Former Marine Admiral, Aokiji.
Exhaling a breath of cold air, Aokiji spoke calmly, his tone carrying a hint of restrained anger. "Edward Weevil."
"Aokiji, why are you here?" Garrett asked, shock flashing across her face as she finally regained her composure.
"Relax," Aokiji replied lazily. "If things go well, we might be colleagues soon."
Crack.
High above, the ice encasing Edward Weevil fractured, thin lines spreading across its surface before shattering completely.
Weevil's massive body plummeted from the sky.
"Colleagues?" Garrett frowned. "Are you saying you want to join our pirate crew?"
She barely spared Weevil another glance. With Aokiji present, their crew was no longer in danger.
"Yes," Aokiji answered calmly. "The system your captain showed me is impressive. I find it… convincing."
"That is what true justice looks like," a voice said lightly.
A spatial vortex formed, and Kaito stepped out with a faint smile.
"You're here," Aokiji said, unsurprised.
"Captain, I failed," Garrett said immediately, bowing her head.
"No," Kaito replied. "Edward Weevil is not an opponent you were meant to handle alone. On the contrary, I am satisfied with how you performed."
Garrett froze, then looked up in disbelief. "Captain, you were already nearby?"
She knew the distance. Even by ship, it would take over an hour to reach this location.
Yet from the moment she sent the signal for support, barely three minutes had passed.
That speed.
"I arrived shortly after," Kaito said casually. "Just in time to witness Aokiji saving a beauty."
His gaze flicked between them.
Aokiji remained unfazed, but a faint flush appeared on Garrett's face.
Kaito's eyes narrowed slightly. Interesting.
"Han… Kaito!" Miss Bakkin screamed furiously from Weevil's shoulder. "Aokiji! Traitor! Son, retreat! Now!"
"Got it, Mom," Weevil muttered as he turned to leave.
The moment he moved, frost surged through the air. Ice spread instantly, freezing his legs in place.
Kaito raised his hand.
Thick, root-like tendrils erupted from his palm, wrapping around Weevil's body with terrifying force. The vines tightened, their surface pulsing as they began draining his stamina at an alarming rate.
Weevil roared, veins bulging as his muscles swelled. He struggled violently, unleashing his full strength in an attempt to break free.
It was useless.
Kaito's bindings were nothing like Garrett's restraint. They absorbed strength, endurance, and resistance itself, leaving no room for escape.
"Weevil, break free! Hurry!" Miss Bakkin screamed hysterically.
"Mom," Weevil muttered weakly. "I feel tired. My strength is disappearing."
His eyes drooped as his body slackened.
Miss Bakkin turned her rage toward Kaito. "What did you do to my son?"
"Nothing serious," Kaito replied coldly. "I just put him to sleep."
He paused, his gaze sharpening.
"However, Edward Weevil was never Whitebeard's son. Marco confirmed it long ago, and Whitebeard himself denied having any descendants."
"Tch. That's none of your business," Miss Bakkin snapped.
Three minutes later, Weevil collapsed heavily onto the ground, completely unconscious.
"So this is an ability that drains stamina directly," Aokiji remarked. "Not something you use lightly."
"It has its limits," Kaito replied.
"Captain, what should we do with them?" Garrett asked.
"Weevil is nothing more than a weapon," Kaito said. "Miss Bakkin is the real problem."
He tapped his chin briefly.
"Kill Miss Bakkin. Take Weevil with us. We'll see if he can be subdued later."
"Understood."
Garrett raised her hand. Jakat appeared instantly, staring at Aokiji in disbelief.
"I greet Captain Kaito. Garrett-san. Aokiji."
"A Marine?" Jakat asked.
"Yes."
"I'm not an Admiral anymore," Aokiji said. "Call me Boss."
"Yes, Boss Aokiji."
Jakat dragged Miss Bakkin away without hesitation.
Soon after, she returned. "Garrett-san, the mission is complete."
"Return," Garrett ordered.
Back on deck, Kaito and Aokiji sat beneath the sun.
"You've made your decision," Kaito said.
"Yes. I would not be here otherwise."
Kaito stood and extended his hand. "Then welcome. Aokiji."
Aokiji grasped it firmly. "It's an honor."
Garrett watched in stunned silence. The former Admiral had joined them just like that.
A thunderous roar echoed across the sky.
A blazing figure descended rapidly, flames trailing behind him.
Landing with a heavy thud, King shifted back to his human form, surprise flickering in his eyes as he looked at Kaito and Aokiji.
"So it was you, Cap Kaito."
Kaito laughed. "I forgot to notify you."
He placed a hand on Aokiji's shoulder. "No introductions needed. He's one of us now."
"Aokiji," King said respectfully.
"Likewise," Aokiji replied.
The following days passed peacefully. This was Kaito's territory, and no one was foolish enough to provoke it.
After returning, Kaito formally introduced Aokiji to the crew. A massive banquet followed.
Three days later, Totto Land.
Enormous merchant ships arrived, carrying reporters armed with cameras, Den Den Mushi, and notebooks. Led by Morgans, they entered a vast arena.
Security was absolute. Cake Island was under maximum alert.
This was no ordinary press conference.
There would be no global live broadcast. The World Government would never allow it.
However, across the New World, every region tuned in.
This sea belonged to Kaito now.
Under the rising sun, Kaito stepped onto the platform and smiled at the reporters.
"Welcome," he said. "Ask whatever you wish. I will answer honestly."
A young reporter spoke up boldly. "Captain Kaito, now that you rule the New World, will you remain within your territory, or will you expand and claim the entire sea?"
The arena went silent.
All eyes locked onto Kaito.
____
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