I assu they're after you, not . I've long since retired."
Zenkichi gave a small nod, unfazed. "Yeah. They're here for . Take Robin and go. I'll handle them."
He had already sensed the presence of the Navy's top brass. But he had no intention of dragging Rayleigh into the confrontation. This was his battle.
Rayleigh understood. Without argunt, he turned to Robin. "Let's move."
Robin hesitated, her eyes lingering on Zenkichi with concern and conflict.
"Do you want to stay and fight beside ?" Zenkichi asked with a faint smile. "This isn't your battle, Robin."
She sighed. She knew he was right. Staying would only complicate matters.
"Co on," Rayleigh said gently, and she followed him, casting one last look over her shoulder.
Zenkichi began walking toward the coastline, his pace steady. He wanted an open field—sowhere the battle wouldn't spill over onto civilians.
Out at sea near the Sabaody Archipelago, a colossal Marine warship hovered ominously.
Sengoku stood aboard with a scowl. "I didn't expect Zenkichi to be connected to that relic, Rayleigh. This complicates things."
"Rayleigh's supposed to be retired. Why can't the old man stay out of pirate business?"
Sengoku felt a twinge of uncertainty. Rayleigh wasn't soone to be taken lightly. If he and Zenkichi tead up, the mission would be in jeopardy.
Akainu stood nearby, his face grim. "When it cos to pirates, we must show no rcy. Just because he 'retired' doesn't make him innocent."
His tone carried more than contempt—it carried resentnt. The Navy had tolerated Rayleigh for too long.
Sengoku shot Akainu a sharp look. "You think we haven't wanted to deal with him? He's no ordinary pirate. It'd take several admirals to bring him down."
Even with overwhelming force, Rayleigh would likely escape. Worse, if backed into a corner, he could take an admiral with him.
The World Governnt had chosen to leave him alone only because he had vanished from the world stage. But if he fought today alongside Zenkichi, everything would change.
Just then, Kizaru narrowed his eyes, sensing sothing unusual. "Hm? Seems like they've separated. That's good. Maybe Rayleigh doesn't want to get involved."
Sengoku, also sensing the situation with his Haki, shook his head. "No… It's not that he didn't sense us. He did."
"He chose to leave. He doesn't want to be dragged into this ss with Zenkichi. That should tell us sothing about their relationship."
"Zenkichi's arrogant," he added. "Or perhaps, just confident enough to take on all of us alone."
Footsteps echoed from the forest near the coast.
Zenkichi walked calmly toward the warship, his eyes locked on the four powerful figures waiting atop the deck.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Admiral Akainu, Admiral Kizaru, Admiral Aokiji…"
He gave a mock laugh.
"Quite the welcoming party. You brought the entire top brass just for ? I'm flattered."
"The World Governnt's strongest assets… dispatched for a single so-called pirate. Doesn't that make you look a little desperate?"
His tone was casual, his stance loose. He wasn't intimidated.
"Be careful," he added with a smirk, "you might beco the laughingstock of the whole sea."
Akainu stepped forward, face like stone. "Justice doesn't need pride. A criminal like you will be eliminated—no matter the cost."
Without another word, molten magma began bubbling at his fists. Heat radiated outward, distorting the air.
Zenkichi's face didn't flinch. "Admiral Akainu… always quick to anger. No heart, only fists."
He raised a single hand, forming a seal with practiced ease.
Water Release: Tranquil Depths.
The surrounding sea suddenly fell into eerie stillness. Then, a violent ripple surged outward from beneath the warship. The calm shattered as massive waves began crashing around them, stirred by his chakra.
Even Kizaru raised a brow. "Hmm… water manipulation at this scale?"
Aokiji's breath misted, frost creeping at the edges of his lips. "He's not like the others…"
Sengoku watched from above, expression darkening.
The battle was about to begin.
And Zenkichi… was alone.
___
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