(╥o╥)/~ (╥o╥)/~
(╥o╥)/~ (╥o╥)/~
More than a dozen Subterranean Clan members wept with joy, jumping and cheering with their hands in the air!
From their point of view, the Subterranean King once again stood tall before them.
Just like in the past—the very figure who had always led the Subterranean Clan!
Inside the ice, large numbers of Subterranean Clan members stared at their celebrating kin in numb despair.
We're done for—another dozen have lost their minds.
"Getting smoother every time," Fubuki said, wiping sweat from her brow.
"I'll hand these Monsters over to the Association for detention," Aokiji said, raising the Subterranean King ice sculpture.
"I'll have the Association grant you clearance so you can keep using them for practice."
"The Association's transport plane should arrive soon."
"All right," Fubuki nodded.
Her phone buzzed with another notification.
She picked it up, glanced at it, and said:
"The Association's also given me an assignment at headquarters; I'll fly back with their plane."
Aokiji had already obtained his goal—the Subterranean King figurine—so he didn't linger.
Using the Azure Dragon's flame clouds, he lifted the ice-encased Subterranean Clan to the surface for easy transport.
Then he left the uninhabited zone.
Fubuki waited only a short while before several Association aircraft arrived on scene.
—Association Headquarters—
All Subterranean Clan members were locked in the underground containment prison.
Fubuki found the mission supervisor and asked:
"What's the support assignment?"
"Please follow me." The supervisor led her into a room.
It resembled a containment cell, but filled with high-tech equipment—more an experimental lab.
one-way glass revealed the interior.
A gaunt man with a potted plant on his head lay anesthetized on a recovery bed, monitors tracking his vitals.
"This hero was brainwashed. Mr. Aokiji handed us the de-programming tech, but it's Psychic Power–based."
The supervisor called up the technical brief on the screen:
"We need your Psychic Power to assist our research, and the final removal step is best performed with it."
"I see."
Fubuki maintained her usual proud demeanor and gave a slight nod.
She skimmed the technical notes.
So this is that organization's tech—interesting.
Maybe I can draw inspiration from it.
Wonder if there are other techniques... "Miss Fubuki?" The supervisor interrupted her thoughts.
"Will you accept the mission?"
"Of course," she replied, snapping back.
She'd planned to practice illusions on the Subterranean Clan here anyway.
Who knows—she might even learn a new Move.
"With your help, we estimate completion in three to five days," the supervisor added.
"Headquarters has arranged a guest room; you're welcome to stay."
Fubuki happily agreed.
Commuting between home and HQ would waste too much time.
Once in the room, she first texted her sister: she wouldn't be home for a few days.
Then, hesitating, she clicked the link Aokiji had sent.
On the childish-looking Research Institute website, she placed an order.
She really did need a reliable vehicle.
————
—Several days later—
Boom—Boom—Boom—
Mountains shook with sky-high blasts.
Aokiji was using a mountain peak as a punching bag.
Same as always—no Haki, no Devil Fruit powers.
Just raw fists against the rock.
By now he'd flattened most of the peaks around the House of Evolution.
He punched!!
Before the air could even howl, the massive mountain face caved and shattered!
The summit cracked apart, disintegrating into boulders that rained everywhere.
Aokiji stood below, letting the huge rocks crash onto him.
House-sized chunks of stone drifted down in slow motion.
They slammed into the ground, sending violent tremors through the earth.
Moments later.
Aokiji stepped out of the collapsed mountain without a scratch.
His bare, muscular torso exuded a Ferocious beast–like aura of raw power!
Genus picked his way across the rubble, cautious.
"Mr. Aokiji, the new Carnage Kabuto is ready."
He handed over a tablet.
The monitor showed a slightly smaller, second Carnage Kabuto.
His expression remained arrogant, but less crazed.
He sat in a silver combat room, eating voraciously.
"As expected, reducing his power curbed the bloodthirsty madness."
"But he's still unruly and won't submit willingly—perhaps you could..."
"Beat him into line, right," Aokiji said, returning the tablet.
"Pummeling lifeless rock gets boring; let's test the new Carnage Kabuto."
They entered the underground Research Institute.
The experimental subjects now under Aokiji followed respectfully behind.
Their way of addressing him had changed.
"BOSS—your Train session must have been exhausting."
Armored Gorilla spoke in a mechanical monotone.
He pointed at his armor:
"Need—a massage? The doctor installed—a massage module."
"Talk normally."
Aokiji found the deliberately robotic tone grating.
Armored Gorilla reverted instantly.
Now his voice carried a flattering note:
"BOSS, doesn't it look cooler this way? It sets off your style."
Beast King, trailing far behind, ground his teeth in frustration.
He was supposed to be the second strongest!
Yet Mosquito Girl was valued for her potential (?).
Even Armored Gorilla dared to chat up their new boss.
Only he, after personally witnessing Aokiji blow the original Carnage Kabuto to pieces,
feared Aokiji might hold a grudge for his part in that incident.
lacked the nerve to speak up.
He could only watch as Armored Gorilla bonded with their new leader.
"BOSS, you like cream puffs, right? I'll have the doctor load every puff recipe into my memory."
Armored Gorilla thumped his chest.
Aokiji answered casually:
"Sure, I like eating them and making them—send me the recipes too."
"Got it!"
Armored Gorilla was thrilled.
It wasn't just about dessert recipes.
In a way, he'd gained a direct line to chat with the BOSS.
Soon they reached the combat room.
Second Carnage Kabuto was already impatient.
Sensing movement outside, he sprang up, fighting spirit blazing, wing-cases opening.
"Finally! Let me see how strong the man who beat the first me and wants to recruit me really is!"
The original had been smashed; no memories could be transferred.
All Second Beetle knew came from a clone's summary.
Without seeing it himself, he doubted a human could defeat someone as powerful as him.
His dark-brown shell swelled.
Power surged and throbbed within!
The instant the combat room's door opened.
Second Beetle flashed a wild grin and unleashed his strength!
A huge afterimage lashed out with a ferocious punch!!