Aether could clearly sense the killing intent behind Kizaru's words. An explanation had to be given to the World Governnt. That much was obvious, especially with two Celestial Dragons dead. No matter how laid-back Kizaru usually acted, he would never take sothing like this lightly.
Among the remnants of the Pirate King's crew, there were very few who could stand against Kizaru. Even fewer could hope to stop a user of the Glint-Glint Fruit once he chose to escape.
"I won't be captured without a fight, Admiral Kizaru."
Just as the two were about to clash, a familiar voice echoed from nearby, drawing both their attention. Not far away, two Pacifistas were chasing a group of pirates, and that group was the Straw Hat crew they had parted ways with earlier.
Close to them stood a man wearing a red belly warr, striking down Monkey D. Luffy with heavy blows. He was Sentomaru, the captain of the Science Unit.
The Marine Science Unit operated directly under Kizaru's command, with Sentomaru as its leader. Their role was to coordinate with the World Governnt's top scientist, Vegapunk, and test newly developed weapons.
Seeing this, Aether's suspicions were confird. The situation had worsened.
Even at a glance, the Straw Hat crew was at their limit. Two of their main fighters were already heavily injured, and only Sanji retained any real ability to continue fighting. The rest were in no condition to resist.
Kizaru's voice suddenly sounded behind him.
"You dare lose focus while facing ?"
A beam of light ford into a kick and struck forward. This ti, Aether reacted instantly. His Observation Haki warned him in advance, allowing him to dodge just in ti. The light grazed past his face and detonated a building behind him.
A sharp sting brushed across his cheek.
Without hesitation, Aether turned and slashed, cutting Kizaru cleanly across the waist.
But the severed body dissolved into light, reforming a short distance away without a single scratch.
Aether's eyes narrowed. Kizaru's Observation Haki had clearly reached an extraordinary level, allowing him to transform into light before taking damage.
There was no need to continue dragging this out. Aether was about to use his Travel Bubbles when Franky's desperate shout rang out.
"Robin!"
Nico Robin lay on the ground, her waist pierced by a beam of light, her strength nearly gone. Aether frowned slightly at the sight. If things continued this way, perhaps only Luffy would survive, while the rest faced grave danger.
Spreading his Observation Haki further, he searched for Silvers Rayleigh, but found nothing. That only made his expression darker.
Had sothing happened to him as well?
Before he could decide, Kizaru casually fired another beam. Only after Aether blocked it did his tone turn serious.
"You can't protect them right now. If you don't get serious, you'll be the one who dies."
A heavy killing intent pressed down on him.
Aether exhaled softly, making his decision. He would do what he could, and leave the rest to fate. If even after helping them the outco remained unchanged, then there was nothing more he could do.
As Kizaru moved again, a terrifying surge of Conqueror's Haki erupted from Aether.
Dark red lightning spread wildly, distorting the air itself. The ground beneath them trembled as mangrove roots and scattered debris began to rise into the air. This overwhelming Conqueror's Haki carried a presence vast enough to shake the heavens.
Kizaru's expression stiffened for a brief mont. He had not expected Aether to possess such a level of Conqueror's Haki. Even for him, it was not sothing to ignore.
The battle in the distance ca to a halt.
Sentomaru turned in shock, his eyes fixed on Aether. Another wielder of Conqueror's Haki, and one at this level? Even from afar, he could feel the pressure against his skin.
The two Pacifistas locked onto Aether and spoke in chanical voices.
"Highest priority target identified, Aether. Comncing extermination."
"So it's that madman…"
Seeing this, Sentomaru imdiately stopped them. An opponent with such overwhelming Conqueror's Haki was not sothing the Pacifistas could handle. Only Kizaru could deal with him.
Sentomaru had absolute faith in Kizaru. Even if one of the Four Emperors appeared, he believed the Admiral would not lose.
Kizaru's tone turned more serious.
"Such terrifying Conqueror's Haki. Even the rulers of the sea stand at this level. You really are a monster."
Aether smiled faintly.
"Stop pretending. You wouldn't be worried over sothing like this."
Kizaru did not deny it. His gaze sharpened as he moved, a blade of light forming in his hand.
This ti, he was getting serious.
At the speed of light, Aether could only track a blurred outline through his Observation Haki.
"Ama no Murakumo Sword."
"Mountain Crusher."
Aether's blade t the incoming light sword. This ti, his weapon was not coated in Armant Haki, but infused with Conqueror's Haki, dark red lightning crackling violently around it.
The sudden use of Conqueror's Haki Infusion made Kizaru's pupils contract slightly.
The two weapons collided.
A deafening impact exploded outward as a powerful shockwave swept the area. Kizaru, unprepared for the full force of the strike, was pushed back hundreds of ters before stabilizing himself. Even so, his body remained unhard.
Aether, however, stepped back several paces, his arm trembling slightly from the strain.
Without hesitation, he leapt forward and rushed toward the two Pacifistas.
With a single slash infused with Conqueror's Haki, both machines were cut cleanly in half at the waist. Their broken bodies exploded instantly, sending shockwaves through the mangrove roots and collapsing part of the ground.
Kizaru reappeared across from him, his voice calm.
"Truly frightening, to wield Conqueror's Haki Infusion."
Aether said nothing. The muscles in his arm were already shaking. Two uses of that power had pushed his body to its limit. Even if he switched hands, he could only manage one more strike at most.
What lingered in his mind, however, was sothing else.
Kizaru could have stopped him earlier, yet he chose not to.
Without turning back, Aether spoke toward the Straw Hat crew.
"Take your companions and leave now. I can't guarantee how long I can hold him back."
"Aether!"
The crew snapped back to reality. Those who could still move quickly lifted their injured companions, their expressions heavy but resolute. They understood this was a matter of life and death.
Even with Aether's help, they were still in grave danger.
In a flash of light, Kizaru appeared beside Roronoa Zoro, pinning him to the ground with his foot. His raised leg began to glow brightly.
"It seems you place a lot of importance on them. I can't allow that."
"Zoro!"
Nami and Chopper cried out in panic.
Aether clicked his tongue inwardly. That exaggerated pose again. Still, complaints aside, he prepared to intervene.
At that mont, his expression shifted.
His Observation Haki detected a powerful presence approaching at high speed.
A white-haired figure arrived like a gust of wind, appearing beside Kizaru. With a swift kick, he intercepted the incoming light attack, deflecting it away and destroying a nearby mangrove tree instead.
The two n faced each other.
Kizaru spoke, his tone carrying a hint of surprise.
"To think you'd show up, Dark King Silvers Rayleigh."
Rayleigh smiled calmly.
"I'm just an old man. These young people have only just begun their journey. It shouldn't end here."
Kizaru's usual relaxed expression tightened.
"That won't do, Dark King Rayleigh."
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