Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Far from Enies Lobby, the ocean waves relentlessly lapped against an expansive sheet of ice. Atop this frozen plateau, Admiral Aokiji lounged on his ice-crafted throne, his fingers intertwined and resting casually on his abdomen, showing no interest in initiating combat. He observed the Straw Hat Pirates aboard the Golden Merry, who were visibly tense at his presence.
Upon hearing Usopp's revelation, Franky's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? This guy is an ADMIRAL!! Has he ever clashed with you guys?" he blurted out, almost ready to transform into his battle-ready General Franky. Thankfully, Usopp and Chopper managed to hold him back just in time.
Meanwhile, Luffy, ever impulsive, was quickly restrained by Zoro and Sanji, preventing any rash actions on his part. Observing Aokiji's calm demeanor, it was clear he had no immediate plans to engage, and the crew realized there was no advantage in striking first—especially not here on Aokiji's icy terrain, which was a battleground in his favor.
Aokiji, unfazed by the antics before him, had his gaze fixed on Bai Ye. "The Golden Den Den Mushi that Spandam had should be in your possession, Priest Bai Ye," he stated slowly.
With a slight twitch of his mouth, Bai Ye reached into his robe and pulled out the golden Den Den Mushi. "The grand navy, the mightiest force in the sea, fussing over such trifles? How petty," he remarked as he tossed the Den Den Mushi towards Aokiji, feeling a twinge of regret.
A simple press on this golden snail could summon a Buster Call, no identity verification needed—a power that Bai Ye found particularly enticing. At any other time, such a tool could prove invaluable.
Aokiji caught the golden Den Den Mushi as it tumbled through the air, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Ah la la, this isn't something to be played with—especially by someone like you."
He then eyed Bai Ye intently and asked, "Why didn't you press it?" His question was clear: why hadn't Bai Ye summoned the Buster Call to Enies Lobby?
Bai Ye didn't directly answer. Instead, he countered with his own question: "If I had pressed it, would you really have allowed Enies Lobby to be destroyed?"
Aokiji's response wasn't verbal, but his expression spoke volumes. He was indifferent.
Bai Ye considered this. In the original story, Aokiji had a significant but subtle influence on the events at Enies Lobby. Even as the Buster Call set Enies Lobby ablaze, Aokiji observed the destruction without intervention.
What's even more interesting is that, when in her last breath, the original Going Merry mustered all her remaining strength to save the Straw Hats, defying the odds to escape the tightening grip of the Buster Call fleet's encirclement. With her fragile frame barely holding together, she carried her crew one last time, a bittersweet farewell that showed just how deeply she cared for them. And Aokiji actually blocked the fleet's request to continue the pursuit, but openly admitted the navy's failure.
This sequence of events made Bai Ye ponder. It seemed almost scripted, as if Aokiji were testing the Straw Hats and Nico Robin. If Aokiji had truly intended to capture them, his opportunities were plentiful, given the mismatch in power. Yet, after everything, the Straw Hats freely celebrated at Water 7, and Aokiji made no move against them.
Bai Ye speculated about Aokiji's motives but also harbored other thoughts about the mysterious admiral's actions.
Is Aokiji secretly using the Straw Hats to bring about the downfall of Enies Lobby? As someone who witnessed the tragedy of O'Hara, Aokiji has since embraced a philosophy of 'lazy justice'. This has led some to wonder if he harbors other, deeper misgivings about the World Government's actions. Perhaps the Enies Lobby incident was Aokiji's way of answering back to the World Government.
This theory is bold, yet Bai Ye found himself unable to dismiss it. Aokiji, after all, was the one who initiated the tragic events at Ohara but ended up openly acknowledging his failure and ultimately helped Nico Robin to escape. While Aokiji's actions could be partly explained by his friendship with Jaguar D. Saul, they suggest a more complex motive. Could it be that Aokiji's real target was not Robin—or not just Robin?
In a moment of realization, Bai Ye spoke out, catching Aokiji's attention: "It seems we're on the same page."
The Straw Hats were puzzled by this exchange, but a brief change in Aokiji's expression didn't escape Bai Ye—or Robin, who was closely watching the admiral. She remained silent, her gaze thoughtful.
Aokiji quickly regained his composure and shifted the topic. "Nico Robin, who can read and write the ancient language, and Franky, who holds the blueprints of Pluton," he said, looking at the crew. "You now harbor two individuals capable of destroying the world."
He continued, addressing Luffy, "Straw Hat Luffy, do you grasp the magnitude of what you're up against? Even your old man would find himself powerless."
Before Aokiji could finish, Luffy cut him off: "I don't care." He stared resolutely at Aokiji and said, "I once promised a pirate who protected me that I would find a crew even better than his. I intend to become the Pirate King."
"I'm ready to risk my life for this. No one can take my friends away." As Luffy declared this, a gust of wind whipped around them, and large waves crashed against the Golden Merry, but Luffy stood firm, holding his straw hat with unwavering determination.
Hearing Luffy's words, every member of the Straw Hat crew, including Bai Ye and Zoro, couldn't help but smile. Maybe it was because their captain was such a foolhardy dreamer, but that was exactly why they were willing to follow him. A shared thought sparked in their minds: Pirate King? If that's your dream, we'll see it through with you.
Aokiji remained unfazed by Luffy's declaration, responding with a nonchalant, "Ah la la, that's a pretty naive dream." He paused before adding, "Let's see how far you folks can get."
As Aokiji started to walk away, he suddenly stopped and turned back. "The giant who defended Ohara twenty years ago—he was a good friend of mine," he said slowly. "I promised him I'd let you go, Robin. I've kept an eye on you ever since, wondering if I made the right choice."
Robin's face registered shock, processing Aokiji's unexpected revelation.
"You've been running your whole life. Always hiding, always afraid.," Aokiji continued. "I wondered if you might be a danger I'd need to eliminate one day."
"Yet, here you are. It seems you might have finally found where you belong."
"Was Saul right to let you live? I'm waiting to see your answer."
As Aokiji faded into the distance, Robin felt a profound clarity wash over her. She was speechless at first, struggling with a surge of emotions and unsaid words. After a long silence, she softly murmured, "Then watch carefully, because I will give my answer."