Invitation

Aokiji had spent less than two hours with him, yet the things this young fellow beside him knew had already left him astonished. A country this remote actually knew about the World Government's CP department, and seemed to know their methods as well.

Even if he did not want to believe it, there was no helping it now.

"Why are you so certain about these things?" Aokiji asked.

"Whether what I said is true or not, Vice Admiral Aokiji, you probably know better than most. From CP0 to CP9, what kind of people the World Government's intelligence agencies are, I doubt I need to explain it further, do I? But I also believe that, whether it is the World Government or Marine Headquarters, no matter how serious matters become in Tru Kingdom, you will no longer have the spare attention to deal with us. The tides of the sea are changing. The great age of pirates is about to arrive. How many troops do you think you will still have to deal with matters on our side?" Nova looked at Aokiji with a sinister expression.

What came next would be the arrival of the Four Emperors era. At the same time, the era of the Shichibukai would likely arrive soon as well. The true great age of pirates had only just begun. That was the main reason he had such confidence now.

The more Aokiji listened, the more worried he became. Nova gave him the feeling that he had everything in the palm of his hand, and that gave him a very bad premonition.

But since the conversation had reached this point, Aokiji had no intention of continuing such pointless small talk. His expression turned serious as he asked directly, "The training methods on your side seem rather familiar?"

"The Marine Six Styles became a mandatory course for Marine training two years ago. In offense, defense, and movement, they can break through the limits of the human body. Combined with Haki, they can absolutely become the Marines' greatest trump card. Am I right?"

Nova laid it all out again without hiding anything. Aokiji's heart sank like iron, and he had no idea what to say.

The only possibility he could think of was whether Tru Kingdom had people within Marine Headquarters.

But Nova's next sentence directly dismissed that thought.

"Vice Admiral Aokiji, there is no need to worry. These things did not come from Marine Headquarters. Tru Kingdom was still a relatively poor country two years ago. We simply did not have the means to place people in your Marines' upper ranks. More importantly, regarding what you did to Tru Kingdom in the past, I very much hope Marine Headquarters can give us an explanation within the next few years. If Fleet Admiral Sengoku is unwilling, I personally do not mind making the matter public. When the Marines' prestige falls, that will be no laughing matter in this era of great pirates!"

Nova began issuing threats outright, mainly referring to what had happened in Tru Kingdom ten years ago.

Battlila Island, the place where the Pirate King's son had once been born—because of that one incident, more than two thousand pregnant women had been killed. It had become the most tragic event in Battlila Island's history.

Aokiji had been one of those involved in that incident, so he naturally understood exactly what Nova meant.

Yet as the two walked down the street, countless eyes watched them from all around. Aokiji could not reveal his feelings. He finally understood why Sengoku had repeatedly instructed him before his departure that, no matter what happened, he absolutely could not make a move in Tru Kingdom.

The usually lazy Aokiji became unusually serious at that moment, his eyes openly filled with killing intent toward Nova.

"Vice Admiral Aokiji, there is no need to look at me like that. Of course, I still think highly of you. You must still remember Ohara in the West Blue. What the Marines have done these past years has been rather disappointing, hasn't it?" Nova continued provoking him with a smile.

"My, my, what a headache. I never expected a little fellow like you to know so much. That truly puts people in a difficult position."

Aokiji resumed his initial lazy demeanor, though his gaze remained sternly fixed on Nova.

These were all matters that should have been Marine secrets, yet the fifteen- or sixteen-year-old before him knew every single one. Aokiji's judgment of Nova was becoming clearer and clearer.

"I have no intention of using this information to threaten Marine Headquarters. However, the events on Battlila Island in Tru Kingdom must be answered for by the Marines!"

Nova looked directly at Aokiji with overwhelming force. The Conqueror's Haki flickering in his eyes was already on the verge of erupting.

If not for the civilians nearby, he might have released it already.

"My, my. Fleet Admiral Sengoku should handle that matter. I can relay it when the time comes, but I cannot promise anything more. What a troublesome affair."

Aokiji spoke lazily.

On the surface, he seemed unconcerned, but he had already begun calculating things inwardly.

What happened on Battlila Island was a disgrace to the Marines, and one that absolutely could not be made public.

Now that the King of Tru was raising the matter, he naturally had the confidence to do so.

Aokiji understood the current state of the seas very well. And just as Nova had said, the tides of the sea were shifting. Marine Headquarters simply could not spare any force for this small country in the South Blue.

Nova was somewhat pleased. After all, Aokiji's attitude might represent the attitude of the entire Marines.

He was not arrogant enough to think his country could stand against the entire Marines. If this had not happened to coincide with the era of great pirates, his country might have been flattened several times over just for knowing the Marine Six Styles.

It was precisely because of these factors that Nova was not worried about Marine Headquarters sending people to investigate.

"Vice Admiral Aokiji, you have traveled a long way. Stay in our country for a few days, take in the local customs, and perhaps give some guidance to the future pillars of our country whom we are currently training."

Nova had already led Aokiji to the gates of the royal palace. Seeing that the other man had no intention of leaving anytime soon, he spoke directly.

"It is rare for me to have some leisure time. Then I shall impose on His Majesty King of Tru."

"Please, you are too polite. I expect it will not be long before you become an Admiral of the entire Marines. That is the Marines' most supreme position. There will surely be many things in the future that will trouble a Vice Admiral." Nova said with a smile.

