Shirogai Yamikuro walked forward with a slow, composed stride, a lit cigar resting between his fingers as countless controlled Marine soldiers turned their terrified gazes toward him.
"Sakazuki, you certainly live up to your reputation as an Admiral," Shirogai said calmly, his tone filled with effortless mockery.
Standing before Akainu, who towered above him at over three meters, Shirogai's 1.9-meter frame appeared comparatively small. Yet despite the difference in stature, the tension in the air made it abundantly clear who held the advantage.
Akainu's expression was as hard as stone. He did not dare underestimate the pirate before him — the man responsible for shaking the World Government within mere days, the monster whose existence alone forced the Marines to tread carefully. A man whose strength could topple nations.
Shirogai smiled faintly as he stepped into the air with effortless grace, stopping directly before Akainu. Without hesitation, he reached out and lightly tapped the Admiral's cheek.
Slap.
Slap.
He didn't restrain his strength; the crisp sound echoed across the surrounding warships. Akainu's face tilted from the blows, magma sizzling beneath his skin.
"There are no wrong nicknames," Shirogai said lightly. "Only ones that fit perfectly."
He slapped him again. And again. Three more times, each strike deliberate, merciless, and carried out before thousands of Marines.
"Shirogai!!!"
Akainu finally growled, face flushed with suppressed rage, magma spilling across his arms as he glared with bloodshot eyes.
"Oh?" Shirogai raised a brow. "Thinking of killing me?"
He only had to twitch a finger.
Click—!
Controlled Marine soldiers instantly turned their guns and blades toward their own comrades, cold steel pressing against throats and backs.
"Go ahead," Shirogai said with a smile. "Try it, but the moment you move, these Marines die because of you."
Akainu trembled with anger yet remained rooted, jaw clenched so tightly veins bulged across his temple.
"You're an Admiral, aren't you?" Shirogai mocked. "A grand, noble title. But can you save them? If these people die, their deaths fall on you. You provoked someone you cannot defeat, and these Marines will pay the price for your arrogance."
He took a slow drag from his cigar, then blew the smoke directly onto Akainu's face.
"Absolute justice, isn't that what you preach? But because of your incompetence, your own soldiers would die. This isn't justice — it's weakness. You couldn't even protect the Marines on your own warship."
Shirogai pressed the burning tip of his cigar onto Akainu's cheek.
Sizzle.
Akainu didn't move, even as the heat burned into his skin and left a darkened scar.
"Admiral Akainu!!!"
"Sakazuki-sama!!"
Tears welled in the eyes of the surrounding Marines. Their Admiral, humiliated in their stead, remained motionless for their sake.
Some Marines outside the control zone raised trembling weapons, yet none dared fire.
A Vice Admiral roared, voice cracking with fury and shame:
"Look carefully! This is not Admiral Sakazuki's disgrace — it is ours! He endures humiliation because we were too weak to protect ourselves!"
"Yes!!!"
Hundreds of Marines roared with clenched teeth.
Shirogai dropped the cigar at Akainu's feet.
"This scar is a reminder," he said coldly. "Before you even think of coming after me or my companions, ask yourself if you can kill me. If not… learn to heel. Even a dog needs judgment before it bites."
He turned away and flicked his hand, releasing the Marines from his control.
Weapons were immediately raised in shaky hands.
"Despicable pirate!"
"You used us against Sakazuki-sama!"
"Fight us head-on if you dare!"
Shirogai chuckled. "Courageous… but foolish."
He met the gaze of several shouting Marines.
They instantly recoiled in fear, memories of his overwhelming power crushing any reckless impulse.
"You shout so loudly in front of someone who can swat you all to death with a single strike?" Shirogai said, amused.
Lightning exploded from the sky, striking his body.
BOOM—!
Shirogai's figure grew within the blinding light, expanding into a colossal dragon several hundred meters long. Winds howled, clouds darkened, and the sea below surged as he circled above the fleet.
His Dragon Form unleashed a roar strong enough to shake the heavens.
"Marines — next time we meet, be prepared to die!"
The roar sent towering waves crashing across the sea, pushing entire warships back several miles.
_____
The rate at which I get little to no power stones, lol💀
Well, if you want to at least read ahead (60+ to 90+) chapters in advance.
Become a patron to gain access.
Patreon.com/Zphyr_