The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the floating islands. Imai, Rei, Uta, and Kuu, the yellow bird, were heading west, their silhouettes framed against the fading light. They had no clear destination, only the resolve to explore the islands under Shiki's dominion.
"Where the hell are we even going?!" Rei blurted out, throwing her arms up in exasperation.
"I've been wondering the same thing," Uta said, her eyes narrowing as she turned to Imai. "So? Where are we going?"
Imai smirked, unbothered by their questions. "We're heading to the heart of Shiki's territory. Right now, his people are watching us."
"Why would we walk right into his surveillance?" Rei asked, her tone laced with confusion.
"I'm guessing we're baiting him out," Uta answered, her gaze sharp. "With his pride and ego, he won't resist the chance to confront us."
"Exactly," Imai said, tilting her head toward the horizon. "And speak of the devil—here he comes."
A figure descended from the sky, his golden hair flowing like a lion's mane. Shiki stood atop a levitating boulder, his arms crossed and a wide grin plastered across his face. His eyes sparkled with excitement.
"It seems my eyes don't deceive me," Shiki said, his voice booming. "You've shown yourself, Fifth Emperor."
"Did you think I'd run from you?" Imai retorted, raising an eyebrow. "You're ancient, Shiki. A relic of the past. You don't belong in the New World anymore—you're history."
Shiki's grin faltered as his fists clenched. Imai's words hit their mark, stirring his rage.
"It seems the fame of your bounty has gone to your head," Shiki snarled. "I, Shiki the Golden Lion, will put you in your place!"
"Captain, do you need help?" Rei asked, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade. Uta mirrored her readiness, her body tense with anticipation.
"You two stay back and watch," Imai ordered, her tone firm as she rested her blade on her shoulder. "I'll show you why I'm the Fifth Emperor—and your captain."
Rei and Uta exchanged glances but nodded, stepping back as Imai approached Shiki.
"Alone? You've lost your mind," Shiki sneered. "Then come at me!"
Shiki wasn't prepared for what followed.
In an instant, Imai disappeared, her movements a blur of lightning streaks. She reappeared beside him, her fist crackling with electricity and coated in Haki. Before Shiki could react, her punch connected, sending him flying backward.
Recovering quickly, Shiki levitated himself mid-air, but a sharp pain jolted through his body as Imai's foot struck his back. He gritted his teeth, his pride refusing to let him show weakness.
Glancing at his palm, Shiki's eyes widened as he saw blood. "You… made me bleed."
"Oh?" Imai smirked. "I didn't realize you were so fragile."
Shiki's frustration mounted. He flicked his fingers, hurling a massive boulder toward Imai. She stood her ground, her grin widening as she shattered the boulder effortlessly with a single strike.
This time, Shiki attacked with precision, his metal legs coated in sharp Haki as he launched a kick. But Imai dodged with ease, her expression unamused.
"Is that it?" she murmured. "I expected more from someone who was part of the Rocks Pirates."
Her words stung, but they only served to enrage Shiki further. His attacks grew erratic, fueled by frustration rather than strategy.
To Imai, his movements were sluggish, predictable. Her experience, honed by countless battles against the world's strongest, allowed her to read his every move.
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Shiki roared, his eyes wild with fury.
"There it is," Imai said softly, glancing at Rei and Uta. "Now, watch and learn."
She unsheathed her blade, her movements calm and deliberate. Three massive boulders hurtled toward her, their speed and size enough to terrify most. But Imai closed her eyes, her instincts taking over.
"Sovereign's Secret Technique: Izanagi," she whispered.
To Rei and Uta, it was a spectacle of pure mastery. Three slashes turned into six, then twelve, then thirty-six. Each strike was precise, cleaving through the boulders with devastating force.
BOOM!
The boulders shattered into dust, scattering harmlessly to the wind.
Rei and Uta stood in awe, their hearts swelling with admiration. In that moment, they silently vowed to one day match their captain's strength.
Shiki, however, was paralyzed—not by injury, but by fear. "You… What are you?!" he demanded, his voice trembling.
"I'm someone who has surpassed human limits," Imai replied, appearing before him in an instant. "And you? You're a relic of the past."
Without hesitation, she plunged her hand into Shiki's chest, gripping his heart. Blood poured from his body as he let out a choked gasp.
In her hand, Imai now held the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, the devil fruit that had granted Shiki his power. She glanced at his lifeless body as it collapsed into a crimson pool.
But her victory was just the beginning of a new challenge. Without Shiki's powers, the islands began to tremble, their stability unraveling.
"Rei! Uta!" Imai shouted. "Evacuate the villagers immediately! Rei, find our ship and bring it here!"
"YES, CAPTAIN!" they replied in unison, snapping into action.
As they rushed to carry out her orders, Imai turned her gaze toward the horizon, determination etched across her face.
"Time to take a flight to freedom, feathered humans," she murmured, ready to lead the villagers to safety and reclaim their future.