Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at Aokiji.
"So the Fleet Admiral came personally just to provide insurance?"
Aokiji neither confirmed nor denied it.
"I need to keep an eye on Charlotte Linlin. If she tries to return to Whole Cake Island..."
The rest went without saying.
Even if Charlotte Linlin had not been seriously injured or killed, after such a fierce battle, she would not be a match for an Aokiji at full strength.
With the Ice-Ice Fruit's abilities, Aokiji could hold her up for days and nights, perhaps even long enough for Marine reinforcements to arrive.
"The Marines certainly have a fine plan."
"Reaping the fisherman's profit..."
"But did you ever consider that, now that you've exposed yourself, I could keep you here on the spot?"
A hint of danger appeared in Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression as his aura slowly condensed into something tangible in the air.
The atmosphere immediately turned perilous and murderous.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had not discovered Aokiji himself. More accurately, Aokiji had not concealed his presence. After Charlotte Linlin was defeated, he had deliberately revealed himself.
Aokiji's expression remained unchanged.
"I came here this time to talk to you..."
"Of course, if you want to keep me here..."
"You're welcome to try..."
Aokiji seemed entirely fearless as the Fleet Admiral's imposing aura burst forth.
Indeed, with his overwhelming defense and speed, Sarutobi Hiruzen surpassed most Admiral- and Emperor-level powerhouses in striking force.
But that speed was uncontrolled, and its precision was difficult to manage.
Fundamentally, Sarutobi Hiruzen was still on the same level as the Admirals and Four Emperors—perhaps even slightly inferior.
If an Admiral- or Emperor-level powerhouse were determined to flee, like Charlotte Linlin had been, and plunged straight into the sea—
Sarutobi Hiruzen would find it difficult to catch up.
That was also one of the reasons