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Chapter 117: Aokiji Who Visited Late At Night
Yuichi returned to his residence, his mind still lingering on the phenomenon at the training ground.
The attack he had unleashed through the Zanpakutō was fundamentally different from a Tailed Beast Bomb. It had incorporated a massive amount of Reiatsu, altering its nature entirely. The resulting blast was strikingly similar to Kurosaki Ichigo's signature technique—the Getsuga Tenshō.
It possessed ultimate, pure destructive power. However, the downside was the charge time; gathering that amount of Chakra and Reiatsu took too long to be practical in a high-speed melee. Timing would be critical.
Yuichi sat cross-legged on his bed, entering a state of Sword Zen (a meditation practice of Shinigami). Although he had awakened both Shikai and Bankai, the habit of communicating with his sword remained. With so many new powers coursing through him, meditation was essential to maintain fine control.
While Yuichi cultivated, a warship was battling high waves on the ocean, heading toward the Holy Land, Mary Geoise. Sengoku and Garp had not yet arrived, but the Five Elders had already received news of their approach.
The Five Elders were not fools. They knew Sengoku wasn't coming alone, and bringing Garp signaled that the Fleet Admiral was not in a mood to compromise.
The recent string of victories in the World Wars had elevated Sengoku's reputation to unprecedented heights. The title of "The Resourceful General" and the glory of the victories had solidified his prestige. The Five Elders could see a future where the Marines might slip from their control. Sengoku was loyal to the organization, but his definition of Justice was deviating from the World Government's interests.
"When he gets to Marygeoise, I'm afraid we'll be forced to make concessions," one of the Elders muttered, his head bowed in the dim room.
"Sengoku has accumulated too much political capital. If we try to remove him from the position of Fleet Admiral now, the World Government will be condemned by the entire populace."
"His purpose is to protect the Tailed Beast inside that kid."
"He won't hand it over?"
"Knowing Sengoku, he believes the power is safer under Marine supervision than ours."
"Then we cannot let them dictate the terms," another Elder stated sharply. "We can't stop Sengoku and Garp from arriving—doing so would cause an open rift between the Marines and the Government. But we can secure the asset before they return."
"Who can stop Yuichi? Garp is recovered, and Sengoku is formidable. But Yuichi..."
"It will take another day for them to return to Marineford. That window is all we need to decide the ownership of the Tailed Beast."
The Elders exchanged dark smiles. With Sengoku away, their influence over Marineford was absolute.
"Who will carry it out?"
"Ordinary soldiers are no match for that kid."
"Even the Admiral Candidates might not be enough. His current strength is volatile."
"We need at least two Admirals."
"Issue the order. Tell them we only want the Tailed Beast extracted. The kid's life is secondary, but try to keep him alive if possible."
One of the Elders picked up the transponder snail.
Night fell over the Pirate World.
Despite the late hour, few were sleeping. The euphoria of the recent victory and the sublimation of the world left everyone energized. In taverns and barracks alike, people discussed the battle. Yuichi's suppression of the One Tail, Aokiji's freezing of the desert, and Hawkeye's swordsmanship were hot topics. Of course, Gecko Moria's humiliating defeat was also a popular subject of ridicule.
Yuichi had become a symbol of security. A Marine monster who tamed the beast of the Otherworld.
In the residential area of Marineford, the lights were mostly out, save for the patrols.
Knock, knock.
There was a rap on Yuichi's door. He opened it to find Admiral Aokiji standing there.
"What's the matter so late, Aokiji?" Yuichi asked, puzzled. Aokiji knew his training schedule and rarely visited at this hour.
Aokiji's expression was uncharacteristically grave.
"Yuichi... I want to ask you something. What would you do if you left the Marines?"
The sudden question made Yuichi realize something was wrong. Aokiji's eyes were intense, eager for an honest answer.
Yuichi didn't ask why. He simply replied, "If I left the Marines, I would join Teacher Zephyr's NEO Marines. I failed his expectations back then by not leaving with him. It's a regret of mine."
Aokiji nodded slowly; the answer was exactly what he had expected.
"Although the organization created by Mr. Zephyr is called the NEO Marines, they are defined as terrorists and pirates by the Government. Their justice is considered extreme."
Yuichi smiled. "I know. Sensei's justice may not be politically correct, but it would be the best place for me if I were forced out of here. After all, if I'm leaving the Marines, there must be a significant reason for it."
Aokiji paused, a look of sorrow crossing his face. "When you see the Teacher... say hello for me."
Crackle...
Instant, bone-chilling cold flooded the room.
In a split second, ice crystals exploded outward, freezing the air, the furniture, the walls, and Yuichi himself into a solid block of ice.
"Ice Time Capsule."
.....
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