Outside the waters of Amazon Lily, a Marine warship remained stationed at sea. Vice Admiral Momonga stood aboard, surrounded by rows of petrified Marine soldiers scattered across the deck.
Inside the control room, silence lingered. As ti passed, Momonga's expression grew increasingly tense. This mission was not a routine summons. The World Governnt required the Shichibukai to participate in the upcoming Marineford War, and their presence would significantly increase the chances of defeating the Whitebeard Pirates.
Each of the Seven Warlords of the Sea possessed strength comparable to high ranking officers under the Four Emperors. Dracule Mihawk alone could rival Red Haired Shanks in swordsmanship, and even the World Governnt could not accurately gauge the full extent of his power.
Even if the Shichibukai did not fight at full strength, their involvent would still be decisive. However, two of them were already imprisoned in Impel Down. If fewer than five answered the call, it would damage both morale and the credibility of the World Governnt.
Footsteps suddenly echoed through the room as a Marine soldier rushed in.
"Vice Admiral Momonga, the Kuja Pirates' ship is approaching. Their intentions are unknown."
Momonga stood imdiately. The Pirate Empress had finally arrived.
The wait had felt endless. If he failed this mission and his n remained turned to stone, the humiliation alone would follow him back to Marineford.
A crimson ship, pulled by two massive sea snakes, ca to a halt beside the warship. Boa Hancock stepped aboard, wearing a white cape over her red attire, her presence both regal and commanding.
"Marines, this concubine accepts the Shichibukai summons. Before departing, I wish to see the cause of this war, Portgas D. Ace."
Momonga maintained a composed expression.
"Pirate Empress, I am pleased you have accepted. I will report your request to Headquarters."
As Hancock released her ability, the petrified Marines returned to normal. Relief flickered across Momonga's face, though he remained cautious. Access to Ace required approval from Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
The World Governnt had no record of any connection between Hancock and the Whitebeard Pirates. Moreover, a single Shichibukai lacked the ans to break into Impel Down.
Aside from Golden Lion Shiki, who had escaped at the cost of his legs, no one had ever succeeded in over a century. That reputation ford the foundation of their confidence.
Momonga ended the call shortly after.
"The Fleet Admiral has granted your request. Please board. It will take four days to reach Impel Down via the Gate of Justice."
Hancock gave a slight nod.
"You have this concubine's thanks."
She stepped onto the warship alone, with Luffy concealed behind her under the invisibility cloak.
As they passed, Aether, still hidden aboard the Kuja ship, watched closely. A trace of tension lingered in his mind. If Momonga detected Luffy, the situation would escalate imdiately.
Fortunately, just as expected, Momonga's Observation Haki was not advanced enough to sense him.
Once the Marine warship departed, Aether and the Kuja crew began moving as well.
"Sandersonia, thank you for the ride."
She hesitated briefly.
"It is nothing, Aether. Or perhaps I should say... brother in law."
The words felt unfamiliar to her.
Aether gave a faint smile.
"There is no need to force it. Just call Aether. We are friends."
The Kuja ship set sail, heading toward the Sabaody Archipelago. The journey would take about four to five days. From there, Marineford could be reached within a day through the main route.
As the ship neared the edge of the Calm Belt, a massive shadow appeared beneath the surface.
The sea snakes grew restless, their usual dominance over smaller Sea Kings no longer present.
The water suddenly surged upward. A colossal head burst from the ocean, lunging directly at the snakes.
The size difference alone made resistance impossible.
Before the attack could land, Aether appeared in front of the creature. His fist, coated in Armant Haki, struck its head with overwhelming force, sending it crashing back into the sea.
Waves rose violently, towering dozens of ters high.
The Sea King resurfaced, its eyes locked onto Aether with clear hostility. The earlier strike had not been fatal, but it had angered it.
Aether observed it carefully. Its massive, white body resembled a mix of a hound and a fish. At over 1500 ters in length, it exuded an overwhelming presence.
Even among large Sea Kings, this one stood out.
Sandersonia's expression turned serious.
"This is no ordinary Sea King. What should we do? Big Sister is not here."
Aether raised a hand calmly.
"Leave it to . Move the ship away. If this continues, it will destroy everything."
A faint pressure spread from his body as Conqueror's Haki surged outward. The Sea King froze for a brief mont, its instincts reacting to the overwhelming force.
Yet instead of retreating, it roared and charged again.
Aether narrowed his eyes.
"So you are not the type to back down."
He drew his sword and vanished from sight, reappearing before the creature. Dark red lightning wrapped around the blade.
"Advanced Conqueror's Haki, Sea Sever."
The slash struck instantly, tearing through its scales and slicing deep into its body. Blood poured into the sea as the creature let out a deafening cry.
It attempted to flee, sweeping its massive tail.
Aether pursued it through the air using Moonwalk, closing the distance in an instant.
"Advanced Conqueror's Haki, Mountain Crush."
Another strike descended, ending the battle.
The ocean gradually cald, leaving behind the enormous corpse floating on the surface. The surrounding waters turned crimson as other Sea Kings began to gather below.
Aether returned to the ship, landing lightly on the deck.
System notifications appeared in his mind.
Class A creature experienced extre fear, experience gained: 500
Fate significantly altered, reward: 500 points
Aether considered it briefly.
So creatures with intelligence could also generate rewards.
This Sea King was only classified as Class A, yet its strength was considerable. If the battle had taken place entirely underwater, the outco might not have been so straightforward.
Still, the path ahead remained unchanged.
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