Leaving

Crackling--crackling--

Cracks appeared in the "ice wall" beneath Aokiji's feet, and Fisher Tiger and Jinbe immediately became alert.

Sig's right hand was once again covered in Armament Haki, ready to transform again at any moment...

Although the physical exertion was already taking its toll, making it difficult for him to cope, this was clearly not the time to worry about "health preservation." "Survival" was the most important thing.

Aokiji then crouched down, placing one hand on the ice surface beneath him, and the cracks on the ice wall immediately began to shrink!

"Ah... there's nothing I can do about this," Aokiji said intentionally.

It seemed he was preparing to focus all his efforts on stabilizing the ice wall, leaving no time to trouble the Sun Pirates.

Although according to the orders from Marine Headquarters, arresting the Sun Pirates had a higher priority than even weighing down the entire Water Seven, Aokiji's "justice" had become quite flexible since the Buster Call incident at Ohara seven years ago.

Fisher Tiger frowned at first, then relaxed slightly, turning directly and saying, "Let's go!"

Jinbe continued to face Aokiji, retreating a few steps defensively, and Sig had no objections.

Aokiji was clearly going to stay here and continue reinforcing the "Giant Ice Wall," so if the Sun Pirates didn't leave now, when would they?

"World Government... Marines... unfathomable!" Fisher Tiger's tone carried a sense of powerlessness.

If he were in front of his other crewmates, Fisher Tiger would never have shown such thoughts. However, Jinbe, who was beside him, was the person he trusted most. As for Sig... Fisher Tiger guessed that he had already been "read" by him.

"That's right. Fortunately, we were lucky this time. If it were a full-strength Aokiji, perhaps even the two of us combined wouldn't have much of a chance," Jinbe also sighed.

However, Sig subtly felt that although Jinbe's words seemed to align with Fisher Tiger's, Fisher Tiger didn't resonate much. What Fisher Tiger felt "powerless" about seemed to stem from a deeper reason.

"Is that Aokiji that strong?" Sig asked curiously.

"You don't know... Remember, if you ever encounter a Vice Admiral with a codename, run as fast as you can!" Jinbe said seriously.

Sig seemed to mumble something upon hearing this—I actually know very well. After all, Aokiji is even stronger more than ten years later. But I also know that you, old man, are also very formidable!

Even though I haven't read that far in the manga, your statement to Big Mom, calling her a "mere Yonko," is still screenshotted and shared everywhere! I always thought you and an Admiral were evenly matched...

"That's right, especially his abilities. They are too much of a counter to us Fish-Men, making it difficult to escape... Fortunately, it seems he was already quite exhausted when he arrived," Fisher Tiger also reminded Sig.

Logically, Devil Fruit users fear water, but the "Ice-Ice Fruit" actually counters water, which is problematic.

"I see..." Sig said, looking somewhat enlightened.

At the same time, Sig definitively confirmed that the nascent form of his Observation Haki, and his abilities, were indeed all about mind-reading, or rather, "emotion-reading."

Fisher Tiger and Jinbe noticed that Aokiji's aura was not at its peak upon meeting him, but Sig hadn't detected it.

Sig also wondered, "So, Aokiji might have just fought someone nearby?"

"Very likely," Jinbe replied.

Sig's expression turned somewhat strange—not out of curiosity about who Aokiji had fought, but because it was strange... Could this sudden "Sea God Pilgrimage" be related to Aokiji using his Ice-Ice abilities extensively nearby?

More than ten years later, when Luffy and the others first came to Water Seven, the "Sea God Pilgrimage" was also sudden.

And that time, Aokiji had also recently used his freezing abilities on a large scale on Long Ring Long Land not far away, helping an old man reunite with his migrating clan!

Since the Sea God Pilgrimage was caused by special currents, it wouldn't be strange for freezing the sea on a large scale to cause disruptions in the currents...

Of course, Sig was just thinking about it and didn't intend to go to Water Seven to demand compensation from Aokiji.

Instead, the Sun Pirates wasted no time, quickly gathered their crew, and prepared to set sail immediately.

With Aokiji, who countered water, present, the threat of the Sea God Pilgrimage was greatly reduced. For the people of Water Seven, their main concern should be staying warm, which was beyond the rescue capabilities of the Fish-Man Race.

With massive ice walls surrounding them, reaching this point was likely Aokiji's limit. However, the Sun Pirates had no intention of attacking further and prepared to leave immediately from the seabed!

However, when they finally boarded the ship, a few people were missing—not because they were lost, but because during the previous rescue, several Mermaid ladies had sparked romances with human males from Water Seven...

Well, in this kind of environment, love was indeed more likely to blossom.

After offering their blessings, the Sun Pirates set sail once more.

Fisher Tiger did not forget to pass by Tom's Workers—Aokiji had only reinforced the ice walls around the city center, and Tom and Cocco had not left. As Fish-Men, as long as they didn't do anything they shouldn't, they wouldn't be in too much danger even during such a disaster.

Cocco's lower body had already transformed into a fish tail, and her upper body... Sig pretended not to see!

"Mr. Tom, aren't you really coming with us?" Fisher Tiger knew he couldn't persuade Tom, but he still felt a sense of regret.

Jinbe couldn't help but add, "That's right! The people of Water Seven don't trust you at all!"

"No, I still have more important things to do... The people of Water Seven have been living in anxiety. After every Sea God Pilgrimage, the sea level rises, making everyone restless. But as long as the Sea Train can operate, I believe this place will surely become better!" Tom considered Water Seven his second home.

Although Sig thought that a "sea barrier" would be more reliable than the "Sea Train" for solving the problem of rising sea levels, he couldn't help but admire Uncle Tom's character at this moment and couldn't resist reminding him, "Uncle Tom, although the World Government has promised you a pardon, they will definitely find many excuses. Don't trust them. After the Sea Train is built, return to Fish-Man Island!"

"That's right. If the World Government were trustworthy, they wouldn't have pursued you for building ships for Roger in the first place," Fisher Tiger also said grimly.

Tom let out his signature laugh again upon hearing this: "Hahaha, I've already anticipated such things. You all set off with peace of mind!"

Since Tom had said so, Fisher Tiger could only bid farewell to him and Cocco...

Although the sea currents around Water Seven were extremely turbulent at this moment, with towering waves everywhere.

However, the modified Sea Bass was now equipped with the ability to dive and navigate, avoiding the wind and waves.

There were still underwater currents, but they were relatively within an acceptable range