The surging Yomi Chill burst from Chiga's palms like a crashing tide, instantly freezing everything in its path.
The world transformed into a vast frozen wasteland. Across from him stood Aokiji, suspended in a block of glacial ice, his expression locked in disbelief.
He, the Ice-Ice Fruit user, had been frozen.
As a Logia-type, Aokiji would normally merge with ice and escape, but in that instant, his consciousness faded. His thoughts, like time itself, came to a halt.
Maha Padme—an ultimate-level technique achieved by combining the Yomi Chill and the Divine Power of the Takami Musubi no Kami housed in Chiga's right horn—had reached absolute zero, momentarily freezing both time and space.
It was a power beyond the natural limits of Devil Fruits. With this technique, even Logia users who could typically regenerate or phase through attacks were rendered completely vulnerable.
If Chiga wished to kill Aokiji now, all it would take was a flick of his wrist. The Admiral would shatter into frozen fragments, unable to recover.
But that wasn't Chiga's intention. Aside from the fact that Aokiji was a fellow Admiral and a comrade, this clash had also played a critical role in helping Chiga develop Maha Padme. For that, Aokiji deserved gratitude, not punishment.
A purple light flickered in Chiga's Rinnegan. The ice-covered battlefield began to dissipate, turning into wisps of cold air that spiraled upward and vanished as if they had never existed.
Aokiji fell free from the ice, collapsing to one knee and gasping for breath. Though unconscious during the freeze, his body now trembled with the vivid realization that he'd just stood at death's door.
Chiga appeared beside him, extended a hand, and pulled him upright.
Before Chiga could say a word, Aokiji exhaled sharply and muttered, "You're… a damn monster."
He had been utterly overwhelmed. Though Aokiji always knew Chiga was strong, this was far beyond what he had imagined—beyond human capability. The frightening truth settled in: Chiga might be capable of taking on all four Yonko crews by himself.
Chiga said nothing, simply shrugging with a faint, unreadable smile.
After checking that Aokiji wasn't seriously injured—being an Ice-Ice Fruit user, frostbite wasn't a concern—Chiga dismissed the idea of using healing powers like Iwanagahime on him.
He then summoned the Door-Door Space and released Robin from within.
Robin stepped out in silence, but her wide eyes and stunned expression mirrored what Aokiji had just said. No words were needed.
Aokiji's reaction was more dramatic. His jaw dropped in disbelief. The whole point of his fight with Chiga had been to buy Robin time to escape… and now here she was, back again—willingly.
Recalling how close he came to being frozen for eternity, Aokiji felt a wave of frustration so strong, it was almost funny.
He glanced sideways at Chiga, uncertain how he would respond to Robin's return.
Chiga ignored his look and crossed his arms.
"Kuzan gave you a chance to escape," he said to Robin calmly, "so why'd you come back? You think I wouldn't be able to catch you if you ran?"
Aokiji winced. So Chiga had seen right through his plan to help Robin escape. Embarrassing.
What confused him, though, was how Chiga knew about his connection with her in the first place.
Chiga shot him a brief glance, almost as if to say, Even if I hadn't watched the anime, your reaction to her in the office was enough. You're not exactly subtle, Kuzan.
Robin, meanwhile, didn't avert her gaze. Despite her nerves, she met Chiga's eyes—those piercing Rinnegan—and asked in a trembling voice, "Why did you say those things earlier? Do you really intend to…"
She was referring to his earlier, open disdain for the World Government. She wanted to understand the man who, despite being so young, wielded terrifying power and didn't bother hiding his contempt for the Celestial Dragons.
Robin was careful not to repeat his exact words in front of Aokiji, trying to spare him the political risk. After all, Chiga had just saved her life and shown her a side of himself that wasn't entirely cold or ruthless.
But Chiga had no such reservations.
"That's right," he said. "The World Government should've fallen long ago. I'll be the one to bring it down."
"Nani!?"
The loudest reaction came not from Robin, but Aokiji. His entire body tensed. Had he heard that correctly?
The strongest Admiral—Admiral Purple Kirin—just declared his intention to destroy the World Government.
Was he dreaming? Aokiji rubbed his temples, half-convinced he was hallucinating.
Robin stood frozen in place, her wide eyes fixed on Chiga. Her voice caught in her throat.
Chiga, unfazed, raised his hands and said simply, "It's not time yet… but it's coming soon."
Aokiji couldn't take it anymore. "What the hell are you saying, Chiga!? Are you insane!?"
Chiga turned his back, speaking in a cool tone, "Kuzan, I meant what I said. The World Government is rotten. I will bring it to an end."
Aokiji stared at Chiga's back, searching those glowing Rinnegan for any sign of hesitation. He found none. Just absolute conviction.
Logically, as a Navy Admiral, Aokiji knew he should report Chiga immediately, or try to arrest him on the spot. But staring into those eyes… he felt helpless. There was nothing he could do. Not against this.
Chiga turned around, placed a hand on Aokiji's shoulder, and looked at him.
Robin stood quietly beside them, never looking away.
Chiga said, "You don't need to wrestle with the idea that standing against them is opposing justice. They don't represent justice. Spread what I said if you want—I won't stop you."
Aokiji looked down, silent. After a long moment, he let out a deep, tired sigh.
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