Other than Maud.
At the sudden appearance of Aokiji, everyone present, including Sabo, turned pale with shock.
Clang—!
Zoro drew his sword once again.
The others, meanwhile, immediately prepared to attack.
Bartholomew reacted even faster. Without a second thought, he spread out a barrier and shielded everyone inside it.
It was his instinctive reaction, but he had not considered that if Aokiji released his cold air and froze the barrier, then everyone inside might suffocate to death even if they did not freeze to death.
"Ah la la..."
Looking at the Straw Hat Pirates, who had instantly gone on full alert, Aokiji habitually scratched the back of his head.
Judging from their reaction, Aokiji realized that this group probably did not yet know he had joined the Maud Pirates.
With that thought, Aokiji first glanced quickly at Robin's pale face, then turned to Maud beside him.
It would be better to leave the explanation of his current identity to Maud.
That would make it more convincing.
Feeling Aokiji's gaze, Maud's lips curved slightly. Looking at the overreacting Straw Hat Pirates, he said with a chuckle, "Don't be so tense. Kuzan is no longer a Marine Admiral. He's my crewman now."
"What!?"
"Aokiji is no longer a Marine Admiral!?"
"Hey, compared to that, Aokiji joining the Maud Pirates is the truly shocking news!"
Upon learning that Aokiji had become a member of the Maud Pirates, everyone was so stunned that their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
This was a Marine Admiral!
After leaving the Marines, he had actually joined the Maud Pirates and become one of Maud's subordinates.
For the Straw Hat Pirates at this stage, this was practically earth-shattering news.
Robin stared at Maud in disbelief.
When Aokiji had appeared just now, Robin had assumed it was because