"What are you doing?!"
With a furious shout, a golden shockwave exploded between Marsh and Aokiji, separating the two who were locked in deadly combat.
Under the power of this shockwave, Aokiji stepped back.
Marsh... stepped back four times.
A middle-aged man wearing frog-like glasses, a twisted beard, and an Afro hidden beneath his marine cap appeared nearby with a squad of marines.
It was Admiral Sengoku!
"Are you trying to destroy this entire port?!"
With a stomp of rage, Sengoku shattered the frost-covered ground around them.
Marsh's mouth twitched at the sight.
[Congratulations, Host, for completing the achievement First Clash with Aokiji. Purple Reward obtained]
[Immersion Mode ending, returning to regular simulation]
Huh?
So this immersion mode was just to let him experience what it was like to fight Vice Admiral Aokiji?
Oh, and the... taste of Kalifa.
Even though the battle was interrupted by Sengoku, Marsh had felt the vast gap between himself and Aokiji.
Not to mention Sengoku, who was in his prime.
It seemed his path ahead was still long.
[Simulation paused. Continue?]
"Continue."
[It turns out your father had called on Admiral Sengoku, putting a stop to the fight. Afterward, thanks to your providing recordings of Kaku and Kalifa's attempted desertion, and as they were your subordinates, you were merely stripped of your position as CP5 Director. Kaku and Kalifa were sent to the East Blue as low-level marines.]
[At age 14, you had drawn the attention of many marine leaders for fighting Vice Admiral Aokiji to a standstill, even for several rounds. Many applied to Fleet Admiral Kong to transfer you to their command, but you refused them all. You felt that brute strength alone didn't suit you... only power and intrigue could capture your interest.]
[Age 15: Because of the frostbite from your fight with Aokiji, you developed arthritis in your right leg, causing pain on windy or rainy days.]
What?! Do people in One Piece even get arthritis?!
[Age 16: Your arthritis worsened, and you began to use a cane. You saw several doctors, but none could help.]
[Age 17: By chance, you saw a photo of Crocodile's subordinate. You realized she was the girl who had haunted your dreams for nearly ten years... Nico Robin.]
[Age 18: Over nearly a year, you obsessively gathered all information about Nico Robin and developed a daily habit of, let's say, focusing on her image.]
[Age 19: You became completely consumed by your fantasies of Nico Robin, neglecting training. Due to overindulgence, your Haki and Rokushiki weakened.]
???
Is this what they mean by burning yourself out?
[Age 20: Unable to bear your decline any longer, your father placed you in CP9. He assigned you a katana disguised as a bamboo cane called the Hidden Snow. But you mainly used it as a walking stick.]
[Weapon Master talent activated: Congratulations, Host, on acquiring a Red-tier weapon: One of 21 Great Grade Blades, Hidden Snow.]
Finally!
He had waited 20 years and nearly forgotten about that talent!
The Hidden Snow! His weapon!
Marsh could hardly wait to end the simulation and try out this slim, light katana that emitted a glinting chill.
But he held back.
Since Robin had appeared in the simulation, it meant the Straw Hat crew was likely to show up soon!
[Age 21: Though you received the Great Grade Sword and became a CP9 lieutenant, it did not ignite your spirit.]
[Age 22: This year, your father sent you on a mission with some CP9 agents. However, due to your weakened strength, you failed, disappointing him.]
[Age 23: Your father remarried, and your stepmother is your age.]
'The same age as me?!'
'So Spandine, that old man, is courting someone young enough to be my peer?'
Is there no justice?
[Age 24: Every night, you hear strange noises coming from your father's bedroom.]
[Age 25: Your father and stepmother had a half-brother for you, but you didn't care.]
Seriously!
At least show some concern! He's here to compete for your inheritance!
[Since the birth of your brother, your father began ignoring your stepmother. She seemed somewhat despondent. Perhaps it was your imagination, but when alone with you and your brother, her attire grew more revealing, yet you paid no mind. You learned that Robin had left Baroque Works to join a newly formed pirate crew. Its captain was Monkey D. Luffy.]
***
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