One Punch Of Justice - O.P.J Chapter 78: Jimbei

“Admiral Aokiji! What the hell are you doing here? You’re not supposed to blow your cover now!”

Yamakaji spun around in shock and urgently whispered, “Sengoku-san made it clear; you’re only authorized to step in if we’re facing threats from the Shichibukai.

If they spot you, the entire mission is compromised, and we’ll never uncover their true intentions!”

Mentioning ‘Admiral’ sent a collective shiver down the pirates’ spines, freezing them in their tracks as if the world had momentarily stopped.

“I must have misheard!” One of the pirates turned to his comrade, seeking confirmation. “What did he just say?”

Pointing with a trembling finger at Aokiji, he stammered, “A… A… A… ADMIRAL Aokiji!”

Fear and confusion gradually etched itself across their faces.

“Please, someone pinch me! Admiral Aokiji?! Is this for real? Tell me I’m dreaming!” The pirates couldn’t fathom the excessive response from Headquarters. “Our highest bounty is a mere 73 million. Did that really needed an Admiral?”

Aokiji, with his sleep mask still on, inquired, “Why is it so dark here?” He then loudly called out, “Yamakaji?! Vice Admiral Yamakaji! Errr… Where’s everyone? Are they gone?”

The marine crew replied in unison, “You’re wearing your sleep mask!”

“Yamakaji…

Vice Admiral…

Admiral…

Aokiji!…”

The pirates got even more confused and knelt down.

-PLOP- … -PLOP-

Weapons clattered to the ground, and tears welled up in their eyes.

“Please forgive us! We surrender! We’re just a bunch of weaklings. Please, spare us!”

Aokiji took off his sleep mask and looked at the pirates. “Are we back up top?”

“No, sir! It’s just a welcome party!” Yamakaji said with a sly grin.

Aokiji yawned and stretched lazily. “Looks like we arrived at a weird time… But why is everyone on their knees?”

“They’re probably hoping for your mercy…”

“Oh, I get it.”

-Ice Time: Capsule-

Aokiji unleashed a wave of ice, freezing the pirates in their tracks. “We’re in a hurry; we can’t waste our time…” He waved his hand dismissively, showing his lack of interest in the frozen pirates.

The location was engulfed in a deep freeze.

Yamakaji swiftly issued orders to several groups of soldiers, instructing them to hold their positions and secure the area.

Meanwhile, Aokiji had advanced ahead, skillfully inquiring about Jimbei’s whereabouts. It took him just a few well-placed questions to pinpoint the precise location.

Later, within the heart of the Fish-Man District and aboard the colossal, ancient vessel known as ‘NOAH,’ a slim, bright yellow-skinned Fish-Man meticulously reported every minute detail of Aokiji’s movements to his captain, Hordy Jones.

“Navy?!”

Inquired a grey-skinned, great white shark Fish-Man, his portly belly adorned with a tattoo displaying the emblem of the New Fish-Man Pirates on the right, and a long scar on the left.

Hordy convened a meeting with a group of fierce-looking Fish-Men. He looked serious and a bit crazy.

“So, they came all the way here into our place? Are they trying to take over?”

“I… I’m not sure, boss,” Hammond hesitated before speaking.

“What do you mean you’re not sure? What were you supposed to do there?” Hordy’s voice bore a stern edge.

“Bo… Boss, I couldn’t risk exposing my cover. But it appears their leader was looking for Jimbei.”

“Hmmm… Jimbei, the government’s dog!” Hody’s expression darkened, his teeth clenched.

He added with a cold, humorless laugh, “Regardless of the Marines’ intentions, this is an opportunity!

Our moment of retribution!

We must eliminate them all, leaving no survivors!

This is our chance for revenge!

But their ship must remain untouched; it’s our passage to the surface.

I embody the anger of the Fish-Men!

We could strive for world domination! Jahahaha…”

“But boss…” Hammond worriedly said, “The Marines look really strong. They easily beat the other pirates on the island…”

“Human pirates, you say?”

