"Kuzan," Akainu said, a flicker of suspicion flashing through his eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"Secret mission," Aokiji answered calmly. "Intelligence suggested the Revolutionary Army might establish an outpost here. I didn't expect to run into this legendary figure."
Akainu's gaze moved back and forth between them, as though searching for a flaw. "What a... coincidence."
"Justice sometimes favors the Marines in such ways," Aokiji said blandly. "I've searched the surrounding area. It seems they withdrew not long ago, and all the data was destroyed."
Rayleigh remained silent, but a hint of provocation showed in his eyes, as if he were deliberately trying to anger Akainu and draw his attention.
"Hand him over to me." Akainu extended a hand, magma-like power flowing around his fingertips. "I'll personally ensure that he reaches Impel Down."
"I'm afraid not," Aokiji refused calmly. "Under Steel Bone Kong's direct orders, any important prisoner must be personally escorted to Marine Headquarters by their captor."
A flash of anger crossed Akainu's eyes. "Are you questioning my authority?"
"No, I'm merely following procedure." Aokiji's tone remained lazy, but his stance had subtly shifted into a combat-ready posture. "Unless you have a direct order from the Five Elders overturning Steel Bone Kong's instructions?"
The desert of Alabasta had never been so violent. Golden sand was swept into the sky by a raging storm, forming an enormous vortex. At its center, eerie violet-black energy slowly spread. Lin Ye, Ramon, and Princess Vivi stood amid the shattered ruins of an ancient relic, gravely observing the situation around them.
"The situation is worse than I expected." Professor Ramon gripped the Time Tuning Fork tightly, sweat rolling from his forehead into his gray-white beard. "Void Energy is accelerating its infiltration. The Dimensional Barrier in this area has already become extremely fragile."
Lin