Kaguya wore a soft pink short-sleeved blouse paired with sleek black-gold shorts, her long pale legs gleaming under the sunlight. The delicate scent of her perfume mingled with her natural fragrance, subtle yet intoxicating—so much so that Kaito found himself breathing it in unconsciously.
Her feet were wrapped in white crystal sandals, toes painted a bright red that caught the light with every movement. Youthful yet elegant, she seemed to glow with a quiet confidence that made even the crowded street fade around her.
Kaito's lips curved slightly. This look suits her far better than that moon-white robe she used to wear back in the shinobi world.
"Perfect," he said softly, eyes warming with amusement—and a flicker of something else. "Absolutely perfect."
Just as the moment lingered between them, the rhythmic sound of marching feet echoed from the street outside. Kaito's expression shifted instantly, and even Kaguya's face turned cold.
She had finally convinced her husband to accompany her on a peaceful outing, and now someone dared interrupt? Unforgivable.
"Kaito-kun, something feels wrong," Kaguya murmured, stepping closer.
"I know," he replied quietly, his gaze sharp. "They've been tailing us since the market. And judging from their discipline… I'd say Marine."
Kaguya scoffed, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Marine? Even if it's an Admiral, they're nothing but small fry before you."
Kaito smirked. She wasn't wrong.
Since their arrival on Earth, Kaguya had quickly understood the structure of this world—the balance between pirates, Marines, and the World Government. Yet, she also realized that in terms of sheer power, few here could stand beside Kaito.
To him, this world was no different from the shinobi realm: strength ruled all. And Kaito was far beyond the peak of what this planet could bear.
"Come," he said at last, his tone casual. "Let's see who's come to greet us."
He slipped an arm around Kaguya's slender waist, drawing her close as he stepped out of the boutique. Her soft scent followed him like a breeze.
Outside, the once-crowded street had gone eerily silent. The tourists, merchants, and pirates who had filled the area earlier had all vanished. Shops were shuttered, stalls abandoned. Only the clothing store behind them remained open.
Across the wide avenue, rows upon rows of Marines stood in formation, weapons raised and eyes wary. At their center stood Admiral Akainu, his expression carved in stone. Behind him were Momousagi and five Vice Admirals, their collective presence radiating power like a living storm.
Kaito's gaze swept over the formation, unimpressed. Then his eyes met Akainu's, and a faint, mocking smile tugged at his lips.
"So this is the big welcome party," Kaito said lightly. "Admiral Akainu himself. To what do I owe the honor?"
Akainu's eyes narrowed. "Kaito… You killed Yar, didn't you?" His tone was low, almost trembling with restrained fury.
"Yar?" Kaito tilted his head, pretending to think. "Hmm… can you be a little more specific?"
Akainu's jaw tightened.
Momousagi stepped forward, her voice cold. "The Marine you killed in Loguetown—he was my subordinate, Smoker's partner!"
"Ah," Kaito said, snapping his fingers as if remembering. "That one. So his name was Yar? Yes, I killed him." He smiled, utterly unapologetic.
Akainu's fists began to steam. "He was my nephew—my only blood relative." His voice shook with fury.
Kaito met his burning gaze without flinching. "Didn't know that before. But now that I do…" He flashed a grin, sharp and dangerous. "What are you going to do about it? You think you can take me down with just five Vice Admirals?"
"You've succeeded in angering me," Akainu growled, his voice rising into a roar as molten heat erupted around him.
The air distorted. The temperature spiked. And then—
Bang!
Akainu vanished, replaced by an explosion of magma and fire that surged toward Kaito like a tidal wave. His right arm transformed into a massive lava fist that screamed through the air with lethal force.
Marines scrambled backward. Even Momousagi and the Vice Admirals leapt away, knowing better than to stay close when Admirals fought. The sheer heat alone could turn a man to ash.
Kaito didn't move. He raised one hand, catching the molten fist in his palm as if it were nothing more than a spark.
The searing temperature hissed against his skin, but Kaito didn't so much as flinch. Instead, a smirk tugged at his lips. "That's it? The great Admiral Akainu only hits this hard?"
He twisted his body slightly, then unleashed a whip-like kick infused with Armament Haki. The impact cracked the air itself, slamming into Akainu's chest with a sound like thunder.
Akainu's forearms hardened as he met the strike head-on, sparks flying where Haki clashed with molten rock. The ground beneath them shattered.
Boom!
A shockwave blasted through the street, scattering debris in every direction. When the dust settled, Akainu had skidded several meters back, his boots carving deep trenches into the stone. His right arm hung numb, faint smoke curling from it.
He stared at Kaito, disbelief flickering across his face. "Impossible…"
He'd expected strength, but not this.
"As expected of an Admiral," Kaito said lightly. "Still standing after that."
Akainu gritted his teeth. "As a pirate with power like yours, you're too dangerous to live. Today, I'll end you and drag your corpse to Impel Down myself!"
The lava around him surged higher, swallowing his body until he became a living volcano.
Kaito sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Arrogance again. You people never learn." He glanced at Kaguya beside him. "Looks like our shopping trip's over for today."
Kaguya smiled sweetly, resting a finger against her lips. "It's fine, husband-kun. We can continue tomorrow. But…" She glanced around. "Try not to destroy the city. If the shops are gone, where will I shop next time?"
Kaito stared at her, silent for a long moment.
What a sin, he thought bitterly. I should never have taken her shopping. Now she's addicted.
And as Akainu's molten fury roared toward him once more, Kaito smiled faintly—because, in truth, the only thing more terrifying than an Admiral's rage was a woman denied her shopping time.
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