"Gah..."
Witnessing Aus catch lightning barehanded utterly shattered Enel's worldview.
Mouth gaping. Eyes bulging. Snot flowing.
Pathetic.
"Forget it. No fun with a greenhorn."
Aus showed zero mercy. Right hand clenched. Clusters of black-red lightning crackling within.
Who can't play with lightning?
Enel, already questioning existence, didn't react to Aus's strike.
Under Conqueror's intimidation, Enel couldn't move an inch. Could only watch helplessly as those hands approached.
Slender hand. One finger bent.
"Flick~"
Simple. Clean. Glass cannon Enel, under a "Conqueror's-coated forehead flick," rolled his eyes back white, collapsed spread-eagle.
With a thought—
Aus and unconscious Enel appeared on the Oro Jackson.
Little Sand reading newspaper. Mihawk cooking.
"Hm?"
Hearing commotion, Crocodile's eyes shifted. Noticing Aus and... the long-eared guy.
"Who's this?"
Aus always did things she couldn't understand. She'd gotten used to it.
This time felt different.
Special trip for one person—last time someone had this honor was herself.
"Grabbed a laborer. Adding crew."
Hearing Aus confirm it, Crocodile looked seriously. Even Mihawk, holding a knife, came over.
"Why? Long ears?"
"This guy ate one of the strongest Logias—Rumble-Rumble Fruit."
"Oh."
Unlike expected, reactions bland. No concept of powerful fruit.
"So?"
"So... convenient for errands."
Tacitly, the three didn't discuss the powerful aspect.
Not denying the fruit was strong. Just that on Aus's ship now, they didn't lack Enel's combat level.
In direct combat, Aus alone replaced all strategic position Enel should've had.
Large-scale attacks, aerial combat, speed.
Enel's only use? Running errands.
"Thunder Dragon!"
"Told you how many times—you can't escape."
On Skypiea, Aus walked, hands in pockets, emerging from waterfall-like thunderstorm. Not a hair out of place.
External Armament armor. Below certain level, couldn't ruffle his clothes.
Lightning that could illuminate the world exhausted. Gradually disappearing.
Panting figure, eyes carrying fear, stared at unharmed Aus.
About to break down!
These past days, like taming a hawk—couldn't run, couldn't win.
Even maximum power Raigo only made the guy shudder.
Like... a cold breeze.
Too young. Fruit development too green. Met a Boss right out the gate.
Not even same level.
Gap the fruit couldn't smooth.
"Behaving now?"
Enel: Already behaving.
"I... I understand. Won't run anymore..."
Childhood experiences made Enel's heart dark, rebellious—
But like healing Doffy, Aus was best at reforming rebellious kids. Convincing with virtue, making them docile.
And really—
Hard to say whether Enel or Doflamingo could become stronger under Aus's cultivation.
But touching Admiral threshold shouldn't be difficult.
"Don't look miserable. You'll learn I'm easy to get along with."
Enel said nothing. Just recalled Aus's wicked smile.
Could've caught him in one go. But every time shadowed him, matching his elemental movement.
Psychological shadow now.
Thus—
Aus's ship welcomed its third member.
Little Ei—Enel.
"So this is the Blue Sea? Magnificent..."
Munching apple, Enel no longer considered himself god. At least not before Aus.
Skypiea trip—stayed half a month. Traveling meant experiencing local customs.
Aus had great time. When leaving, brought local specialties. Impact Dials.
But other side of ship, Mihawk stood arms crossed, watching distant sky and sea.
"Hey, Aus, what are you planning next... Anywhere you need me?"
"Huh?"
Aus fiddling with gadgets. Hearing Hawk suddenly ask, he froze.
"Why suddenly ask? Planning to tour New World."
"Your dream's already complete, isn't it, Aus."
Mihawk spoke with feeling. Turned, looking at Aus.
"But... traveling with you, I admit it's been interesting. But my swordsmanship hasn't improved in a long time."
Hearing this—whether Aus, Little Sand, or newly-joined Little Ei—all stared blankly.
Aus: Confused?
Little Sand: Silent...
Enel: Bewildered
Breaking up right after he joined?
Could he slip away?
"You mean..." Aus raised eyebrow.
"I mean, I want to venture out alone. Cross blades with swordsmen worldwide. Then create truly world-class swordsmanship!"
Mihawk's eyes serious. Holding only pursuit of sword path.
"When I reach my goal, I'll still challenge you, Aus!"
Aus understood.
Following him wandering, coasting—couldn't feel pressure, couldn't improve.
He wants to 3D2Y?
Aus pursed lips. Honestly felt uncomfortable. After all, adventured together so many years.
But Aus hadn't formed pirate crew. If Mihawk wanted to pursue his dream, what reason to stop him?
Pursuing your dream—wasn't that the coolest?
A Hawk who wasn't World's Greatest Swordsman—how could he be Aus's right hand?
Hearing this, Crocodile's lips curved. Removed cigar.
"I've wanted to say this. On seas, only your name Aus is thunderous. I've been pissed. Since Mihawk wants to venture out, count me in. Improve my strength."
She understood strength's importance now. Why her bounty never matched these two.
"...I see. Making you follow me around was selfish... Not like we won't reunite. Then—
Go. Make waves on the seas. Bearing the name of Doctor Aus!"
"Oh right, Enel, if you've got nowhere to go, help Sami run errands. I'll make you a Vivre Card so you can't disappear."
"Huh?!"
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