Chapter 179: The Arrival of the Tree World
Ace and Thatch looked at Atmosphere, who was suppressed by Kael, and were intimidated by Kael's threat, not daring to move for a while. Their eyes constantly met, as they tried to find a way to rescue the injured Atmosphere. However, the sight of Jozu being brutally beaten by Aramaki and Vista being suppressed by Issho made them even more anxious. They truly hadn't expected that even 2 Division Commanders couldn't defeat the Goa Empire's 2 Marquises. It was even a near-crushing defeat, with no chance to fight back. This completely exceeded their expectations.
"Goa Emperor, we admit defeat this time." "Have your subordinates stop, and we'll leave immediately!"
Seeing Ace's impulsive demeanor, Thatch could only make the decision himself. Since the Whitebeard Pirates had lost so much face this time, he would bear the 'cowardly' burden of 'begging for mercy' and a ceasefire. There was no need for Ace, a youth with the King's potential, to endure such humiliation. Anyway, Thatch himself was just a cook and didn't need much prestige. As long as everyone could return safely, everything could be salvaged. At worst, his Pops could regain face later.
"Goa Emperor, our Captain is Whitebeard, of the Four Emperors!" "If anything happens to any of us, the Goa Empire will surely be destroyed by our Pops's Gura Gura no Mi ability."
Seeing that Kael was unmoved, Thatch gritted his teeth and could only bring out Whitebeard's fearsome reputation again to intimidate Kael. He knew it wasn't a good look to constantly rely on his Pops, but for everyone's safety, he would swallow his pride.
"I know Whitebeard is powerful. Now I'll give you 2 a chance; go help Diamond Jozu and Vista." "As long as you defeat my Piercing Grand Duke and Heavenly Fall Duke, I will safely return this fellow to you."
Kael looked at Aramaki and Issho, who were almost victorious, and decided to increase the challenge for these 2 newly appointed Dukes, letting them know how strong they truly were. And also to raise their reputations to the next level.
"What?"
Ace and Thatch stared wide-eyed at Kael, thinking they had misheard. Kael actually told them to help Jozu and Vista defeat Aramaki and Issho? However, Ace's expression quickly turned grim. Kael was looking down on them. Or rather, Kael was extremely confident in his 2 subordinates.
"I hope you don't go back on your word!" "Underestimating us, you will regret it!!!"
Ace snarled coldly, immediately rushing with Thatch towards that battlefield.
"Thatch, you go help Vista, and I'll help Jozu."
Ace's lower body immediately turned into flames, quickly charging towards Aramaki. At this moment, Jozu had been smashed dizzy by Aramaki; even though he was incredibly tough, with each brutal smash, his internal organs were shaken and injured, and his viscera felt as if they were burning. He knew he had lost. The Whitebeard Pirates members couldn't accept the result of Diamond Jozu's clean and decisive defeat. This was one of their 3 Division Commanders!
"Jozu! Hold on!" "I'm here to help you!"
Fire Fist Ace saw that Jozu couldn't hold on any longer, roaring as he charged at Aramaki, unleashing a Fire Fist at the vines binding Jozu.
"Hey, why are you here?"
Aramaki immediately looked towards Kael, thinking something had happened to his Majesty. But then he saw Kael sitting on Atmosphere, looking leisurely as if watching a show. Aramaki knew that this was an enemy His Majesty had intentionally let through.
"Anyway, one Division Commander isn't enough fun, so let's add a second Division Commander!"
Aramaki guessed that His Majesty wanted his reputation to rise again, specifically letting Fire Fist Ace come over for him to rack up achievements. Thinking of this, Aramaki was incredibly moved. Such great kindness could only be repaid with loyalty! Fire Fist Ace was the strongest Rookie King who had defeated one Shichibukai and fought another Shichibukai to a draw. As long as he easily defeated Fire Fist Ace, he, Piercing Grand Duke Aramaki, would surpass a group of Shichibukai.
The more Aramaki thought about it, the more excited he became; His Majesty was indeed his discerning patron.
"Ahaha, I told you your flames aren't strong enough!" "Fire Fist Ace, take a Diamond Meteor Hammer from this Duke!"
Aramaki immediately wrapped Armament Haki around the fireproof vines, directly taking Fire Fist Ace's giant fiery punch. The bound Diamond Jozu was suddenly swung by Aramaki, smashing towards Fire Fist Ace.
"Careful, Ace!"
Diamond Jozu could only dissipate his Armament Haki defense, maintaining only his diamond body to protect himself. He was truly afraid that his Armament Haki diamond body would instantly kill Ace.
"Let go of Jozu!"
Fire Fist Ace only roared, desperately unleashing his inner power, furiously accelerating to dodge Diamond Jozu's massive body, twisting his body and punching the Armament Haki vines binding Jozu.
"No means no!" "You too shall fall before this Duke!"
Aramaki's fingers on his other hand transformed into 5 pitch-black vines, directly piercing towards Fire Fist Ace, who was trying to rescue Diamond Jozu.
"Captain Ace! Be careful!"
The Whitebeard elite pirates screamed frantically. This Piercing Grand Duke could actually fight 2 against 1, battling Jozu and Ace, 2 Division Commanders. What kind of monster was this?!
"It's not that simple!"
Fire Fist Ace roared, erupting with an even stronger burst of flames, clashing head-on with Aramaki's Armament Haki vines. In Portgas D. Ace's dictionary, there was never a concept of avoiding a direct confrontation. If you're not convinced, then fight!
'Boom!!'
Under Aramaki's shocked gaze, he was completely engulfed by flames, while Fire Fist Ace, who had dodged with extreme speed, had a gruesome blood-hole pierced through his shoulder by an Armament Haki vine, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Captain Ace!!"
Amidst the Whitebeard Pirates' shouts of alarm, Aramaki, Jozu, and Ace were all engulfed in the furiously erupting flames. As the immense flames quickly dissipated, "You really are reckless, Ace!!!"
Diamond Jozu's loud shout came from within the flames.
"Didn't I just save you, cough cough~"
Fire Fist Ace smiled easily, coughing up a few more mouthfuls of blood. In everyone's gaze, Fire Fist Ace tore and burned off the vines on Diamond Jozu's feet, and the 2 flew freely in the air.
"Others can't do that. If I weren't diamond, I'd be scorched by you too."
Diamond Jozu grinned widely, scolding Ace with his words, but his tone was very relieved. He hadn't expected that he would also need to be rescued by this little fellow, Ace.
"Hehe, next, let's defeat this vine monster together!"
Ace laughed heartily, completely unconcerned about the gruesome bloody hole in his shoulder.
"Ace, you're injured, hurry and get treated first," Jozu immediately scolded.
"No need, let's defeat him first!" Ace directly refused.
"Such deep camaraderie!" "A disgusting aura of bromance!" "Then you all stay here for me!" "Forest Descend!!"
Aramaki, who had rapidly recovered from the charred state, immediately exploded in rage, directly unleashing his latest ultimate technique, developed under Kael's guidance.
I hope these chapters are more to your liking! I paid close attention to the flow of the action and dialogue to make it feel more dynamic. The title progression for Aramaki and Issho from "Marquis" to "Duke" is an interesting plot point, and I've made sure to reflect that change in the text.
Let me know when you're ready for me to continue with the next part of your story.
[Inorin Note:
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