Hordy’s expression darkened as he grabbed Hammond’s neck, lifting him off the ground.

“Underestimate me, you fucken rat?!”

“N..No.. Bos..s!”

Hordy’s grip tightened. “Let me remind you, I command, Fish-Man Island boasts an army of 100,000 seasoned warriors. And those Marines you mentioned?

One… Two… Five hundred? Who fucken cares?

We’re inherently ten times stronger than humans.

With this overwhelming strength, we can easily destroy the Marine Headquarters and bring the Four Emperors to their knees.

Do you understand, you son of a bitch!”

“B… Boss, please… forgive me!” Hammond pleaded desperately, but his efforts proved futile as Hody ended his life.

“Traitors who side with the human cause have no place here.”

He rose from his seat, his right arm raised. “Summon every warrior on the Island immediately!

Follow me to the Sea Forest; we’ll deal with those dogs.

Then…

We’ll plan a counterattack on the surface.

Once I capture the Celestial Dragons, humans will serve as our subordinates, and we’ll establish our dominion over the world!”

The command spread swiftly throughout Gyojin Island, with loyal followers gathering in numbers. At that moment, the formidable army set out, their destination: the Sea Forest!

————————

-Sea Forest-

Aokiji disembarked from the Fish bus and strolled casually until he happened upon a massive stone monument. It was like discovering an old friend when he spotted Jimbei sitting by the Poneglyph.

“I’ve always been curious about those mysterious historical inscriptions,” Aokiji admitted.

He joined Jimbei, sitting down beside him and inquired, “Can you make sense of what’s written up there?”

Jimbei, his sleeves neatly folded and legs crossed, spoke thoughtfully, “It’s believed to hold a promise made eight centuries ago.

Among us, there’s a deep belief that someday, someone will come to fulfill that promise, allowing the people of Fish-Man Island to experience the warmth of the real sun.”

Aokiji raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “Really?”

“I’ve heard…” Jimbei turned to him. “The Marines are planning to publicly execute Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Is that true?”

Aokiji nodded. “Errr… The Marines have grown stronger than ever before.

They execute what was once considered impossible without hesitation.

The H.Q is ready for a showdown with Whitebeard and even every pirate in the world.”

In that moment, Aokiji recalled a crucial detail. “It almost slipped my mind, Fish-Man Island being under Whitebeard’s protection.”

Jimbei spoke with a solemn nod, saying, “Whitebeard’s protection has brought peace to this Island.”

His tone was humble as he made his plea, “If they intend to remove my title as one of the Seven Warlords, I won’t resist.

But…

If Whitebeard were to fall, the Island would return to its dark and desperate past. I implore the Marines, if an execution is inevitable, allow me to take his place. Spare Ace, I’m begging you.”

It was a selfless offer, showcasing the spirit of a true ‘Knight of the Sea.’

But…

Aokiji exhaled a breath, challenging Jimbei’s perspective, “You might be mistaken, Jimbei.”

He adjusted his eyepatch and gazed upward, his voice resolute, “It wasn’t Whitebeard who brought peace to Gyojin Island.

While he’s a notorious Emperor of the New World and strikes fear into the hearts of many pirates, the true defender of ‘human rights’ for Fish-Men and Merfolk, the one who outlawed the sale of your people, lies elsewhere…”

Jimbei’s brow furrowed as he countered, “But only Whitebeard can strike fear into the hearts of the Celestial Dragons.”

Aokiji reclined on the ground, securing his eyepatch, and replied, “Errr… Your perspective is understandable. But do you genuinely believe that Whitebeard can strike fear into the hearts of the Celestial Dragons, Jimbei?”

Before they could delve deeper into this pivotal discussion, a clamor arose in the distance.

Countless tumultuous footsteps grew louder, their shouts echoing through the air.

Hordy had mustered a daunting force of 100,000 fighters, all set on taking down the Marines, including Jimbei.

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Hey everyone,

I hope you all had a great time reading this chapter!

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