The system's reward prompt echoed crisply in Bai Yu's mind.
> [Final Task Completion Rating: S]
[Reward Distribution Initiated...]
[Forging Count +1]
[Select any technique (excluding Haki) to be instantly upgraded to 100% proficiency!]
Bai Yu accepted the reward without hesitation, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Vice Admiral Bai Yu!"
"You were incredible!"
At that moment, Magellan and Hannibal approached, visibly more relaxed now that the crisis had passed.
"Your strength is truly overwhelming," Hannibal said, his admiration plain as day.
"I apologize for my earlier demeanor," Magellan added, his tone no longer stern but sincerely respectful.
"It's fine," Bai Yu replied calmly. "We're all on the same side."
Then, his expression turned serious. "It's getting late. I need to escort Ace to Marineford immediately."
The delay caused by the massive triple-pirate invasion had cost precious time. Thankfully, the Navy Headquarters had been notified in advance, and the public execution schedule had been slightly postponed.
"I'll have Ace brought up right away," Magellan said, quickly issuing instructions.
Hannibal and several guards rushed off toward the lower levels of Impel Down. Moments later, Ace—bound in sea-stone shackles—was escorted to the surface.
"Ace is in your hands now," Magellan said solemnly, handing over the prisoner.
Ace remained quiet, his face shadowed in thought.
"We'll be on our way. Farewell," Bai Yu said, hoisting Ace effortlessly with one hand.
"May fate cross our paths again," Magellan nodded.
"Vice Admiral Bai Yu, take care!" Hannibal added, then leaned in and whispered, "Just a warning… if the public execution goes through, things might get chaotic."
Clearly, word of potential rebellion or large-scale resistance had reached Impel Down.
Bai Yu grinned. "Since when has the Navy feared pirates?"
Hannibal was momentarily speechless.
Then Magellan and Hannibal both broke into laughter, their tension eased by Bai Yu's composed confidence.
Without further delay, Bai Yu and his G-5 unit boarded their warship and set sail toward Marineford, headquarters of the World Government's military force.
"White Feather..." Magellan murmured, watching the ship fade into the horizon. "The future holds no bounds for you."
"Exactly!" Hannibal chimed in. "Good thing I built a connection early. Once he climbs higher, with our friendship… perhaps I can finally replace Magellan as Warden! Oops—did I say that out loud again?"
Back aboard the warship, with no more pirate forces in their path, Bai Yu and his men cruised unhindered toward their destination.
Between Impel Down and Marineford lies a special current—one of the three-way justice routes connecting Enies Lobby, Impel Down, and Marineford.
A massive vortex cycle drives the current, flowing exclusively in one direction:
Enies Lobby → Impel Down → Marineford → back to Enies Lobby.
Once they passed through the Gates of Justice, Bai Yu's warship surged forward, caught in the accelerated marine flow.
With time before arrival, Bai Yu stepped alone onto the deck, drawing in the salty wind.
"System," he said aloud, "Forge and upgrade the True Peerless Katana."
> [Ding! Initiating Forging: Upgrading 'True Peerless Katana']
A familiar white light swirled around Bai Yu. It enveloped the katana at his waist and floated it before him.
Streams of concentrated energy seeped into the blade. As the upgrade progressed, the katana's surface pulsed with power.
Moments later, the system chimed again.
> [Ding! Forging Successful — Weapon Upgraded: 'Heaven and Earth Peerless Blade (Supreme Grade Great Sword)']
The white glow shattered like glass, replaced by a sudden flash of crimson light.
A newly reforged katana appeared before him.
Bai Yu reached out, expecting a heavier grip—but surprisingly, the sword felt light, responsive, almost alive.
Yet the handle burned slightly in his palm, as though warning: Wield me with control, or be consumed.
The blade was striking.
Dark metallic in color, the hilt twisted like a spiral dragon's spine, wrapped in red cord. The guard flared into crimson fangs.
Bai Yu slowly drew the blade—shhk!
A flash of blood-red light erupted from the edge.
Heat surged.
The blade was perfectly straight, primarily black and crimson. The spine bore jagged, serrated ridges shaped like dragon teeth. The cutting edge gleamed with a sheen like molten blood.
Etched across the blade's surface were intricate carvings—scales of a divine beast woven in arcane patterns.
Heaven and Earth Peerless Blade.
A name worthy of its might.
"As expected," Bai Yu murmured. "It's reached the rank of Supreme Grade Great Sword..."
This blade—superior in every aspect—would elevate his dual swordsmanship to even greater heights.
"Still one more reward to claim..."
Sheathing the blade, Bai Yu accessed the system panel.
Alongside the bonus forging count, he had earned a single Full Proficiency Upgrade for any technique (excluding Haki).
Three techniques remained incomplete:
Dual Sword Style: 75%
Ju: Twenty-Four Slash Barrage: 55%
Solar Eclipse: Phantom Slash: 5% (recently acquired)
After weighing his options, Bai Yu made his choice.
"Upgrade Ju: Twenty-Four Slash Barrage to 100% proficiency."
The moment he confirmed, a rush of combat insight flooded into him.
A technique once powerful was now perfected—every motion, every angle, every rhythm was his to command.
As the warship hurtled toward the brewing storm at Marineford, Bai Yu stood on deck—his blade reborn, his technique refined, and his resolve unshaken.
The war on the summit approached.
And with it, the roar of a blade that would reshape the seas.
End of Chapter.
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