One Piece: I'm not Roger

Aether's sharp gaze suddenly ignited with overwhelming battle intent.

The pressure erupting from him caused even the upper limits of his Conqueror's Haki to fluctuate violently. His Haki intensified layer by layer, catching Golden Lion Shiki completely off guard before the old pirate's lips slowly curled into a savage grin.

Dark red lightning exploded through the air as their Conqueror's Haki collided in midair.

Neither of them allowed the shockwaves to spread toward the surrounding ships, but even with restraint, the terrifying pressure forced many nearby pirates to retreat several steps.

Fortunately, the sky today was completely clear.

Otherwise, the violent collision between two monsters of their caliber might have split the heavens apart once again.

Golden Lion Shiki's restored Peak Haki genuinely interested Aether.

Just as he was preparing to test the old lion properly, a blue flame suddenly flashed between them.

Marco appeared directly in the middle of the confrontation.

Among everyone present, only Marco possessed the strength necessary to interfere with two monsters acting recklessly.

The commander spread his phoenix wings while enduring the pressure of both Conqueror's Haki users at once.

"Enough already," Marco said helplessly. "The Marine fleet has arrived."

"Oh? They're here already?"

The two immediately shifted their attention toward the sea.

Sure enough, ten massive Marine warships had appeared on the distant horizon.

This location was close to G-1, the Marines' primary stronghold in the New World, and it was also the agreed location for the exchange. Otherwise, the Marines would never dare to send a massive fleet deep into Yonko territory, and Aether likewise had no intention of allowing himself to be surrounded and hunted by the Marines at all costs.

Aether slowly suppressed his urge to beat some humility into the old lion and spoke with a mocking smile.

"Shiki, I'll let you off this time. Otherwise, I would've reminded you what defeat feels like again. You really never learn, considering you already lost twice to a man from East Blue."

"Hmph, keep talking," Shiki snorted arrogantly. "I'm not afraid of you."

The two legendary pirates bickered like old rivals, leaving Marco completely speechless.

Both men were well over seventy years old, yet they still behaved like children provoking each other.

…

As the fleets gradually approached one another, Aether finally got a clear look at the Marine lineup.

Three figures stood prominently atop the leading warships.

Marine Hero Garp.

Admiral Akainu.

Admiral Aokiji.

The remaining seven warships carried Marine Vice Admirals.

Aside from those three top-tier monsters, every Marine present wore a vigilant expression as though facing a great enemy.

Aether narrowed his eyes slightly.

The Marines' combat power was terrifying enough to annihilate an ordinary Emperor crew entirely. Even he would face genuine danger if he confronted such a force head-on.

Clearly, the World Government had issued strict orders.

Otherwise, the Marines would never mobilize such an overwhelming lineup merely for the sake of two Celestial Dragons.

Right now, only Kizaru was absent from the three Admirals.

Still, Aether highly suspected that the light monkey was nearby and simply hiding himself for the right opportunity. If battle truly erupted, Kizaru could instantly appear and attempt to rescue the Celestial Dragons while catching them off guard.

Floating beside Aether, Golden Lion Shiki grinned with interest.

"Roger, it's Garp leading the fleet himself. This lineup isn't simple. Do you think they're planning to start a war?"

Ever since returning to the seas, Shiki had thoroughly updated himself on current events.

He understood very clearly that even he would be forced to flee if surrounded by such a military force alone.

Aether answered casually,

"They probably won't act recklessly. The two Celestial Dragons are still in our hands. The World Government won't allow Garp and the others to gamble with their lives."

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Of course, if Garp decides to follow his own temper instead, then there's nothing we can do."

Marco nodded in agreement.

Although the Marines possessed overwhelming strength, their side was not weak either.

If war truly erupted, then regardless of the final victor, the Celestial Dragons would absolutely die during the chaos.

Just as Aether believed the exchange would proceed smoothly, Garp suddenly acted.

The old Marine hero grabbed an enormous black iron cannonball and hurled it across the sea with terrifying force.

The sheer size of the projectile was enough to destroy a warship instantly.

"Roger!"

Garp's booming voice echoed over the ocean.

"Take this greeting gift from the old man!"

The sight immediately made Aether suspicious of Garp's intentions.

As someone who openly despised the Celestial Dragons, it was entirely possible that the old man secretly wanted them dead.

