บท 351: 350 Last Struggle
Aokiji remains committed to preserving himself. He wants to learn more about these worlds and explore his own worldview from a perspective outside the confines of the Marines.
Aokiji was determined about not surrendering his freedom to Whitebeard; it just wasn't worth it.
"Aokiji, what's the plan? Are you trying to make an escape?"
Whitebeard questioned, his eyes focused ahead.
Aokiji's form moves swiftly through the mist. Despite the cover provided by the ice sculptures, he remains less conspicuous. However, unbeknownst to Aokiji, his actions have been clearly discerned by Whitebeard's perception.
Ice sculptures can't move, but Aokiji can move. Once there is any movement, it will cause subtle fluctuations in the air, and this fluctuation is very obvious in the eyes of Whitebeard, who has the power of vibration.
Thus, Whitebeard easily anticipates Aokiji's path, observing him moving farther away. Aokiji's sole option now seems to be escape.
"You can't escape, Aokiji,"
Whitebeard declared, soaring forward like a released wind, intercepting Aokiji along the path he sensed. In no time, Whitebeard stood in Aokiji's path.
"You..."
Aokiji was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated that his meticulously planned concealment would be ineffective, and Whitebeard still managed to detect him directly.
"Ice Block: Dragon!"
Without hesitation, Aokiji immediately attacked Whitebeard, unleashing an ice dragon from his arm that surged directly towards Whitebeard.
As Whitebeard defended himself, Aokiji didn't pause for a moment, swiftly turning to continue his escape. However, he was soon caught up by Whitebeard, who blocked his path once again.
"Aokiji, the battle isn't over yet. Why the hurry to escape?"
Whitebeard asked casually.
"The gap between us is too wide. There's no point in fighting"
Aokiji said calmly.
"Even so, you can't escape. It's better to face me head-on with all your strength"
Whitebeard insisted.
With a final word, Whitebeard unleashed a powerful vibration from his hand, striking Aokiji like a lightning bolt, shattering the ice surface around them.
Frowning slightly, Aokiji leaped backward, putting some distance between himself and Whitebeard. He then directed the ice sculptures towards Whitebeard, sending them crashing towards him.
Each ice sculpture carried a lot of weight, and their sheer number amplified their impact. Aokiji could only hope that his relentless assault would drain Whitebeard's strength over time.
Aokiji knew he couldn't outmatch Whitebeard in sheer power, so he focused on maintaining an aggressive stance, launching continuous attacks to prolong the battle. Despite the vast difference in strength, Aokiji believed that controlling the pace of the fight gave him a strategic edge.
Aokiji recognized that age could be an advantage on his side. Being younger than Whitebeard, who was over seventy, meant that despite Whitebeard's current strength, he couldn't escape the effects of aging. This gave Aokiji confidence in his physical endurance compared to Whitebeard.
If Aokiji could endure for a while, Whitebeard would inevitably tire out. Then, Aokiji could explore other options to escape or even defeat Whitebeard directly.
As the ice sculptures converged from all directions in midair, Whitebeard raised his hand and unleashed a powerful shockwave with a punch.
The shockwave created a spherical barrier around Whitebeard, shielding him at the center.
The ice sculptures surrounding Whitebeard shattered instantly under the force of the shockwave, turning into a fine powder that filled the air like sparkling crystals, creating a breathtaking scene.
Aokiji remained unfazed and persisted in his assault on Whitebeard. While each individual attack wasn't at its maximum intensity, their rapid succession and relentless nature kept Whitebeard on the defensive.
Aokiji saw no alternative but to pursue this strategy. His only recourse was to gradually wear down Whitebeard's defenses. However, this tactic had its limitations. Whitebeard's strength wasn't merely that of an elderly man.
Whitebeard remained at the peak of his physical prowess, making it clear that any protracted engagement would favor him. In addition, Whitebeard obviously does not intend to continue wasting time.
Recognizing Aokiji's strategy of attrition, Whitebeard retaliated with a decisive counterattack, sending a powerful vibration that knocked Aokiji.
Whitebeard leapt into action, flying over to where Aokiji lay. With a firm grip, he grabbed Aokiji's face, his expression unreadable.
"It seems you've exhausted your options. This fight's done"
Whitebeard declared, leading Aokiji back to his ship where he was securely locked up. With his vibration force, Whitebeard shattered the ice around them, clearing their path forward.
"Forward, our journey's just starting!"
Whitebeard encouraged.
The Moby Dick sailed on, and Aokiji found himself a captive of the Whitebeard Pirates, bound in seastone chains,, so he could not resist, and even if he resisted, it was impossible to escape from Whitebeard's hands.
"Oyaji, what's the plan for Aokiji?"
Benjamin asked with concern.
Whitebeard thought for a moment, then replied, "It depends on Aokiji's attitude. Despite being a good man, he attacked me and my commander."
At the Summit War, Aokiji severely injured Jozu, not to mention other crew members who were injured or killed by the Admiral. The count must be higher. Therefore, while Whitebeard considers accepting Aokiji, he also must take the crew's sentiments into account.
Whitebeard plans to keep Aokiji aboard his ship in this manner, allowing the crew to observe him and understand him better. This approach avoids causing discomfort among the crew by directly expressing his desire to recruit and treat Aokiji with courtesy.
By having Aokiji stay aboard, it gives him the chance to understand Whitebeard's crew better, creating a mutual understanding. As Aokiji becomes more familiar with the crew, the Whitebeard Pirates may also become more accepting of him.
"Oyaji, Aokiji Admiral isn't like other Marines. He's a good guy. I hope you won't killed him"
Benjamin said to Whitebeard earnestly.
Whitebeard glanced at Benjamin, then turned to Aokiji: "Aokiji, do you see? Among my crew, there are those who once served in the Marines, and they still admire you."
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TO BE CONTINUED
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