As Aokiji spoke, Byrnndi World froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"You're joking, right?! Your freezing ability doesn't affect me at all!"
Without hesitation, Byrnndi World's body glimmered with deep black Haki as he activated his ability.
"Hundredfold Acceleration!"
In an instant, he vanished from sight.
Nearby, Aokiji calmly lifted his right hand.
"I've seen this move before…
Ice Barrage!"
A piercing cry rang out as a massive ice bird charged toward Aokiji's right side.
The next moment, Byrnndi World appeared there!
"What?!"
He was momentarily stunned. How did Aokiji know exactly where he would appear? There was no time to dwell on it. He raised his hands defensively.
"Ridiculous! I told you your ice won't stop me what?!"
Before he could finish, his face drained of color. The ice bird was no ordinary attack. Its talons were black as night.
Aokiji exhaled a cold breath.
"Ice Barrage, Haki Encasing!"
"Damn it! That Aokiji!"
The ice bird slammed into Byrnndi World, sending him crashing into his pirate ship. His body embedded in the hull.
"Damn… Marines," he muttered bitterly before losing consciousness.
Aokiji waved to the Marines aboard the ship.
"Secure him with Seastone handcuffs."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Aokiji!"
The soldiers moved quickly, restraining Byrnndi World, while Aokiji returned to the ship.
Ezra's lips curved into a small smile.
"Well done, Kuzan."
Aokiji shrugged.
"Hmm, there's still room to improve. Controlling Haki through ice isn't something I've mastered yet."
Garp chuckled.
"You're too modest, Kuzan. Not many can project Haki outside their body like that."
Aokiji scratched his head.
"I'll keep practicing. Let's continue our return journey."
Ezra nodded slightly and reclined back in his chair.
A few days later, the ship docked at G-1 headquarters. Ezra and the others disembarked.
"Finally back." Ezra stretched, sending off Garp before turning to Aokiji.
"Kuzan, let's make a trip to the Ice Capital soon."
Aokiji blinked, clearly puzzled.
Ezra didn't explain, simply shrugged and smiled.
"You'll see when the time comes." He waved and walked toward home.
Aokiji could only shake his head, following behind.
Meanwhile, on Baldigo Island, Luffy slowly woke from a two-week coma, still unable to accept Ace's death. He was listless and withdrawn.
He even fought Ivankov.
"Luffy! Ace is dead! Can you pull yourself together?!" Ivankov shouted, dodging Luffy's attacks.
"Ahhhh!"
Luffy refused to accept the truth, attacking Ivankov frantically.
Seeing this, Ivankov frowned.
"Talking to you like this is useless."
He appeared behind Luffy and slapped him on the neck. Luffy's eyes rolled, and he passed out again.
Ivankov sighed helplessly.
"What can we do?"
From the nearby forest, a figure cloaked in green appeared it was Monkey D. Dragon.
"Ivankov, don't worry. When that person returns, Luffy will recover."
Ivankov nodded, though he didn't know who Dragon meant.
For the next few days, Luffy remained despondent whenever he woke. Ivankov and the others could do nothing but wait for the person Dragon had mentioned.
Finally, after several days, a small boat arrived at the shore. Sabo stepped off.
He entered Dragon's office.
"Sabo, you're finally back." Dragon's face lit with joy.
Sabo bowed slightly.
"Boss, my memory… it's starting to come back. I remember Ace, I remember Luffy…
But how did Ace die?"
Dragon sighed.
"Sabo, Ace is gone, and Luffy is broken. But as his older brother, you cannot fall apart now."
Sabo paused, tears in his eyes, then said quietly,
"Boss… I want to see Luffy."
Dragon smiled.
"I've already brought him here, but his mind is fragile. Even I, as his father, cannot help him right now."
Sabo's heart tightened, understanding the weight of such pain.
"Boss, let me try to wake him."
Dragon nodded slightly, pointing toward the forest.
"You'll find him there."
Sabo hurried in that direction. Soon, he saw two figures: Ivankov and the unconscious Luffy.
"Sabo? You're back!" Ivankov smiled faintly.
"But what are you doing here?"
Sabo fought back his anguish.
"I am Luffy's older brother."
Ivankov's eyes widened.
"So you are the one Dragon said could save him?
How is Luffy now?"
Sabo looked at the unconscious boy, concern etched across his face.
Ivankov sighed.
"I dare not wake him yet. If he wakes, it's either a fight with me or endless whining."
Sabo's expression softened, filled with pain.
"I'll handle what comes next. Please, help me wake him."
Ivankov nodded.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, trust me." Sabo nodded solemnly.
Ivankov then gently woke Luffy.
As Luffy's eyes opened, he saw a familiar face.
"It's…"
Tears filled Sabo's eyes.
"Luffy! It's me! Sabo!"
Luffy trembled as memories flooded back.
"S-Sabo? Sabo!!!"
He leaped into Sabo's arms, crying uncontrollably.