On the other hand, the moment Shanks saw Gawain embrace Uta, he immediately drew his sword.
That's my daughter, she's only thirteen! Gawain, you bastard!!!
No sooner said than done, Gawain had just caught Uta when his Mantra sensed Gryphon Red-Haired Shanks Griffin that was about to strike.
So, Gawain held Uta in his left arm and drew his Rokumei Kotetsu with his right.
Even knowing he was outmatched, he couldn't simply flee in the face of incoming weapons; at the very least, he had to draw his sword!
In the next instant, Gawain wielded the Inazuma - Rokumei Kotetsu, fiercely meeting Shanks's blade head-on.
The instant his Rokumei Kotetsu clashed with Griffin Gryphon, Gawain and Uta were thrown back at least three hundred meters!
As expected, I am still far from being a match for Shanks!
But putting yourself in his shoes, he's now capable of catching a sword strike from Shanks that he might not have even used at most of his strength!
As for the soreness in my arms, or the faint, upward-moving sensation in my chest that feels like I'm about to vomit Inazuma...
Gawain was already used to that kind of pain!
However, one sword strike was enough; Gawain had no desire to continue this pointless battle.
If the enemy were Sand Crocodile, Gawain might have a better chance of training; right now, he and Sand Crocodile are truly a match for each other.
Just like Jinbe Ace, after obtaining the Mera Mera no Mi, was able to fight Jinbe to a draw for five days and five nights in less than three months.
For Logia Devil Fruit User, as long as their element is sufficiently destructive, they become stronger incredibly fast!
"Moku Moku no Mi: You guys are awesome, go ahead and chat!"
Smoker: "Then I'll go...?"
In short, at this moment, Gawain is looking forward to a thrilling battle between equally matched opponents.
He didn't want to fight a battle where he was powerless to fight back and could only be utterly defeated!
And so, watching Shanks continue to chase after him, sword in hand...
Without saying Gawain, Gawain picked up Uta and shot into the sky in the form of Inazuma!
Shanks' swordsmanship is truly formidable, but his speed is still insufficient to evade the Mantra's surveillance!
Therefore, if Gawain wants to leave, even a hundred Shanks couldn't catch him!!!
In the distance, watching Gawain vanish like Inazuma, Shanks slowly gritted his teeth.
"That speed, that thunderous power!"
It's the legendary Rumble-Rumble Fruit!
As he finished speaking, Shanks' gaze towards Gawain in the distance grew even more profound.
Shanks hadn't even seen Gawain's Conqueror's Haki yet, but from the pictures in the newspaper, Shanks knew it must be an incredibly frenzied and domineering Conqueror's Haki.
Only about a month had passed since the news of Whitebeard and Gawain broke, and Gawain had already regained the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit?!
For a moment, even Shanks was somewhat amazed by Gawain's luck!
What is Gawain's current situation?
The world's most prestigious identity, combined with the world's most powerful Conqueror's Haki's Haki, and the world's most powerful Devil Fruit!
None of these three things are something that others can easily obtain through hard work!
But strangely enough, even though Gawain possesses so much, no one can be jealous of him.
Imagine this: although there are thousands of Celestial Dragons in the world, Gawain is the only young person living in Mary Geoise who Awakening Conqueror's Haki.
Meanwhile, Gawain is the only one who possesses the identity of Celestial Dragon but doesn't enjoy it, instead recruiting soldiers and building up his army!
As for the Rumble-Rumble Fruit...
Shanks narrowed his eyes slightly.
Those are all external things, and they are not worth his attention.
Meanwhile, high in the sky, Gawain adjusted the little girl's position to make her more comfortable while looking at Shanks in the distance.
"Uta, your father is just very concerned about you. He only caught you before he could. He probably wants to kill me, haha."
"He dares!"
As soon as Gawain finished speaking, Uta pouted and said...
However, after she finished speaking, Uta couldn't help but want to say something to Gawain. Since she was being carried in a princess carry, she straightened up, reached out and hugged Gawain's neck, and whispered in Gawain ear.
"However, Gawain, he is, after all, my father."
So could you guys please stop fighting? Otherwise... it'll really bother me.
Although my father abandoned my mother and me to embark on New World, he is still my father no matter what.
Please, Gawain.
At worst, I can grant you any request you like, and then we won't fight today.
If Shanks continues to hunt you down, I'll stand in your way and let him cut me down first!
So, can we call a truce, sir?
"Sure."
Hearing the little girl's words, Gawain happily parted a wisp of lightning and let the weak current gently stroke the little girl's temples.
At the same time, Gawain continued speaking with a smile.
"Moreover, a good daughter should stop war. You can't let a daughter raise a weapon against her father over a trivial matter."
A daughter who would kill her father must be utterly ill-mannered, right?
"Why?"
