Just as Gern finished speaking, marking the official rise of a new Admiral who upheld "benevolent justice"-
An ill-timed sneer rang out, dripping with mockery.
"Tch." Aramaki stood with his arms folded, staring at Gern.
"So the blind man... made it to the top, huh?
Marine Admiral. Sounds pretty impressive."
Then his tone shifted. He stepped forward in blatant provocation and pointed straight at Gern.
"If that's how it is..."
"Then I suppose I'll do you the favor of challenging you, Heavenquake!"
"After all, everyone on this sea now recognizes you as the strongest Marine!"
"If I win..." Aramaki enunciated each word.
"I. Want. Your. Position!!"
Hearing Aramaki's outrageously arrogant declaration, Gern could not even be bothered to lift his eyelids. He merely frowned slightly.
"Oh?" A cold, openly disdainful scoff escaped his throat.
"You? Challenge me? Heh."
That contemptuous "heh" was like a spark touching a fuse!
"Hey! This counts as the start, right?!!"
Aramaki paid no heed to rules or etiquette. With a furious roar, he shattered the ground beneath his feet and surged forward in an explosive burst of physical strength!
He clenched his right fist, and Armament Haki instantly coated and hardened it like flowing metal.
With a piercing shriek as it tore through the air, his fist drove straight toward Gern's face without a trace of flourish.
He would prove, in the most direct and overbearing way possible, that he had the strength to replace him!
Unfortunately... just as his full-force punch was about to reach Gern!
A massive shadow, radiating the aura of a wild beast-
Suddenly moved even faster, blocking Gern from view and cutting off Aramaki's attack completely!
The newcomer was none other than Douglas Bullet!
Bullet grinned viciously, looking down at the charging Aramaki.
"**Hey! Get out of the way!! Otherwise,