"Static—Mr. Aokiji, can you hear me?"
Child Emperor called out into the bracelet on his wrist.
The signal was sent inside the giant robot.
"The mecha is made of lightweight special materials. The structural strength isn't very high. If you operate it too fast, it might fall apart!"
Since the machine was meant only for filming, Child Emperor hadn't built it to the strength of a combat-grade machine.
The mecha kicked up waves as it ran through the sea. Combined with its majestic and massive frame, the scene was naturally awe-inspiring.
But Child Emperor was more worried about the machine getting damaged.
"Static—Don't worry, I'm just catching a little fish and I'll be right back."
Aokiji sent back a transmission.
This giant robot's control method didn't involve joysticks or buttons.
Inside the cockpit was an instrument specifically designed to synchronize with the pilot's movements.
As for the machine's strength, it was reinforced by Armament Haki, so there was no need to worry.
Azure ice crystals condensed along the surface of the machine.
Coating the robot's outer shell with another layer of polar ice armor.
A massive ice blade with sleek, sharp lines extended and solidified from its hand.
"Ice-Susanoo!"
Aokiji made a slashing motion inside the cockpit.
The giant robot synchronized its movements, raising the ice blade and cleaving into the seawater!
The surface of the sea was sliced clean in two!
Revealing the bare seabed!
And a strange-looking shark with hands and feet.
The shark Deep Sea Tribe member's round black eyes widened abruptly!
He never expected this.
That he could still be discovered even after fleeing so far from his tribe's territory.
Because his clansmen and the King had never returned after going out.
Left behind, he had guarded the territory alone for a few days before finally choosing to flee out of fear of unknown dangers.
He thought he could live a peaceful life in this remote stretch of sea.
Occasionally eating a few humans without going overboard, he shouldn't have been noticed.
But what kind of Monster was this thing that split the sea with a single strike?!!
The ice-armored mechanical arm grabbed the shark Deep Sea Tribe member in one go.
The shark, the size of a light pickup truck, looked as small as an ordinary water cup in the robot's hand.
"Are you from the Deep Sea Tribe?"
Aokiji's inquiry came from within the robot.
After a brief struggle, realizing he couldn't even damage the outer ice armor, the shark Deep Sea Tribe member gave up thinking.
He honestly answered all the questions.
After the questioning, Aokiji understood the situation.
The Deep Sea King and all other Deep Sea Tribe members had vanished.
It happened on the day they teamed up to attack the Assassination Alliance.
The most likely culprit... seemed to be only that organization.
"Even if it wasn't intentional, the direction of many things is now very different from how they were originally."
He wondered what other chain reactions would occur.
Aokiji inwardly cautioned himself.
Aokiji, oh Aokiji, how could you be so depraved!
Have you finished the Cultivate plan you set?
To actually be addicted to piloting a robot... this cannot go on!
Finish filming quickly and leave.
The robot turned around.
The massive and handsome machine, carrying the weight of a giant, parted the seawater and strode forward steadily.
Hmm... robots are really fun.
On the pier.
Everyone spotted the robot's silhouette in the distance as it finally reappeared on the sea surface, and they all breathed a sigh of relief.
An Assistant Director curled his lip and muttered under his breath:
"Honestly, heroes are no different from big-shot stars putting on airs."
He spoke softly, so few people heard him.
Even if those nearby heard him, they didn't speak up because of his position.
This gave the Assistant Director a bit more confidence:
"Even if he's a hero, he should behave once he's on set. Even if we aren't filming, maintaining the crew is very expensive..."
"As for the funding, that doesn't seem to be your concern."
Kiiro suddenly said beside him with a smile.
The Assistant Director jumped in fright.
He forced a stiff smile and said:
"Young Miss Kiiro... I wasn't complaining, just that making everyone wait like this..."
"Actors are always allowed to familiarize themselves with ordinary props first. Does a giant robot like this not need that instead? If a safety accident occurs... can you take responsibility?"
Kiiro continued to smile gently.
But the interrogation in her words was unmistakable.
The Assistant Director didn't dare put on airs and smiled awkwardly.
Because Kiiro wasn't just an actress in this Theatrical Version; she was the largest investor.
Even the idea of using a giant robot for live-action filming was her suggestion.
Adults really are complicated.
Child Emperor looked away and licked his lollipop.
Slurp~
Child Emperor felt the Assistant Director had a point.
Despite being warned the machine wasn't strong enough, he still went out to play on his own.
As expected, even the most famous hero now couldn't compare to Blast.
Child Emperor could be considered a fan of Blast.
He particularly admired Blast for performing heroic acts years ago without asking for anything in return.
Professional heroes really can't compare to those who do it from the heart... Child Emperor's train of thought suddenly stalled.
As the mecha drew closer.
Everyone on the pier could see its figure clearly.
What shocked Child Emperor wasn't just the ice armor covering the mecha.
The shark Monster caught in the giant mechanical hand was also clearly visible to everyone.
So... it wasn't for playing with the robot... but to clear out the hidden Monsters nearby... Child Emperor suddenly felt his previous doubts about Aokiji were ridiculous.
His face turned a bit red, as if he had a fever.
"As expected of Lord Aokiji!" Kiiro's eyes were full of admiration.
"He immediately sensed the danger and cleared out the Monster to protect everyone's safety!"
"So there was a Monster hiding in the sea!" someone said with lingering fear.
"Fortunately, there's a hero here today, or there would have been an accident."
The crew members all felt lucky.
Someone peeked at the Assistant Director's face; as expected, it was incredibly stiff.
So they snickered and spread the word about what had just happened.
"Tch—"
Garou snorted disdainfully.
Standing alone to the side, he said based on his understanding of Aokiji:
"That guy was definitely just thinking about playing; the Monster was just dealt with in passing."
Unfortunately, no one was standing near the fierce-looking Garou, so naturally, no one heard this truthful remark.
Thud—
The shark Monster ice sculpture slammed onto the open ground of the pier.
"Let's hurry up and film; I still have to go back and Cultivate."
Aokiji's words came from the mecha.
This made everyone even more convinced that he was a highly responsible hero!
Having just defeated a Monster,
he wanted to immediately dive back into Cultivate.
He must want to better protect the safety of the public!
But Aokiji was thinking to himself:
"It's been a few days. I wonder how Genus's progress is going and how many Monsters he's created? I'll go check after this is over."
...
(Throw some stones)