Uta was a little confused by Gawain's words; she felt that the adult was implying something.
So who is the daughter the adults are saying wants to kill her father?
Could it be Shirahoshi?
Thinking of this, Uta quickly shook his head.
How could that be? Shirahoshi is so kind; she even recites prayers while eating meat.
Although she always ate heartily, at least she prayed. How many people are too lazy to even do the so-called "face-saving" work?
So if it's not Shirahoshi, then it must be someone the adult knows?
Uta immediately lost interest.
At the same time, Gawain shouted at Shanks, who was approaching from the air using Geppo.
"Hey, I've been taking good care of your daughter, and she's all grown up healthy and strong. Do you really need to draw your sword against me, Shanks?!"
"Why?!!"
Before Gawain could finish speaking and before Shanks could reply, Uta, who was in his arms, became unhappy.
Uta gently punched Gawain's chest.
"Sir, are you saying I'm too fat?!"
"How is that possible? You weigh tens of tons less than Shirahoshi!"
Seeing the little girl's displeased expression, Gawain explained with amusement.
Upon hearing this, Uta became even more unhappy.
"Sir, does my weight really need to be compared to that of Shirahoshi, who is over ten meters tall?!"
How could you do this, humph!
Uta's lips were so pouted they looked like they could hang a soy sauce bottle on them.
Seeing this, Gawain chuckled and pointed at Uta's willful appearance with his Shanks down.
And Shanks...
Watching his daughter in Gawain's arms, the two of them interacted like a real father and daughter.
Shanks let out a soft sigh.
After letting out that sigh, Shanks regained his composed smile. He sheathed Gryphon and then smiled at Gawain.
"Haha, that's amazing! You've really taken good care of my daughter."
"That gives us another reason to drink, Gawain!"
"Haha, you're already thinking about drinking with me on our first meeting?"
Shanks, you'd better think about how you're going to make amends for my destroyed Golden Town!
Gawain smiled and responded to Shanks.
Upon hearing Gawain's words, Shanks casually waved his hand.
"Are you sure you shouldn't cause trouble for Akainu in this matter?"
"Heh, Shanks, I'm Celestial Dragon. Akainu is my subordinate, isn't he?"
Do you think I'm the kind of captain who would rather shift blame to his men than let the enemy escape?
At this point, Gawain gently shook his head.
"Neither you nor I are that kind of person, Shanks!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain put one arm around Uta, then pointed to the ground with his free finger.
"Let's talk about it when we get back!"
"Good!"
After a brief exchange, Gawain instantly transformed into Inazuma, bringing Uta back to the area between Rayleigh and Gion.
At the same time, the distant Dark Bird Ship slowly returned to the water's surface.
As for Jaya.
It's adjusting its underwater structure to make Jaya more stable.
Seeing Gawain return, Rayleigh smiled and pulled Akainu over.
"Gawain Wen, you should take a look at this guy. Putting everything else aside, he's really going to the rescue when something's going on!"
I rushed as fast as I could, but I couldn't stop him!
Fortunately, Sakazuki showed some mercy, giving the old man and his group time to rescue the children and women!
Otherwise, what if all the remaining people on this island were to perish tragically?
Even if you personally try to stop me, I will still laugh as I hack this guy to death in front of the graves of the innocent!
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh released Akainu's hand and gave him an Akainu laugh!
However, Rayleigh's cold laugh lasted less than a second before a pair of jet-black fists slammed into his head.
As Shakky knocked Rayleigh over, she smiled and said to Akainu.
"Sakazuki, don't mind this old man's nonsense. He's been a pirate for too long, you know."
We are very grateful for your help today. After all, you fought against Shanks' entire pirate crew all by yourself for our sake and for the sake of our adults.
In particular, you actually left some leeway for the remaining innocent residents of the island; for that alone, I must thank you again.
In short, let's keep in touch, Sakazuki. We should have many areas for cooperation in the future."
As soon as she finished speaking, Shakky looked at Akainu with a smile, while Akainu frowned awkwardly.
Given his personality, chatting with these former pirates was just too irritating for him!
However, he managed to force out a painful, gangster-like smile and nodded to Shakky.
"No problem!"
Then he turned to Gawain, who was holding Uta, and said Gawain.
"Saint Gawain, I'd like to know your decision regarding Shanks!"
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Gawain smiled and looked at Akainu, asking a question.
"If my decision displeases you, what are you going to do?"
"I..."
Faced with Gawain's question, Akainu pondered seriously for a moment.
Then, he said it heavily.
"You are Celestial Dragon, and you are entitled to give orders to me, Marine Admiral!"
Obeying orders is something every marine should do with their life!
Order is the only justice remaining in this chaotic sea. Therefore, even if the order itself has problems, as long as there is no new order to replace it, we, the navy, should do our utmost to maintain the current order!
At this point, Akainu nodded heavily to Gawain.
