Kizaru fought alone against Noyer's three top fighters, while Aokiji kept his promise to face Noyer one-on-one.
Aokiji's body was encased in solid ice as he wielded an ice blade, attacking repeatedly. Noyer, protected by the Amaterasu flames covering his body, wasn't intimidated in the slightest.
Aokiji's elemental attacks dealt almost no damage. The only way he could hurt Noyer was through the Armament Haki coating his ice blade.
Kuzan's wounds grew deeper and deeper. His body of ice crystals weakened as the Amaterasu flames scorched him. Noyer also sustained some injuries, but they were much lighter.
Noyer's current power level was unusual. If you called him Warlord-level, he'd be evenly matched against specialists like Hawkeye or Doflamingo at best. But against Admirals, he didn't fear any of them in single combat — he could even counter two Admirals at once now.
However, that's just how battles work. An Emperor-level powerhouse might fall to a Warlord through cunning, and a Warlord might be defeated by a rookie. A battle with a 100% win rate simply doesn't exist.
It's all about who has better odds. Even if your strength completely dominates your opponent, there's still a one percent chance of losing.
Noyer's battle with Aokiji was exactly like this. Without the Amaterasu flames and copying ability, it would be difficult for him to clash head-on with the Ice Human.
Aokiji dodged the flaming blade awkwardly, retreating step by step. The Amaterasu flames countered ice too strongly. With too many techniques restricted, he could only compete in martial arts and swordsmanship.
But Noyer had a Black Gold Talent in swordsmanship. Through countless battles and daily training, his skill had advanced dramatically. In this world, aside from Hawkeye and Shanks, very few could defeat him in swordsmanship.
Noyer swung Rasetsuō, shattering Aokiji's ice shield with one slash. His eyes gleamed with fierce light as he roared, "Take this, Aokiji!"
The dark red demon blade slowly returned to its sheath. Noyer closed his eyes, his heart reaching an understanding with the sword in his palm. His aura harmonized, and sword energy overflowed.
Seeing him assume an iai stance, Aokiji hurriedly traced the form of a giant bird in the air.
In the Marines' classified files, the Devil Man Noyer was known for his ultra-high-speed iai technique — the skill that established his undefeated position when he set out to sea.
He had secretly fought the Warlord Dracule Mihawk once. No one knew the outcome, but Noyer survived completely unscathed.
This was the best proof of his swordsmanship prowess!
From that moment on, no one in the Marines' upper ranks dared underestimate Noyer.
Seeing his extraordinary stance, Aokiji realized he was about to unleash a killing move. He quickly concentrated cold air into his right arm and released his strongest impact ability.
◆ Hie Hie no Mi ⥤ Ice Block: Pheasant Beak ◆
Aokiji shouted fiercely. A giant bird with spreading ice wings glided from his arm, flying toward Noyer's head.
Facing the incoming ice bird, Noyer finally gripped the sword hilt and said leisurely, "Originally, this move was called Flying Dragon Flash…"
His slender fingers tightened on the hilt. Bending low and drawing strength from his entire body, he pulled the sword free in an upward slash. Even more astounding — black flames blazed brightly within the demonic blade's arc!
Through the wind pressure of the high-speed iai strike, the Amaterasu flames could be released a short distance from his body.
Hmm… Let's call this move…
◇ Kokuen Ryūsen ⥤ Amaterasu Dragon Flash ◇
Noyer, terrible at naming, thought smugly.
The flying ice bird was sliced cleanly apart by a heaven-splitting wave of flaming blade energy — yet the power didn't diminish!
Facing a life-or-death crisis, Aokiji's battle-honed instincts kicked in. He transformed into ice, trying to evade through elementalization.
But his speed couldn't match Kizaru's. No matter how fast he moved, a bit of black flame still touched him.
Aokiji's rigid face twitched. Beads of sweat the size of beans burst from his forehead. The scorching Amaterasu flames spread rapidly up his lower leg. He half-bent his knees and crouched in pain.
Seeing Aokiji touched by Amaterasu, Noyer flashed forward at extreme speed to follow up. He admired this Admiral and was grateful he hadn't struck when vulnerable — but right now, they were enemies on opposite sides.
Both had missions to complete. Whoever had the advantage would strike without mercy!
Aokiji gasped from the flames burning his leg, watching helplessly as Noyer's blade descended. But Marine Admirals were still formidable. Even with his Devil Fruit completely countered, his freezing ability displayed its strength.
Frost swept across the deck, rapidly dying everything a cold, pale blue. The freezing wave he deployed instantly froze Noyer — who had nearly reached light speed!
Despite the Amaterasu flames covering Noyer's body, he was still frozen in the ice for a few seconds. But he quickly melted through and broke free.
Those few seconds were enough for Aokiji to retreat to safety. He struggled to straighten his legs, staring with an uncertain expression at the black fire spreading larger and larger.
