Chapter 51: Duplicate SS-Level Talent: Freezing! Naval Headquarters Shock!

Kuzan's talent was truly remarkable. Leno's gaze shifted between the three SS-level talents available: [Freezing], [Armament Haki], and [Observation Haki].

[Freezing] represented Kuzan's Devil Fruit ability. As a Logia-type, it was among the most powerful Devil Fruits, and without Haki, it was nearly impossible to counter unless targeting specific weaknesses. The sheer power of the Fruit was embodied in Kuzan himself.

Leno hesitated between choosing [Freezing] or [Observation Haki]. If he chose [Frozen], he would gain an additional elemental attack. However, picking [Observation Haki] would help cover his weaknesses and boost his combat prowess.

After careful consideration, Leno made his decision.

"I choose [Freezing]!"

His choice was clear because Leno could only copy Kuzan's talent once. The [Freezing] talent was unique—once missed, it was gone forever unless someone else obtained this Fruit after Kuzan.

On the other hand, Observation Haki was widely available and could be improved through self-training. With plans to stay in East Blue for a year, Leno had plenty of time to enhance his Observation Haki skills.

Ding! Congratulations to the host for duplicating the talent: Freezing!

Talent Introduction: Cold Hardness, Endless Chill, Belonging to the Throne of Ice, You Will Receive the Blessing of Ice.

A chill surged through Leno's body, merging with his essence.

"What?" Luwell, who had been celebrating nearby, suddenly shivered. "Why is it so cold?"

"Whatever!" she shrugged, brushing it off. She grabbed Leno and laughed. "Leno, let's celebrate! You just beat a Marine Vice Admiral! We're going to be famous!"

Leno glanced at her, feeling the warmth of her embrace. Despite the discomfort of the cold aura, Luwell's joyous energy was infectious.

Marine Branch - East of Goa Kingdom

The sudden ringing of the Den Den Mushi startled the sub-colonel, who was leisurely fishing. His jaw dropped, and his eyes widened in disbelief as he heard the news.

"What? Vice Admiral Kuzan was defeated?!"

Given Garp's presence in the region, no pirate dared to cause trouble, leaving the branch typically idle. Hearing that Kuzan had been defeated shook the colonel to his core.

"Are you sure? You're not joking, right? That's Vice Admiral Kuzan we're talking about!"

The colonel, who had seen the strength of Kuzan and other Marine elites during his brief stint at Marine Headquarters, could hardly believe it. Aokiji Kuzan, one of the most formidable Admirals-to-be, had fallen?

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the colonel rushed back to the base, frantic to report the incident. His shoes were left behind in the chaos, but that was the least of his worries.

This was a big event—one that would shake the entire world.

Back at the office, he hurriedly called Marine Headquarters, barely able to steady his trembling hands. The wait felt like an eternity, each second filled with dread and anticipation.

Marine Headquarters - Communication Room

The operator on the other end of the line could hardly believe the report. "What did you say?" The phone bug reflected their shock, and the news quickly escalated through the chain of command, eventually reaching Rear Admiral Momousagi Gion.

"Kuzan was defeated in East Blue?!" Gion exclaimed, unable to hide her surprise. She and Kuzan were of the same generation, and she knew firsthand how powerful he was—not just in Devil Fruit abilities, but also in physical combat and Haki mastery.

Marine Headquarters - Sengoku and Kong

Gion and Vice Admiral Tsuru quickly informed Kong, who was having tea with Sengoku the Buddha.

"What's got you two looking so serious? Did Shanks cause trouble again, or is it the Four Emperors?" Kong asked, sensing something amiss.

"It's Kuzan!" Tsuru responded.

"What happened to him?" Kong asked, narrowing his eyes. Although Kuzan was one of the top candidates for the next Admiral, Kong was often critical of his laid-back attitude.

"He was defeated in East Blue!" Gion announced.

Sengoku nearly choked on his tea. "Kuzan was beaten? Who could possibly manage that? Was it the Revolutionary Army's Dragon?"

"No, it wasn't Dragon. The attacker's identity is still unknown," Gion clarified.

This news made both Sengoku and Kong's expressions darken. A mysterious figure capable of defeating Kuzan was no laughing matter.

"We need answers. Contact Garp immediately," Sengoku instructed.

On the Sea - Garp's Ship

Garp, casually munching on donuts, glanced at a Hunter Guild promotion flyer and laughed heartily. "Hah, so someone managed to beat Kuzan! This is going to be fun!"

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+30 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg

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