Zephyr's Changes So Far!

Shiki the Golden Lion, that unruly and shameless fellow.

Ever since he rejected the olive branch offered by the World Government.

He's been wearing a 'pet collar' and locked up in the 'Level 6 Infinite Hell' at the very bottom of Impel Down ever since.

He will only use his abilities to grant buoyancy to Air Force Headquarters warships when necessary.

They'll only take it out for a stroll and get some rare sunshine.

That's why Imu called him a 'floating tool'.

If we're comparing the degree to which they were used as tools, Shiki was even more of a "tool" than Teach when he became "Graybeard".

At least the latter did not face significant restrictions on their personal freedom.

To be honest.

If this situation continues, then there are only two possible outcomes for Shiki.

Firstly, with the continuous opening of Star Gate.

The World Government found in one of the Otherworld the ability or technology to make matter fly, a substitute for the Float-Float Fruit.

Once Shiki has lost his value, Redfield will use his Lucky-Lucky Fruit ability to 'extract' his Devil Fruit power, and then Shiki will die in Impel Down.

Secondly, it was a little idea that Imu had come up with earlier.

After obtaining the power of the Op-Op Fruit, he would directly find a loyal person and exchange their mind with Shiki.

That way, we might be able to get an obedient 'Golden Lion'.

But he never expected that three years later, this guy would have to back down.

As for that demand, Imu saw it as nothing more than a stubborn attempt to save face.

"Reporting to Lord Imu, Shiki has three requests."

"First, heal his brain and restore him to his peak condition; second, Dispel the 'pet collar' from his neck and restore his personal freedom; third, give him the position of Fleet Admiral of the Air Force Headquarters."

"He also said that if necessary, he could have a one-on-one duel with the current Air Force Headquarters Fleet Admiral."

"If he wins, the Fleet Admiral will be his; but if he loses, he is willing to serve as the Air Force Headquarters Admiral and be at the command of the Air Force."

After listening.

Imu was speechless for a moment, thinking to himself.

"The first two requests are fine, but the last one is going too far. This guy really thinks he's something."

Anyone with a brain can figure that out.

The World Government would never appoint someone with a history of One Piece, whether as the Air Force Marshal or the Fleet Admiral of the other two branches of the armed forces.

Shiki doesn't seem like a fool, does he?

Or was the rudder that was stuck in his head causing such a significant impact?

"However, sending Zephyr to fight a fully recovered Shiki one-on-one doesn't seem very reliable."

Imu rubbed his smooth chin, pondering the matter.

On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Zambalong V. Saint Nusjuro patiently awaited his decision.

Zephyr's asthma was cured under the care of Dr. Kureha, the dean of the Medical Academy.

Their understanding and utilization of the Life Return were greatly enhanced under Muzan Kibutsuji's guidance.

It is also possible to achieve something as seemingly unbelievable as limb regeneration.

There's also the aspect of Armament Haki.

With the internal methods of cultivating all the skills being made public, he also took the opportunity to master the 'Internal Destruction' technique.

From this perspective...

Zephyr's current strength is far greater than it was in the 'original story'.

Logically speaking, beating up Shiki, who had been depressed for three years and whose mind had only just recovered, shouldn't seem like a big problem.

However, due to preconceived notions, that is, Imu's impression of the 'original work'.

This made it hard for him to believe that Zephyr could definitely beat Shiki.

Otherwise, if Zephyr is defeated, will the World Government have to honor its agreement and give the position of Air Force Headquarters Fleet Admiral to Shiki?

That definitely won't work!

"Tell him that the Air Force Headquarters Fleet Admiral definitely has nothing to do with him, he can refuse, and then continue living in 'Level 6 Infinite Hell'."

After a moment of silence, Imu finally spoke and made his decision.

"If he agrees, then given that he has voluntarily requested to join the World Government, the World Government can give him a chance to challenge them."

"Admiral Garp, 'Iron Fist' of the Marine Headquarters, High Command Honorary Admiral Edward of the Newgate, he can choose either as his opponent."

"If he wins, he can be directly appointed as Admiral of the Air Force Headquarters; but if he loses, he will only be given the title of Air Force Headquarters Admiral in reserve and the rank of Air Force Headquarters Vice Admiral."

"Finally, tell him that if he dares to defect or disobey orders after regaining his freedom, the World Government will not give him a second chance."

"Yes, as you command!"

On the other end of the Golden Den Den Mushi, Zambalong V. Saint Nusjuro, after hearing Lord Imu's orders, respectfully answered with lowered eyes and gently hung up the call.

At the same time.

While Imu was dealing with these unexpected events, the battle in the East Blue of the Teigu World was becoming increasingly intense.

"Huff--Huff--Huff--"

Kuzan stood amidst the shattered Iceburg, riddled with cracks, panting heavily in a rather disheveled state.

He gently wiped away a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth, a bitter smile appearing on his face.

"This is a real problem. I should have called Minister He before coming to thank her for her previous care and adoption."

Within the thick, dark clouds, surrounded by lightning and thunder, the majestic old Azure Dragon still slowly circled overhead.

The key lies in those seemingly indestructible structures, unaffected by any attacks.

Even towering, solid Iceburg could not stop its closing 'White Wall'.

They have broken through the Iceburg and ice soil along the way, and gathered together at a distance of about one or two kilometers.

Kuzan knows.

Once they completely close together, it will be the moment they are captured alive.

So he had been launching a full-scale attack on Black Marlin, trying to escape from there.

But Black Marlin wasn't stupid. After understanding the Divine Dragon's intention, he immediately disappeared into the deep sea.

At the same time, they are fully committed to controlling the vast surrounding seawater.

It created wave after wave of massive tsunamis and giant Suiryu.

They relentlessly intercepted all of Kuzan's surprise attacks and the billowing chill he unleashed.

At last.

This Black Marlin actually suppressed his resentment towards Kuzan.

They abandoned any space to fight him and had the old Divine Dragon seal off the entrance and exit here with a 'White Wall' as well.

He would stand guard nearby to prevent him from breaking free.

It is clear that these two super- Danger Beasts are determined to capture Kuzan and use him as a key bargaining chip in negotiations with the World Government.

It's the same principle.

Kuzan himself absolutely could not accept such an end; if it really came to that, he would rather die fighting in this Otherworld ocean.

"Oh my gosh, Borsalino, I've treated you to meals quite a few times before, can you hurry up and come Borsalino? I'm a little too full."

Kuzan up at the sky and sighed deeply.

But he also knew that the possibility was a bit small; even if he were fast, what could he possibly do?

Sudden.

Just as he finished speaking, the dark sky, which had been completely shrouded in clouds, suddenly...

In an instant, beams of dazzling golden light pierced through the air.

This not only gave Kuzan Awakening Eye, but also brightened up the entire world.

"Who goes there!"

The old Divine Dragon suddenly raised its head and looked up at the higher sky.

However, the dazzling golden light forced him to close his eyes, leaving him only able to perceive the outside world through his Divine Power.

"Are you alright, Kuzan? Those two big monsters look so scary!"

At that moment, a slow, drawn-out, lazy voice reached the ears of everyone present.

"YA SA KA NI NO MA GA DA NA!" (Yasakani no Magatama)

In an instant.

Countless Flash Beam, trailing long tails of flame, poured down like a torrential downpour.