Even Aokiji was a bit taken aback to see the kid in front of him speaking so boldly.
It was the first time he had seen a pirate with a bounty of only 25 million challenge him with such arrogance.
Could it be that he's too laid-back compared to Akainu, so he doesn't have the same intimidating effect?
While Aokiji pondered this, Kai across from him had the most troubled expression.
He glared at Smoker fiercely, "Did you have to call for reinforcements like this?"
Isn't it usually step by step, one level at a time? He might as well have brought out the big boss right away!
He had just mentioned it casually; he really didn't expect an Admiral to actually show up!
Even though he was confident in his own strength, he wasn't fool enough to think he could match a general.
If it were just him, he could definitely make a run for it, but the problem was the rookies behind him!
What to do now?
After thinking for a long time and coming up with no good solution, Kai decided to ask tentatively, "Admiral Aokiji, are you really here to fight us?"
"Oh, I was originally just here for a meal, but now that I've run into you, my plans might have to change!"
Kai's face looked like he'd bitten into something unpleasant. He shot a murderous look at Luffy.
Seriously, why do you have to show up at a time like this? It's like serving meat on a silver platter!
But now that the matter was out in the open, there was no point in arguing. Kai looked at Aokiji and his demeanor changed instantly.
An Admiral is an Admiral; don't be afraid! Let's go through this fight!
Kai stared at Aokiji and asked one last time, "Are you sure you want to arrest us? Or will you just pretend you never saw us and let us go?"
"Not an option, little brother! I'd have a hard time explaining it to my superiors if I let you go!"
"Then there's nothing more to say!"
"In that case, let's have a fight!" Kai said calmly.
It seemed the battle was unavoidable. No need for more talk.
Aokiji turned to Smoker and said, "Smoker, evacuate the crowd! I have a feeling this battle won't be straightforward!"
"Understood!" Smoker nodded and quickly had the area evacuated. Kai didn't react to this.
He had no intention of harming civilians, but now that they were evacuated, it was more convenient for him.
Suddenly, Kai had an idea. He walked into the restaurant's kitchen and gathered everything he could find into his system space.
He liked these zero-yen purchases. They would be destroyed in the fight anyway, so why not take them?
When he came out, only Aokiji and his group remained outside.
In this world, numbers mean nothing if the strength isn't comparable.
Now Aokiji stood alone but still exerted immense pressure on them.
Kai turned to Luffy and the others, saying, "You go first. Ace and I will hold them off!"
"But…" Nami started to protest but was cut off by Kai.
"Move quickly. With your strength, staying here won't help. It'll only be a hindrance. Plus, Vivi's country is in trouble. If you waste time here, who will help her?"
"Kai…" Vivi looked at Kai, stunned by his words.
"Gomu Gomu… Pistol!"
Just as Kai was about to explain further, he heard a familiar voice. Instantly, a troubling thought crossed his mind, and he turned around.
As expected, Luffy was launching a punch at Aokiji.
=͟͟͞͞=͟͟͞͞(●0ꈊ0● |||)
Everyone's expressions froze. What they had just discussed seemed pointless. Luffy, this idiot, really didn't understand the situation!
"Ah la la, little brother, don't be so impatient!" Aokiji said calmly, looking at Luffy.
With a thought, ice spread rapidly over Luffy's arm, threatening to engulf his entire body.
Seeing this, Kai narrowed his eyes, appeared beside them in an instant, and kicked Aokiji away.
Aokiji was sent flying, crashing through several buildings before stopping.
"Ah! My hands, my body!" A cry of pain rang out, and Kai felt a bit helpless.
Turning to Luffy, he saw him lying on the ground, covering his half-frozen body and screaming in agony.
Kai was immediately furious. He even told Luffy to escape, but he had to go and test Aokiji's strength?
"I'll help you thaw this ice!" Ace said, coming over.
"Don't bother!" Kai said calmly. He grabbed Luffy's arm and coated it with his Haki.
With a slight surge, the ice began to crack and crumble, falling away from Luffy's body.
Kai was using Ryu Haki. With its flow, he could easily remove the ice without harming Luffy.
"Hey, the ice is gone!"
Luffy jumped up, moving his body excitedly and said happily.
"Let's see if you dare to be so reckless again!" Kai scolded angrily. Then he added, "As you can see, your attacks are completely ineffective against him!"
"Hurry and escape with the others!"
"Got it!" Luffy nodded. After the freezing incident, he was scared and had no intention of fighting Aokiji.
"I said… can I let you go?"
Aokiji's calm voice came from above. He watched them intently, and with a thought, ice spread rapidly around him, freezing everything in its path.
At this moment, Ace jumped in front and shouted, "Wall of Fire!"
Ace created a massive wall of flames, blocking the incoming ice.
"Let's go!"
Everyone, hearing this command, didn't hesitate and fled. As Kai said, staying now was a burden and wouldn't help.
"They said I'd be in trouble if you escaped!" Aokiji said calmly. Then he leaped into the sky.
Cold air gathered in his hands, aimed at Luffy and the others as they fled.
Just as he was about to strike, a black fist filled his vision, knocking him away once more.
"I also said, we'll stop you!"
A cold voice came from Kai, who had turned into his demonic form, staring coldly at Aokiji from above.
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Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.