Clang!
The sun rose higher, its heat spreading over the island and sparkling across the sea's surface. The two figures on the island stood exposed beneath its light, their battle momentarily at a standstill.
At the critical moment, Shiki had managed to block Kaizen's attack with his sword. However, the hasty resistance forced him to stumble back several steps.
"Hah! What a powerful strike! It hurts, boy!"
Shiki exclaimed, his face a strange mixture of pain and intoxicated excitement.
"How long are you going to keep this up?"
Kaizen frowned, noting Shiki's stubborn expression. It was clear he wasn't going to give up anytime soon.
"Take me to Marine Headquarters, Marineford!" Shiki finally demanded, his tone resolute.
"Huh? Why in the world would I take you there?! I'd rather avoid that place entirely! Forget it!"
Kaizen snapped, standing upright as he angrily rejected the idea.
"Laozi rarely needs anyone to lead the way. I prefer the thrill of unknown journeys." Shiki widened his eyes, emphasizing his usual independence before continuing, "But this time, it's not up to me. I'm furious. I can't let him end like this!"
Shiki's nostrils flared as he spoke, his expression intense, almost hysterical. He looked like a stubborn child throwing a tantrum.
"That man you're talking about… you don't mean Roger, do you?"
Kaizen's mind drifted back to the stories from the original timeline. He recalled how Shiki had caused chaos at Marineford before Roger's execution, only to be defeated by Garp and Sengoku and imprisoned in Impel Down.
"Yes! Laozi is going to Marineford to stop this madness!"
Shiki's words carried the weight of an oath as he sheathed his swords and took a step back.
"Stop kidding around. Roger's already been executed! What, did you oversleep or drink yourself into oblivion?"
Kaizen spread his hands helplessly, as though sympathizing with Shiki's carelessness and absurdity.
"What?! Laozi only got lost for a few days! Damn it!"
Shiki yelled, his disbelief quickly turning into rage. He swung his sword at the sea, unleashing a massive slash.
The attack tore through the ocean, splitting the water in two and demonstrating a level of power far beyond what Shiki had shown during his earlier fight with Kaizen.
As though one strike wasn't enough, Shiki gripped his blades tightly and unleashed a flurry of violent attacks on the turbulent sea. It was as if he couldn't accept the truth.
"The man I admired… how could he die like this?! Roger was the ONE PIECE! How could the King's life end without me—his true rival—there to say goodbye?!"
Golden Lion Shiki's teeth clenched as he roared, his eyes glistening with tears. Sadness and anger poured from his bloodshot gaze.
For the first time, he sincerely referred to Roger as the One Piece.
When Shiki had first heard of Roger being crowned the Pirate King, he'd scoffed, dismissing it as mockery or flattery. But deep down, he had always acknowledged Roger's greatness. Titles meant little compared to the respect Shiki felt for him.
Every time Shiki cornered Roger in battle, he never delivered the final blow. Instead, he repeatedly tried to recruit Roger to join him, though he was rejected every time. Shiki didn't tire of it, even as Roger damaged his pride and reputation.
"This was Roger's choice. As his rival, you should understand that."
Kaizen's calm voice broke through the storm of Shiki's emotions.
Shiki stopped his rampage, thrusting his swords—Oto and Kogarashi—into the ground.
"I'll say goodbye to Roger in my own way," Shiki declared, his voice firm and resolute.
"You've made up your mind." Kaizen could hear the madness in Shiki's tone and knew there was no stopping him.
"Laozi never overthinks things. I do what I want, then deal with the consequences later! Hahahaha!"
Shiki's golden hair flowed wildly, his blood-red eyes shining with unrestrained passion. His weathered face, though villainous, carried a strange charm.
"Well, good luck with that," Kaizen said, waving dismissively. He knew persuasion was futile against this crazy man.
"Brother, lead the way!"
Shiki suddenly pointed his blade at Kaizen's nose, his grin wide and domineering.
"You're such a stubborn old man. You never give up, do you?"
Kaizen sighed, scratching his head in exasperation.
"Hahaha! Laozi likes you as my guide."
Shiki's laughter echoed, his gaze on Kaizen filled with pride, as if admiring a prized possession.
"Are you really planning to cause a scene at Marineford? Just so you know, this will be a one-way trip. And don't expect me to back you up when things go south. I'm not interested in getting involved," Kaizen warned, clearly reluctant.
"I'm a pirate! Going back on my word isn't in my nature. And that caution you're preaching? Toss it into the sea! Laozi lives by doing whatever he pleases!"
Shiki's words were both frivolous and resolute, a strange mix of carefree arrogance and unshakable determination.
Though Shiki's personality was vile in many ways, his honesty about his flaws gave him a unique kind of charm.
Kaizen didn't hate him—despite his madness, Shiki's boldness was strangely admirable. Besides, Kaizen was curious to see Marineford, the Marine headquarters.
"As long as I don't involve myself in their battles, it should be fine," Kaizen thought optimistically.
And with that, the strange pair prepared for their journey to Marineford.
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TO BE CONTINUED...