The massive floating island shattered upon impact, fragments raining down as they slid into the sea under the pressure of Thorne Ashveil's overwhelming Conqueror's Haki.
The Whitebeard Pirates could only stare.
Only someone as powerful as Ashveil could effortlessly neutralize such a devastating attack.
Doflamingo licked his lips, eyes gleaming with excitement. Following Thorne Ashveil had been the wisest decision of his life.
Empress Boa Hancock's red lips parted slightly, her eyes filled with astonishment.
To think she once doubted him... Now, she felt honored beyond measure to serve as Thorne Ashveil's personal attendant.
Hawkeye Mihawk narrowed his sharp eyes, his mind lingering on the golden radiance spreading through the sky.
That was the same terrifying Conqueror's Haki that had nearly taken his life that very morning.
Even if he spent a lifetime honing his blade, Mihawk knew he could never cut through the golden sword formed by that kind of Haki.
For the first time in years, Mihawk felt truly insignificant.
Without giving Golden Lion Shiki a chance to recover, Ashveil raised his hand slightly. In the next instant, the golden Conqueror's Haki surged forth, wrapping around Shiki like a living storm.
The moment Shiki was caught within its grasp, his expression changed from fury to disbelief. No matter how much he struggled, he couldn't break free.
"Such terrifying Haki! Can something this powerful even exist in this world?!" Shiki shouted, his voice trembling.
Among everyone present, only Golden Lion Shiki truly understood the depth of this terror.
The others merely watched from the sidelines, feeling the oppressive presence of the Haki. Mihawk had once been caught in its path, but Thorne had pulled back at the last second.
Shiki, however, was fully engulfed.
Inside that suffocating golden pressure, he felt his strength drain away—his muscles locked, and even his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi ability faltered.
All that remained was fear.
It wasn't just fear of death—it was a primal terror that clawed at his very soul.
To escape it, Golden Lion Shiki would rather die than endure another second.
Under Ashveil's calm but unyielding will, the golden aura constricted, crushing Shiki's form before flinging him violently toward the sea.
"I'll warn you again, Golden Lion Shiki, don't bother me again."
"Overthrowing the world, huh? That's a fine dream… but I alone am enough."
Ashveil's voice was quiet but absolute.
A heartbeat later, Shiki's body crashed into the ocean with an explosive splash.
"Gyaaahhh!" Shiki screamed as he plummeted, unable to stabilize himself.
The force of the golden energy had completely disrupted his control over the Float-Float Fruit, leaving him helpless as he plunged into the waves.
The once-feared legend of the skies, the "Uncrowned King," had fallen.
The crash sent a tidal wave across the sea.
Whitebeard's men stared, wide-eyed, some unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Ashveil clapped his hands lightly, brushing the dust off. "Finally dealt with that noisy old man."
He yawned and stretched before turning to head back to his cabin, his slippers tapping softly against the wooden deck.
"Ah, and one more thing," he said over his shoulder. "If any of you disturb my sleep again, you'll end up like Shiki."
The deck instantly fell silent.
Everyone swallowed hard.
No one doubted his words.
Whitebeard's men exchanged uneasy glances. Who would dare to disturb someone who could casually defeat Golden Lion Shiki?
Even Whitebeard himself looked out toward the sea, his massive arms crossed.
"It's hard to say if that fool Shiki's even still alive…" he murmured.
Marco exhaled slowly. "Too violent… Ashveil's far too violent. Mihawk, if you keep challenging him to duels, you might not live to see tomorrow."
Mihawk froze for a moment, realizing that he'd been walking the knife's edge every time he faced Ashveil.
Had he not sided with Ashveil against the Marines, he'd probably have died a hundred times already.
As everyone watched, Thorne Ashveil returned to his quarters and collapsed onto his bed. For the first time in days, he slept soundly—no interruptions, no battles.
Peace, at last.
---
Meanwhile, far away—
After plummeting into the sea, Golden Lion Shiki lost consciousness. When he finally opened his eyes again, he found himself washed ashore on a remote island, waves lapping at his body.
"Thorne Ashveil… you really are something, gya–hahahaha!"
Despite his injuries, Shiki grinned like a madman.
That young man, in his twenties, had evaded his fatal attacks and defeated him within moments.
Incredible. Unbelievable.
This was the first person in decades to earn Golden Lion's true respect.
Such power—he had to find a way to cooperate with it.
He needed Thorne Ashveil.
Sitting up on the sand, Shiki used what little strength he had left to rise into the air with a broken chuckle. His floating island hovered nearby, waiting.
He'd rest… then find Ashveil again.
But as he looked toward Whitebeard's territory, he spotted something unexpected—a Marine warship bearing the insignia of the NEO Marines, heading straight toward Whitebeard's domain.
---
Back on the Moby Dick, Thorne Ashveil sat cross-legged in his quarters, enjoying fine wine and good food. Boa Hancock gracefully arranged his bedding, her movements elegant and poised.
Ashveil nodded in satisfaction. "Now this… this is how life should be. Fighting all the time is boring."
Even Mihawk hadn't bothered him today, which only improved his mood.
Ever since witnessing Ashveil sword technique, Mihawk had been obsessed with mastering that technique himself. He spent his days training relentlessly, leaving Ashveil to his well-earned rest.
Relaxed, Ashveil leaned back, humming softly to himself.
That peace lasted only a moment before a Whitebeard pirate burst through the door, panic written all over his face.
"Reporting! Captain Ashveil! A suspected Marine warship has been sighted approaching!"
---