As the sun chased the moon and light replaced darkness, this day marked a significant event for the entire Navy. The most crucial and thrilling battle of the Marine competition was finally about to begin.
The sky gradually brightened as dawn broke, signaling the start of a new day.
As usual, the same lonely island served as the battleground. However, only high-ranking Marines were present this time, as the top brass anticipated an earth-shattering battle. Only those with the rank of Vice Admiral and above were permitted on the island.
A closer look around the island, whether on the ground or in the air, would reveal numerous strange visuals of Den Den Mushi.
With determined steps, Nokiyoru, tall and lean, dressed in a white shirt and dark gold pants, walked steadily to the battleground. This time, there was no designated arena; there was just one rule: the opponent must either admit defeat or lose consciousness.
Opposite him, Akainu stood with a grim expression, his face filled with murderous intent as he glared at the composed Nokiyoru. Today, only one of them would survive.
The oppressive atmosphere was suffocating, indicating that this was a clash of titans.
In Marineford’s square, screens displayed everything happening on the island.
The area was packed with people, voices rising in excitement. Even a betting area had sprung up on the outskirts, with wagers on who would emerge victorious.
Heated discussions filled the air; some argued vehemently while others looked on disdainfully, displaying the full spectrum of human emotions.
“Mom, will Brother Nokiyoru win?” A child’s voice rang out in the crowd. A woman holding a boy about three years old looked nervously at the screen showing the figure who had played with him.
“Don’t worry. Your brother Nokiyoru is very strong. Even your father says so. We must believe in him.” The woman smiled charmingly, though her face showed worry as she looked at the thin figure on the screen, silently praying, “Whether you win or not, I hope you return safely.”
“Yeah, Brother Nokiyoru is the best. I believe in him. He promised that when I grow up, we’ll chase down the great pirates together. That’s our promise.” The little boy’s voice was innocent but filled with seriousness and confidence.
“Then let’s silently cheer for your Brother Nokiyoru in our hearts!”
“Okay.”
On a high platform at the battleground, Sengoku, Garp, and other high-ranking officers sat in silence.
Watching the two figures brimming with hate, Sengoku sighed, “If only they could coexist peacefully. With Kizaru and Aokiji, the Navy’s future would be secure.”
“Unfortunately, but maybe it’s for the best. Some people would never let the Navy grow stronger.” Tsuru looked towards the right, where the vast expanse of the Red Line lay.
“Tsuru…” Sengoku interrupted, shaking his head with a blank expression. He then turned to Garp and Sengoku, saying, “Let’s see how things unfold.”
“What do you mean by that, Fleet Admiral Sengoku?” Zephyr frowned, his expression tense and angry.
“I’m sorry, Zephyr. This is beyond our control. Some believe the Navy has become too arrogant,” Sengoku sighed. Not yet the Supreme Commander, his focus was solely on the Navy. Despite Zephyr’s questioning and Tsuru’s words, Sengoku showed no anger.
“Fleet Admiral, this isn’t right!” Garp, picking his nose, also seemed displeased. “We’ve intervened twice in their personal feud. Three times would be too much…”
“I agree. Given Nokiyoru’s personality, he might do something irreversible.” Sengoku frowned, adding, “And does this mean the higher-ups favor Akainu over Nokiyoru?”
“That’s impossible. Why would they? Nokiyoru is just as capable as Akainu!” Zephyr stood up, clearly angry at the Five Elders’ decision.
“Stop, stop, no more arguing. Zephyr, sit down,” Sengoku rubbed his forehead, signaling for calm. “The Five Elders think Akainu’s abilities are outstanding and want us to intervene at the critical moment to ensure no one dies. After that, they’ll talk to the victor directly.”
“Hmph…” Zephyr snorted, still angry.
“Understood?” Sengoku looked at Zephyr, shaking his head. Then, he addressed Garp and Sengoku.
“With Sengoku there, I’m not needed,” Garp said, flicking his nose.
“Fine, just make sure no one dies,” Sengoku said, resigned.
The sun hung high, and a breeze kicked up sand, swirling it around. Finally, the long-awaited battle began.
“Gurgle… gurgle…” White mist billowed as dark red magma ignited the ground, radiating intense heat that spread quickly.
Akainu’s lower half turned into magma, his face twisted with rage. “For absolute justice, Nokiyoru, you must die today.”
“You overestimate yourself.” Nokiyoru, who had a deep-seated hatred for Akainu, glared back. Perhaps influenced by his past life or Akainu’s personality, Nokiyoru felt a burning anger.
Normally, Nokiyoru didn’t seek trouble, but trouble always found him. His principle was simple: don’t provoke others; if provoked, the aggressor must die.
Nokiyoru’s guiding principle was being challenged. Facing Akainu, he felt a wild beast stirring within, urging him to abandon his usual restraint.
Even a docile person, pushed too far, would retaliate. Nokiyoru was the same.
Clenching his fist, Nokiyoru coldly raised his head, his voice dripping with menace. “Dead dog, you won’t have another chance. Maybe I’ve been too lenient. People always try to provoke me. This needs to change.”
Nokiyoru tilted his head with a chilling smile, exuding a palpable menace.
On the high platform, Zephyr felt a pang of sorrow. He knew Nokiyoru was changing. He might still seem the same on the surface, but deep down, something had shifted. Nokiyoru was no longer the gentle, single-minded boy who only knew how to train.
“Alas…” Zephyr sighed, knowing he couldn’t do anything. People change when pushed to the edge.
“Hmph… The victor isn’t decided yet, Nokiyoru Kara. You’re too arrogant.” Akainu sneered, believing his recent training had leveled the playing field, or even tilted it in his favor.
From the first moment they met, Nokiyoru had irked Akainu for no reason. Perhaps it was their contrasting personalities or a natural rivalry. Now, Akainu wanted nothing more than to kill Nokiyoru, and Nokiyoru would show no mercy if given the chance.
Their rivalry had inexplicably escalated to a life-and-death struggle, a strange yet clear animosity.
“Akainu, you’re really irritating.” Nokiyoru’s eyes gradually turned gold-red, flames soaring. Suddenly, a world of fire appeared.
Nokiyoru stood amidst the raging flames like a king, with a massive, fierce creature behind him. The creature spread its wings and roared, exuding a menacing aura.
“So, Akainu, are you ready to become a dead dog?”
Flexing his body slightly, Nokiyoru grinned menacingly, giving off a chilling, ghostly vibe.
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