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**Chapter 600: What Esdeath Saw and Heard!**
Northern Empire.
Just as the all-out war between the two sides was on the verge of breaking out, the Star Gate Base within the Snow Mountain welcomed two special guests.
Or rather.
Prisoners.
"Is that her, the Marine Admiral from The Empire? What a woman who likes to cause trouble."
Akainu Sakazuki, dressed in a red suit and a Black Justice Coat, stood before the Base Gate, looking down indifferently at the man and woman Kuzan had captured.
Among them, the man was Imperial Navy Vice Admiral Liver.
He was actually Esdeath's Adjutant, normally responsible for the actual duties of Marine Headquarters.
However, he was currently lying unconscious on a Stretcher carried by two Marine Soldiers wearing Winter Clothes, and his face and neck were covered in frostbite marks, making him look somewhat gruesome.
This was the result of Aokiji showing mercy and his own Physique being relatively strong.
As for the woman,
Of course, it was Esdeath herself. She had now been freed from the Frozen state by Aokiji, and her hands were wearing Seastone Handcuffs. This item was actually only symbolic.
It could neither seal Imperial Arms Ability nor truly restrain her hands.
As mentioned before, the Body Control Secret Technique from the Imperial Fist Temple had long been popularized among The Empire's Higher-ups. Whether they were Military Officers or Oarberg's assassins, they had more or less mastered it.
So Esdeath could completely control the bones or muscles in her wrists at will to break free from the Seastone Handcuffs' restraint.
But along the way, she was very well-behaved the entire time.
She didn't make trouble, didn't speak, and didn't play any tricks. She just quietly followed behind Aokiji and arrived here on the Marine Warship that followed.
However, Aokiji said quite a lot along the way.
First, he used a Visual Den Den Mushi on the ship to show Esdeath the 'World Government Introduction Video' produced by the Propaganda Department, giving her a deeper and more accurate understanding of the World Government.
He then showed her the 'World Basic Knowledge Video', also produced by the Propaganda Department, making her understand what the 'World' truly was.
The most important point was knowing what the Celestial Dragons Represented!
Finally, Esdeath finished watching the third video, which contained snippets of Footage (highlight reel) of the World Government's War process with the Kabaneri World, Demon Slayer World, and Titan World.
Whether it was the Living Dead Group from the Kabaneri World, the giant 'Black Smoke', or the Kabaneri who could release 'Fear Energy Bullet'.
Or the Man-Eating Demon, Demon Slayer Corps, and Muzan Kibutsuji from the Demon Slayer World.
Or the Pure Titan, Nine Titans, and the tens of thousands, boundless Large Army of 'The Rumbling' from the Titan World, all made Esdeath's heart surge with emotion and become unbearably Excited.
At that time, her Breathing was rapid, and the Desire/Longing and Fighting Intent emanating from her eyes made even Aokiji feel the heat and intensity.
At the same time.
Esdeath also witnessed the demeanor and Strength of many World Government figures possessing Admiral Level Combat Power from this video.
Edward Newgate, Garp, Akainu Sakazuki, Charlotte Linlin, Borsalino, Kaido, and the Aokiji before her – the Strength of each person left her dumbfounded.
Only then did she finally realize.
So she, who was the Strongest in the Imperial Arms World, was actually this weak?
So the World Government had many, many more individuals with Combat Power as strong as Aokiji, even too many to count on both hands?
Although Meilard had told her before how incredibly strong the World Government was, how could pale words compare to personal Experience and witnessing it firsthand?
Not to mention, Meilard's understanding of the World Government could only be considered the Tip of the Iceberg. She actually had no idea how truly powerful the World Government was!
And these were the reasons why Esdeath was so well-behaved, even without any resistance.
Because according to her deeply ingrained Three Views based on the 'Law of the Jungle', if she was defeated by Aokiji after giving her all, then she was now the weak one who suffered Defeat.
Therefore, as long as she didn't want to die, she should obey the other party's Order until she became Stronger one day and could find a way to win back.
As for The Empire, Esdeath believed she had already given her all, so she had no regrets.
