Marco stared dumbfounded at Taro, who slowly stood up from within the cyclone of Internal Energy.
A massive sphere of Internal Energy, shining with a blinding green light, condensed at Taro's fingertip.
The sun-like sphere of Internal Energy emitted steaming heat as Taro stood there proudly.
"Ace!"
Tears gradually welled up in Marco's eyes. How could he possibly forget this Move? This was Ace's ultimate technique!
Taro's use of this Move instantly pulled Marco's thoughts back to the battlefield of the Marineford War.
After using this Move, Ace died!
Tears instantly burst from his eyes!
Facing an Admiral once again with the same Move, would Taro's fate be the same?
On the surface of the Internal Energy Sun, threads of green and red lightning flickered, with Vibration Energy compressed to the extreme at its core!
Holding the Internal Energy Sun aloft, Taro stared at Aokiji, his tone cold and grim.
"San Juan Wolf must die. Not even a god can save him—I said so!"
Before his voice had even faded, Taro swung his right arm with all his might, hurling the Internal Energy Sun.
"Sizzle!"
The scalding steam hissed as it contacted the frozen air, sending up plumes of white smoke.
"Heh!"
Aokiji exhaled a breath of extreme cold, his eyes turning even icier as more and more frigid air converged toward the Internal Energy Sun.
"Crack!"
The green and red lightning exploded, instantly shattering a large expanse of ice. The Internal Energy Sun's speed suddenly surged, lunging straight for Aokiji and San Juan Wolf behind him.
Countless ice sculptures of Aokiji raised their arms simultaneously, pushing their palms forward. Azure ice shot out from their palms, freezing the Internal Energy Sun from every angle.
"Hum!"
The Internal Energy Sun vibrated once.
"Rumble!"
Immediately following that, an even more violent sound emanated from the core of the sun.
"Bang!"
The massive vibration power erupted with a roar, and the Internal Energy Sun instantly shattered. A powerful shockwave swept across the entire battlefield; wherever it passed, the hard ice was instantly pulverized.
Countless strands of Internal Energy, like sharp blades, struck out in all directions, ravaging Aokiji's frost Domain with the power of vibration.
Aokiji lowered his head slightly, a hint of reluctance in his gaze.
He knew very well that Taro was no match for him.
He could feel that Taro had completely abandoned his own defense, pushing his full power to launch this single attack.
After hesitating for only a moment, the frost-covered Aokiji actually shattered into ice fragments, merging into the Frigid Domain.
Just an instant later, the white frost behind Taro rippled. Aokiji's figure reappeared, holding a massive ice spear.
Aokiji looked at the back of Taro's head. If he stabbed down from here, Taro would undoubtedly die!
On the other side, thunderstorm, which had been freed from its icy seal by the massive vibration power, was not only unaffected by the vibration but instead moved even faster, piercing straight toward San Juan Wolf!
This vibration was inherently a power triggered by the same source of Internal Energy. Now that it filled the battlefield, it provided an even greater boost to thunderstorm.
"Hum!"
"Rip!"
thunderstorm pierced through the top of San Juan Wolf's head, and with its extreme speed and immense power, it even plunged directly into the ground.
"Thud!"
After San Juan Wolf's body trembled, it transformed into a mist of blood. Following a muffled sound, the blood was instantly frozen in mid-air by the extreme cold.
Taro did not look back, speaking softly.
"Why aren't you stabbing?"
Behind him, Aokiji's eyes flickered several times, but he said nothing.
Some of Taro's Internal Energy reconverged in his body. Only then did he turn to face Aokiji, letting out a sigh.
"Kuzan, it's always like this with you—so full of misgivings. That's why there are so many things you can't see clearly!"
Aokiji didn't know what 'humblebragging' was, but he could sense the underlying meaning in Taro's tone.
"Does a defeated opponent have the right to lecture me?"
The corners of Taro's mouth curled up into a smile.
"In this battle, you may have won, but I am definitely not at a loss!"
He took on a rogue-like air and shrugged.
"Clearly, I achieved my goal, didn't I?"
Aokiji had never found Taro's smile as annoying as he did now. He took a deep breath and turned his face away, no longer looking at Taro.
"Taro, I'll be waiting! I'll wait for the day you give me the answer!"
Taro stared at Aokiji's profile, his smile growing even more brilliant.
"Alright! It won't be long, I promise!"
Aokiji finally turned his head, gave Taro one last look, and strode away.
With every step he took, the wind and snow weakened slightly, and the temperature rose a bit. Not until he reached the shore did he reach out a hand and pat his little follower, that penguin.
"Crack!"
The frozen ice sculpture of Camel shuddered. The ice shattered, and after a few more shakes to shed the remaining ice, it stood up.
"Ya ya!"
The penguin let out two cries, its voice filled with deep joy. It seemed satisfied with the temperature that had frozen it into an ice block, finding the game quite fun.
Aokiji paused at the shore for a moment.
"Camel, let's go!"
The penguin chirped twice at Taro, hopped twice, and then flopped down, sliding on its belly across the frozen sea surface to catch up with Aokiji.
"Ya ya!"
The penguin tilted its head and chirped at Aokiji.
Aokiji lowered his sunglasses, his voice low.
"He and I weren't playing... and this game isn't fun at all!"
Hearing this, the penguin seemed disappointed. It whimpered softly, paddled its short legs, and slid forward again, overtaking Aokiji.
Taro watched Aokiji's departing back until he disappeared onto the distant ice, then waved his hand to recall thunderstorm.
Though Aokiji had left, the island's climate had been altered. While the temperature was no longer low enough to freeze everything instantly, the wind and snow would not stop.
"Crack, crack!"
A series of cracking sounds rang out as the slightly weaker Division Commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates Remnants and Mr. 1 broke free from Aokiji's icy seal.
"Hiss, it's so cold!"
'Flower Sword' Vista tightened his grip over his exposed chest, his signature mustache frozen rock-solid.
"Marco, what just happened?"
The most miserable person present was likely Mr. 1. Not only was he the weakest, but he was also dressed the most lightly, wearing only a tank top on his upper body.
However, his personality wouldn't allow him to show weakness. He clenched his teeth tightly, suppressing the urge to shiver.
Taro's gaze swept over them, and he raised an eyebrow.
"You probably have things you want to ask me, right? I also have some details I want to ask you. How about we find another place to chat?"
Marco wanted to refuse, but as Taro said, he did have questions.
But before he could speak, Crocodile had already stated his position.
"My ship is nearby!"
Without waiting for Taro's response, he turned into sand and wind, carrying Mr. 1 toward the sea to the southwest.
The corners of Taro's mouth turned up as he looked at Marco and the others.
"I'll head off first. As for you... whether you follow or not is up to you!"
Before his words finished, Internal Energy surged out, transforming into a massive Falcon that streaked across the sky.
Marco watched the direction they left in, then looked at his companions. After thinking for a moment, he said,
"Everyone, there are some things I must..."
"Hey, Marco, what's with all the talk between us?"
Vista waved his hand, completely unconcerned.
"Let's just go. It's way too cold here! Hiss!"
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