This time, however, the objective had been achieved.
[Stamina: 100]
It seemed the upper limit of his stamina had been broken.
Additionally, his hidden Conqueror's Haki had been drawn out.
Of course, there was also his power estimation.
Clearly, Aokiji had no intention of going all out against him.
Among the three Admirals, only Aokiji's approach varied significantly, making him one of the most suitable opponents.
Last time, when he used Koushirou's sword to activate "Indomitable," that sensation—as if he could cleave the entire world—was surely a distortion caused by the sudden surge in power.
So before this, he needed to confirm thoroughly: after activating "Indomitable," could he stand toe-to-toe with one of the world's top-tier fighters?
Although the activation only lasted briefly, he now had a fairly clear understanding.
But someone like Aokiji, intent on retreating, was beyond his ability to stop.
Indeed, at this level, when a person wants to leave, even two or three equally strong opponents might not be able to stop them.
Just like when the Golden Lion attacked Marine Headquarters years ago.
If he hadn't been stubborn, no one could have stopped him—not even a joint effort from Garp and Sengoku.
Nonetheless, the results of this test left Don satisfied.
After all, he was still getting stronger.
Retracting all his flames, Don surveyed the scene below.
The battle had been short, but the terrain along the coast had changed drastically.
He had unleashed rapidly flowing, high-temperature flames, turning sand into glass; the small dock that had existed there before was now entirely gone.
Fortunately, both fighters had deliberately avoided the nearby town, keeping the fight on the seaside.
His feet stomped in the air.
The formidable physical strength granted by the lingering effects of "Indomitable" caused the air beneath Don's feet to explode with a thunderous boom.
With a single explosive step, Don disappeared, leaving a long afterimage, and landed above a small boat on the water.
Robin, clutching the boat's edge, hadn't yet processed what had just happened.
When she heard the explosive boom and looked up, she saw Don descending from above and landing on the boat.
Before Robin could speak, Don walked to the boat's only cabin and opened the door—inside, it was packed full of food.
Roasts, fruits, and other provisions.
Under Robin's astonished gaze, Don sat cross-legged and began to heal.
After a while, as Robin started to respond, something flew toward her instinctively, and she caught it: a roasted meat bone, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Swallowing hard, she looked at Don, then leaned against the boat's edge and quietly ate.
With "Indomitable" gone, Don's health had fully recovered thanks to the meal.
Feeling the terrifying power boost fade from within, Don set down the food and suddenly raised his hand.
A massive splash of seawater rained down on the recently unconscious people.
The icy shock instantly woke them up, and upon seeing Don, they instinctively stood.
"Follow the original course and leave!"
"Yes, sir!"
Now, they obeyed Don without a hint of resistance.
Though still dizzy from just waking, each immediately began moving.
Robin watched the boat set off again and approached Don.
"You defeated him?"
Her tone carried disbelief.
Don turned to Robin, smiled slightly, and shook his head.
"No. That was an Admiral!"
Before Robin could respond, Don continued.
"I let him run… and he was fast!"
Robin's eyes widened. She stared at Don, unblinking.
"Why are you helping me? If it's not for my abilities or my bounty, then what exactly is your goal?"
"Sit."
Don gestured to the space before him. Robin didn't refuse; she walked over and sat down diagonally, legs together.
Don glanced at her straight, neatly positioned legs, stroking his chin.
"I recently set out to sea and am looking for some companions to travel with!"
"Companions?"
Robin suddenly recalled the time Don had pulled her into that strong embrace.
"But you must understand my identity. You just killed members of the World Government—they may put a bounty on your head."
Robin still felt uncertain; she wasn't exactly the easiest partner to have.
"No matter. Once they're all dead, no one will know it was me."
Don spoke calmly.
"Uh…"
Robin froze, about to argue, but thinking of Don's fight with Aokiji, she hesitated.
Though the distance had prevented her from seeing clearly, the scene alone conveyed the terrifying level of their strength—far beyond anything she had imagined.
"As for Aokiji, I don't think he'll tell anyone."
Don touched his chin thoughtfully.
Previously, he hadn't wanted to become either a pirate or a Marine, since both paths led to trouble.
But after testing his current strength against Aokiji, Don suddenly felt it wasn't a big deal.
Even if officially labeled a pirate, with his power and methods, the Marines' attitude toward him would probably resemble that toward Dracule Mihawk.
Moreover, he was a bounty hunter—the type Garp knew well.
As for Robin?
The only ones really concerned would be the World Government. And Don had never cared much for them.
As the saying goes: the quietest way to assassinate is to eliminate all witnesses.
"From now on, you'll come with me. I need a woman to help take care of my life."
Don spoke, observing Robin's thoughtful expression.
"You really don't care about them? That's the World Government."
Robin looked up, serious.
"On the contrary, I'm actually looking forward to it. After all, to keep getting stronger, you have to fight."
As Don said this, a spark of anticipation appeared on his face.
Robin, reading his expression, understood: with Don's power, most problems were probably no longer problems at all.
And following him?
Don was the strongest person Robin had encountered since leaving Ohara over a decade ago.
Becoming his companion? Perhaps not just a companion.
Robin remembered Don's earlier, forceful hug. She couldn't resist, could she?
Robin tilted her head and gave Don a small smile.
The few people steering the boat kept their eyes on their noses and minds focused elsewhere, frantically imagining things to avoid hearing what they shouldn't.
Working under the Godfather's men, they had learned to avoid knowing too much, lest they be eliminated.
…
"Sensei, I've found the person you mentioned."
Aokiji sat atop a small floating iceberg, pulling out his Den Den Mushi.
"Which person?"
Garp's puzzled voice came through.
"The bounty hunter from the East Blue… that one."
Aokiji spoke, recalling his earlier fight with Don, his eyes filled with confusion.
What had just happened?
Being part of the battle, he was still somewhat bewildered.
END OF CHAPTER
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