Crocodile was puzzled, and so was everyone else.
"Was that... the cannonball you mentioned?" Luffy asked, looking confused.
"I think... maybe?" Crocodile responded, equally unsure.
Vivi and the others had strange expressions. Moments ago, they were in a panic, but now the danger seemed to have disappeared in an instant. Was the crisis really over?
Regardless, the immediate danger seemed to have passed. Vivi shouted joyfully, "I don't know who did it, but I'm really grateful!"
Crocodile's mood was a stark contrast to Vivi's. His face darkened with anger, and he growled, "Who did that? WHO?!"
"It's me," a calm male voice echoed.
At the sound of the voice, Luffy and the others lit up with excitement. Turning quickly, they saw Kai and Mr. 2 walking towards them.
"Kai!!!"
o(╥_╥)o!
Luffy rushed forward and wrapped Kai in a tight hug, his face covered in snot and tears.
"Hey, hey, not so tight! You're getting snot all over me..."
After a few moments, Kai managed to pry Luffy off. Zoro and Sanji joined them, looking relieved.
"Didn't that Crocodile jerk say you were captured by Aokiji? How did you escape?" Zoro asked, curious.
"Who said I escaped?" Kai smiled slyly.
"Huh?" The group was puzzled.
Kai didn't keep them guessing long. "This is just a clone of me. My real body is still on Aokiji's ship. I left Alabasta days ago."
"What?!"
Everyone was shocked.
"So, you're still captured?" Sanji said, clearly confused.
"That's not quite right!" Kai grinned. "Ever hear about how I can swap places with my clone and real body anytime I want?"
Zoro, eyes widening, caught on. "Wait, so..."
"Exactly. I haven't swapped yet because Aokiji's ship wasn't far enough away. If I switched too soon and he noticed, he could come back and mess up everything. We're not ready to fight Aokiji yet, and his return would throw a wrench in our plan to save Alabasta!"
"But now? No worries. Time to switch!" Kai said, closing his eyes.
...
Meanwhile, somewhere out in the Grand Line, a Marine warship cruised along.
"Hey, Uncle Aokiji, mind cooling this for me?" Kai (in his original body) asked, holding up a drink.
Aokiji glanced at him, a thin line of exasperation creasing his face. Reluctantly, he chilled the drink with a touch of cold air.
Kai took a large gulp, smacking his lips in satisfaction. "Not gonna lie, Uncle Aokiji, your Marine life is pretty sweet. Makes me wanna switch sides."
Aokiji's eyes lit up. "You know, I can talk to Fleet Admiral Sengoku about that. If you're serious, you wouldn't even have to serve time."
Over the past days, Aokiji had learned more about Kai. Despite his bounty, he hadn't hurt any civilians. His infamy largely stemmed from his fight with Hawkeye, which had been captured on film. Aokiji had grown fond of Kai and was keen on recruiting him to the Marines. That was why Kai had been treated so well—fine food, comfortable quarters, and drinks chilled by a Marine admiral himself.
Had it not been for the sea stone handcuffs on Kai's wrists, he might have been living an even better life than Aokiji on the ship.
Kai chuckled. "Just joking, Uncle Aokiji. I could never work under those Celestial Dragons. They're revolting!"
Aokiji's expression hardened. "You know what you're saying, right?"
"Of course! Don't you find those pompous nobles disgusting?"
Aokiji didn't respond, but Kai could sense his discomfort. Aokiji had no love for the Celestial Dragons either, but as a Marine, he couldn't openly criticize them. The weight of responsibility as a Marine admiral had constrained his freedom, unlike his days as a more carefree officer.
Sighing internally, Aokiji felt regret. Kai's potential made him a prime candidate, but his words about the Celestial Dragons had sealed his fate. The World Government would never accept someone who spoke out against their so-called rulers.
Kai finished his drink and gave Aokiji a serious look. "Thanks for everything, Uncle Aokiji. You've been great."
Aokiji blinked, confused. Before he could ask what Kai meant, the younger man smiled and added, "Let's fight again next time we meet. I think I can win next time!"
With that, Kai's body flickered, and his aura shifted. Aokiji stared as the sea stone handcuffs clattered to the deck, empty.
Aokiji: !!!
...
Back at the palace, Kai opened his eyes, grinning at Luffy and the others. "Alright, I'm back!"
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Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.