Whitebeard's reluctance to attack immediately anoyyed Aokiji slightly, but he also understood that Whitebeard was being considerate of his physical condition and seeking absolute fairness.
However, this notion of fairness didn't hold much weight for him. They weren't discussing each other's feelings; they were engaged in a life-and-death struggle.
"If you won't fight, then I'll take my leave,"
After Aokiji finished speaking, he pretended to leave.
Seeing this, Benjamin glanced at Whitebeard and immediately grasped the situation. He leapt forward and conjured a dark vortex, blocking Aokiji's path.
"I'm sorry, Aokiji Admiral,"
Benjamin apologized.
Aokiji was surprised by Dark Fruit's ability and glanced at Benjamin. Unaware of Benjamin's past identity as a Marine, Aokiji had only seen Benjamin's wanted poster.
"What do you mean, Whitebeard?"
Aokiji asked, gazing at him.
"Aokiji, it's not easy to meet, do you want to fight me?" Whitebeard said with a smile.
"I'm not with the Marines anymore. It wouldn't make sense to fight you,"
Aokiji replied.
"Why's that meaningless? I've been itching for a match with you,"
Whitebeard countered eagerly.
"If that's the case, why haven't you made a move yet?"
Aokiji demanded.
"Don't worry, we can chat for a bit. I'm curious why you're leaving the Marines"
"I heard you were raised in the Marines since you were a kid, and now you're an Admiral. So why leave?"
Whitebeard asked deliberately.
"It doesn't seem to have anything to do with you Pirates."
Aokiji replied, not wanting to divulge more.
"Don't you want to spill it? It's no fun being buried in secrets,"
Whitebeard urged.
"Given how strong your Whitebeard Pirates are already, what's your plan for the future?"
Aokiji inquired.
"You guys turned around and asked me, huh? Alright, I'll spill. I aim to build a free empire,"
Whitebeard declared.
"A free empire?"
Aokiji was momentarily surprised.
"Yes, a free empire. I want to create a huge pirate paradise on the seas. When civilians face government oppression, they can flee to this paradise and find refuge,"
Whitebeard explained.
Upon hearing this, Aokiji chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Government oppression? It's real, but not all pirates can pull that off"
Whitebeard nodded in agreement. "Sure, there are plenty of cunning villains among pirates, but they're also targets for other pirates. As for me, any pirate who harms civilians and claims it's for 'freedom' is unforgivable"
Whitebeard's words opened up a new perspective for Aokiji, who sought to enforce his own sense of justice. He gazed at the sky and pondered, "Freedom? Is it a blessing or a curse?"
Aokiji believes in the importance of order. Without it, everything descends into chaos. That's why he sees the world government as necessary.
Whitebeard's idea of freedom definitely challenges this order because freedom rejects constraints and opposes established order.
But now, Aokiji's idea has subtly shifted. What if there could be a unified order in the world? Even if all the pirates were eliminated, would the darkness within the government still exist?
Definitely, that darkness will still emerge. And because of the existence of this order, they're given some protection. The restrictions on civilians and the world serve as protective shells for this darkness.
Anyone within this framework can't easily attack that darkness because it goes against the order. Aokiji's status as an Admiral may seem prestigious, but it's also within this order.
Above Aokiji, there are even higher-ranking Marines and the leaders of the World Government.
So, within this system, Aokiji can either turn a blind eye to the darkness or he can't act as he wishes.
His power is only effective against pirates, but he's powerless against the darkness within the government. What he needs now is a pirate with a certain degree of freedom, someone who can easily do what he can't.
For instance, taking down Celestial Dragons!
These problems have been troubling Aokiji. His inability to reconcile with Akainu's leadership cost him the position of Fleet Admiral in the Marines. Unable to accept Akainu's rules, he chose freedom instead.
However, Aokiji is merely a wanderer, not a pirate. Pirates have always been his enemies. It's impossible for Aokiji to embrace this identity all at once.
"Even if it's true, can you guarantee your ship sails on the side of Justice?"
Aokiji questioned.
"Justice? I'll never chase after that slogan because everyone's idea of justice might differ. Shouting those slogans just gathers a crowd for their own use. Could it be that what an ordinary Marine soldier wants as justice is a Buster Call?"
"Am I right?"
Whitebeard asked, fixing his gaze on Aokiji.
Aokiji fell into deep thought, and Whitebeard noticed he needed a break. He promptly placed his Naginata in front of him and said, "Aokiji, let me take the first swing."
After his words, Whitebeard lunged forward, his figure suddenly speeding up. A flash of light erupted before Aokiji, who quickly adjusted his stance and blocked Whitebeard's attack with an ice blade.
"Ice Age!"
Facing Whitebeard, Aokiji didn't dare to rush. He planned to seize any of Whitebeard's weaknesses and attack without hesitation, knowing he had no chance of winning otherwise.
Aokiji's hands emitted a burst of intense cold air, freezing Whitebeard's Naginata and his body instantly at such close range.
Suddenly, a powerful vibration erupted from within, shattering the ice in an instant. But as soon as the shackles were broken, Whitebeard was met with Aokiji's kick.
Aokiji's right foot turned into a ball of ice, kicking directly toward Whitebeard's head. In response, Whitebeard swiftly raised his naginata and decisively stabbed Aokiji's right foot.
At that moment, Aokiji spun in the air, dodging Whitebeard's attack, and struck him from another angle with his left foot. But the sheer strength of Whitebeard's body made Aokiji feel like he had kicked Jozu
Diamonds are average; he might be tougher than diamonds.
Whitebeard's body disappeared without a trace, and soon after, a shockwave erupted, sending Aokiji flying backward. He skidded for a distance before firmly planting himself on the ice surface he created.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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