Chapter 128Luffy landed heavily on the deck of the going merry, disengaged Gear Second, and a strong sense of exhaustion surged over him like a tide, making him lie flat on the ground with his limbs spread out, his chest heaving violently.But there was no frustration on his face; instead, he let out a hearty, unrestrained laugh.Compared to Aokiji, Luffy was more concerned about his own strength.He could confirm that after this battle, he had truly crossed the threshold of a top-tier powerhouse.Perhaps at this level, he was still a newcomer, lacking in experience.But to be able to contend with Aokiji head-on to this extent, even inflicting some minor injuries on him, was enough to declare.He had gained the initial qualification to challenge any powerhouse on this vast sea!"Hahaha!""What a thrill, what a thrill."Luffy laughed on the deck. He turned his head to look at Robin, who was being supported by Namiand Vivi, her face still a bit pale, and said with unwavering determination, "Robin! Whether it's the Marine or the World Government, if they want to take you away from us, they'll have to get past me first.""Mmm..."Robin looked at Luffy, who was lying on the ground laughing, and at his determination to fight the Marine Admiral to the death to protect her. The last trace of gloom and fear in her heart was finally completely dispelled by that warm and powerful sense of security.She walked to Luffy's side, squatted down, and gently brushed the ice crystals from his hair, tears in her eyes, but a gentle and relieved smile bloomed on her lips."Luffy!""This is not the time to show off."Nami and Vivi gathered around, looking at his body covered in ice shards and minor injuries with concern. "Are you okay? Did you win or lose?"Chopper immediately transformed, taking out a medical kit to examine Luffy.On the deck, everyone looked at Luffy, who was tired but high-spirited, and then at Robin, who was safe and sound, and immediately burst into enthusiastic cheers."Luffy definitely won!"Little Merry was overjoyed, her small face full of pride and self-satisfaction, as if she herself had won the battle."But, that's a Marine Admiral."Usopp muttered, the shock on his face completely unconcealable.To be able to fight an Admiral and retreat safely is a victory in itself.But this also undoubtedly shows that their Straw Hat Pirates have truly entered the ranks of first-class pirate crews on the Grand Line, possessing the ticket to participate in future higher-level competitions!For Zoro and Sanji, Luffy's earth-shattering battle with Aokiji burned in their hearts like a raging fire.As the main combatants on the ship, they didn't even have the qualification to intervene.This feeling of powerlessness stimulated their desire to become stronger."It seems we still have a long way to go."Zoro folded his arms, his three swords seeming to hum in their sheaths. His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, filled with a craving for power."But it's our turn next."Chapter 184: Admiral Aokiji, you're injured?!"Marimo, you're wrong. It's my turn next."Sanji lit a cigarette."Huh? What kind of bad joke is that, perverted cook."Zoro retorted without a hint of politeness."You two, stop arguing!"Nami put one hand on her hip and held her clima-tact in the other, unceremoniously giving both of them a smack on the head. "Now is not the time for sentimentality. Hurry up and change course and go full speed ahead. Do you want to crash into a Marine warship?"Zoro and Sanji, who had just been glaring at each other fiercely, instantly quieted down when Namispoke, covering their heads and obediently going to operate the sails and confirm the direction.The ship's tyrant's deterrent power had always been like this.Meanwhile, near the coast of Long Chain Island.The people on the Marine warship immediately discovered traces of battle there."What's going on? That island.""The cold here is terrifying, it's freezing.""There's ice all around, quickly go see what happened."There was a bit of chaos on the two Marinewarships.On the leading warship, Momonga, a Navy Headquarters Vice Admiral, who was in charge of this escort mission, stood at the bow with a solemn expression.He recognized at a glance that this was definitely the work of Admiral Aokiji.Considering that Admiral Aokiji was recently on vacation, his appearance here was not surprising, but why would he use such a large-scale ability here?Could it be that he encountered a powerful enemy?Vice Admiral Momonga knew that Aokiji was resting recently.Akainu had even angrily reprimanded Aokiji at a meeting, saying that everyone else was so busy, but Aokiji was on vacation every day. At that time, Momonga saw Kizaru, who was clipping his nails next to him, repeatedly saying,'So scary.'He had reason to suspect that Akainu had scolded Kizaru along with Aokiji.However, Admiral Aokiji appeared here and seemed to have fought with an enemy.No matter what, as a Navy Headquarters Vice Admiral, he had to go and help!So he immediately decided to temporarily abandon the escort mission and go there.Vice Admiral Momonga slammed the table hard."I've already contacted Headquarters. Anyone who can fight an Admiral will definitely not be an unknown nobody. Everyone, prepare for