Before Aether could even move, Golden Lion Shiki had already acted first.

With a flick of his fingers, the massive iron ball abruptly stopped midair.

At the same time, Shiki drew his blade.

The sea beneath the Marine fleet instantly erupted into a monstrous tidal wave shaped like a giant lion's head as it surged violently toward them.

The overwhelming attack caused countless Marines to tense nervously.

Garp's smile faded slightly.

"So that old lion really is here," he muttered. "Looks like the intelligence wasn't wrong after all. I thought Shiki's pride wouldn't allow him to cooperate with anyone."

Before the enormous wave could crash down, freezing cold spread across the ocean.

The entire sea instantly transformed into solid ice.

Aokiji stood near the front of the fleet with one hand pressed against the frozen surface.

Within a radius of several kilometers, everything had become an icy wasteland.

Despite the rough sea conditions, the ocean had frozen completely in an instant.

The overwhelming power of a Logia Admiral caused many pirates to shiver involuntarily.

Meanwhile, Garp casually grabbed another cannonball as if preparing to throw it again.

Seeing this, Aokiji immediately spoke up.

"Garp-san, stop causing trouble."

The Admiral sounded genuinely tired.

"If the Celestial Dragons die here, dealing with the World Government afterward will become a massive headache."

"Hmph."

Garp clicked his tongue irritably.

"You brat Aokiji worries too much. Whether those Celestial Dragons live or die has nothing to do with us Marines."

Even so, he still lowered the cannonball.

Besides the Celestial Dragons, Momousagi was also being held hostage by the enemy.

The Marines could not afford unnecessary risks.

At that moment, Golden Lion suddenly floated arrogantly above the Marine fleet and burst into loud laughter.

"Hahahaha! What happened, Garp? Why'd you stop?"

Shiki pointed downward mockingly.

"After all, besides the two Celestial Dragons in our hands, we've also got that little girl who follows Tsuru around everywhere, Momousagi. You Marines wouldn't dare move recklessly with so many hostages involved."

Then the old lion shamelessly added,

"Meanwhile, you only have one of Roger's women on your side, which barely matters anyway!"

"… "

Aether's face darkened instantly.

Not only had Shiki mocked Garp, he had also dragged him into the nonsense.

What did he mean by "one of his women"?

And what exactly was "barely matters"?

The old lion made him sound like some heartless pirate who collected women everywhere.

A silver chain suddenly shot through the air.

Before Shiki could react, the Chain of Heaven wrapped around him tightly and yanked him backward.

Aether had genuinely reached the limit of his patience.

If Shiki continued speaking nonsense, Aether suspected he and Garp might temporarily unite just to beat the old lion first.

Ignoring Shiki's protests, Aether looked toward the Marine fleet and shouted,

"Garp, enough wasting time. Let's exchange the hostages."

The moment those words entered Garp's ears, the old Marine hero's face grew uglier.

An outstanding Marine like Momousagi being reduced to a bargaining chip against pirates was humiliating for the entire Marine organization.

When Garp first heard the news, he had nearly exploded with rage. Sengoku himself had needed to calm him down.

Otherwise, the old soldier might have stormed directly into enemy territory alone.

"Roger, you bastard," Garp growled. "One day, I'm definitely arresting you."

Aether casually cleaned his ear with his finger before replying indifferently,

"Stop dreaming, Garp. Your strength has already declined. You're no longer my opponent."

His smile widened slightly.

"You old relic should just retire and spend time taking care of your grandchildren."

"Damn you, Roger…"

Although Garp hated admitting it, seeing Aether standing there in his prime while he himself aged further every year left a bitter feeling in his chest.

Even legends could not defeat time forever.

"Aokiji," Garp muttered irritably, "you handle the rest."

Clearly frustrated by his own aging, the old Marine hero handed responsibility over to the Admiral.

…

Soon afterward, both sides finally brought out their hostages.

Hina appeared on the Marine side.

Without her usual composed military appearance, she looked visibly exhausted and far more fragile than before. The elegant red dress she wore only emphasized the fatigue hidden beneath her expression.

Meanwhile, the two Celestial Dragons on Aether's side looked utterly miserable.

Their bodies were bruised black and blue, and even their protective helmets had been smashed apart.

Naturally, Aether himself was responsible for that.

Partly because he wanted additional experience points.

Mostly because he simply enjoyed beating Celestial Dragons.