One Piece: I'm not Roger Chapter 13 13: 13: Roger's Son?

Bonney dragged her badly wounded body to the side, her breath uneven as she watched the standoff between man and machine. No matter how much she wanted to see Aether fall, a part of her still hoped he would win. If he lost, her journey would end right here.

A red light flashed in the Pacifista's eyes as it made the first move. Its mouth opened, revealing a cannon barrel, and a laser fired straight at Aether. He simply sidestepped, then burst forward, closing the distance in an instant.

The long blade in his hand darkened as Armant Haki wrapped around it. With a clean motion, he split the incoming laser, the beam scattering like fireworks in the air.

His sword ca down in a direct slash. Before the Pacifista could react, a deep gash, nearly a ter long, tore across its shoulder. Sparks crackled along its chanical fra. After landing the hit, Aether slipped away from another laser as the machine leapt backward to create distance.

They faced each other once more. After just a single exchange, the gap between them was already obvious.

Aether flexed his grip on the sword. He had to admit, the Pacifista's defense was impressive. Even with Armant Haki, he had not been able to cut it in half. Its laser attacks were deadly as well.

Against weaker opponents, it would be unstoppable. One clean hit was enough to kill instantly. Unfortunately, its rigid structure and predictable attack patterns made it easier to read.

Aether moved again. With his Observation Haki guiding him, he avoided the lasers effortlessly. His blade swept upward.

"Mountain Cleaver."

The strike sliced clean through the Pacifista's hand, crippling half of its offensive ability. Its remaining arm lashed out, knocking Aether away before unleashing a rapid barrage of lasers.

Midair, Aether adjusted his balance and landed smoothly. His blade spun in his grip, forming a curtain of sword energy that deflected the incoming beams in all directions.

Watching from the side, Bonney felt a mix of frustration and relief. Frustration, because Aether's overwhelming strength made the fight look effortless, ruining any chance of seeing him struggle. Relief, because it ant she might survive today.

She let out a quiet sigh, but in her distraction, she failed to notice a stray beam striking near her. The explosion sent her crashing to the ground.

Already on the brink, she coughed up several mouthfuls of blood, her voice filled with anger.

"Aether, even if I die and beco a ghost, I won't let you off!"

Hearing her, Aether decided to end things quickly. The noise could attract unwanted attention. Raising his blade with one hand, the black steel flickered with intense energy as his Armant Haki condensed to its limit.

A cold killing intent filled his gaze.

"Sea Splitter."

The overwhelming slash shattered the incoming beams and continued forward without losing montum. It cut straight through the Pacifista, splitting it cleanly in two. Sparks erupted from its exposed interior before it detonated in a massive explosion.

That single strike consud more than half of his Armant Haki, but it was necessary. Only a blow of that level could destroy a Pacifista.

Aether sheathed his blade and walked toward Bonney with a faint smile.

"Miss Bonney, need a hand?"

Her face dirty and pale, she turned her head away stubbornly.

"I don't need your help, just get lost…"

Before she could finish, Aether picked her up without hesitation. Left alone, she would not survive in her current state. Any passing pirate could finish her off.

As for the Marines, with Bartholow Kuma involved, she would likely be fine.

Now in his arms, Bonney could only glare at him, her eyes burning with defiance. Realizing he was not good at dealing with soone like her, Aether decided to leave her sowhere safe.

"Relax, I'll find a place for you to rest."

Hearing that, Bonney secretly relaxed, though she kept up her tough expression.

"You saved on your own. Don't expect thanks."

Suddenly, her expression changed, her eyes widening.

"Be…"

Her warning ca too late.

Aether's Observation Haki flared, sensing a presence behind him. The fact that soone could get this close without being noticed ant only one person.

There was no ti to turn.

He poured the last of his Armant Haki into his back and released Bonney.

A flash of light.

Aether vanished from her sight.

Kizaru's lazy voice followed.

"Killed a Celestial Dragon, destroyed a Pacifista like it was nothing. Can't let soone that dangerous run free."

Bonney ignored him completely, her gaze fixed on where Aether had been. A flicker of worry crossed her mind. Had he just been killed?

Kizaru narrowed his eyes as he watched Aether's body crash through multiple giant trees, flying nearly ten kiloters before disappearing into the distance. Only then did he turn his attention to Bonney.

"Jewelry Bonney, another troubleso one. Can't afford to lose the Shichibukai Bartholow Kuma before the war begins."

With no interest in dealing with her, Kizaru transford into a beam of light and vanished.

Bonney was left behind, helpless. Whether it was the Pacifista or Kizaru, both were enemies she could not hope to defeat.

Far away, in Area 35, Aether's body smashed into a massive mangrove, shaking the colossal tree.

He coughed lightly as he stepped out from the damaged trunk, completely intact.

In the distance, he saw Kizaru turning into light again, clearly preparing to pursue.

That single kick had activated his Substitute Puppet, proof of how terrifying the attack truly was. His expression turned serious. That had not been one of Kizaru's casual strikes.

It had been a full power attack.

Without the puppet, being caught off guard like that might have killed him.

Golden light gathered nearby as Kizaru reappeared. Seeing Aether standing there unhard, a rare hint of surprise flickered across his face.

"Are you so kind of monster? Taking my full power kick without a scratch. That's absurd."

Aether looked at him with open disdain.

"I don't need to be called a monster by soone like you, Borsalino."

Kizaru's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Aether more closely.

"You look familiar. What's your connection to Roger?"

In his younger days, he had fought the Roger Pirates countless tis alongside Garp and Sengoku. Roger's face was sothing he would never forget.

Aether remained calm.

"Relax. I'm not Roger's son, and I'm not related to him."

Kizaru placed a hand on his chest in mock relief.

"Good. Otherwise, I might have to worry about the Pirate King's legacy coming back for revenge."

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