For some reason, this black fire not only burned at an extremely high temperature — it couldn't be extinguished with ice or water!
Relying on his constitution and the weak protection of his ice ability, Aokiji could still move his right leg a few times. But soon, the fire would spread from his leg to his entire body. Then it would be his death.
Amaterasu could actually be blocked from skin contact using Armament Haki, but even Aokiji hadn't thought there could be flames in the world that couldn't be extinguished.
Caught in a dilemma, he raised the ice saber in his hand and — right in front of Noyer — resolutely swung the blade down!
The left lower leg burning with black fire was severed cleanly. The limb fell to the deck. Noyer watched in stunned amazement.
Aokiji's decisiveness far exceeded his expectations. Was this man really that lazy Admiral?
Severing a limb to survive — any normal person could think of it, yet no one dared try. It required tremendous willpower. Even if Noyer had to sever his own left leg to save his life, he would have to think about it for a while.
Cold air emerged from Aokiji's severed leg as solid ice grew out, replacing the function of his lower leg.
Setting down his leg gently, his face was deathly pale but without the slightest panic. He said calmly, "Nice ability, but I've already found a solution."
Noyer was stunned. What solution?
The Amaterasu flames burned hotter than magma and were natural counters to both the Ice-Ice Fruit and Magma-Magma Fruit. What solution could this man possibly have?
Noyer didn't believe it. Black flames continued burning on his body as his blade thrust straight toward Aokiji's heart.
But just then, a flash of light appeared between them. Noyer was forced to stop by the golden light.
Kizaru had broken free from his battle with the trio. He touched Aokiji's shoulder and supported him, saying, "Are we still going to fight? To defeat Noyer, we could just blow up the ship, you know?"
Noyer looked dumbfounded. Oh right — what would happen if they blew up the ship?
If the ship slid down the ice slide back to the sea, at worst the ship would be wrecked… But if people slid down, the people might be wrecked too…
Aokiji struggled to support himself, staring at Noyer with an ambiguous smile for a long time. That gaze made Noyer uncomfortable, thinking this guy had some special preferences.
Fortunately, Aokiji spoke again soon, "Your speed can't catch him, and I'm injured. Let's go back and report."
Kizaru looked at him in surprise, as if seeing him for the first time, "You're planning to let him go? The ones kidnapped are Celestial Dragons. Aren't you going to capture him and hand him over to the government?"
Aokiji looked at him strangely, saying sullenly, "Can you beat him?"
Kizaru's face tensed. After a long pause, he reluctantly admitted, "If he hadn't copied my ability, dealing with him wouldn't be hard. But now…"
Aokiji turned his head, "There you have it. I'm injured. Even if we blow up the ship, can you hold off Noyer alone and rescue the Celestial Dragons unharmed?"
Kizaru's eyes narrowed. He shook his head, "It seems… probably… possibly… perhaps not very feasible…"
Noyer applauded, laughing, "Old Man Kizaru knows himself well."
Just then, the ice blocks Aokiji had created to slow the warship began to loosen.
Noyer seized the opportunity. He rushed forward, leaving a glowing afterimage as he drew his blade and slashed toward Kizaru, who was protecting Aokiji.
Kizaru reacted instantly. He grabbed Aokiji and jumped out of range, flashing off the warship.
After this delay, the warship broke through and began rushing downward again. Noyer hurried to free his hands and continue creating the ice road. Carrying nearly two thousand freed people, they rushed toward the sea with jubilation.
Even though the hull jolted and shattered constantly, and the ice road was fraught with danger, tears flowed from everyone's eyes.
The surging sea and the clear blue sky — it had been so long… They could finally go back. Finally, they were no longer slaves!
And all of this was thanks to their lifelong benefactor. Everyone turned their fervent, reverent gazes toward Noyer, their spirits relaxed as they cheerfully praised and shouted.
"Our benefactor in black drove back two Admirals alone — he truly is the incarnation of a god!"
"I can go back to find my parents now. I wonder if they're still around…"
"I'm free, but I no longer have any family…"
"I… don't either."
At first, everyone wore joyful expressions. But as people spoke of their circumstances, they couldn't help worrying about their lives and loved ones.
Having been enslaved for years, the once-familiar sea had changed completely. This melancholy diluted some of the warm atmosphere.
Noyer worked hard to maintain the escape route. Hearing everyone's words, he too felt troubled.
He could recruit the strong ones into his own team. But what about the weak? And those who didn't want to risk their lives anymore — he couldn't very well build each of them a home, could he?
Wait a minute… Come to think of it, he actually might be able to.
On Skypiea, he had obtained an opportunity to generate a sky island but had never known where to use it. Moreover, his strength was already enough to control a territory. Even establishing a kingdom would be possible.
That's right — the Noytemus Kingdom!