"Therefore, we request Saint Gawain to make the final decision!"
"Good."
Looking at Akainu's appearance, Gawain understood. This Akainu and Aokiji were indeed two completely different styles.
Akainu is too direct.
He made no attempt to hide anything from his superiors, speaking only his true thoughts.
Otherwise, any person with high emotional intelligence wouldn't have hesitated and seriously considered the matter for a while when asked to make a decision!
But people like that deserve the most recognition from their superiors. Truly rational leaders should be giving important positions to people like Akainu!
Why?
As far as the Five Elders are concerned, Aokiji is the type who will nod in agreement no matter what you say, Aokiji he will not argue with you.
As for what Aokiji actually did behind the scenes, that's open to interpretation.
For example, Aokiji accepted the Buster Call order but secretly released Nico Robin.
When Akainu arrived...
The situation then became...
Five Elders: Akainu, you must do this, do this!
Akainu: What is this? This makes no sense at all! This is fucking unjust!
So Akainu, grumbling and cursing, diligently carried out every unjust order from the Five Elders...
In his view, order and justice are not contradictory, no matter how evil the order may be...
This kind of order is always better than the sea becoming a chaotic mess!
Therefore, even if one goes against justice to maintain order, as long as order continues to operate, one has already upheld justice!
See? For leaders like the Five Elders, Akainu and Aokiji are just two different types of subordinates.
One type is a subordinate who may not be diligent in their work, but is absolutely obedient when receiving orders.
Another type is the subordinate who executes your orders meticulously, but always raises various questions and disagreements when speaking to you, and even smokes a cigar in front of you—a very carefree and uninhibited subordinate.
Honestly, this is also one of the pieces of evidence to prove whether the Five Elders are corrupt. If they were really corrupt, they should have chosen Aokiji instead, since Aokiji has high emotional intelligence.
However, in the selection of the Fleet Admiral, the Five Elders preferred Akainu, while Aokiji was recommended by Sengoku.
And so, the two of them fought for ten days and ten nights in the future Punk Hazard...
As for now.
Gawain nodded slightly in response to Akainu's words.
"In that case, let's call it a day. As for the reason, I'll discuss it with you privately after I send that bastard Shanks back to their New World."
As soon as Gawain finished speaking, Akainu nodded thoughtfully.
"So, Saint Gawain, you have other reasons!"
You wouldn't abandon such a golden opportunity to annihilate Red-Haired Shanks just because of something as childish as a little girl, would you?
No sooner had Uta finished speaking than Akainu, who was in Gawain's arms, revealed a dangerous expression.
Gawain took a deep breath.
He speaks so inappropriately, without any regard for the occasion or the leader's feelings.
The Five Elders, who are willing to give important positions to such people, are quite commendable, even in the original work, aren't they?
Gawain glanced at Uta, then at Akainu face was full of seriousness.
Then, he supported Uta with one hand and patted Akainu's tall arm with the other.
"I don't have any other plans. Everything is for Uta, you understand?"
At this point, Gawain gave Akainu a meaningful look.
Akainu, however, instantly flew into a rage!
"My lord, how can you be so childish!"
She's just a child. No matter how important she is, how can she compare to the entire Red-Haired Pirates!
I cannot understand your decision!
As soon as he finished speaking, Akainu crossed his arms tightly, his entire face falling down.
However, regardless of the circumstances, having received Gawain's orders, he refrained from further threats of violence against Red-Haired Shanks.
Seeing this, Gawain couldn't help but roll his eyes.
As expected of Akainu!
A true, hard-boiled soldier, a tough, straightforward man who speaks without mincing words and acts solely based on detailed orders, never attempting to decipher them through speculation.
So Gawain increased the pressure slightly and patted Akainu's arm hard again.
"Do you really want me to be so direct? I do have a more important plan, and in my plan, Red-Haired Shanks' existence is irrelevant!"
After I see Red-Haired Shanks, I'll have a proper talk with you about the logic behind dealing with pirates by catching the small fry and letting them go!
After Gawain said that, Akainu finally showed a satisfied expression. He nodded heavily and solemnly said to Gawain.
"I understand now, I knew it! You really are not a narrow-minded person!"
"In that case, once everything is over, I will await your summons at any time, Saint Gawain!"
After saying that, Akainu felt relieved and carefully crossed his arms, maintaining a posture that wouldn't press on the Red Rose on his chest.
Gawain gently patted Uta's head.
Feeling Gawain's movements, Uta sighed softly.
"Tch, men!"
With a haughty sigh, Uta turned her head away and nestled into Gion's embrace.
She couldn't stand on the lava. At this moment, she had neither Armament Haki nor a lightning body like Gawain, so she could only let someone carry her.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side, the Red-Haired Shanks had already landed back in front of Benn Beckman and Yasopp.