The instant Lloyd's black blade collided with Kaido's blazing dragon form, everything seemed to stop.
Time froze, and the sky was swallowed by two overwhelming forces, black and crimson.
The violent Haoshoku Haki lightning that had filled the heavens gradually faded, as if a grand performance had reached its end. Then, a deafening impact tore through the silence.
Kaido's massive azure dragon head crashed heavily into the ground.
As his body fell, it reverted back into his human form.
Lloyd remained in the air, his jet-black wings slowly flapping as he descended. In his hand rested a Devil Fruit covered in azure dragon scales, Kaido's Uo Uo no Mi, Model Seiryu.
With a casual motion, Lloyd raised his hand.
Kaido's lifeless human head lifted from the ground, drawn by an unseen force. In the next moment, both the corpse and the Devil Fruit were absorbed into the dark bible.
Silence fell over Onigashima.
The battlefield that once roared with chaos was now nothing more than a landscape of corpses and blood.
Akainu and the others approached slowly, stopping behind Lloyd as if awaiting further orders.
Lloyd turned around, a faint smile on his face.
"You all did well. This island is close to Wano, so let us head there and rest."
His tone was calm, almost casual, completely detached from the fact that he had just executed one of the Four Emperors.
...
Wano Country, Flower Capital.
Eight figures walked through the streets, immediately drawing attention.
From the perspective of the locals, the group consisted of six imposing men and two younger individuals, seven men and one woman.
The two leading figures wore identical black robes with golden patterns, while the six behind them were dressed in a mix of colors, almost like a scattered palette.
Among them, one man stood out in an entirely different way. He wore a flamboyant pink coat with feathers and an open front, his outfit exaggerated even by pirate standards.
The presence of the group was overwhelming.
Wherever they passed, people instinctively stepped aside, watching silently as they made their way toward the shogun's residence.
Wano had long been isolated from the outside world. The ordinary citizens had no access to newspapers or global information. If they did, they would immediately recognize the terrifying lineup before them.
Seven Marine Admirals and one Shichibukai.
A force capable of shaking the entire world.
And leading them was the man who had just killed Kaido.
Lucia walked beside Lloyd with a bright, relaxed smile. In one hand, she held a bowl of oden, and with the other, she picked up a skewer. She gently blew on it before bringing it toward Lloyd's mouth.
She knew Lloyd had no concern for heat, but the gesture carried its own meaning.
Lloyd accepted the food without hesitation and took a bite.
He did not particularly enjoy oden, but it was acceptable. With his current body, consuming such food was effortless.
The group moved at a leisurely pace.
At times, they paused to observe the unique scenery of the Flower Capital. At others, they stopped at street stalls, purchasing local goods.
The relaxed atmosphere gradually spread to the others.
Akainu walked with his arms crossed, his crimson coat hanging loosely, exposing the tattoo across his chest. His presence remained as imposing as ever, radiating authority.
Beside him, Kizaru strolled casually, holding a cup of freshly made banana juice. He took occasional sips, clearly satisfied.
A relaxed smile rested on his face, completely at odds with his usual battlefield demeanor.
Suddenly, Akainu came to a stop.
Kizaru, distracted by his drink, walked straight into him. The cup slipped from his hand, crashing to the ground and shattering.
He stared at the broken pieces in silence.
Before he could speak, Akainu had already moved away, heading toward a nearby stall.
The stall was quiet, its owner dozing lazily on a small stool. When a shadow fell over him, he looked up sharply.
A towering figure stood before him.
Akainu's stern expression and imposing build startled the man so much that he fell backward onto the ground.
Akainu ignored him completely.
His attention was fixed on a single potted plant.
The plant had an unusual appearance. Its branches resembled flickering flames, while its thick, dark trunk looked like hardened magma.
To most people, it looked strange, even unpleasant.
To Akainu, it was perfect.
He pointed at it.
"How much?"
The stall owner blinked, then quickly relaxed. He had assumed the worst, but this was just a purchase.
Given the plant's lack of appeal, he quoted a very low price without hesitation.
Akainu nodded.
He bent down, lifting the plant with one hand while reaching for his money with the other.
At that moment, Kizaru leaned in from behind, glancing at the plant.
"Oh, Sakazuki, you are buying something like this?"
Akainu frowned slightly.
"What do you mean by that?"
Kizaru shrugged, his expression exaggerated.
"Why not ask Aramaki to grow one for you? He can make anything you want."
Akainu replied without hesitation.
"I prefer this one."
Kizaru was left speechless.
Akainu paid and returned to the group, holding the plant.
Lloyd glanced back at it and immediately understood.
A faint laugh escaped him.
"Sakazuki, that suits you. Your taste is quite fitting."
A rare smile appeared on Akainu's face.
"Thank you, Lloyd. Your judgment is also excellent, far better than Borsalino's."
Kizaru had just caught up when he heard that.
He froze in place.
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