After all.
She wasn't someone who was blindly loyal to The Empire and the Emperor like Bud.
"This person..."
Esdeath didn't care about Akainu's Attitude at all, because this was inherently the Privilege of a Powerhouse.
However, this didn't mean she would be timid. Instead, she raised her head and brazenly sized up the other party's tall Body Size, which was also around three meters, thinking to herself.
"This person should be the World Government's Army Headquarters Admiral, 'Akainu' Sakazuki. Judging from his performance in that Footage, he should also be a so-called Logia System Devil Fruit User, except the Elements he controls are Magma."
She understood that she probably couldn't beat this person either.
This cruel reality, while making Esdeath feel a bit helpless, also filled her Heart with anticipation and confidence for her Future.
Aokiji didn't kill her on the spot but instead Capture Alive her and brought her to the Star Gate Base. That Represented a high probability that the World Government was preparing to recruit her.
That Represented Hope, the Hope to continue becoming Stronger, and the Hope to be able to participate in the Conquest of Other Worlds!
"Arararara~ Her name is Esdeath. She caused me quite a bit of trouble before, and it wasn't easy to bring her back. Now I still have to Escort her for a while, which is a bit troublesome..."
Kuzan, with his hands in his clean white Pocket, sighed helplessly to Akainu Sakazuki.
He then pointed to Vice Admiral Liver lying on the Stretcher.
"As for him, he'll be handed over to your Base Hospital for treatment. He's a good guy. We're very interested in him and his Imperial Arms Ability. You know, the Marines have been getting fewer and fewer Talent in recent years~"
Saying this, Kuzan glanced at Akainu Sakazuki intentionally or unintentionally.
"It's all for Justice, just dispense with the meaningless complaints!"
Akainu Sakazuki snorted coldly, then turned and walked back into the Base with his Adjutant, Shiryu, following behind. He had come out to greet them this time just to take a look at Esdeath.
Because the News about the massive Blizzard that covered the entire Southeast Sea region of The Empire had been sent back immediately through the Sea Ninja and Cipher Pol.
Such a large Ability range was already Stronger than theirs, the Logia System Admirals who were always called 'Humanoid Natural Disaster', so it was inevitable that they would be curious.
But seeing Kuzan completely unharmed, he immediately lost interest in Esdeath again.
Her Main Body Strength was too weak!
As for the Justice he spoke of, it was naturally the 'World Government Justice', or it could be said, the 'Justice of the Sea Star'. Now this slogan was becoming increasingly widespread within the Military.
There was no other way. These Soldiers truly needed a reason to support their actions of invading Other Worlds.
And the best reason was to fight for their own Positional Interest!
"An enemy Marine Admiral, huh? What a pity, I wish I could have gone. Maybe I would have had a chance to let 'Raiu' taste the flavor of Admiral's Blood~"
Shiryu looked at Esdeath with a face full of regret, then gave a Shake Head and followed Akainu Sakazuki.
"Such dense Killing Intent, it's practically a humanoid mass of Plasma!"
Esdeath maintained a calm exterior, but her Heart was filled with shock. Just now, while the other party was Speaking, she felt a nearly tangible Killing Intent. That Feeling almost made her unable to resist attacking first.
"Who is he?"
Hearing Esdeath's question, Kuzan rubbed the back of his head helplessly.
"Akainu Sakazuki's Adjutant, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Shiryu of the Rain. He's a murderer, and his Attitude is a bit nasty, but don't take it to Heart. He wouldn't dare make a move."
"Are you saying I might not even be able to beat a Vice Admiral?" Esdeath raised an eyebrow.
"That seems to be the case. Your Haki is too weak."
Kuzan nodded without hesitation.
"Also, that move you claim can Freeze Time and Space... I have a Feeling it would be difficult to have any Effect on our Vice Admirals who have mastered Armament Haki Full Hardening. Let's find a time to test it once you officially join us."
"..."
Esdeath immediately fell silent, but then heard Kuzan call out, "Let's go. Your destination isn't here. There's still some distance to travel."
