During the battle, Luffy felt his Haki becoming condensed and active. With each exchange, his control over his own power deepened.
At its core, Haki was the unity of mind and body. One grew stronger by defeating powerful enemies with an upright and indomitable will!
'So I'm curious — why do you keep someone as troublesome as Robin by your side?' Aokiji asked again as they crossed paths, trying to rattle Luffy.
'If you don't get it, that's exactly the point.' Luffy forced Aokiji back with a Gomu Gomu no Elephant Gun, breathing heavily, but with a bright look in his eyes. 'I don't need to explain my reasons to some Marine!'
Luffy's attacks landed solidly, leaving many wounds on Aokiji.
Of course, Luffy had his share as well.
Rubber's greatest weakness was sharp edges.
Aokiji had recognised this from the start of the fight. As well as his ice fists, he relied on ice spikes the most.
Just as the battle was about to escalate again, Aokiji suddenly stopped. Luffy turned around and saw that Vivi was right behind him and looking anxious.
'Luffy! Marine warships are approaching! They look like Headquarters ships. We need to leave now. Now.'
Marine warships?
Luffy's movements abruptly halted. He instinctively looked at Aokiji.
You old bastard — no honour, huh?
Aokiji stopped as well. He seemed to have sensed the distant commotion too. He scratched his head. "Don't look at me like that. I'll reiterate—I'm really on vacation. Those are probably Headquarters ships on nearby missions or escort duty. Nothing to do with me."
He looked at Luffy, then glanced at the distant Merry barely visible on the sea, and at Robin standing warily not far behind Luffy. Suddenly, he sighed.
"Let's end this fight here."
Luffy blinked.
Aokiji pointed at Luffy, then at the Merry. "You. Take your crew and that kidnapped Alabasta princess. Leave. Now."
"You're letting us go?"
Aokiji clicked his tongue, his tone carrying resignation and resignation. "Consider it repaying a favor. That stubborn fool Smoggy is my friend. Objectively, you helped him in Alabasta—you prevented Crocodile's conspiracy from completely successful, avoiding an even worse outcome."
He paused, looking at the increasingly clear outlines of the Marine warships. "Besides, those guys showing up now aren't really reinforcements. If we kept fighting, they'd suffer heavy losses. More trouble than it's worth."
Even so, the aftermath would be quite troublesome.
Aokiji's expression grew complex.
A pirate with Admiral-level combat power, and so young, appearing on these seas... This would have enormous impact on the Marines, on the World Government's layout.
Especially a pirate like Luffy, with such an intricate background.
Aokiji sighed.
"Ah, forget it. Let Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Akainu worry about these headaches. I'm still on vacation. If I get injured fighting during vacation—does that count as a work injury? Who do I bill for medical expenses?"
Aokiji stood there, pondering.
Luffy gave him one last look, then hesitated no longer.
He instantly deactivated his awakening. Though exhausted, his movements remained swift.
He grabbed Robin, who was nearby, then hoisted Vivi onto his back. His other arm stretched out and grabbed the Going Merry.
FWOOOSH!
Luffy, carrying Robin, shot across the sea like a slingshot. In a few bounds, he landed steadily on the accelerating Merry's deck.
With Aokiji not blocking, Luffy had no pressure.
Aokiji stood his ground. He didn't pursue. He simply watched silently as they sailed away, until the Merry became a tiny dot on the horizon.
Haaah.
Aokiji exhaled deeply, rubbing his still-aching belly and cheek. "Teacher Garp... you've really given me a huge headache here. There's no way to handle this quietly now."
Luffy landed heavily on the Merry's deck and deactivated Gear Second. Intense fatigue crashed over him like a tidal wave. He collapsed spread-eagled, his chest heaving violently.
But there was no frustration on his face. Instead, he let out an hearty laugh.
Compared to Aokiji, Luffy cared more about his own strength.
He could now be sure—after this battle, he had truly crossed the threshold into the ranks of top warriors.
Perhaps at this level, he was still a rookie, lacking experience.
But to be able to confront Aokiji to this extent, even leaving him with minor injuries—that was enough to declare.
He now had the preliminary qualification to contend with any strong man on these seas!
"Hahaha!"
" exhilarating . Too exhilarating ." Luffy laughed on the deck. He turned his head, looking at Robin—pale-faced, supported by Nami and Vivi—and spoke with unwavering firmness.
"Robin! Whether it's the Marines or the World Government, if they want to take you from us—they have to get through me first."
"Mm..."
Robin looked at Luffy laughing on the deck. She looked at him fighting to the death with a Marine Admiral to protect her. The last traces of haze and fear in her heart were finally dispelled by that warm and powerful sense of security.
She walked to Luffy's side, crouched down, and gently brushed the ice crystals from his hair. Tears glistened in her eyes, but a gentle, relieved smile spread across her lips.
"Luffy!"
"Stop being so cool at a time like this." Nami and Vivi gathered around, looking at his ice-covered body and minor wounds with concern. "Are you okay? Did you win or lose?"
Chopper immediately transformed, grabbing his medical kit to examine Luffy.
On the deck, everyone looked at their exhausted yet high-spirited captain, then at the unharmed Robin. Suddenly, enthusiastic cheers erupted.
"Luffy herself definitely won!" Little Merry beamed, her tiny face full of pride—as if she had won the fight.
"But... that was a Marine Admiral." Usopp muttered, unable to hide the shock on his face.
To be able to unscathed an Admiral fight and escape—that itself was a victory.
But this also meant the Straw Hat Pirates had truly ranked among the ranks of first-class pirate crews in the Grand Line. They had earned their tickets to future higher-level competition!
For Zoro and Sanji, Luffy's earth-shattering battle with Aokiji burned like fire burning their hearts.
As the ship's main fighters, they hadn't even qualified to intervene.
This sense of powerlessness stimulates their nerves to grow stronger.
"It seems we still have a long way to go." Zoro crossed his arms. His three swords seemed to buzz in their sheaths. His gaze He was sharp as an eagle, filled with a yearning for power.
"But our turn is coming."
***
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