Awakening?
Akainu was naturally aware of Devil Fruit Awakening. Paramecia types could affect their surroundings, and Zoan types granted immense vitality and recovery. As for Logia types... he had never heard of anyone actually achieving an awakening with one.
Consequently, Akainu assumed Ren was simply mocking him and chose to ignore the comment.
"Hey, hey, hey! Say something! Don't just stand there dazed!" Ren called out. "If you don't speak up, I'm taking my leave."
"Leave?" Akainu's expression soured. He glared at Ren with such intensity it looked like he wanted to swallow him whole.
Ren looked innocent. "Don't look at me like that. You're the ones who came to ambush us, and we haven't even started our proper counterattack yet."
As he and Akainu faced off, Law was being hounded by several Vice Admirals, and Krillin was entangled with the two Admiral candidates. For the moment, none of those fights had reached a conclusion. Bonney had already made a run for it with Hina and Blu, and their current location was unknown.
On the surface, the situation appeared to favor the Navy. But the image of that white beam of light flashed through Akainu's mind. If he hadn't seen the future via Observation Haki and dodged by a hair's breadth, he might very well be a martyr for justice right now!
Thinking of this, Akainu's face grew even darker. He suddenly regretted not bringing Kizaru along. Kizaru was currently in the New World protecting Vegapunk; apparently, the "Pacifist" project was nearing completion, and they had requested an Admiral's presence for the final stages.
Garp had applied for leave a few days ago, though Akainu knew the old man had just gone to see his grandson. Sengoku had to stay at Marine Headquarters—he couldn't just leave his post. And Aokiji... Aokiji was enjoying some very deep sleep.
In short, Akainu was starting to consider a retreat. If they kept fighting, even if his subordinates managed to kill Law and Krillin, it wouldn't mean much as long as the mastermind, Ren, remained alive.
Clenching his fist, Akainu pulled out a Den Den Mushi. "Withdraw!" he barked into the receiver.
The order was transmitted precisely to every Marine's ear. They froze for a split second before reacting with disciplined speed. Sails were furled, and the paddle wheels on the sides of the warships began to churn, propelling them away at speeds far exceeding normal vessels.
Putting the Den Den Mushi down, Akainu kept a wary eye on Ren, terrified the boy would launch another one of those dangerous attacks. He might be able to dodge, but losing a massive number of sailors in the process would be a pyrrhic victory.
At the same time, Akainu reached a realization: the next time they cornered Ren, they shouldn't bring a fleet. Only top-tier powerhouses were needed. Carrying regular soldiers was proving to be a liability.
Ren watched them leave without interference. As the warships grew distant, he shouted, "Akainu! The World Government has a high-level Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, right? Bring it for me to look at!"
Ren was still very concerned about that fruit Bonney had brought. As time passed, the "pull" he felt toward it was growing stronger; he was becoming increasingly tempted to just eat it. Since his strength was already at the top of this world, even if the ability was mediocre, he could live with it.
But doing so felt irresponsible toward his counterparts in other worlds. If the "Rens" in other worlds were working hard while he ate a "trash" fruit and forced the others to carry his weight, it would be a bit poor of him. Thus, he really wanted to know the ability, and asking a Marine official was the easiest route.
Akainu frowned. He recalled that Ren had stolen a fruit from a World Government ship recently, and combined with his recent purchases of Mythical Zoan data on the black market, the Admiral understood Ren's motive.
"The Encyclopedia? Of course we have it. But I will never give it to a pirate like you!"
Ren had expected this and didn't get angry. He pointed at the two Admiral candidates who hadn't yet retreated. "One week from now, bring the most complete version of the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia to Dressrosa in the New World to pick up your people."
"What did you say!" Akainu roared, magma bubbling across his skin as if he were ready for round two.
But Ren had lost interest in him. Akainu's fruit and Haki were strong, and his Conqueror's Haki was even more intense than Aokiji's. After all, Aokiji was a "lost traveler," while Akainu had a rock-solid conviction.
From their brief clash, Ren sensed that Akainu possessed immense ambition—an ambition that would eventually turn against the World Government. It was only a matter of time before he sought to rule. That was, of course, assuming he became Fleet Admiral. With Sengoku aging, Aokiji out of commission, and Kizaru uninterested, Akainu was the only real choice. Even if Sengoku didn't like him, the Five Elders favored him. Ren couldn't see Akainu failing to get the promotion.
Ren raised his hand and fired three Ceros in quick succession. Akainu coughed up a massive amount of blood, looking at Ren with total shock.
"What? Didn't think I could fire those back-to-back?" Ren chuckled. "Don't be silly. I haven't even used my real ultimate move yet. I'm saving that for Imu."
Akainu didn't know who "Imu" was, but he memorized the name. If he survived this, he would investigate that person. The next moment, Akainu's eyes rolled back, and he lost consciousness completely.
Ren didn't worry about him. He had a very precise touch. Those three hits guaranteed Akainu was heavily injured, and without immediate medical attention, he would definitely die. Fortunately, there were several other experts here, so "delayed medical attention" wasn't an issue.
Ren used Sonído to appear beside Krillin. He looked at Momousagi and Chaton. "The two of you are now my prisoners. Don't resist; it will only irritate me and cost you your lives."
Krillin sheathed his blade and laughed. "So, the ambush ends as a farce?"
The Navy had come with overwhelming force, yet the Admiral was one-shot, the Vice Admirals were held at bay by Law alone, and two Admiral candidates were now captives. If news of this got out, their crew's reputation was going to explode.
Chaton looked ready to fight, but Momousagi held him back. She looked at Ren and said, "I will stay as your prisoner. Let Kake (Chaton) take Admiral Akainu for treatment, or else..." She didn't finish, likely trying to preserve the Navy's final shred of dignity.
Ren made a "be my guest" gesture to Chaton. He then pulled out a regular coil of hemp rope and handed it to Krillin. "Tie her up. We're going to find Bonney."
Krillin took the rope and efficiently tied Momousagi's hands behind her back in a rather perfunctory manner.
Chaton looked at his goddess and gritted his teeth. "Momousagi! I promise I'll bring the Encyclopedia to rescue you!" He then used Moonwalk to reach Akainu, scooped up the Admiral, and fled at high speed.
Law stopped playing with the Vice Admirals. He expanded his domain, launched a massive slash that cut through those hounding him, and then swapped places with a piece of driftwood behind Ren.
Zip!Thud!
Law sat on the ground, exhausted. He felt as if he couldn't even lift a finger. "That was a bit pathetic," Krillin teased.
"Che. Next time, I'll be stronger."
Ren waved a hand. "All members accounted for. Retreat!"
He started walking across the ocean, with Krillin and Law following suit. Momousagi watched in shock. As she tried to follow, she realized the surface beneath her feet felt like solid ground rather than water.
"What kind of ability is this...?"