(End of this chapter)
Northern Empire.
Just as the all-out war between the two sides was on the verge of breaking out, the Star Gate Base within the Snow Mountain welcomed two special guests.
Or rather.
Prisoners.
"Is that her, the Marine Admiral from The Empire? What a woman who likes to cause trouble."
Akainu Sakazuki, dressed in a red suit and a Black Justice Coat, stood before the Base Gate, looking down indifferently at the man and woman Kuzan had captured.
Among them, the man was Imperial Navy Vice Admiral Liver.
He was actually Esdeath's Adjutant, normally responsible for the actual duties of Marine Headquarters.
However, he was currently lying unconscious on a Stretcher carried by two Marine Soldiers wearing Winter Clothes, and his face and neck were covered in frostbite marks, making him look somewhat gruesome.
This was the result of Aokiji showing mercy and his own Physique being relatively strong.
As for the woman,
Of course, it was Esdeath herself. She had now been freed from the Frozen state by Aokiji, and her hands were wearing Seastone Handcuffs. This item was actually only symbolic.
It could neither seal Imperial Arms Ability nor truly restrain her hands.
As mentioned before, the Body Control Secret Technique from the Imperial Fist Temple had long been popularized among The Empire's Higher-ups. Whether they were Military Officers or Oarberg's assassins, they had more or less mastered it.
So Esdeath could completely control the bones or muscles in her wrists at will to break free from the Seastone Handcuffs' restraint.
But along the way, she was very well-behaved the entire time.
She didn't make trouble, didn't speak, and didn't play any tricks. She just quietly followed behind Aokiji and arrived here on the Marine Warship that followed.
However, Aokiji said quite a lot along the way.
First, he used a Visual Den Den Mushi on the ship to show Esdeath the 'World Government Introduction Video' produced by the Propaganda Department, giving her a deeper and more accurate understanding of the World Government.
He then showed her the 'World Basic Knowledge Video', also produced by the Propaganda Department, making her understand what the 'World' truly was.
The most important point was knowing what the Celestial Dragons Represented!
Finally, Esdeath finished watching the third video, which contained snippets of Footage (highlight reel) of the World Government's War process with the Kabaneri World, Demon Slayer World, and Titan World.
Whether it was the Living Dead Group from the Kabaneri World, the giant 'Black Smoke', or the Kabaneri who could release 'Fear Energy Bullet'.
Or the Man-Eating Demon, Demon Slayer Corps, and Muzan Kibutsuji from the Demon Slayer World.
Or the Pure Titan, Nine Titans, and the tens of thousands, boundless Large Army of 'The Rumbling' from the Titan World, all made Esdeath's heart surge with emotion and become unbearably Excited.
At that time, her Breathing was rapid, and the Desire/Longing and Fighting Intent emanating from her eyes made even Aokiji feel the heat and intensity.
At the same time.
Esdeath also witnessed the demeanor and Strength of many World Government figures possessing Admiral Level Combat Power from this video.
Edward Newgate, Garp, Akainu Sakazuki, Charlotte Linlin, Borsalino, Kaido, and the Aokiji before her – the Strength of each person left her dumbfounded.
Only then did she finally realize.
So she, who was the Strongest in the Imperial Arms World, was actually this weak?
So the World Government had many, many more individuals with Combat Power as strong as Aokiji, even too many to count on both hands?
Although Meilard had told her before how incredibly strong the World Government was, how could pale words compare to personal Experience and witnessing it firsthand?
Not to mention, Meilard's understanding of the World Government could only be considered the Tip of the Iceberg. She actually had no idea how truly powerful the World Government was!
And these were the reasons why Esdeath was so well-behaved, even without any resistance.
Because according to her deeply ingrained Three Views based on the 'Law of the Jungle', if she was defeated by Aokiji after giving her all, then she was now the weak one who suffered Defeat.
Therefore, as long as she didn't want to die, she should obey the other party's Order until she became Stronger one day and could find a way to win back.
As for The Empire, Esdeath believed she had already given her all, so she had no regrets.
After all.
