Chapter 113: Two Choices

"Is that... a Celestial Dragon?"

"You, who are you? Do you even realize the terrible consequences of what you're doing right now?"

Beneath the Great Wall of Frost.

Aokiji finally noticed what Enel was holding. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a Celestial Dragon!

It seemed like this Celestial Dragon had come to watch the battle up close for entertainment and had been beaten into this miserable state by the people in front of him.

Aokiji's eyes were filled with shock. After all, there were not many who dared to lay hands on a Celestial Dragon. Even offending them was considered a terrifying act. Of course, there were exceptions—such as the young man who had once publicly slain a Celestial Dragon.

"Yahaha! Are you protecting the one who escaped? This is hard to understand. Aren't you supposed to be opponents?"

Enel glanced at the resolute Aokiji standing opposite him, puzzled but slightly admiring the Marine.

Despite the dire situation, Aokiji stood his ground. His current state was far from ideal—if Enel and his crew attacked with all their might, Aokiji, the ice-wielding powerhouse, would be hard-pressed to survive.

"Ah la la, your opponent? That's right. Come on, don't waste your time. I won't back down!"

At this moment, Aokiji discarded his tattered cloak of justice, his expression resolute. Having made his choice, there was no room for retreat. Even if this battle were to be his last stand, he would face it without complaint.

"Uh, though I can't recall your name, I respect you. But my current boss hasn't given me permission to let anyone go!"

Faced with Aokiji's determination, Enel made his decision instantly. He waved his hand, and the Seven robots rushed forward, encircling Aokiji with frenzied force!

During his return journey, Shiro had taught Enel some techniques for controlling and modifying robots. After all, Shiro had appointed Enel as the commander-in-chief of the robot army!

Though Shiro had yet to appear, the mission could not fail—this was Enel's first task under Shiro's command, and the escapee had to be caught!

However, Aokiji anticipated Enel's moves. While resisting the onslaught of the seven robots, Aokiji unleashed a frozen space-time capsule, catching Enel off guard.

But within moments, thunder roared, and Enel's terrifying lightning, reaching billions of volts, shattered the ice!

"Ah la la, so it's the power of thunder. Hey! The power similar to Shiro, and what's his connection to you?"

After witnessing Enel's lightning power firsthand, Aokiji's expression fluctuated slightly as he questioned him.

"Dammit!"

Ignoring Aokiji, Enel knew time was slipping away, and he couldn't afford for another target to escape.

Aokiji, battered and besieged by enemies equivalent to ordinary Vice Admirals of the Navy Headquarters, found himself in no position to stop Enel.

"Enel, don't chase him! If you delay, Akainu will have already left the island!"

As Enel prepared to transform into lightning to pursue Akainu, a calm voice echoed. Two figures—a man and a woman—stepped forward, radiating extraordinary presence.

Aokiji was stunned. His expression turned to shock.

How was this possible? How could these two be together, and why were they here?

Aokiji's understanding was upended. Before the decisive battle between him and Akainu, the World Government and the Navy Headquarter's reports had confirmed that Shiro's forces were stationed in the Calm Belt, near Amazon Lily, which was facing a severe economic crisis.

But now, here was Shiro, alongside Nico Robin and eight mysterious masters! What had happened? Had Shiro left the Calm Belt during the battle?

If so, the Navy Headquarter should have sent someone to inform him and Akainu!

"Admiral Kuzan, long time no see. I'm sure you have many questions, but I'm afraid I don't have time to answer them now."

Shiro addressed Aokiji without preamble or attempts at recruitment. There was a pressing matter at hand.

"Akainu has escaped—he's fortunate this time. Admiral Kuzan, you're disillusioned with the Navy, feeling you can no longer remain. So, I'm offering you two choices: leave Punk Hazard with me, recover on my ship, or be knocked out and forcibly taken away!"

Shiro didn't hesitate, presenting Aokiji with two stark options.

"Ah la la, Shiro, you—"

Bang—

Before Aokiji could respond, lightning flashed. Shiro appeared before him, knocking the already exhausted and injured Aokiji unconscious with his powerful Haki!

"When this is over, I'll apologize, Admiral Kuzan!"

Shiro ordered one of his crew to carry Aokiji. He knew he was being rude, but with Aunt Momousagi in danger, time was of the essence. Shiro couldn't waste another second.

After subduing Aokiji, Shiro and his group quickly moved to the edge of Punk Hazard. Shiro summoned a high-speed submarine and infused it with his water, wind, and thunder elemental powers, enhancing its already incredible speed.

The submarine shot forward like a streak of red light, racing through the ocean depths!

During the journey, Shiro instructed Enel to take the Celestial Dragon into the submarine's training room. Shiro had an intriguing idea for further developing Enel's Thunder Fruit powers, something that required Enel's unique skills.

This would be Shiro's way of repaying the World Government and Navy Headquarters for targeting Momousagi!

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