"Tsk, looks like Vice Admiral Aokiji has no chance of catching my partner now," Mio said, the corners of his lips curling up slightly in mock regret. "If I had known there were Celestial Dragons nearby, I wouldn't have let myself get caught earlier. With those guys around, escaping feels a lot easier."
Aokiji ignored Mio's jab, his face darkening as he looked toward the Celestial Dragons. He was clearly irritated.
Why are these people here?
Celestial Dragons were supposed to stay in the Holy Land or, at the very least, travel only through well-secured and monitored routes. Their movements were supposed to be strictly supervised to avoid any danger and to ensure reinforcements could be dispatched quickly if necessary.
But no such report had come in. No alert. No message.
So what the hell is going on here?
His gaze fell on the Celestial Dragon now being gripped by Warwick. Helplessness flickered across Aokiji's eyes. He already understood—capturing all the Black Crow Pirates today was no longer possible.
The Celestial Dragon also spotted Aokiji at this time and began shouting in a shrill, entitled voice. "You! Navy! I remember your face. Hurry up and save me! These criminals dared lay a hand on me! I order you to execute them—now!"
Aokiji didn't respond to the Celestial Dragon's demands. He looked toward the deck of the Black Glory, his voice low and steady. "Let him go."
Lilith met his gaze calmly. "Sure. But how about you release our captain first?"
Aokiji's face remained neutral. "You think I believe you'll kill him?"
Lilith laughed and shrugged. "Of course not. If we killed him, we'd have no way to escape."
"In that case…" Aokiji's eyes grew sharper. "You already know I won't let him go."
Suddenly, Aokiji raised his hand. In an instant, ice began spreading across the ocean surface, freezing a narrow road extending far into the distance.
His voice turned cold. "Put him down within half an hour."
His meaning was clear—he was giving the Black Crow Pirates thirty minutes to leave. After that, they must release the Celestial Dragon.
As for arresting all of them? That idea was off the table now.
If I endanger a Celestial Dragon's life, I'll be finished, Aokiji thought grimly. No matter how strong I am or how close I am to promotion, the Celestial Dragons' authority in the World Government is far too great.
Despite their idiotic behavior, not all Celestial Dragons were truly brainless. They couldn't have ruled the world for over 800 years if that were the case.
Still, Aokiji couldn't shake off the unease in his heart.
Why did a Celestial Dragon suddenly appear in this sea?
Was this a setup?
He inhaled slowly, pushing the thought aside. For now, there was no point thinking about it. He simply waited.
On the Black Glory, the crew exchanged glances. After a moment, Lilith looked deeply at Mio, then turned toward the helm. "Let's go."
The ship slowly turned away, sailing into the horizon.
Soon, the Black Glory disappeared from view.
Aokiji looked at Mio, who stood beside him. "Your partners just left you behind like that. No hard feelings?"
"Left me?" Mio smiled faintly. "Maybe they're going to figure out how to rescue me later."
Aokiji stared at him. "Even if they want to… they don't have the strength. Impel Down isn't a place you can just break into. If they come, they'll just be your cellmates."
He studied Mio's face carefully. Something about this guy felt off.
Is he hiding something?
Planning something?
Does he want to go to Impel Down on purpose?
But what could he gain from being locked away under constant surveillance by Den Den Mushi?
Despite his suspicions, Aokiji had no justification to let Mio go—or detain him based solely on a gut feeling.
"Ah…" Aokiji let out a soft sigh. This world's getting more complicated. People too.
He pulled out his Millet Den Den Mushi and made a call.
About half an hour later, a warship arrived.
A single marine approached, carrying seastone handcuffs. Aokiji had learned from last time—not bringing too many people this time to avoid any further hostage situations.
With a thought, the ice binding Mio melted away.
"Cuff him," Aokiji ordered.
"Yes, sir."
The marine stepped forward and locked the cuffs around Mio's wrists.
Mio glanced at the cuffs with mild amusement and murmured inwardly, Time to test my acting skills.
The moment the seastone clamped down, Mio's body slumped slightly, his posture weakening as though his strength had been drained.
Aokiji watched, nodded slightly, and finally relaxed.
He really is a Devil Fruit user. If he's bound and kept under strict watch in Impel Down, he won't be able to stir up any trouble.
Still… just in case…
I'd better ask Fleet Admiral Sengoku to dispatch a few extra guards to Impel Down, he thought. If Mio's crew really tries a rescue, it could be messy.
Aokiji particularly remembered the massive underwater monster among Mio's companions. An assault from beneath could complicate things.
After considering it for a moment, he shook his head and turned to the marine. He pointed to the icy path he had formed across the sea.
"Take some men and follow that path. The Celestial Dragon is over there. Bring him back."
Then, he shoved Mio toward the warship without another word. He had no desire to face the Celestial Dragon's tantrum again. Once he became an admiral, maybe he could ignore them—but not yet.
Another half hour passed.
The Celestial Dragon was retrieved, and the warship slowly set sail.
Meanwhile, in Water 7…
Aboard a discreet vessel docked on the shore, a man sat alone in his room. In front of him, a Millet Den Den Mushi clicked softly.
A small note emerged from its mouth.
The man picked it up and glanced at the message. Two words.
"It's done."
After reading it, he burned the note and stood up.
Outside the room, two men in black suits and sunglasses waited silently. Their presence exuded strength and alertness.
Upon seeing the man emerge, they both bowed deeply. "Mr. Vegapunk, sir. Any instructions?"
Vegapunk nodded casually. "Let's go for a walk around the island."
"Yes, sir."
They left the ship together. A while later, Vegapunk returned—now carrying an unfamiliar Millet Den Den Mushi under his arm.
"Where to next, sir?" one of the black-suited men asked respectfully.
Vegapunk narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "Impel Down. I need to find some… suitable research materials."
The man nodded. "Do you require ability users, or non-ability users? I can have Impel Down prepare dossiers."
Vegapunk waved dismissively. "No need. I'll decide after I take a look myself."
"Yes, sir."
Moments later, their ship departed Water 7—its destination: the infamous Impel Down.