Akainu wore a stormy expression as he strode step by step toward the Grand Hall where the Five Elders resided.
Every single person who saw him along the way was stunned by the unrestrained, violent aura and overwhelming energy radiating from him—none dared to even consider standing in his way.
Without any prior notice, Akainu stepped into the hall of the Five Elders.
The Five Elders, in the midst of lecturing someone, abruptly stopped and turned to look at the transformed figure before them—a familiar yet now utterly different Akainu.
Lucci turned around to face the now enlarged Akainu, a meaningful, half-smile curling at the corner of his lips.
He then gave the Five Elders a respectful nod.
"My lords, I'll go make the arrangements immediately. I will not disappoint you."
With that, he departed the hall with light steps.
Akainu finally stepped forward several paces, stopping just five meters before the Five Elders.
Whether it was out of reverence or because of the immense pressure Akainu was radiating, the Five Elders leaned slightly back into their chairs.
Akainu remained silent, his gaze locking with each of the Five in turn.
Then he spoke in a deep, commanding voice:
"I want the position of Fleet Admiral.
I demand a new global conscription effort.
I will form and command a special task force dedicated solely to eliminating Roya."
"I want all of your trump cards to back this squad. That includes the results of Vegapunk's five active experimental projects."
"Give me what I want, and I'll kill Roya for you."
"If not... I'll take the resources myself. And once I've dealt with Roya, I'll be coming for you next."
The bald elder without a beard slammed the long sword in his hands onto the floor, the sharp clang ringing out through the chamber.
He said coldly:
"Your request is approved."
"As for your threat—speak such words again, and I'll cut you down myself."
Akainu's eyes flared bright red like molten magma, locking onto the bald elder.
The elder never lifted his gaze—but no one believed for a moment that it was out of fear.
Eventually, Akainu let out a heavy grunt of anger, then turned and left without another word.
---
Aboard the warship's bridge, Roya dropped the newspaper from his hand.
Fujitora picked it up and flicked it open, using his unique Observation Haki to take in every detail. His expression subtly changed.
On the front page, bold headlines dominated the space alongside a full-body photo of Akainu:
"New Fleet Admiral Announced!"
"World Conscription Order Issued!"
"Ryokugyu Appointed as New Admiral!"
One headline after another struck Fujitora's mind like a hammer, stirring deep unrest.
For days, he had been silently observing Roya during their voyage—trying to discern the man's nature through his own unique form of Observation Haki. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't see anything—no good, no evil, just stillness. A blank void.
Now, faced with the headlines, Fujitora's thoughts churned.
"If I return to the Navy… If I rise through the ranks via this World Conscription… Maybe I could gain the position of Admiral—and with it, the power to influence things."
Just as he was about to put down the newspaper, a strange surge of vitality welled up in his Observation Haki.
Suddenly, the lifeless images in the paper seemed to come alive.
As if he were face-to-face with them, the true nature of those depicted—good and evil alike—began to reveal itself.
To his shock, Fujitora saw that Akainu's soul was now completely twisted by hatred. Any trace of righteousness or compassion had all but vanished.
Green bull was no different—though not driven by hatred, his heart was similarly corrupted.
Suddenly, it dawned on Fujitora.
That surge of energy had come from Roya—a subtle nudge, a deliberate gift.
Roya had helped him see the Navy's true nature while also pointing him toward new horizons in the development of his own Observation Haki.
Clarity washed over Fujitora.
"To purge the filth and preserve the clean… This is what it means to separate the foul from the pure."
"Without Roya, who would've uncovered the horrors buried beneath Punk Hazard?"
"Who would've known that the Navy's legendary Fleet Admiral had undergone science-based modifications to maintain his strength?"
"No wonder Sengoku gave up the title so easily. No wonder Garp left so decisively."
"They knew they could no longer stomach the filth hiding within the Navy."
"That's why, when Roya emerged, they vanished."
Moved, Fujitora instinctively opened his eyes—though he still could not see, it was as if a light had begun to shine within him.
He made up his mind.
With a flick of his hand, he tossed the newspaper into the trash bin.
Just then, a shout came from the lookout post.
"Port side, seven degrees! Moby Dick sighted—seventeen nautical miles away!"
Jinbei acknowledged the call and adjusted the helm.
The warship turned gracefully, arcing across the sea, accelerating toward the Moby Dick.
Before long, they had drawn within a hundred meters of the legendary ship.
Roya looked silently at the ship where his journey began. He let out a quiet sigh, then stepped into the air and drifted lightly onto the Moby Dick's deck.
Standing at the foredeck command platform was a towering young man.
Long golden hair trailed down to his lower back. On either side, massive braids hung from his temples, giving him a wild and powerful look.
But perched atop his head was a small black beanie that completely ruined the intimidating image—making him look rather ridiculous.
Still, what truly drew attention were the two crescent-shaped tufts of white mustache on his upper lip.
With those white whiskers—everything else became irrelevant.
Those who had accompanied Roya on this campaign immediately understood the man's identity.
Whitebeard's biological son—Whitebeard Jr.
Standing at his side, Marco turned to see Roya, his eyes lighting up with sheer relief and joy.
"Vice Captain, you've finally returned!"
Just one sentence—but it said everything.
The entire Whitebeard Pirates had been eagerly awaiting Roya's return.
Waiting for him to deal with this self-proclaimed Whitebeard Jr.
Whitebeard Jr. spun around suddenly. Though still somewhat green in the face, his expression radiated savagery.
"Captain Marco! I'll say it again—I'm the real Vice Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates now!"
As he spoke, he slammed his massive guandao down onto the deck, as if he were ready to strike Marco down right then and there.
From within the cabin, a deep voice rumbled out.
"Weevil… Stop fooling around!"
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