The Hero-King's ruby eyes glanced at Aokiji on the ice surface below. A faint, inscrutable smile appeared on his face, which held an astonishing kingly might.
"The next time we meet, this king will not be as merciful as I was today!"
The next moment, as Vimana soared into the air, the Hero-King, as if riding a jet plane, quickly disappeared into the azure sky.
By the next time he meets Aokiji, the Hero-King will likely have his other two skills at his disposal.
Using only the King's Treasure to deal with an Admiral-level figure, if not for Vimana's aerial mobility and the control of the Chains of Heaven, would be quite tricky.
However, if combined with the Star of Omniscience and Omnipotence and the Sword of Rupture, it would be a different story.
"As expected of an Admiral's power... completely different from when I faced Magellan!! Hahaha... how delightful!"
The Hero-King laughed heartily, controlling the golden ship and heading straight for his destination.
"Now, what I need to do is increase Gilgamesh's Development Level as much as possible, and... figure out the special energy needed to enhance his skills!"
Regarding the Development Level, Rex had a plan, and he was now heading there.
As for the special energy, Rex had some guesses.
First, focusing on the word "special."
In the world of One Piece, there are things that can be called special.
Seastone, Haki, and... Devil Fruits!
Rex temporarily thought of these three. Among them, the most special is the treasure of the sea, the Devil Fruit.
"The special energy is most likely Devil Fruit energy. I need to find a Devil Fruit to test it!"
Of course, Rex wasn't in a hurry. Devil Fruits were things that couldn't be sought out at this stage. It wouldn't hurt to focus on the Development Level first.
Meanwhile—
Impel Down.
After the Hero-King's calm departure, Aokiji leaped back onto the warship with some helplessness.
"I'm definitely in for a scolding... letting the main culprit get away. I wonder how angry Sengoku will be!"
Aokiji shook his head; the mental image was too much to bear.
"That person's ability is convenient, but that flying machine is tricky. An opponent like that is a job for Borsalino!!"
Thinking this, Aokiji sighed.
Kizaru's Glint-Glint Fruit speed is unmatched. If he's lucky, it could be over in a single encounter.
"Sigh, why did I have to be the one to run into him? So troublesome!!"
Complaining, Aokiji lazily lay back down on his deck chair. Just as he was about to pull down his eye mask for a nap, a Marine ran over in a panic.
"B-bad news, Admiral Kuzan! A message from inside Impel Down... they can't hold them back."
He quickly relayed the information he had received in full detail.
"Head Jailer Shiryu has been repelled by the prisoners, Warden Magellan is severely injured, they can't be stopped... Dozens of pirates have broken through the defense line and will be out of Impel Down soon!"
Hearing this, Aokiji froze. His previously lazy eyes turned serious.
"Arara, they're coming out? Faster than I thought!! Looks like it's going to be another tough fight!!"
Aokiji stood up from his deck chair somewhat reluctantly and then gave an order.
"All hands, stand by! Don't let a single fish slip through the net!!"
As for the big fish, Aokiji would suppress them personally.
Aokiji had an idea of who the ones who first broke through Magellan's line were. But as for whether he could stop them, he couldn't say for sure! After all, many of them were legendary figures.
...
Grand Line.
Drum Island, Drum Kingdom.
Drum Kingdom has always enjoyed the reputation of a "Great Medical Nation," with highly advanced medical technology.
However, this situation changed a few years ago when a new king took the throne.
The new king of Drum Kingdom is named Wapol. He is cruel and despotic. In order to maintain and consolidate his rule over Drum Kingdom, he enacted a special policy.
Several years ago, he exiled almost all the doctors in Drum Kingdom, leaving only the top twenty to serve the royal family exclusively, known as the "Doctor 20."
With all the doctors exiled, the citizens could not get medical treatment when they fell ill and could only beg the king for help. Wapol used this to achieve his goal of ruling through terror.
For years, all the citizens have lived in misery, struggling to survive!
Bearing the lives of the people, making them willingly offer everything—that is what a true king should do!
Therefore, Rex came!
This was the time to formally demonstrate the kingly way of Gilgamesh, and also the time to increase his Development Level.
In the skies above the snow-covered Drum Kingdom, a golden ship slowly sailed. The Hero-King surveyed everything below with a peculiar gaze.
The Hero-King was naturally aware of everything happening in Drum Kingdom. That was precisely why he came here.
Gilgamesh, the most ancient king in human history. Since he is a king, he must have subjects and people. Only then... can he truly be called a king.
"I wonder how high Gilgamesh's Development Level will reach after this? I... no, this king is rather looking forward to it!!"
With a lazy smile, the Hero-King guided the golden ship, slowly approaching the royal palace.