"Where exactly do all these pieces of information come from, Your Majesty? You seem to know an awful lot," Aokiji finally asked the question that had been weighing on his mind.

Ever since he arrived, it felt as if his entire rhythm had been under the other party's control. Whether speaking or acting, he always felt as though he were standing naked before him.

Aokiji had experienced many things, but only before this sixteen- or seventeen-year-old boy did he find himself acting so cautiously.

It was because everything he said after coming here had been suppressed. He was a Marine Vice Admiral, after all, yet being seen through by a little fellow like this truly did not feel good.

From the moment he stepped into the country's territory, it felt as though a pair of eyes had been watching over his head. Even this man, who normally seemed so lazy, wore an expression of clear displeasure.

Nova smiled. It was not because he had achieved his goal; rather, this was his country, his home ground. No matter what, he could not let someone else lead him around by the nose.

"I know many things—so many that you could never imagine them. But what of it?"

Nova spoke bluntly as they entered the royal palace hall.

Before Aokiji could ask anything else, a guard stepped out from the side and respectfully said to Nova, "Your Majesty, Guard Captain Junhe has led the army to the capital of Roa Kingdom. The Guard Captain sent word asking whether we should charge straight in next or what we should do."

"Oh... they have progressed that quickly already." Nova looked at the guard, then turned to Aokiji and asked, "Vice Admiral Aokiji, would you be interested in coming along to observe?"

"I have no objections. There is no harm in going to take a look," Aokiji said.

After all, his purpose in coming here was to investigate Tru Kingdom's military. The battlefield was likely the best place to see it firsthand.

"Tell Captain Junhe to wait for now. I will bring a Vice Admiral from Marine Headquarters over to observe."

In truth, all of this had been arranged long ago. If Junhe wanted to ask such questions, he could have consulted him through a Den Den Mushi. There was no need to have someone relay the message in person.

No one could figure out what exactly their king was planning. Victory against Roa Kingdom was already assured, and there was no possibility of any crisis arising.

But Nova had his own plans.

Before he knew Aokiji was the one coming to investigate, he had already considered countless possibilities. The person he least wanted to face was Akainu, though he believed Marine Headquarters would never send that fellow.

From here to the capital of Roa Kingdom, even by the fastest route by ship, the journey would take nearly two days.

Yet Junhe had reached the enemy capital in only five days. Along the way, almost none of Roa Kingdom's soldiers had put up any resistance.

They had simply reached their destination smoothly and naturally.

If they had wished to, they would not even have needed to exert much effort to charge directly into Roa Kingdom's royal city.

Among the dozens of countries in the South Blue, Roa Kingdom was not especially weak. While it could not be considered outstanding, it had some commendable aspects in other regards.

This time, Nova had brought nearly all of his country's high-ranking officials along, mainly so they could witness the event firsthand.

As the National set sail, Junhe and the others, who had already reached the capital of Roa Kingdom, had long been waiting.

The total number of troops Tru Kingdom had dispatched against Roa Kingdom was only around ten thousand. The other country had a much larger population than theirs, and its army was likewise far larger.

The difference was that ever since Roa Kingdom's king took the throne, he had faced opposition from nearly all of his citizens, including the military, who had long suffered endless deductions from their pay and supplies.

After seeing the standard of living in Tru Kingdom, even Roa Kingdom's vastly more numerous troops put up almost no resistance. Wherever they went, city gates were opened for them. In many places, people had even begun welcoming Tru Kingdom's army.

Thus, Junhe and his men had reached the capital of Roa Kingdom without encountering the slightest obstruction.

Two days later, when Nova arrived with Aokiji, an astonishing sight awaited them atop the city walls.

Before everyone's eyes, the people standing on the walls were not soldiers. Most of them were pirates.

They were using the city's civilians as human shields to prevent Junhe and the others from entering.

Yet outside the city gates, there were no signs of battle whatsoever. From beginning to end, not a single soldier Junhe had brought had been lost.

Over the five years since Roa Kingdom's new king took the throne, the damage inflicted upon the entire kingdom was likely beyond words.

The National sailed directly to the capital of Roa Kingdom. When Nova saw the scene atop the city walls, a smile actually appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"What does Vice Admiral Aokiji think of this situation?" Nova asked Aokiji with a smile.

"Your Majesty, most of the troops in the city have already been brought under control, but the number of pirates inside is likely beyond our expectations," Junhe said, standing beside Nova.

"What exactly is going on? Why are there so many pirates in Roa Kingdom?"

"Your Majesty, it is all related to Roa Kingdom's king. Most of these pirates came from the West Blue. Their total number is close to eight thousand, and there are only two pirate crews among them, including quite a few powerful individuals. When they initially attacked our country, they agreed that if they could conquer Tru Kingdom, all the treasure in our royal palace would be given to these pirates. That is why so many pirates are helping Roa Kingdom."

Junhe spoke respectfully with a frown.

"What does Vice Admiral Aokiji think of this matter?" Nova tossed the question back to Aokiji once more.

"My, my, King of Tru, do not ask me about such things. I am merely here to observe. I will not make a move to help you."

Aokiji spoke lazily.

"Are you ready?"

Nova looked at Junhe and asked with a glance.

Junhe immediately understood, and a mischievous smile appeared on his lips.