Chapter 81: Harbor Test
Two days later, the Marine cutter carrying Satoru docked at the bustling port of Marineford. As he disembarked, Satoru's Six Eyes immediately locked onto an unexpected and imposing figure standing alone on the dock. The man's gaze was fixed directly on him, radiating an aura that was distinctly unwelcoming. Satoru felt a pang of headache. What did I do to him?
"Admiral Akainu!"
The Marines streaming off the ship snapped to attention, saluting the figure with deep respect. It was indeed Sakazuki, the magma-wielding Admiral.
Seeing the hostile intent practically steaming off the man, Satoru sighed internally. He couldn't recall ever provoking the famously rigid Admiral.
"I'm truly flattered that Admiral Akainu would come to the harbor to greet me personally," Satoru said, his tone light. He tried to move past, but Akainu's eyes tracked him, blocking his path with sheer presence. Satoru stopped, facing him directly.
"All of you. Leave. Now."
Sakazuki's voice was a low, grating command. Instantly, the surrounding Marines scattered, putting distance between themselves and the two officers.
Before another word could be spoken, Akainu's right arm transformed. Dark, bubbling magma surged from his skin, dripping onto the stone dock with a sickening hiss.
Dogū no Magma: Daigō no Guren! (Molten Rock Hound: Great Eruption of Crimson Lotus!)
With a swift, brutal motion, he hurled a massive wave of molten rock at Satoru, aiming to engulf him completely.
In the Fleet Admiral's office overlooking the harbor, Sengoku watched through the window. "That hot-headed fool," he muttered.
"But it serves a purpose," Vice Admiral Tsuru said calmly beside him. "This will let us see if the boy truly has what it takes to stand as an Admiral." Though she was close with Garp and Sengoku, she had no personal knowledge of Satoru's abilities.
"At first glance, he seems… lacking," Tsuru observed, seeing the magma consume the spot where Satoru stood.
"Just watch," Sengoku replied, a hint of a smile on his face. "Sakazuki might be in for a surprise."
Tsuru's eyebrows rose. She knew Sakazuki's power well. For Sengoku to suggest the Admiral could be embarrassed by a child piqued her interest intensely.
On the dock, the other watching Marines were stunned into silence. Why was an Admiral attacking a Vice Admiral?
The magma began to cool and solidify. As Akainu turned, a flicker of contempt in his eyes—better to die by my hand than to embarrass us against the Government—his movement froze.
His eyes widened. From within the dissipating heat haze, a figure stepped forward, completely untouched. Not a speck of ash on his white hair, not a singe on his uniform. A faint, shimmering barrier of distorted air faded around him.
Satoru looked at Akainu, a cool, unamused smile on his lips. "Admiral Akainu's welcoming ceremonies are certainly… intense."
Though his tone was casual, a thread of cold anger ran beneath it. The attack had been sudden and lethal. Without Infinity, he would have been vaporized.
"You're… unharmed?" Akainu's voice was thick with disbelief.
"Did the Admiral want me to be harmed?" Satoru asked, his smile not reaching his eyes.
As he finished speaking, Akainu instinctively shifted into a defensive stance.
Satoru didn't move from his spot. He simply drew back his right fist. A faint, white aura—like cracking lightning—coalesced around it, accompanied by the low, oppressive pressure of supreme will. He threw a straight punch into the empty air before him.
The air itself ripped. An invisible, concussive blast of Advanced Conqueror's Haki shot across the dozen meters separating them.
WHUMP!
It connected with Akainu's crossed, magma-armored arms. The impact didn't create an explosion of force; it was a deep, penetrating shockwave that bypassed his molten defense and slammed into his body. The Admiral's feet left grooves in the stone as he was shoved backwards, skidding uncontrollably for over ten meters before grinding to a halt.
"Advanced Conqueror's… infusion?!" The shock in Akainu's voice was now unmistakable. He knew Satoru's age—just eleven. To master this pinnacle Haki technique at such an age defied all logic.
"He's already mastered it?!" Tsuru gasped from the office window, her composure broken.
"And that's not all of his power," Sengoku said, unable to keep the pride from his voice. "He possesses another technique that multiplies his striking power. Combined with that Haki… can you imagine?"
On the dock, the observing Marines were in a frenzy of hushed whispers. They hadn't seen the invisible blow, but they'd seen the result: Admiral Akainu, one of the Navy's ultimate powers, had been forcefully pushed back by the white-haired Vice Admiral's long-range punch. The power dynamic in that moment was shockingly clear.
The other two Admirals were also watching from their respective offices. Even Kizaru, who had expected growth, let out a low "Oh my~" The difference from the boy he'd fought beside a year ago was staggering. Aokiji simply watched silently, mentally comparing. If that hit me… I'd fare no better.
Akainu lowered his arms, his face like thunder. The magma receded from his skin.
"Well, Admiral?" Satoru asked, his head tilted. "Was that punch sufficient?"
Akainu stared at him for a long, tense moment. Finally, he gritted out, "Hmph. Don't you dare lose that coming battle. If you do… I'll make you regret it."
Ah, Satoru finally understood. This wasn't personal malice. It was Akainu's twisted way of testing the weapon before it was sent to the forge—and a warning not to fail.
A genuine, confident smile spread across Satoru's face. "Don't worry, Admiral Akainu. The only one walking away from that fight as the winner will be me. No matter who they send."
(End of Chapter)
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