The surging Yomi Chill burst from Chiga's palms like a crashing tide, instantly freezing everything in its path.
The world transford into a vast frozen wasteland. Across from him stood Aokiji, suspended in a block of glacial ice, his expression locked in disbelief.
He, the Ice-Ice Fruit user, had been frozen.
As a Logia-type, Aokiji would normally rge with ice and escape, but in that instant, his consciousness faded. His thoughts, like ti itself, ca to a halt.
Maha Pad—an ultimate-level technique achieved by combining the Yomi Chill and the Divine Power of the Takami Musubi no Kami housed in Chiga's right horn—had reached absolute zero, montarily freezing both ti and space.
It was a power beyond the natural limits of Devil Fruits. With this technique, even Logia users who could typically regenerate or phase through attacks were rendered completely vulnerable.
If Chiga wished to kill Aokiji now, all it would take was a flick of his wrist. The Admiral would shatter into frozen fragnts, unable to recover.
But that wasn't Chiga's intention. Aside from the fact that Aokiji was a fellow Admiral and a comrade, this clash had also played a critical role in helping Chiga develop Maha Pad. For that, Aokiji deserved gratitude, not punishnt.
A purple light flickered in Chiga's Rinnegan. The ice-covered battlefield began to dissipate, turning into wisps of cold air that spiraled upward and vanished as if they had never existed.
Aokiji fell free from the ice, collapsing to one knee and gasping for breath. Though unconscious during the freeze, his body now trembled with the vivid realization that he'd just stood at death's door.
Chiga appeared beside him, extended a hand, and pulled him upright.
Before Chiga could say a word, Aokiji exhaled sharply and muttered, "You're… a damn monster."
He had been utterly overwheld. Though Aokiji always knew Chiga was strong, this was far beyond what he had imagined—beyond human capability. The frightening truth settled in: Chiga might be capable of taking on all four Yonko crews by himself.
Chiga said nothing, simply shrugging with a faint, unreadable smile.
After checking that Aokiji wasn't seriously injured—being an Ice-Ice Fruit user, frostbite wasn't a concern—Chiga dismissed the idea of using healing powers like Iwanagahi on him.
He then summoned the Door-Door Space and released Robin from within.
Robin stepped out in silence, but her wide eyes and stunned expression mirrored what Aokiji had just said. No words were needed.
Aokiji's reaction was more dramatic. His jaw dropped in disbelief. The whole point of his fight with Chiga had been to buy Robin ti to escape… and now here she was, back again—willingly.
Recalling how close he ca to being frozen for eternity, Aokiji felt a wave of frustration so strong, it was almost funny.
He glanced sideways at Chiga, uncertain how he would respond to Robin's return.
Chiga ignored his look and crossed his arms.
"Kuzan gave you a chance to escape," he said to Robin calmly, "so why'd you co back? You think I wouldn't be able to catch you if you ran?"
Aokiji winced. So Chiga had seen right through his plan to help Robin escape. Embarrassing.
What confused him, though, was how Chiga knew about his connection with her in the first place.
Chiga shot him a brief glance, almost as if to say, Even if I hadn't watched the ani, your reaction to her in the office was enough. You're not exactly subtle, Kuzan.
Robin, anwhile, didn't avert her gaze. Despite her nerves, she t Chiga's eyes—those piercing Rinnegan—and asked in a trembling voice, "Why did you say those things earlier? Do you really intend to…"
She was referring to his earlier, open disdain for the World Governnt. She wanted to understand the man who, despite being so young, wielded terrifying power and didn't bother hiding his contempt for the Celestial Dragons.
Robin was careful not to repeat his exact words in front of Aokiji, trying to spare him the political risk. After all, Chiga had just saved her life and shown her a side of himself that wasn't entirely cold or ruthless.
But Chiga had no such reservations.
"That's right," he said. "The World Governnt should've fallen long ago. I'll be the one to bring it down."
"Nani!?"
The loudest reaction ca not from Robin, but Aokiji. His entire body tensed. Had he heard that correctly?
The strongest Admiral—Admiral Purple Kirin—just declared his intention to destroy the World Governnt.
Was he dreaming? Aokiji rubbed his temples, half-convinced he was hallucinating.
Robin stood frozen in place, her wide eyes fixed on Chiga. Her voice caught in her throat.
Chiga, unfazed, raised his hands and said simply, "It's not ti yet… but it's coming soon."
Aokiji couldn't take it anymore. "What the hell are you saying, Chiga!? Are you insane!?"
Chiga turned his back, speaking in a cool tone, "Kuzan, I ant what I said. The World Governnt is rotten. I will bring it to an end."
Aokiji stared at Chiga's back, searching those glowing Rinnegan for any sign of hesitation. He found none. Just absolute conviction.
Logically, as a Navy Admiral, Aokiji knew he should report Chiga imdiately, or try to arrest him on the spot. But staring into those eyes… he felt helpless. There was nothing he could do. Not against this.
Chiga turned around, placed a hand on Aokiji's shoulder, and looked at him.
Robin stood quietly beside them, never looking away.
Chiga said, "You don't need to wrestle with the idea that standing against them is opposing justice. They don't represent justice. Spread what I said if you want—I won't stop you."
Aokiji looked down, silent. After a long mont, he let out a deep, tired sigh.
---
Beco a patron to get access to chapters in advance on all my works.
Patreon/Zphyr_
Reviews
All reviews (0)