The katana's design was nothing short of spectacular.
Literally eye-catching in every sense of the word.
Naruto's description of it as a "decoration" hadn't been an exaggeration at all. The blade was completely transparent like crystal, and even when wrapped in Armament Haki, it didn't turn the usual obsidian black. Instead, it resembled a galaxy sparkling with infinite starlight—a glass sword that looked devastatingly sharp yet deceptively fragile.
The Vice Admirals who had been driven into the ground watched Naruto make a drawing motion. Then, with no visible process, the sword completed a horizontal slash that defied comprehension.
The ice spears suspended in mid-air, along with Aokiji himself, were cleaved in half by this drawing slash that exceeded all reaction speed.
"So fast."
After his upper and lower body separated, Aokiji's expression remained unchanged as he simply sighed with professional appreciation. For powerhouses at the level of the three Admirals, Armament Haki wasn't necessarily a guaranteed threat. They could predict their opponent's movement trajectory and actively elementalize, separating their body along the attack line to avoid direct contact with Haki-infused strikes.
However, he only had time for that observation before Naruto's other hand clenched into a fist and connected solidly with his head.
BANG!
A spreading air blast erupted at the point of contact, the shockwave rippling through the atmosphere like thunder. Aokiji was launched toward the distant sea surface by the devastating punch, barely managing to adjust his posture before plummeting toward the water.
"Ice Age!"
Two thin ice cones extended downward from his palms, rapidly spreading upon contact with the sea surface. In mere breaths, a vast area of the surrounding ocean crystallized into solid ice. Using his recovered lower body, he stood gracefully on the frozen surface, completing his recovery with Admiral-level composure.
Aokiji rubbed his right cheek with mild discomfort, the fist mark clearly visible despite his Logia abilities.
"Observation Killing, huh..."
The technique was a specialized combat method targeting Observation Haki—the ability that allowed users to briefly predict enemy movement trajectories and detect other movements within range. Masters could even achieve a degree of "future sight." When facing opponents skilled in Observation Haki, Observation Killing became the ultimate trump card.
The principle seemed simple enough: controlling one's own aura to block the opponent's Observation Haki detection. Of course, actual implementation was monumentally difficult. Those who had mastered this ability on the seas could be counted on one hand.
"Frozen Time Capsule!"
Aokiji suddenly raised his hand, and two invisible freezing auras instantly spread out, rushing toward Naruto's position at extreme speed with the glacier's enhancement.
Seeing the ranged attack approaching, a playful glint flashed in Naruto's eyes.
Perfect. Time to show you the ninjutsu I've learned.
In the past, he had only mastered a few techniques, possessing massive chakra reserves with nowhere to release them. This time was different. Since returning to Konoha, he had recorded quite a few ninjutsu—though most were C-rank, it was still better than mindlessly spamming Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
The power might not necessarily be higher, but the style points were definitely greatly improved.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Naruto's hands flew through the familiar hand seals, then unhesitatingly borrowed his good teammate Sasuke's signature technique. However, the fireball he released was frighteningly massive, with a diameter that dwarfed even those warships.
This was Naruto being limited by the jutsu's inherent ceiling. If he had mastered high-level techniques like Great Fire Annihilation, the effect would be catastrophically different.
The colossal fireball instantly collided with the freezing air, and tiny ice crystals vaporized into white mist under the tremendous heat. After several seconds of elemental stalemate, the fireball overwhelmed the freezing air and continued its destructive path forward.
But those precious seconds were enough for Aokiji to react. He didn't foolishly remain stationary but leaped into midair with two powerful bounds. The moment he reached high altitude, the fireball exploded at his original position, transforming the already frozen seawater back into scalding steam.
"Naruto Uzumaki, did you also eat a Devil Fruit?"
Two long swords formed from frozen ice rapidly condensed in Aokiji's hands, becoming incredibly hard under his Haki coverage. Then he dove down like a hunting hawk, asking his question mid-descent.
"It's ninjutsu!"
Naruto grinned with genuine enthusiasm, then raised his glass-like katana again, sending out a perfectly timed upward slash.
The aftermath of their clash quickly affected the surrounding environment, and the Vice Admirals who had recovered immediately grasped the situation's severity.
"Quick! All soldiers, move to the other side of the island! Go evacuate civilians!"
Vice Admiral Momonga was the first to speak. This Vice Admiral possessed a strong sense of responsibility even within Marine Headquarters, making him the first to consider what destruction the battle's aftermath would cause to innocent lives.
The other three Vice Admirals weren't fools either and immediately began commanding soldiers while blocking unknown area-of-effect damage from the battlefield. Soon, everyone in the area had relocated to safer positions, leaving only Vice Admirals Momonga and Onigumo at the scene, watching the two titans still clashing with swords.
"You two, leave here as well."
Suddenly, Aokiji seemed to make a tactical error and was struck by Naruto's fist again, falling from mid-air and landing directly in front of the two officers. Momonga wanted to protest after hearing the order but ultimately obeyed without question.
Only after everyone had completely evacuated did Naruto leap down from the air, landing less than two meters in front of Aokiji. At this distance, battle was imminent.
Clang.
Unexpectedly, Naruto suddenly sheathed his sword, then completely ignored Aokiji's threatening presence and sat down cross-legged on the ground.
The serious expression on Aokiji's face instantly disappeared, along with the frigid aura surrounding him.
"You really don't show mercy. Were you actually trying to kill me just now?"
Despite his words, Aokiji didn't mind sitting beside Naruto and naturally took the sake gourd from his hands. Opening the lid, he took a generous gulp, then slowly savored the flavor.
"Good taste. Is this what you got from Baratie earlier?"
"Yo, a connoisseur."
Naruto gave him an approving thumbs up, then pulled out a small sake flask, opened the lid, and took a sip. The two even clinked their containers with genuine interest, looking completely harmonious.
If there were outsiders present, they would probably be dumbfounded. The two who had just been fighting with lethal intensity were now completely ignoring their respective positions and drinking like old friends reuniting after years apart.
Aokiji was originally a drinker who loved alcohol, and could even be called a "great drinker" comparable to Kaido and Shanks. Facing Boss Zeff's fine brew, he naturally enjoyed it immensely.
Of course, business was business. After drinking, Aokiji's face suddenly showed an indignant expression as he complained to Naruto with irritation.
"So, why did you suddenly appear in East Blue, kid? Do you know how much work you've added to my plate?"
[Chapter Complete]
***
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