"No wonder I didn't notice your presence just now."
Admiral Aokiji glanced at Shirogai and remarked with a hint of praise, "You used the Ice-Ice Fruit's ability to turn yourself into ice."
Shirogai gave a faint smile and nodded.
"You're right, Admiral Aokiji. It's hard to fool two masters of Observation Haki. After all, I've never learned that particular technique."
In the past, Shirogai had tried combining Observation Haki with Conqueror's Haki, hoping to gain an epiphany that would allow him to completely conceal his aura from an opponent's perception. Hundreds of attempts ended in failure.
So far, only Red-Haired Shanks — one of the Four Emperors — had mastered this rare technique, using his top-tier Conqueror's Haki to vanish from even the sharpest eyes. Unfortunately, Shirogai had missed the chance to meet him. Perhaps at the upcoming Summit War, he might have an opportunity to learn from Red Hair.
"Turning myself into ice and blending with the Ice Age I released… avoiding killing intent toward you two… I can manage that much," Shirogai said calmly, then turned to Kizaru with a smirk. "Kizaru, it seems you've got an extra Admiral lending you a hand. Two renowned Admirals against a new pirate? That's a bit much, isn't it?"
"Oh, Shirogai, don't dwell on the small things," Kizaru replied in his languid tone, waving his hand lazily. His mouth stretched into that exaggerated grin of his. "This old man isn't much of a threat to you anyway, so just think of it as Admiral Aokiji fighting you alone."
While the two Admirals and Shirogai spoke, several Marine soldiers exchanged glances. Quietly, they raised their rifles — loaded with Sea Stone bullets — and took aim at Shirogai.
The Admirals frowned slightly. Through Observation Haki, they'd already foreseen Shirogai effortlessly dodging the incoming rounds. But neither said a word to stop the soldiers' reckless move.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
As expected, Shirogai sidestepped the Sea Stone bullets with the barest flick of his body.
"Heh, even the Marines resort to underhanded tactics like ganging up now?" he taunted, his voice laced with mockery.
His words provoked the soldiers' tempers.
"It's the duty of the Marines to capture pirates! Die, scum!" one roared.
"Well said! Isn't it fair for the many to overwhelm the few?" Shirogai's grin widened, cold and sly. "Then by all means—shoot."
"Die!"
Gunfire roared again, but the bullets weren't aimed at Shirogai. Instead, the rifles were pointed directly at the backs of Aokiji and Kizaru.
Through Observation Haki, both Admirals caught the intent immediately.
"My, my… what an intriguing ability, Shirogai," Kizaru muttered. He became a streak of golden light, slipping past the Sea Stone bullets before launching several light bullets back at Shirogai.
"Ice Wall," Aokiji said calmly, raising a wall of solid ice that caught the bullets, trapping them in frozen prison.
More rounds struck the ice wall and clattered to the ground harmlessly.
"Some sort of Devil Fruit confusion ability?" Aokiji guessed, looking at the soldiers whose bloodshot eyes now saw the Admirals as pirates.
With a sigh, he stepped forward. "Then please cool down for a while. Ice Age Capsule."
Freezing air spread from his foot, racing across the ground and overtaking the frenzied Marines. In moments, they were frozen solid, turned into human-shaped ice sculptures.
Only two Marines — a male and a female Lieutenant Commander — managed to leap clear of the freezing path.
"Wait, Admiral Aokiji!" the male called out. "We're fine! We're not affected!"
"Oh. Then be careful," Aokiji replied lazily, his attention drifting back to Kizaru and Shirogai's battle.
The two Lieutenant Commanders stood behind him, watching in shock.
"This pirate… he's different from the rest," the female whispered. "His power is incredible."
That much was obvious — a man capable of casually wielding the abilities of two Admirals was no ordinary pirate.
"You're right," Aokiji said. "Plunderer Shirogai's strength is likely at the level of the Four Emperors."
The two exchanged a look, their breathing quickening. For a Marine Admiral to admit such a thing meant Shirogai was a walking calamity, a man who could destroy an island with ease.
The female officer's thoughts spiraled into chaos. In her mind, a dark, persuasive whisper emerged: The pirate is right there. Strike him down… cut him for justice…
"I… I can't…" she murmured.
For justice, we can destroy all who defy it, the voice urged. You can do it… be bold.
The moment she gave in, her eyes turned blood-red.
"Pirate! Die!"
She moved stiffly, sword in hand, and thrust at Aokiji's unguarded back.
Crack!
"Hey now, don't just stab a man in the lower back," Aokiji said without turning, his hand snapping out to catch the blade. Ice spread instantly, freezing her solid.
"Pfft!"
A sharp sound came from behind him.
"This method… is really troublesome," he muttered, turning to see the male Lieutenant Commander, eyes just as crimson, driving his sword into Aokiji's abdomen — which crumbled into ice.
"All pirates must die! Long live Marine justice!" the man shouted, shoving the blade forward.
Cold surged along the weapon, freezing him in an instant.
"What a strange ability," Aokiji remarked, his gaze returning to Shirogai, who was clashing with Kizaru's light.
If someone this dangerous joined any of the Four Emperors, he thought grimly, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Killing intent flickered in his heart. The balance between the Four Emperors, the Shichibukai, and the Marines was already fragile. It could not be allowed to shatter.
Raising a hand toward the battling pair, he said softly, "Ice Ball."
___
Milestones
100 Power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Power stones = 3 Bonus Chapters
___
My patreon link : patreon.com/Zphyr_
Support me, thank you.