She wasn't someone who was blindly loyal to The Empire and the Emperor like Bud.
"This person..."
Esdeath didn't care about Akainu's Attitude at all, because this was inherently the Privilege of a Powerhouse.
However, this didn't mean she would be timid. Instead, she raised her head and brazenly sized up the other party's tall Body Size, which was also around three meters, thinking to herself.
"This person should be the World Government's Army Headquarters Admiral, 'Akainu' Sakazuki. Judging from his performance in that Footage, he should also be a so-called Logia System Devil Fruit User, except the Elements he controls are Magma."
She understood that she probably couldn't beat this person either.
This cruel reality, while making Esdeath feel a bit helpless, also filled her Heart with anticipation and confidence for her Future.
Aokiji didn't kill her on the spot but instead Capture Alive her and brought her to the Star Gate Base. That Represented a high probability that the World Government was preparing to recruit her.
That Represented Hope, the Hope to continue becoming Stronger, and the Hope to be able to participate in the Conquest of Other Worlds!
"Arararara~ Her name is Esdeath. She caused me quite a bit of trouble before, and it wasn't easy to bring her back. Now I still have to Escort her for a while, which is a bit troublesome..."
Kuzan, with his hands in his clean white Pocket, sighed helplessly to Akainu Sakazuki.
He then pointed to Vice Admiral Liver lying on the Stretcher.
"As for him, he'll be handed over to your Base Hospital for treatment. He's a good guy. We're very interested in him and his Imperial Arms Ability. You know, the Marines have been getting fewer and fewer Talent in recent years~"
Saying this, Kuzan glanced at Akainu Sakazuki intentionally or unintentionally.
"It's all for Justice, just dispense with the meaningless complaints!"
Akainu Sakazuki snorted coldly, then turned and walked back into the Base with his Adjutant, Shiryu, following behind. He had come out to greet them this time just to take a look at Esdeath.
Because the News about the massive Blizzard that covered the entire Southeast Sea region of The Empire had been sent back immediately through the Sea Ninja and Cipher Pol.
Such a large Ability range was already Stronger than theirs, the Logia System Admirals who were always called 'Humanoid Natural Disaster', so it was inevitable that they would be curious.
But seeing Kuzan completely unharmed, he immediately lost interest in Esdeath again.
Her Main Body Strength was too weak!
As for the Justice he spoke of, it was naturally the 'World Government Justice', or it could be said, the 'Justice of the Sea Star'. Now this slogan was becoming increasingly widespread within the Military.
There was no other way. These Soldiers truly needed a reason to support their actions of invading Other Worlds.
And the best reason was to fight for their own Positional Interest!
"An enemy Marine Admiral, huh? What a pity, I wish I could have gone. Maybe I would have had a chance to let 'Raiu' taste the flavor of Admiral's Blood~"
Shiryu looked at Esdeath with a face full of regret, then gave a Shake Head and followed Akainu Sakazuki.
"Such dense Killing Intent, it's practically a humanoid mass of Plasma!"
Esdeath maintained a calm exterior, but her Heart was filled with shock. Just now, while the other party was Speaking, she felt a nearly tangible Killing Intent. That Feeling almost made her unable to resist attacking first.
"Who is he?"
Hearing Esdeath's question, Kuzan rubbed the back of his head helplessly.
"Akainu Sakazuki's Adjutant, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Shiryu of the Rain. He's a murderer, and his Attitude is a bit nasty, but don't take it to Heart. He wouldn't dare make a move."
"Are you saying I might not even be able to beat a Vice Admiral?" Esdeath raised an eyebrow.
"That seems to be the case. Your Haki is too weak."
Kuzan nodded without hesitation.
"Also, that move you claim can Freeze Time and Space... I have a Feeling it would be difficult to have any Effect on our Vice Admirals who have mastered Armament Haki Full Hardening. Let's find a time to test it once you officially join us."
"..."
Esdeath immediately fell silent, but then heard Kuzan call out, "Let's go. Your destination isn't here. There's still some distance to travel."
(End of this chapter)
