The townsfolk looked on in shock at the sudden arrival of the massive warship.
This ship was different from ordinary Marine vessels—twice the size and radiating an intimidating aura.
It was clearly not something to be trifled with.
From the warship disembarked a group of Marine officers.
The crowd froze.
Officers? That meant every one of them was at least an ensign or higher.
Then they saw the man leading them.
At first stunned, their expressions shifted when they recognized the face they'd seen countless times in the papers.
Gasps filled the air, eyes widening in fear, chests heaving as someone finally stammered out in a trembling voice:
"A-Admiral… a Marine Admiral?!"
Cold sweat ran down their backs, their scalps prickling.
Why was an Admiral—the highest combat power of the Marines—here in the Grand Line, in their tiny town?
Those who were sharper quickly connected the dots. It had to be related to the recent defeat of Warlord Crocodile.
At that moment—
Creed stared at Akainu, feeling the fluctuating, oppressive aura radiating from him.
Even Ain sensed the heavy tension.
Akainu approached, eyes devoid of emotion, voice cold as ice.
"Tell me—why?!"
Creed narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Do you understand the trouble your actions have caused the Marines? Who gave you permission to strike down a Warlord of the Sea? Do you realize the whole world is now questioning the Marines' honor?!"
Akainu's justice was absolute, extreme.
To him, justice must be carried out at any cost—no matter the sacrifice.
It was a twisted, obsessive kind of purity that saw everything opposed to his path as heresy, as an obstacle to be purged.
He had cut down comrades, ignored innocent lives—all in the name of "Absolute Justice."
The Warlords of the Sea existed to control piracy through force, a system to balance the Grand Line.
By striking Crocodile, Creed had undermined that balance, tarnishing the Marines' face before the world.
Akainu's eyes burned coldly. "Give me your reason for attacking Crocodile!" His tone was sharp and merciless, as though interrogating a criminal.
Creed's voice turned equally cold. "Reason? He pissed me off. How's that for a reason?"
That was his nature—he repaid kindness tenfold, but if someone came at him with hostility, he'd fight them to the bitter end.
The square fell deathly silent.
Akainu's expression darkened, as though storm clouds gathered over his face.
Heat surged from his body, distorting the air, magma dripping from his hand with a hiss as he growled:
"Say that again."
Creed's eyes were sharp, unwavering. "I don't like you either. If you want to fight—try me."
Behind him, Ain tensed.
Akainu sneered coldly. "Just like Garp—always reckless, never caring for the Marines' image."
Truthfully, he despised Garp. Not only for his unruly behavior, but also because his son, Monkey D. Dragon, had become the Revolutionary Army's leader—the world government's greatest enemy.
That hatred extended to Garp's grandson.
And now Creed had humiliated the Marines on a global stage.
Akainu's eyes narrowed with loathing.
"Then let me teach you a lesson—for Garp's sake!"
Ssshhhhh~!
Magma oozed from his body, sizzling as it scorched the earth.
Creed slowly raised his sword, Rinne, his gaze unflinching.
"You're welcome to try."
(End of Chapter)
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