Chapter 25: Chapter 24 Back To Marine Branch
As Aizen boarded Garp's ship, the tension in the air began to dissipate. The Roger Pirates, still lingering in their territory, were left stunned by the events that had just unfolded.
---
**On Roger's Ship**
The deck of the Oro Jackson was eerily silent as the crew processed what they had just witnessed.
"How dare a Marine venture into our territory alone?" One pirate muttered. "And so brazenly at that. Does he think so little of the Roger Pirates?"
But as the oppressive presence of Aizen's Reiatsu faded, the crew finally began to move freely again.
Rayleigh, his expression unreadable, stepped forward. "That kid...is he really Marine? And he's been sailing alone in the New World for three months?"
His voice carried both astonishment and disbelief. The New World was no place for the faint-hearted, let alone a single Marine, and certainly not a student.
Roger, leaning against the ship's mast, chuckled lightly. "Marine or not, he's no ordinary boy. Did you see his swordsmanship? He not only survived against you, Rayleigh, but he also learned from you in real-time. His talent is terrifying."
The crew murmured their agreement, still replaying the battle in their minds.
Rayleigh nodded. "It's not just talent. That kid has an unshakable resolve. If nothing else, Marine's faith in him makes sense. Garp following him to the New World isn't just protection—it's an investment."
Roger smirked. "He's got the qualities of a future Marine Admiral, no doubt. Maybe even the greatest in Marine history."
Rayleigh frowned slightly but didn't disagree. "Still, if Garp wasn't around, we might have—"
"No, Rayleigh," Roger interrupted. His tone turned serious. "Let him go. It's not our place to interfere. Besides, there's no malice in him. He's just finding his path."
With a wave of his hand, Roger gave the order to set sail. "Let's leave the kid to his journey. We have our own to worry about."
---
**On Garp's Ship**
"Vice Admiral Garp," Aizen greeted casually as he stepped aboard the Marine ship. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the chaos he had just left behind.
Garp, arms crossed, shot him a pointed look. "You've got guts, kid, wandering the New World like this! Do you have any idea how dangerous this place is?"
Aizen smiled gently. "It's been an enlightening journey. My strength has grown significantly in these three months."
Garp snorted but didn't hide the relief on his face. "Still, this place isn't a playground. The New World is a den of monsters. Keep stirring things up, and you'll bite off more than you can chew."
"I understand, Vice Admiral," Aizen replied. His tone was respectful, but his confidence was unwavering.
Garp's eyes narrowed. "I've heard you've been making waves. Golden Lion, Whitebeard...you've managed to cross paths with all the wrong people. Lucky for you, those two are busy tearing the New World apart right now. Stay out of their way until things settle down."
Aizen nodded thoughtfully. "Agreed. There's no point getting involved in their conflict. My time is better spent honing my skills."
Garp let out a booming laugh, patting Aizen on the shoulder. "Good! Glad to see you've got some sense. Now let's head back to base. Sengoku and the others are already moving. We'll take up guard duty there."
The ship began its journey, the tension easing as Garp's jovial laughter filled the air.
---
**Reflections**
Standing at the ship's railing, Aizen gazed out at the vast expanse of sea. His mind raced with calculations.
"In three months, I've grown immensely," he mused. "But it's still not enough. Admiral-level strength is my immediate goal, but I must surpass even that."
His thoughts shifted to the individuals who had caught his attention: the Evil King, Byrnndi World, Big Mom, and even Shanks in his youth. Each was a stepping stone, a test of his evolving power.
But for now, he would bide his time. The New World was volatile, and patience would yield greater rewards.
"One step at a time," he murmured, gripping the hilt of his Zanpakutō. His gaze sharpened. "When the time comes, I'll stand at the pinnacle of this world."
As the Marine ship sailed through the turbulent waters of the New World, Aizen's path became clearer. His journey was just beginning, but the foundations of his future dominance were already being laid.