Thinking of this, Noyer's eyes lit up. According to Robin, although Noytemus had been destroyed, the island where its ruins stood was still in the New World. He could totally find an opportunity to return and rebuild the kingdom!
The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. Going back would not only let him uncover the mystery of his origins but also provide a place to rebuild a stronghold.
Besides, Noyer's cheat ability was a talent copying system. He needed a reliable base where time could consolidate the progress brought by high-quality talents.
He cheerfully formed a plan. Upon returning to the sea, he wouldn't rush to the New World — he'd need to bring Robin and the others along first.
During the Heavenly Tribute seizure, Noyer had Blueno send them back to Thriller Bark for safety. The Celestial Drake had also been returned by the Revolutionary Army and was docked there, so he'd have to make a return trip.
But that was fine — only Thriller Bark could accommodate this many people anyway.
On the ice road, the liberated slaves freely released years of pent-up laughter and tears, embracing each other and savoring this hard-won happiness. Many former pirates had abandoned their ferocity, goofily jumping onto tables to sing and dance, making everyone laugh until tears streamed down their faces.
There was no fine wine, no good food, but the ships were noisy and boisterous, and pure human joy spread through the crowd. Finally, the warships filled with singing and laughter as the former pirates spontaneously began the same song — that pirate anthem of freedom and love.
"Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho — Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho"
"Gather up all of the crew! It's time to ship out Binks' Brew!"
"The wind it blows, to where who knows? The waves will be our guide!"
"O'er across the ocean's tide, rays of sunshine far and wide!"
"The birds, they sing, of cheerful things in circles passing by!"
…
{T/N: I almost cried the first time I listened to this song. I was still studying in elementary school at the time (I think 10 years ago): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z0IfXDPhPE&list=RD1z0IfXDPhPE&start_radio=1}
This song, Binks' Sake, depicted the sea through the eyes of adventure-loving pirates — that sea full of hope and laughter, that sea of freedom.
Having everyone sing felt completely natural. They too were returning to the embrace of the sea. They were no longer slaves!
The deck overflowed with cheerful singing. Even tone-deaf Noyer couldn't help but smile, softly humming along with everyone.
Enel and Wyper got along surprisingly well with the freed slaves. Look at them now — singing with arms around each other's shoulders, kicking their legs high in unison as they danced, laughing and howling their songs.
The aloof god and fierce warrior had abandoned their proud personas after joining Noyer's crew, mingling with the crowd without a trace of superiority. Even stone-faced Blueno was smiling and keeping the beat, happily watching everyone sing and dance.
"A bunch of people with no sense of danger…" Lucci, hands in pockets with a pigeon on his shoulder, snorted coldly and turned to walk into the cabin.
Seeing this, Blueno felt somewhat amused.
Normally, Lucci would kick them and teach this rowdy crowd a lesson.
Was it because the captain was here that he didn't dare? Or did he not want to break this atmosphere?
Heh, who knows — that stubborn tsundere.
Excited laughter echoed through the blue sky. Behind the collapsed ice road, Kizaru and Aokiji flew silently through the air.
Kizaru glanced at Aokiji sideways, "You didn't use your full strength, did you?"
Aokiji didn't answer. He shook his head and pointed at his leg, "It doesn't matter. With this injury to report, they can't blame us."
Kizaru's Adam's apple bobbed, but he couldn't voice his own thoughts.
Seeing that he had stopped talking, Aokiji smiled despite his pale face, "Don't worry about it. Now that he's copied our abilities, it's nearly impossible for us to defeat Noyer in single combat."
Kizaru nodded, breathing a sigh of relief, "Kidnapping the Celestial Dragons… it's both a death sentence and a lifeline."
What changed his mind on the warship wasn't just Aokiji's words — he'd figured it out himself.
They couldn't kill Noyer, and blowing up the ship was off the table. He held the lives of many Celestial Dragons in his hands. Push him to desperation, and Noyer could kill them as easily as Kizaru could kill the slaves.
But this matter wouldn't end here. A frenzied counterattack from the Marines and World Government would follow.
If Noyer could withstand this enormous pressure and survive, he'd become one of the world's great heroes — or criminals.
Aokiji pondered for a long time, "Borsalino, do you think what the Marines enforce is justice, or the government's orders? Which side should I really stand by?"
Kizaru looked at him nonchalantly, "Why insist on standing on one side? The world's situation being what it is, we only need to observe. When things begin to change, we'll know which direction to take."
Aokiji's eyes widened in surprise. This was the first time he'd heard Borsalino discuss such matters.
Yet hearing the weight beneath those seemingly laid-back words, Aokiji smiled, "Unclear justice, huh… I think you're right."
Kizaru habitually curled his lips, muttering vaguely, "Maa maa… liar."
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T/N: Comment, give me Power Stones, like and favorite, it all supports me and makes me go foward with this. Appreciate my other stories as well, I guarantee the good work!
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