Chapter 58: Aftermath and Ambition
Satoru would have loved to witness the battle between Shanks and Kaido. Unfortunately, he couldn't. A fight of that magnitude wouldn't end quickly. It could last for days, maybe weeks. Satoru didn't have that kind of time to leave G-8. Right now was the crucial period for the base to establish its authority. If he left and the base was breached in his absence, he'd become a laughingstock.
Though he might not learn much directly from watching, it would broaden his horizons. It would show him the true peak of power in this world. It sparked a fierce desire in him to grow stronger, faster. He wanted to join battles on that level. Being 'invincible' against weaker foes felt lonely. But the truth was, he wasn't at the top yet.
He was stuck in an awkward middle ground. Against those without Advanced Conqueror's Haki, he was untouchable. Even Garp, using his immense Armament Haki, could have broken his Infinity when he first awakened it. But now, no amount of regular Armament Haki could pierce it.
Yet, against those who did master Advanced Conqueror's Haki infusion, he was at a disadvantage. He couldn't use it himself yet.
So, he wasn't interested in those who couldn't use it, and he couldn't beat those who could. An awkward stage.
But in another two years, when his body was twelve or thirteen, it would be developed enough to support using Armament and Advanced Conqueror's Haki. Then, he could truly touch the power of the world's top fighters.
He couldn't wait to see how powerful a punch would be with Advanced Conqueror's Haki and Black Flash. Could you combine Advanced Armament flow and Conqueror's infusion? His mind was full of ideas, experiments he couldn't perform because his body wasn't ready yet.
What others found impossibly difficult, Satoru saw as simple. Learning new applications of power didn't seem hard for him at all.
"Then just wait for my good news," Shanks said, pulling Satoru from his thoughts. "I heard you were stationed here and wanted to catch up. Didn't expect to see such a show right when I arrived."
He was talking about the battle with the three pirate crews.
"Can't be helped," Satoru shrugged. "I just got here. My reputation isn't set. There's always someone who wants to make a name by stepping on me. And if you come to the G-8 base on a pirate ship looking for me, I'd have to consider it a provocation against the Navy."
"Then it's better we say goodbye here," Shanks said, his tone turning serious. "If I cause trouble for you, it'll be a headache."
He meant it. Satoru's abilities were tricky. Even if Advanced Conqueror's Haki could break his defense, Satoru had other tricks. Defense was just one aspect; his offensive power was ferocious. Shanks didn't want to lose his other arm in a fight. Then he'd have to hold his sword with his teeth—not exactly the Three-Sword Style, but close enough.
Soon after, Shanks and his crew left. There was no feast. They were in the Beast Pirates' territory now. The enemy could appear anytime. They had to stay sharp.
Satoru returned to G-8. The pirates were all in chains. Transporting them to Impel Down, however, was a problem. Impel Down was in the first half of the Grand Line. For small fry in the New World, the Navy rarely sent ships. It wasn't worth the risk.
Looking at the damage to the base grounds from his 'Red' technique, an idea struck Satoru.
"Put them in the brig to rest," he told his executive officer. "Then take them out to repair the base. Make the surroundings better than before."
It was putting them to good use.
"Yes, sir!" Colonel Clarl replied loudly, his eyes full of respect. In fact, every Marine at G-8 now looked at Satoru with deep respect. This battle had shown them his true power. Three pirates with bounties near 500 million, dealt with so easily. Not even a Headquarters Vice Admiral could do that so cleanly. They felt honored to serve under him. With such a commander, they could forge their own glory at G-8.
In the following days, Satoru wasn't idle. Besides his own daily training and teaching the Marines Rokushiki, he oversaw the captive pirates repairing the base. The damaged areas were fixed, but Satoru wanted to improve the entire fortress, make it grander, more imposing. He wanted to turn it into a second Marineford.
Of course, that required massive manpower and resources. But that was easy. Manpower came from captured pirates. More foolish crews would attack, providing fresh labor. Resources? Pirate ships were full of treasure. He just had to wait for them to deliver it.
Satoru also kept an eye on the newspapers, waiting for news about Shanks and Kaido. He believed Shanks would win. Otherwise, why challenge again? But Kaido's strength was nothing to scoff at.
Not being able to watch that clash was his biggest regret so far.
A few days later, the news arrived.
SHOCKING!! RED-HAIRED PIRATES CHALLENGE BEAST PIRATES AGAIN!
The headline dominated the front page. Below it was a picture of the two massive crews facing off. Just the image conveyed the overwhelming pressure between them.
The article didn't detail the fight—no photos of the battle existed. A clash between Conquerors could destroy any recording device. Any living thing nearby would be knocked unconscious or killed. But the ending was hinted at with a final photo: the Red-Haired Pirates, looking battered but triumphant, leaving Beast Pirate territory. Everyone was smiling genuine, victorious smiles.
It strongly suggested the Red-Haired Pirates had won.
"As expected, Shanks," Satoru murmured, a thrill running through him. "You didn't disappoint."
What Satoru didn't know was that, at that very moment, Marine Headquarters was in an uproar because of the clash between these two Emperors. The entire base was shrouded in a tense, oppressive atmosphere. In a high-level conference room, a whiteboard detailed the entire battle between the Red-Haired and Beast Pirates, with every known detail recorded. The balance of power in the New World had just shifted. And a certain young commander, now firmly in control of his own corner of that dangerous sea, was one step closer to the storm at its center.
(End of Chapter)
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