Fish-Man Island had not suffered extre oppression in recent years. Its previous protectors, Whitebeard and Big Mom, had ensured a level of stability. If it had fallen under the control of Kaido or the World Governnt, the island would have been drained of its value without hesitation, even if it ant its destruction.
Its location alone made it priceless. Aside from the route controlled by the World Governnt, Fish-Man Island stood as the only gateway to the New World. Its importance rivaled that of a strategic mariti choke point, making it indispensable to pirates and traders alike.
With the vast resources lying ten thousand ters beneath the sea, Aether understood the opportunity in front of him. Even acting as a middleman, he could earn enormous profits. Once his territory stabilized, he planned to establish transport routes between islands and organize rchant fleets, allowing goods to circulate freely. Wealth would follow structure, and structure began with connection.
After resolving the matter of submission, only one thing remained, ending the chaos.
Aether lifted Hody Jones by the head and addressed the restless crowd.
"This Captain of the New Fish-Man Pirates, Hody Jones, is the one behind the attack on the Big Mom Pirates and the chaos on Fish-Man Island. If you doubt it, question his crew. They are still lying unconscious on the street to the left."
The words stunned the surrounding fish-n and rfolk. When the royal guards brought in the captured crew mbers and interrogated them, their testimonies confird everything.
Shock turned into despair.
"It was Hody Jones... I thought they only hated humans, but this..."
"They caused Killer and the others to die."
"Traitor, execute him!"
The accusations grew louder, emotions surging through the crowd. Among them stood a rmaid with the lower body of a shark, her expression complicated as she watched the scene unfold. Aether glanced at her, sensing familiarity, though he could not place it.
The mbers of the Big Mom Pirates also glared at Hody Jones with killing intent. Because of him, their negotiations with King Neptune had been disrupted. What should have been a smooth alliance had turned into bloodshed.
Suddenly, Hody Jones opened his eyes.
With trembling hands, he pulled out a handful of Energy Steroids and swallowed them greedily. His body imdiately reacted. Veins bulged, muscles swelled, and his already powerful fra expanded to nearly twice its size. His teeth sharpened further, his presence turning savage.
"Damn human, I'll crush you!"
He struggled violently, trying to break free from Aether's grip. No matter how much strength he forced out, he could not move Aether's hand even slightly.
Aether stared into his eyes, his expression cold.
"Finished struggling, trash?"
Without hesitation, he slamd Hody Jones' head into the ground.
The impact shook the surrounding area. The force was overwhelming, and Hody Jones' head burst apart instantly.
Silence fell.
Aether tossed the corpse in front of Charlotte Katakuri and wiped his hand with clear disgust.
"Katakuri, I've given you an explanation for the attack. Now we settle your invasion of Fish-Man Island."
The atmosphere imdiately turned heavy.
Katakuri tightened his grip on his trident, his posture shifting into battle readiness. Around Aether, the Fish-Man guards raised their weapons as well. Even if the truth had co out, blood had already been spilled.
Charlotte Amande and Pekoms tensed. Pekoms silently regretted returning. With Gol D. Roger in front and Silvers Rayleigh behind, escape was impossible.
Understanding their situation, Katakuri exhaled slowly.
"How do you plan to handle this? I will not surrender without a fight."
Aether raised his sword and pointed it directly at them.
"Five minutes. Last five minutes against , and you can leave. Fail, and Linlin will pay Berries to get you back."
"Fine, we agree."
Amande's voice carried defiance. She refused to be underestimated.
The three of them ford a triangle formation, surrounding Aether. The crowd watched with tension, while Rayleigh remained relaxed, as if the outco was already decided.
From the edge of the battlefield, Jewelry Bonney arrived, breathing heavily. Her eyes locked onto the scene, absorbing every detail. This was her first ti witnessing a battle at this level.
The ground cracked beneath Aether's step.
In an instant, he appeared in front of Amande.
His fist, coated in Conqueror's Haki, struck forward with explosive force. The air split with a sharp sound. Amande reacted quickly, raising her blade to block, but the impact still drove her back violently.
She was sent flying across the island, crashing through buildings before finally stopping.
When the dust settled, her body trembled, barely able to stand. A clear fist imprint marked her chest, her defense unable to fully withstand the force of Advanced Conqueror's Haki.
Aether spoke without emotion.
"The first one."
Katakuri's anger surged.
"Amande! Damn you! Mochi Thrust!"
Using the power of the Mochi-Mochi Fruit, his arm transford and wrapped around his trident, spinning rapidly as he launched a piercing attack.
Aether t it head-on with his sword, Ace.
Steel clashed repeatedly, sparks scattering with every impact. Aether's strength overwheld the attack, deflecting the trident before launching a relentless series of slashes. Each strike, coated in Conqueror's Haki, forced Katakuri back step by step.
"Lion Song Fist!"
Pekoms attacked from behind, but Aether had already foreseen it with Observation Haki. Without turning, he slashed backward, striking Pekoms down instantly.
The mink collapsed, heavily injured.
Katakuri seized the mont to thrust forward again, but Aether blocked it effortlessly. Even without using nad techniques, Aether's raw power dominated the fight.
Then, Aether's aura shifted.
A ripple of Conqueror's Haki spread outward.
Katakuri's eyes widened. His Future Sight failed completely. He could see nothing ahead.
That single opening decided everything.
Aether's blade cut cleanly across Katakuri's torso, from chest to abdon. Blood spilled as the deep wound opened.
Drip. Drip.
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