As the two blazing suns in the sky dimmed, the rain of colossal magma fists gradually lost density, until finally they snapped like inflated balloons and vanished without trace.
Akainu stood nearby, fists clenched, face twisted with fury, and a trace of disbelief flickered in his eyes. He had not expected his signature barrage to be nullified so cleanly. "That black barrier," he muttered through gritted teeth, anger simmering.
Kaito watched without emotion. With a casual flick of his hand the black barrier reformed into a single Truth-Seeking orb, which folded back into his chest as if it had never been separated from him. His gaze lifted to meet Akainu's. The emptiness in Kaito's eyes felt like a god looking down, and it unnerved Akainu, who resented feeling like an ant.
"Damn you, die," Akainu snarled, slamming his palm into the earth.
An unfamiliar pressure rolled outward from him like ripples in a pond. In an instant the island trembled under that force, and the gravel and low hills transformed, glowing red as molten magma bubbled beneath the surface. A sulfurous stench spread across the shore. Viewed from above, the deserted isle resembled a small volcano, a sea of living fire.
From the sky, Momousagi and the others watched in stunned silence. "Admiral Akainu actually used that technique," one of them breathed, voice tight with alarm. "This fight may be over."
"No," another said, eyes fixed on the island, "this boy is strong, but he met the wrong admiral."
Akainu stood like a statue amid the heat, killing intent clear in his low voice. "You force me to awaken a power few in the Marines can call upon. You will remain here, a witness forever."
Kaito's lips lifted in the faintest of smiles. "Awakened power? Is that what you call it?" He stepped forward, the air around him humming with restrained energy. When his hand rose, the sea answered as though called.
"Water Style, Great Cascade," Kaito said, his voice steady, controlled.
At his motion the surrounding ocean responded, the flat surface swelling and folding in concentric circles. The water rose, forming towering walls, the sound of the surge growing into a thunderous roar.
A hundred meters from the shore a titanic wave rose, tall enough to blot out the sun, and it surged toward the island with relentless speed.
Panic fluttered through the observing Marines and pirates above. "Look, what is that?" Momousagi whispered, horror in her expression.
The shock was doubled when the wave on the opposite side rose as well, and then the third, until three sky-touching walls of water converged. They connected, forming a water curtain that wrapped the island from all sides in a vertical ring, like a globe of liquid glass.
Akainu's face turned white as he realized what was happening. The sky darkened as the water dome drew tighter, and for the first time an expression of disbelief replaced his rage. He tried to retreat with Geppo, but the dome left no room; the waves closed in and the admiral's eyes widened in shock.
Water and magma clashed, hissing as steam erupted from every point of contact. The rising vapor could not hold; the endless sea poured down upon the island, like a river collapsing on itself, until the island was drenched and the molten eruptions were washed away.
In the sudden hush, Kaito reappeared before Akainu as though he had always been there. Behind him, Momousagi and the four vice admirals landed, forming a stern line.
"We will take Admiral Akainu," Momousagi announced, voice steady. "You will stand down."
One vice admiral, nicknamed the Weasel from his quickness, flashed forward toward Akainu and then froze as Kaito's presence chilled him.
Kaito's tone was flat, cold. "You thought you could take my prize?"
The Weasel drew his sword without hesitation, the blade shivering with black-armored haki. He slashed in the direction of the voice with brutal speed, the blade cutting the air like a buzzing wire.
Metal sang as the sword met something invisible. The Weasel's blade was arrested, trapped between two of Kaito's fingers. He pulled with all the strength he had, struggling, but the grip held like iron. Panic and disbelief contorted his face.
When he pushed again, Kaito loosened his fingers just enough to let the momentum throw the Weasel off balance, and another vice admiral caught the falling man, hands steady.
"Are you all right?" he asked, voice calm.
The Weasel nodded and backed away, staring at Kaito with genuine fear.
Ghost Spider, another vice admiral, let out a low snort. His hair writhed like living tentacles, each strand ending in a sharp-edged blade. They flexed and readied themselves to strike.
Momousagi tightened her jaw, evaluating the scene. She did not want to fight Kaito, not when something about his presence set her instincts on edge. She had survived by following those instincts before, and if possible, she would avoid a direct confrontation now.
"We are taking Admiral Akainu. How would you like to settle this matter?" she said, measured and cool.
Kaito's smile returned, soft and unreadable. "How much will you pay to ransom him?" he asked, as if bargaining over a trinket.
"You expect the Marines to pay you? Do you think we cannot beat you?" Momousagi snapped, pride and defiance flaring.
Kaito's voice dropped so low it was almost pleasant. "If you refuse, then we will see who pays with more than words."
The island held its breath between them, the recent storm of lava and water already cooling to steam in the distance. The moment balanced like a blade's edge. Each side assessed the other in silence.
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