Since Kari's sudden emergence three years ago, he had been a thorn in the side of the World Government.
Single-handedly, he had reduced the frequency of Celestial Dragons descending to the surface to almost zero.
The Marines and civilians, who now had fewer escort duties, were quite pleased with this. The only ones displeased were the Celestial Dragons and a few other departments directly under their control.
…
Marineford, Fleet Admiral's Office.
Upon receiving the news, Sengoku let out a long sigh of relief.
When he heard that Kari had appeared on Hachinosu Island, he had truly broken out in a cold sweat.
At his level, he was aware of the existence of the God's Knights, but that wasn't what worried him.
The main concern was that Griffin was also on that island!
Through multiple encounters, the Marines had come to understand Kari's pattern of action.
He rarely killed Marines or civilians, targeting only Celestial Dragons and one other person—Uchiha Griffin.
Compared to the Celestial Dragons, he seemed to harbor even greater hatred for the Uchiha.
…
Originally, Sengoku had forbidden Griffin from continuing to fight, intending for Sakazuki to drive the enemy away. The results of this battle were already too significant.
The Red Hair Pirates, the former Rocks Pirates' Wang Zhi, and the Pirate Empress Hancock—this was more than enough for the Marines to digest for a long time.
But Griffin had insisted on fighting on despite his injuries, and…
They had actually succeeded!
…
Kari, whose whereabouts had eluded the entire CP Department of the World Government for three years, had truly been captured by the Marines!
No… the situation seemed a bit more complicated.
Crunch—
The appearance of a senbei-eating Garp in the Fleet Admiral's office was perfectly normal.
"Huh? That guy was actually captured?"
"Sakazuki and that kid are too meddlesome, aren't they?"
…
"Get your stance straight! Garp!!" Sengoku's veins bulged on his forehead as he slammed his hand on the desk.
"Kari is a criminal who has killed multiple Celestial Dragons—a crime of the most severe nature!"
"For the Marines to arrest… well, it's not exactly an arrest. According to Griffin, it's called a 'seal,' isn't it?"
…
"Cleaning up trash is a good thing… haha, don't get angry, I take that back!"
—
—
Off the coast of Hachinosu Island.
Rising from the ocean as its base stood a towering, pure ice crystal cross dozens of meters high.
The cross-shaped ice structure was covered in layers of intricate patterns, refracting the cold light of the sea and sky—a sight both breathtaking and awe-inspiring.
At the core of the ice crystal,
Kari remained frozen in a charging posture, even the flames swirling around his body solidified, preserved in time and space at absolute zero.
…
Griffin was breathing heavily, his hands still maintaining the hand seal.
Ice Release - Cross Flower!
A sealing technique derived from the reverse application of the Majestic Fire Prison, surpassing it in sheer durability.
Of course, Griffin had merely struck a pose. Even the Chakra used to create the ice crystals had been supplied by Kari himself.
There was no other way… if the fight had continued, Kari would have been utterly crushed by Akainu.
At his current strength, Kari fully deserved his bounty as a Yonko Commander-level threat, but he was facing Akainu.
The objective had been achieved; there was no need to waste revival chances.
…
Kari had only six revival chances, two of which had already been used. Once exhausted, all the experience and abilities he had accumulated would be transferred to Griffin.
Griffin wasn't in a hurry to claim Kari's power. It was better to conserve it for now.
…
Akainu slowly retracted the magma from his fist, frowning slightly as he looked at Griffin. "Using an ability of this scale, are you sure your body can handle it?"
"How long can you keep him frozen this time?"
Griffin steadied his breathing and shook his head. "Not sure, at least a few months... If I maintain the ability continuously, I should be able to seal him indefinitely."
...
Kari needs to be off the stage for a while, and it must be a departure known to the world.
We were lucky to catch Miya this time, but before that, Kari had been busy for over two years and only managed to accumulate two draws.
Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is an instinct of living beings. Even the most brain-dead among the Celestial Dragons know the surface world is dangerous and dare not venture out.
Especially after killing Miya this time, Griffin could easily imagine the Holy Land's response. The God's Knights would probably start traveling in groups.
Someone like Miya, who wasn't particularly strong yet liked to act alone—Griffin felt she was missing a screw, completely done in by her own recklessness.
It would be hard to get another opportunity like this...
...
Then create an environment where the Celestial Dragons dare to go out.
If they can't flaunt their power and privileges in the surface world, they must be itching to do so. Once Kari is sealed for a few years and they dare to move again...
No! Damn it! He broke through my seal!
Harvest a wave, seal him again with difficulty, and then it's another cycle.
...
At the same time, it's also insurance for myself.
Griffin knew about Imu, who exists behind the World Government—the victor of the great war eight hundred years ago.
To such an existence, whether it's a Marine Rear Admiral or an Admiral, they are all options that can be erased.
If it wants to replicate the Ohara incident and kill everyone involved...
Before obtaining the Eternal Pupil Power, it's still too early to confront the World Government.
Back during the God Valley incident, Garp was too strong and too prestigious for the World Government to erase him.
Griffin doesn't have that kind of strength, so he has to find another way.
This is also the persona he has been building all along.
Kari is the wolf targeting the Celestial Dragons, and I am the only sheepdog who can restrain him.
The World Government can't do without me!
...
...
Akainu remained silent for a long time before speaking softly.
"If... maintaining the ice seal affects your ability to fight strong enemies, you can ignore this side."
Griffin was slightly taken aback.
Even though it's our first meeting... Akainu, old friend, that's too profound.
"I've been watching you... Don't underestimate your own importance. Trading you for him would be too costly for the Marines."
...
"For now, that's it. I need to escort them to Enies Lobby and can take you back to headquarters along the way."
"Proper rest is necessary too, Rear Admiral Griffin. Sometimes you're too impulsive."
"I told you I was on my way. You should have waited for me to arrive before acting."
...
"Ha... I couldn't resist taking a shot when I saw so many Pirates."
Akainu turned to leave but suddenly paused. "You accidentally killed one of my undercover agents on Hachinosu Island."
Griffin's raised foot stopped.
After a moment, Akainu's muffled voice sounded.
"After reporting the situation, his last words were... thank you for attacking Hachinosu Island."
"This island is a nest where countless Pirates gather, but because it lacks resources and due to the World Government... headquarters was unwilling to launch a cleanup operation."
Griffin suddenly realized.
This Pirate Paradise has existed for so long, and it was only after Akainu came to power that the Marines launched their first attack on it.
This would have been the original 'Loki Port' incident where Wang Zhi was supposed to be defeated.
It was this incident that established Koby's reputation as the new hero of the Marines.
…
Beneath the lowered brim of his hat, a hint of a smile seemed to appear on this cold man's face.
"Say it again..."
"You did well, Rear Admiral Griffin."
——
——
At the same time as Akainu's warship and White Wolf's warship returned.
Dozens of Navy warships surrounded Hachinosu Island, with countless Marines landing to carry out an absolute purge of this filthy pirate island.
Ten days later.
Pirate Paradise Hachinosu Island was officially renamed Navy Branch G-179.
This number, which completely defied the naming conventions of Navy branches in the Grand Line, was to commemorate the first Marine hero who dared to strike a blow here.
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