battle!"He said this, but Momonga had no confidence in his heart.That was Admiral Aokiji of the MarineHeadquarters, and he actually fought to such an extent, using his ultimate move.He was just a mere Headquarters Vice Admiral; joining the battle might be useless.Two huge Marine warships slowly approached. The Marine soldiers on board looked at the island, which was almost completely frozen, and the floating ice on the sea, and were all shocked and confused.Only after getting closer did they realize that the battle on the island seemed to have ended.It appeared very calm.Indeed, an Admiral is an Admiral; he must have resolved the battle.Just as the soldiers were on high alert, a tall figure, accompanied by a biting chill, appeared silently on the deck of Momonga's warship."Ad-Admiral Aokiji!"The on-duty Marine first discovered him and saluted in astonishment.Momonga turned his head at the sound. When he saw the bruises on Aokiji's face that hadn't completely faded, and a trace of dried blood remaining at the corner of his mouth, he froze, his pupils suddenly contracting!"Admiral Aokiji! You're injured!?"Momonga's voice trembled with disbelief.The entire deck instantly fell silent. All the Marines widened their eyes, as if they had seen the most incredible thing in the world.Who was it?!Who could injure a Marine Admiral?!"All units, highest alert!"Momonga almost roared the order, his heart pounding."Ararara, it's not that serious, Vice AdmiralMomonga, relax."Aokiji waved his hand, his face returning to its lazy expression, as if his injuries were just from an accidental fall. "I just had a fight with a pirate kid. Just stretching my muscles.""A pi-pirate kid?"Momonga was stunned. Not a great pirate of the same caliber or a Four Emperors cadre?A rookie pirate could fight an Admiral and even injure him?How was this possible?But Momonga was an experienced Vice Admiraland meticulous in his thinking. He immediately thought of some recent rumors from Headquarters and Vice Admiral Garp's enigmatic attitude.A name instantly popped into his mind.He tentatively, cautiously asked, "Admiral, are you referring to the recently famous Straw Hat Pirates?"Aokiji laughed upon hearing this and patted Momonga's shoulder vigorously: "That's right, it's them. Oh, it's a bit embarrassing, so don't spread it around, it wouldn't look good."Momonga's expression instantly became extremely strange, and he understood.The fight probably did happen, and it was quite a commotion.But the injuries were probably greatly exaggerated.Whose grandson that Straw Hat kid was, was an almost open secret among the high-ranking Marines.Aokiji's good relationship with Vice Admiral Garpwas well-known. Back then, Aokiji admired Garpeven more than his teacher, Admiral Zephyr. Their relationship was so good they were practically inseparable.With this layer of relationship, could Aokiji really beat Garp's beloved grandson to death and throw him into Impel Down?A fight, it probably really happened.A beating, it probably also really happened.But as for going for the kill, Momonga thought the possibility was minuscule.He even suspected that Admiral Aokiji's injuries might have been slightly exaggerated by himself for realism.But then again, they were pirates.Momonga opened his mouth, wanting to say something more."Alright, alright, Vice Admiral Momonga, don't say anything more."Aokiji interrupted him, his tone a bit perfunctory, "This time I was careless. Next time, next time I will definitely go all out and try to capture that kid and throw him into Impel Down, okay?"Although he said that, Aokiji knew clearly in his heart that the next time they met, that kid would only be stronger and more troublesome.Today's Luffy had already made him feel somewhat tricky. He hadn't held back much just now.He looked in the direction where the Straw Hat Pirates had disappeared, sighing inwardly:"Monkey D. Luffy, this sea, it really seems like it's going to stir up unprecedented storms because of you. Teacher Garp, what kind of monster have you raised?"Aokiji checked his log pose.It was easy to guess where the Straw Hat crew was going next."Trouble, Water 7?"Aokiji scratched his head. Now they were getting closer and closer to the World Government.And given Robin's special identity, she could easily attract the attention of relevant World Governmentdepartments.Just by interacting with Luffy, he knew what kind of temper he had. Like Garp, he was overly protective of his subordinates.Especially since not long ago, those guys from Enies Lobby had consulted him about the procedures for activating a Buster Call due to the Pluton blueprints. If a conflict started, pressing the button would activate the Buster Call."Vice Admiral Momonga, are you free? Give me a ride," Aokiji said."Where to?""Enies Lobby."Chapter 185: Summary is the Ladder to ProgressOn the other side.The going merry cut through the azure sea, leaving Long Chain Island and the oppressive presence of the Marine Admiral far behind.On the deck, Luffy laughed heartily.But soon, the laughter was interrupted by a rumbling stomach that echoed through the sky.Grumble grumble!Luffy clutched his shriveled stomach, collapsing directly onto the deck, limbs spread out like a dehydrated salted fish.
