The ice cracked under the deafening footsteps as a colossal elephant, standing at an astonishing height of 35,000 meters, emerged from the sea mist. With each step, Zunesha sent towering waves crashing across the ocean.
The Marines witnessing Zunesha for the first time were left wide-eyed in shock, unable to believe that such a massive creature could exist in this world. Even giants were like ants before this behemoth.
Both Akainu and Aokiji wore grim expressions. Aokiji raised an eyebrow and muttered,
"Ara ara, this is a bit excessive..."
Akainu narrowed his eyes and said coldly,
"Joy Boy is on that ship!"
Aokiji was momentarily taken aback and quickly focused his gaze. Near Zunesha, a pitch-black warship floated steadily on the turbulent sea, unaffected by the raging waves.
The massive hand that had reached out earlier to grab Loki had now retracted, pulling him onto the dark warship's deck.
Upon seeing the ship's appearance, Aokiji frowned and remarked,
"That ship... Why does it look just like Pluton, the one docked at the Red Line?"
Akainu's expression remained unchanged as he stated calmly,
"Joy Boy comes from 800 years ago. That ship must be the original Pluton from that era. Who knows where he found it."
Hearing this, Aokiji slowly lowered his hands, his body gradually transitioning into an elemental state. He knew that now, he had to get completely serious.
A towering elephant, an Ancient Weapon, and Joy Boy—this combination was more formidable than any of the former Four Emperors. Even Roger's legendary crew couldn't compare.
...
On the deck of the original Pluton, Loki slipped from Joy Boy's grasp and collapsed to the ground in a battered and exhausted state.
He was barely clinging to life, his breath weak. Struggling to open his eyes, he glared at Joy Boy with humiliation and rasped,
"J-Joy Boy... Did you save me just to mock me?"
Joy Boy remained expressionless as he looked down at Loki. Behind him stood a group of Mink Tribe warriors, their bodies faintly glowing with a silvery radiance.
Seeing no response, Loki gritted his teeth and attempted to push himself up, only for searing pain to shoot through his body, leaving him unable to move.
Joy Boy stepped forward slowly, his gaze fixed on Loki's bloodied face. In a quiet voice, he said,
"Loki, I wasn't wrong about you."
"Nani?" Loki sneered. "You say you weren't wrong about me? Damn you! Have you always seen me as your subordinate?"
Joy Boy shook his head and replied,
"No. As a companion. I've never had subordinates."
Loki let out a bitter laugh, one that was uglier than crying.
"Companion... That word disgusts me. You're as fake as ever."
Hearing this, Pedro erupted in anger. He rushed forward, pointing a finger at Loki's face and shouting,
"You're still running your mouth after getting beaten like this?! If Joy Boy hadn't saved you, you'd be dead already! You ungrateful bastard!"
But Loki didn't even spare Pedro a glance. From start to finish, he maintained his mocking gaze solely on Joy Boy, treating Pedro as if he were invisible.
To Pedro, this blatant disregard was far more infuriating than insults. His rage surged as he growled,
"You—!"
"Enough, Pedro," Joy Boy interjected. "Loki's people suffered heavy casualties. His emotions are understandable."
At Joy Boy's words, Pedro bit back his anger, forcing himself to remain silent despite his clenched fists and stormy expression.
Loki, however, chuckled mockingly.
"At least you remember your own kind. You really are a well-trained dog."
Pedro shot Loki a cold glare before stepping back and looking away, choosing to ignore him rather than escalate the situation further. In truth, he wanted nothing more than to claw Loki's eyes out.
Joy Boy sighed and said,
"Loki, why do this? We are all companions. Do you feel no remorse for insulting those who stand beside you?"
"Remorse?" Loki scoffed. "I killed my own father without a shred of regret! I am a god! Not some false deity like you!"
"And what about Dorry and Brogy?" Joy Boy asked. "They fought to the death before your eyes to protect you. Did that mean nothing to you?"
Loki's expression stiffened. The memory of Dorry and Brogy's deaths flashed through his mind, and his face contorted with rage.
Struggling to stand, he shouted,
"Spare me your nonsense! Gods owe no debts! I will avenge them!"
"With your current condition? Do you really think you're capable of revenge?"
Blood trickled from Loki's mouth as he glared at Joy Boy with bloodshot eyes.
"That drumbeat... The so-called Drums of Liberation... Even warriors on the brink of death stood back up. Why can't I?"
Joy Boy's lips curled slightly before quickly returning to a neutral expression. He answered calmly,
"Because they trust me. They do not resist the sound of the Drums of Liberation. That rhythm inspires them, giving them the strength to fight again."
Loki was silent for a moment before letting out a scornful laugh.
"There must be a price... Perhaps their lifespan?"
Joy Boy nodded.
"Yes. This power shortens one's life. But at least it gives them a chance to fight for their own survival instead of lying here waiting to die."
What Joy Boy didn't mention was that the life reduction came from accelerated aging, an irreversible process. For a long-lived race like the giants, the cost was even greater than for humans.
Loki's voice turned cold.
"I bet it's more than just a shortened lifespan. Accepting the Drums of Liberation means recognizing you from the depths of one's soul, turning them into one of your so-called companions, doesn't it?"
This time, Joy Boy did not respond. He simply gazed into Loki's eyes, waiting for his final answer.
Loki narrowed his eyes and clicked his tongue.
"No matter how I look at it... your face pisses me off... Tch! Fine. Do it!"
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+160 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg