---
The final rounds of the clan competition were a spectacle, as Uchiha members showcased powerful Fire Style jutsus and perfected techniques from Akira's Fire and Thunder Breathing methods.
Flames and lightning crackled across the arena, drawing gasps from the crowd. As the top ten emerged, it was clear that their mastery of Haki and Breathing techniques had rapidly elevated their strength.
Akira joined in the applause, pleased with their progress. These ten had strength close with normal Marine Vice-Admirals, showcasing their hard work. However, he realized that future selections shouldn't rely solely on combat strength; new, diverse challenges would be beneficial. Perhaps races across the dangerous Calm Belt, or skill tests in Breathing techniques, Armament Haki, and Observation Haki to push them further and making them master the skills not just learning them.
As the event concluded,
, Akira couldn't help but notice the confident young women from Amazon Lily making their way toward the Uchiha boys they'd taken a liking to, their boldness both endearing and amusing.
Amid the lively scene, Sasuke approached, looking slightly forlorn, his expression tugging at Akira's heart. "Brother Akira, this isn't fair! I want to come with you on missions too. I'm going to be a big brother soon, and I need to show I'm worthy of that."
Akira knelt down, placing a reassuring hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Sasuke, you're still young. But I promise, an important mission awaits you. You just need to get a bit stronger first—something even I couldn't handle without the right training."
Sasuke's eyes lit up, the sadness replaced with determination. "Alright! You promised, so I'll train hard until I'm ready!" With a burst of excitement, Sasuke dashed off, eager to make his big brother proud.
Watching him go, Akira felt a pang of nostalgia. Memories of the young ninjas of Konoha—their boundless potential, dreams, and fierce resilience—flooded his mind. Naruto, Neji, and so many others had once shared that same spark.
He smiled to himself, thinking of the future he envisioned. "I have plans for all of them, and once the foundation here is strong, I'll return to Konoha—not to destroy or rule over it, but for something far better." His gaze turned forward, filled with purpose. "Konoha, this world, and every world I can reach...they're all part of a greater vision."
The journey ahead felt limitless, and he was ready to embrace every part of it.
---
Akira began reflecting on his own missions panel, leaving quests unfinished was not in his nature. Glancing at his mission list, he was reminded of another mission.
[Ding! Main Mission Triggered: The Foundation of Foothold]
[Objective: Lead the Uchiha clan in establishing the world's strongest security company, making the Uchiha name known globally.]
[Reward: Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.]
To achieve this, he'd need to elevate the clan's reputation and gain widespread exposure.
In the following days, Akira focused on training Uchiha elites in Marine Six Styles, realizing the Sharingan's unique ability to copy skills sped up their learning. However, mastering techniques required more than just imitation; talent and diligent practice were essential.
Meanwhile, Shisui honed his Thunder Fruit powers, striving to unlock its awakening, and Itachi trained his newly unlocked Mangekyō Sharingan while practicing Haki and Six Styles.
Akira devoted himself to perfecting Armament Haki, recognizing it as a crucial foundation. In the One Piece world, strong Armament Haki and physical conditioning were essential to becoming a formidable fighter. Though he was interested in Conqueror's Haki, for now, his focus remained on building a solid base.
Each day, he trained diligently, and each night he shared time with Hancock, building a bond that was, in its own way, as rejuvenating as his other training.
Suddenly, one evening, his phone bug buzzed, breaking the calm of the night. He lifted his wrist, connecting to a small phone bug face mirroring the features of Iceburg, the Mayor of Water 7. Iceburg sounded urgent.
"Mr. Akira, you…you've been listed as a wanted criminal by the World Government!"
Akira couldn't help but chuckle. After the events at Enies Lobby, the destruction of the Marine's Buster Call, and his clash with a Marine Admiral, it was only a matter of time.
"I expected as much," he said, "What's my bounty now?"
Iceburg replied, "Your current bounty is…3 billion Berry!!"
Akira nearly choked.
----
Hours Earlier — Marineford
In the conference room at Marine Headquarters, almost every high-ranking Marine officer had gathered. The air was tense as they discussed the destruction of Enies Lobby and the Uchiha clan's actions against the Marine Buster Call and a Marine Admiral.
"The Uchiha Security Company calls itself a security firm, but it's nothing more than a terrorist front!" one officer declared angrily.
lieutenant commander Brannew addressed the officers. "We don't fully understand the strength of the Uchiha family, but they're an extremely mysterious and formidable force."
He held up a wanted poster. "This boy, Uchiha Itachi, is just eleven years old and serves as the captain of Uchiha Security's Second Division. Despite his age, his strength rivals that of a Marine Vice Admiral. We've placed his bounty at 150 million Berry!"
A murmur spread through the room. An twelve-year-old with such a high bounty was unheard of.
Brannew continued. "And this one, Uchiha Shisui, First Team Captain. At fifteen, he wields the power of the Logia-type Thunder Fruit, making him a true thunder-man. He single-handedly annihilated most of CP9, defeated three Marine Vice Admirals, and destroyed both the Buster Call fleet and the Gate of Justice. His strength is close to the level of a Marine Admiral, so his bounty stands at 1.125 billion Berry!"
Gasps echoed across the room. "With that level of bounty, he's already approaching the strength of a Four Emperors' top officer," one general muttered. The Uchiha Security Company was proving to be as dangerous as any powerful pirate crew.
Brannew took a deep breath and held up the final wanted poster. "Lastly, we have Uchiha Akira, the company's president. At eighteen, he's the mastermind behind this incident. He defeated Rob Lucci of CP9 with ease, hijacked the Buster Call, and intentionally lured our forces to attack. In addition, he seized control of Water 7 and began extorting protection fees, no different from the pirates of the New World!"
The room erupted in outrage.
"For such a dangerous individual," Brannew continued, "we've set his bounty at 3 billion Berry!"
The room fell silent. A bounty of 3 billion was a rare milestone, signaling the Marine's recognition of Akira's power level as nearing that of a Four Emperors candidate. Despite his young age, he was already a force capable of reshaping the balance of power at sea.
Vice Admiral John Giant stood up and raised his voice. "Those without the courage for this fight should leave now! We are the last line of peace in this era of piracy, and we will not falter in the face of such evil!"
"We won't!" the room chorused. "For the sake of Absolute Justice!"
---
Meanwhile, Water 7
News of his bounty had just reached Akira, and he couldn't help but smirk. "All that for just a few battleships and a minor scuffle with a couple of Admirals."
But Iceburg, the Mayor of Water 7, was visibly worried. "Mr. Akira, now that Marine forces have pulled out, we're hearing reports of pirates flocking here to challenge you. With the Marines gone, we're vulnerable. We can't defend the city alone."
Akira placed a reassuring hand on Iceburg's shoulder. "Don't worry. Our contract states that Uchiha Security will protect Water 7. I'll send reinforcements, and they'll handle the city's safety from now on."
In the days to come, it would be the Uchiha clan, not the Marines, guarding Water 7 against the growing threats of piracy, firmly establishing their power even in the New World.
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