A Few Months After Becoming Admiral
It had been a few months since we became Admirals, and our days had been filled with constant missions, hunting down various pirate groups to gain merits for our future. These merits were essential for me, especially if I was ever to become Marshal.
Two days ago, I was assigned the important task of safeguarding the Heavenly Gold of the Celestial Dragons. It was being transported to the Holy Land, and I had been given the responsibility to ensure its safe journey. Rumors had surfaced that a member of the Rocks Pirates was planning to steal the gold, and I had been specially selected to protect it.
Currently, I was aboard the ship transporting the gold, overseeing the operation and ensuring that everything went according to plan. My focus was entirely on the mission, as gaining merits now would help secure my position in the future. I knew it would take decades, but as Sengoku had remained Admiral even after Gol D. Roger was arrested and executed, I understood the long road ahead.
Despite that, my goal was clear: to strengthen myself, secure my future, and eventually become Marshal. Nothing else mattered for now.
As we sailed through the sea, a report soon came in: a ship bearing the Rocks Pirates symbol had been spotted in the distance. My instincts immediately went on high alert. Whoever it was, I was prepared to face them. It didn't take long before I realized who the visitor was.
To my surprise, it was none other than Edward Newgate, or as the world would come to know him, Whitebeard. I couldn't believe it at first, but there he was. I knew he was one of the most powerful men alive, but even so, I was confident I could defeat him. After all, his strength, while formidable, was only comparable to Garp and Sengoku, and I had no doubt that I had surpassed them by now.
After a few tense minutes, Edward approached the ship. I didn't move a muscle at first. To my surprise, he came alone. No crew, no backup, just him. It was reckless, even for someone like him. I already knew his character well, and you don't get that many wounds without being reckless in battle.
As he boarded the ship, I couldn't help but remark.
Gojo: "Aren't you brave, Edward? You came alone, without any company. What's the matter? Don't you think that's a bit foolish?"
Edward: "Why would I need anyone else to battle with a mere Admiral?"
Gojo: "Aren't you overestimating yourself, Edward? Even though you're strong, no one man should ever think they can take on the world."
Edward: "Enough talk. Let's fight. I don't have much time."
And just like that, the battle began.
Instantly, I took the upper hand. I activated Steal, draining his strength and stamina at a rapid pace. Seeing that he was at a disadvantage, Edward resorted to using his Devil Fruit, the Gura Gura no Mi, which allowed him to create shockwaves capable of destroying anything in its path. I didn't flinch, though. I welcomed it. I didn't fear his attacks, and they didn't faze me due to my Regeneration.
Hours passed as we exchanged blows. Edward, despite his power, soon realized he couldn't keep up with me. His energy was depleting rapidly, and there was no way for him to win. Desperate, he launched one final, massive attack, hoping to distract me long enough to escape.
As the attack crashed around us, I quickly assessed the situation. I knew Edward was trying to flee. And just as I predicted, he made a break for it, retreating back to his ship. I didn't let him go without a parting shot.
Gojo: "Coward."
I immediately ordered my soldiers to fire the ship's cannons at his vessel, though I knew it would do little against him. But it was a message. We would not let him have his way.
As the smoke from the cannon fire cleared, I watched as Edward Newgate sailed off into the distance, but I knew this encounter was far from over. I had sent a clear warning, and the world would know that Whitebeard, for all his strength, could not defeat me.