Two weeks later, Aokiji and Akainu fought on Punk Hazard.
The news was kept under Sengoku for several days before being released—because the outcome of the duel was too important, and he didn't want the outside world to know the result too early.
Punk Hazard, Aokiji, and Akainu stood on an open space in the center of the island.
The two were about 100 meters apart, and neither of them moved first.
Is it worth it for the position of Fleet Admiral?
Aokiji looked at Akainu, his tone carrying a rare hint of seriousness.
"It's not about the position."
Akainu's right arm had begun to magmaize, with dark red magma churning beneath his skin.
"It's for the future of the entire navy."
You are too weak. This world doesn't need a merciful Fleet Admiral.
Aokiji sighed and pulled his hands out of his pockets. A chill emanated from him, and a thin layer of frost began to form on the ground beneath his feet.
"Then let's go."
They both moved at the same time.
The collision of ice and magma shook the entire island. The chill of the Ice Age and the lava of Meteor Volcano clashed and intertwined in the sky, while dark clouds and volcanic ash surged and churned in their battle.
The battle lasted for ten days and ten nights.
On the evening of the tenth day, Aokiji knelt on one knee on the ice. His right leg was severely burned by lava; the skin and flesh were charred and rolled back, exposing the bone underneath.
Akainu stood opposite him, his chest pierced in several places by ice spikes, his body covered in blood.
But his gaze remained sharp as a knife.
"Give up."
Akainu's voice was hoarse but clear.
You can't beat me.
Aokiji did not answer.
He knelt on the ground in silence for a long time, then slowly stood up.
His charred right leg trembled with intense pain, but he still managed to stand up.
"You win."
When Aokiji uttered those three words, there was neither anger nor humiliation in his tone, only a sense of relief.
Akainu watched him but did not pursue.
The magma slowly cooled and solidified back into the shape of an arm.
"You're still useful, don't die here."
Aokiji did not answer. He turned and walked towards the sea, limping, his shadow stretching long in the setting sun.
The news of Akainu's official appointment as Fleet Admiral was announced three days later.
Accompanying the announcement was a strongly worded statement:
"The Navy will undertake a comprehensive expansion, rebuild its headquarters' combat capabilities, and vow to completely eradicate all pirate forces that threaten world stability."
Aokiji did not give any interviews.
After leaving Punk Hazard, he wandered alone among the islands.
There are rumors that he's drinking alone on some winter island, and rumors that he's gone to some remote town in the North Blue.
But his whereabouts are elusive, and no one can confirm where he is.
Akainu ordered the pursuit of Aokiji —ostensibly to "hunt down a defector navy officer," but Sengoku actually prevented it.
"Chasing down a Admiral?"
Sengoku looked at Akainu, his tone filled with undisguised sarcasm.
Do you think now is a good time to humiliate yourself?
"The navy has already embarrassed itself enough, and now they have to add another one?"
Akainu did not object, and the order was quietly cancelled.
When Roy received news of Aokiji's departure on Hachinosu, he was standing by the window looking at the sea.
Tesoro placed the intelligence report on the table, his tone flat:
" Aokiji left the Navy, alone, without joining any faction."
Akainu became the new Fleet Admiral, and upon assuming office, he announced a comprehensive expansion of the military.
Roy looked out the window and remained silent for a moment:
"It's a good thing for us that Aokiji left the Navy."
But don't try to win him over; he's not the kind of person who can be recruited.
Tesoro nodded. "What about Akainu's expansion plan?"
Let him expand.
It will be impossible for the navy to recover its strength within two or three years.
The faster he expands, the more internal loopholes he creates.
As for the newly recruited soldiers—by the time they are truly capable of fighting, the New World will be completely ours.
Akainu's military expansion plan came fiercely and swiftly.
The World Government allocated an astronomical sum of money, so large that the finance department felt the pinch for days.
Orders for new warships were being placed at major shipyards across the country, and construction blueprints for the new base were piling up like a small mountain in the blueprint room at the Marine Headquarters.
At the same time, an unprecedented recruitment advertisement began to appear in every corner of the Four Blues and the Grand Line.
"Join the Navy and defend justice!"
"Generous salary, systematic training, and transparent promotion channels! Those with Devil Fruit User will be given priority and excellent benefits!"
Numerous people from all over the Four Blues responded.
A long line formed in front of a recruitment point in a small town in the East Blue. A nineteen-year-old boy clutched his registration form, his palms sweating with nervousness.
A middle-aged man in his forties standing next to him appeared much more composed.
"I've been a bounty hunter for eight years, I'm experienced enough."
In the first half of the Grand Line, several young and powerful individuals who had distinguished themselves during their adventures also volunteered.
Among them are Fujitora Issho and Ryokugyu.
Fujitora Issho is a blind swordsman.
When he walked into the recruitment office with his cane, the officer in charge of registration was taken aback.
But when Fujitora casually swung his sword, slicing a target twenty meters away in two with a clean, mirror-like cut, the officer's jaw nearly dropped to the ground.
Ryokugyu, on the other hand, is a seemingly unkempt guy who successfully attracted the Navy's attention by relying on the power of his Logia Woods-Woods Fruit.
After being personally tested by Akainu, the two were promoted to Admiral.
"If you're strong enough, there's no need to dawdle." That was all Akainu said.
The navy's middle and lower ranks were replenished in a short period of time.
The number of warships has recovered to 80% of the pre-war level, and the Training Camp for new recruits are operating day and night.
But Akainu himself knew that while the quantity had increased, the quality still needed time to be refined.
He said to his staff officer, "It will take the Navy at least two years to recover to a level where it can fight Hachinosu."
Two years.
This timeline was like a thorn in Akainu's side. And Hachinosu wouldn't wait for them for two years.
The sea breeze of the New World is blowing from the east, carrying the sound of the Hachinosu flag fluttering.
"Notify all team leaders that there will be a meeting in one hour."
An hour later, a dozen or so people gathered again in the conference room at the headquarters of Hachinosu.
Roy stood at the head of the long table, with a chart of the New World behind him.
The area actually controlled by Hachinosu was marked in red on the nautical chart—approximately one-third of the New World.
The former territory of the Whitebeard Pirates, marked in yellow, is rapidly shrinking.
Blue represents Kaido's territory.
Green represents Shanks in Elbaf.
Gold is the territory of the Golden Lion.
And the neutral forces in the gray area who are still observing.
Our goal is to create New World with only one voice.
Roy made a few dots on the gray area with his pen.
"These forces that are still not convinced should either submit or be eliminated."
Any method is acceptable, efficiency is the priority.
Bullet raised his hand. "I'll lead a team."
"Sure. You pick the people; Savi and Pea will be in your group."
Bullet grinned. "Milk and meat, that's enough."
Hawk Eyes said, "I'll take Kuina."
Roy nodded:
"You two are in charge of the swordsmanship-related areas. Deal with tough opponents first."
Tesoro glanced at Enel:
"Shall we team up? Two lightning users, that should be very efficient."
Enel yawned. "Alright, I haven't had enough of exploring the New World yet."
Crocodile, a cigar dangling from his lips, leaned back in his chair. "I'll take Moria. We've teamed up before, so we'll work together without any problems."
Lucci crossed his arms. "The CP quartet will continue operating together. The assassination missions are ours."
Kuma nodded silently.
Kyros teamed up with him.
Jesus Burgess, Lafitte, and Van Augur exchanged glances and finalized their team formation.