Charles Vane wanted to use sea water to attack Aokiji, and in order to prevent Aokiji from freezing, Charles Vane expanded the range of the cyclone greatly.
The wide-reaching cyclone whipped up powerful winds over the sea, causing turbulent air currents that tore through the atmosphere. Some people on the ship couldn't even keep their eyes open, while others sought refuge in the cabins.
"Jozu, cover me!"
Charles Vane shouted above the roar of the cyclone.
Jozu swiftly launched an attack on Aokiji, who faced him while keeping an eye on Charles Vane's next move.
In no time, Charles Vane directed the whirlwind towards Aokiji. Sensing the danger, Jozu quickly retreated, allowing Charles Vane to split the whirlwind from the middle.
The powerful wind pressure spread instantly, creating bursts of sound in the air as it swept through the surroundings.
Using wind pressure to create an explosion, thus forming a more powerful destructive force, was a new technique for Charles Vane. He had never attempted it before; this was the first time he had used it.
"When did Vane find time to come up with this trick?"
Marco asked, a bit surprised. With such a powerful attack, he doubt any Commander can escape.
"Perhaps he practiced it secretly on his own. Everyone has a few hidden tricks up their sleeves,"
Vista said calmly.
"I wonder if this trick can actually harm Aokiji?"
Tesla asked, curious.
"It should not be possible"
Jinbei said thoughtfully. Even though the trick is powerful, it's still unlikely to injure an Admiral head-on.
And as Jinbei predicted, Aokiji's figure swiftly emerged from the exploding whirlwind unscathed, leaving no trace of damage on his body.
"Damn it! That didn't work,"
Charles Vane muttered, clenching his fist in frustration.
"Sparkling Collision!"
They watched as Jozu raised his diamondized arm in front of him, then lifted his diamondized leg, moving towards the collision point Aokiji standing.
During the Summit War, Jozu once injured Crocodile and Aokiji with this blow. Now, even more powerful, he doubled its force with this move.
"Ice Ball!"
Aokiji exclaimed, releasing five icicles from his palm. They blocked Jozu's path, trapping him within the icy spikes.
The cold air from the icicles gradually encased Jozu's diamond body in ice. Then, Aokiji creates an ice sword in his hand, aiming directly for Jozu's eyes.
With a loud bang, the sword was shattered mid-air by a powerful force, scattering into ice chips that rained down.
Afterward, the icicles surrounding Jozu also succumbed to the powerful force, instantly shattering. Whitebeard's figure appeared, and he said softly to Jozu and Charles Vane,
"Retreat."
"Oyaji..."
Jozu and Charles Vane shouted in disappointment, both feeling regretful as they retreated to the ships in shame.
"How do you feel?"
Marco asked as soon as the two returned to the ships.
"We're fine, thanks to the old man,"
Jozu replied. The situation had indeed been quite dangerous. Without Whitebeard's intervention, Jozu wasn't sure he could have stopped Aokiji's attack.
"This is an Admiral; we're still far behind,"
Marco sighed, acknowledging the vast difference in power.
Others began to reflect on the gap between themselves and the Admiral. Benjamin, however, remained puzzled. "Why did Aokiji become so decisive and aggressive? That attack just now was fierce"
"I didn't expect to see you again after so long. Your strength has increased. Is it because of Akainu?"
Whitebeard asked.
At Whitebeard's words, Aokiji's body visibly tensed. It was a topic that always stirred pain or regret within him.
"My level of improvement is far behind yours, Whitebeard. Even your Commanders have such terrifying strength. How can the Marines hope to compete with you in the future?"
Aokiji remarked casually.
"Guurarara, you don't sound sincere. Do you really want the Marines to defeat me?"
Whitebeard asked with a chuckle.
After speaking, Aokiji fell silent. He truly didn't wish for the Marines to eliminate Whitebeard. The situation at sea had become very dangerous.
Whitebeard had already eliminated Blackbeard and the Big Mom Pirates, leaving only Red Hair and Kaido among the Four Emperors. However, each faction standing alone faced difficulties in maintaining their position.
If Whitebeard is truly taken down by the Marines, then there will be nothing left to fear. It won't be long before the seas fall back under Marine control.
However, is this really a good thing? As Admiral in the Marine Headquarter, Aokiji is also well aware of the darkness of the world.
The Shichibukai system alone has attracted numerous high-level individuals, whose true strength and intentions remain unknown.
Marine is active in combating pirates but struggles to address the darkness within its own ranks. Sometimes, it turns a blind eye or even relies on pirates to rectify certain situations.
For instance, the Luffy pirate group that Aokiji encountered back then exemplifies this. During the Arabasta Kingdom incident, the Luffy group, acting as pirates, stepped in and fulfilled the duties that Marines couldn't, defeating Crocodile.
So, when the world loses these pirates, can the Marine, under the control of Akainu and his absolute justice, truly protect the world?
The answer is clearly no. Aokiji realized this many years ago during the Ohara incident. He and Akainu are people from different worlds, and the absolute justice Akainu pursues may only serve the interests of the World Government.
"I'm just a wanderer; my opinion doesn't matter,"
Aokiji said casually.
"Really? But I still see flames in your eyes. A true wanderer's face is different from someone who aspires to do great things,"
Whitebeard teased.
"I just want to wander. I have nothing to do with the Marine Headquarter, and I don't want to concern myself with the world's situation,"
Aokiji said casually.
After speaking, Aokiji moved to leave, but Whitebeard interjected with a cold tone, "What if I prevent you from wandering?"
"When someone's path is obstructed, they'll surely fight fiercely for their own survival,"
Aokiji's eyes turned cold.
Observing Aokiji's ignited fighting spirit, Whitebeard chuckled. However, he didn't rush to take action because he felt it would be unfair.
Aokiji had just fought against his two Commanders, Jozu and Charles Vane. Though the combat wasn't prolonged, dealing with two opponents simultaneously must have drained some of his physical strength.
So, Whitebeard decided to wait for Aokiji's physical strength to recover a bit before engaging in battle. He smiled and said to Aokiji, "I appreciate your stance. Resistance is always preferable to compromise."
"Why haven't you made your move yet?"
Aokiji inquired.
"Don't worry, there's plenty of time for that"
.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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