Aether casually took the telescope from Rayleigh's hand and looked toward the direction he indicated.
Following that line of sight along the edge of the island, he soon spotted a warship partially concealed in the distance. Without careful observation, it would have been nearly impossible to notice.
At the bow of the warship stood a striking figure with long black hair. It was none other than Akainu, the "masterpiece" he had created during the Marineford War.
"Where is that Akainu hiding? Is she trying to pick up what's left?" Aether said, lowering the telescope slightly.
"Most likely," Rayleigh replied. "After everything you did, Roger, that Akainu brat hates you to the bone. If she finds a chance, she won't hesitate to take your life. So, are we still going after Blackbeard?"
Rayleigh's words made Aether pause and think carefully.
He had intended to pursue Blackbeard. With the speed of his warship, it would be extrely difficult for Blackbeard's damaged vessel to escape, unless he used the Tremor-Tremor Fruit to disrupt the sea itself.
However, with Akainu lurking in the shadows, constantly watching and waiting, the situation beca far more complicated. If she chose to interfere during a critical mont, it would introduce dangerous uncertainty into the battle.
"We'll hold off on chasing Blackbeard for now," Aether said calmly. "Let's move closer to Akainu and observe her. If she makes a move against us, that works in our favor. Eliminating an Admiral is just as important as dealing with Blackbeard."
Rayleigh nodded. "Your call."
As Aether's warship changed direction and sailed toward Akainu, her ship imdiately pulled away at an even greater speed. It was clear that an Admiral's vessel had undergone heavy modifications, making it one of the fastest on the sea.
Seeing this, Aether frowned slightly, already understanding her intentions.
She was not here to fight directly. She was here to interfere, to disrupt, and to deny him any clean opportunity. With her presence alone, chasing either Blackbeard or engaging in a decisive battle beca far less viable.
If not for the fact that Roger's remaining strength was limited, Aether would not have hesitated to continue pursuing Blackbeard, even with Akainu present.
"Forget it," Aether said after a mont. "Let's head to the island first. There seems to be soone tied up there. We'll check the situation."
As their warship docked, Blackbeard and his crew had already set sail.
Seeing that Aether made no attempt to chase them, the mbers of the Blackbeard Pirates beca increasingly arrogant.
"That damned Roger isn't worth our ti right now," Blackbeard declared. "First, we take Whitebeard's territory."
"A relic of the old era like him isn't sothing to fear," another crewmate added.
"Once we secure a position among the Four Emperors, we'll settle everything with him," Blackbeard laughed loudly.
Clearly, they were completely unaware that Aether himself had already beco one of the Four Emperors.
anwhile, on the departing Marine warship, Akainu stood at the bow.
She wore a tightly fitted professional outfit, her long black hair tied neatly behind her. Though her attire covered her completely, her figure remained striking and well-defined. Her redesigned red uniform gave her a heroic and commanding presence, like a formidable woman of authority.
Her sharp eyes remained fixed on Aether's movents.
Originally, she had planned to wait for both sides to weaken each other before stepping in and taking advantage of the situation. However, she had not expected Aether to detect her presence so quickly.
With her plan exposed, direct confrontation was no longer an option.
She understood her limits well. She was no match for Aether, especially with Rayleigh by his side.
Even so, she had no intention of letting him off so easily.
For now, all she could do was interfere and observe, waiting for a better opportunity. She also knew that Blackbeard and Roger were already mortal enemies, both publicly and personally.
"Roger," she muttered softly, her eyes cold. "One day, when I take full control of the Marines, I will settle everything with both of you."
At that mont, a Marine Rear Admiral approached her.
"Admiral Akainu, we've detected traces of the Black Bull Pirates near Lishan Island. Ma'am… are we truly not going to pursue Pirate King Roger?"
In recent days, the Marines had been under imnse pressure because of this newly erged Emperor.
Akainu turned to him and suddenly smiled.
Her expression was elegant and composed, as refined as a blooming rose.
The Rear Admiral froze for a mont, stunned.
Having served under her for years, he had never seen such a smile before. The change in her deanor was almost unbelievable.
"There's no need," Akainu said gently. "Hunting dangerous pirates is important, but your safety matters more. As your commander, it is my duty to protect you."
Her tone was calm and sincere.
The surrounding Marines reacted exactly as she expected. Many of them were visibly moved, their eyes filled with emotion.
"Admiral Akainu, we've only held you back."
"We'll follow you for the rest of our lives!"
"Admiral, I was wrong to doubt you."
Akainu simply maintained her smile and said nothing further, allowing their loyalty to deepen naturally.
"Alright," she continued after a mont. "I understand your resolve. Now prepare to capture other pirates. We don't have ti to waste."
"Yes, Lady Akainu!"
The Marines imdiately straightened and saluted, their morale rising sharply.
As they returned to their duties and the warship cut through the waves, quiet conversations began to spread among them.
"Lady Akainu really has changed."
"Yeah, and she hasn't beco weaker at all. Those fools at Headquarters are just talking nonsense."
"They say she's the weakest Admiral now, but I'll shut them up myself when we return."
"Exactly. She's powerful and beautiful, she's like a goddess."
At that word, the surrounding Marines suddenly fell silent.
They stared at the speaker in disbelief.
Sothing about that statent felt dangerously bold.
Akainu paid no attention to their chatter.
She gazed out at the sea, a faint, unusual light flickering in her eyes.
She had indeed changed.
After the initial chaos of her transformation, she had gradually begun adapting to her new identity. She even started paying attention to her appearance, sothing she had never cared about before.
But what truly drove her transformation was the decision made by Sengoku and the higher authorities of the World Governnt.
They intended to let Aokiji beco the next Fleet Admiral.
That was sothing she could never accept.
Becoming Fleet Admiral was her lifelong goal.
She would not allow anyone to take it from her.
To achieve that goal, she began reshaping herself completely.
In front of the world and the World Governnt, she would display unwavering strength. Against pirates, she would enforce justice with ruthless thods. And among the Marines, she would present a more approachable and protective image.
In just ten days, her efforts had already begun to bear fruit.
Her prestige within the Marines had not declined, it had risen.
Even those who once feared her were beginning to respect and follow her willingly.
Her reputation continued to grow.
A faint flush appeared on her face as excitent stirred within her.
"Aokiji," she murmured, her gaze sharpening, "when the weight of the tis cos crashing down on you, I wonder how you'll respond."
Her expression turned resolute.
"The position of Fleet Admiral can only belong to ."
No matter the cost, no matter the thods, she would claim it. Even if the World Governnt believed a woman was unfit for the role, she would prove them wrong through absolute power.
User Comments
0 comments from readers