Chapter 76: Aokiji Is Defeated

### Chapter 76: Aokiji Is Defeated

On the battlefield, darkness continued to consume the surrounding elements. No matter how much Dragon, Aokiji, and Aramaki increased their output, they couldn't stop the relentless advance of Carl's power.

Of the three, Dragon bore the brunt of the pressure.

The wind should be free, boundless. Yet, against Carl's endless darkness, it was confined, its reach shrinking by the second. This wasn't just suppression by a Devil Fruit—it was a clear display of the difference in strength between them.

The spectators could see it too. While the overwhelming nature of the **Dark-Dark Fruit** was undeniable, the real spectacle was Carl's sheer dominance.

Borsalino, lazily munching on a banana, nudged Akainu.

"That Dragon must be feeling pretty down. His wind speed means nothing against the darkness."

Akainu, arms crossed, responded without looking away.

"Indeed. I still remember the day Carl first arrived—"

"Alright, no need to elaborate," Borsalino interrupted, waving a hand. "Let's just watch. How long do you think they can hold out?"

Akainu's gaze lingered on Carl, who stood in the center of the battlefield, perfectly composed.

"It depends on when Carl decides he's had enough fun," he said flatly. "He hasn't even drawn his sword yet."

As the two spoke, the darkness crept ever closer to the three struggling future Marines. Dragon gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his brow.

"Don't just stand there!" he barked. "If you can't use Haki, attack from a distance! Avoid direct contact with his body!"

Without waiting, Dragon turned into a **gust of wind**, soaring skyward. He didn't dare let Carl's **Universal Pull** drag him down again.

Aramaki sprouted a **giant dandelion** from his back, lifting himself into the air. Aokiji formed an **enormous icicle** beneath his feet, riding it upward.

But even at this height, the gravity of the **darkness** still pulled at them.

Aokiji was in the worst position. His ice platform was cracking—breaking apart under Carl's relentless force.

Dragon, his lower body still a swirling cyclone, raised his arms. **Cyan wind blades** formed in his palms, their edges sharp enough to slice steel.

Aramaki extended both arms, **thick tree-like spears** growing from his hands. They gleamed with Armament Haki, their tips long and razor-sharp.

"Spear Tree!"

Aokiji, gathering his energy, exhaled a freezing breath, conjuring a massive ice bird.

"**Ice Age!**"

The three attacks **descended at once**.

Even the watching Admirals stiffened at the sight. The sheer force behind the attacks was undeniable.

Logia powers, wielded at their full potential, were truly terrifying.

But despite the overwhelming display, Zephyr and his students remained calm.

Carl hadn't moved.

Just as the attacks were about to strike, a **dazzling white light** radiated from Carl's body.

Zephyr and Garp exchanged serious looks.

"Brace yourselves," Zephyr murmured.

Carl **raised a hand.**

**"Shinra Tensei."**

A massive force exploded outward.

The three **combined attacks shattered instantly**—as if crushed by an invisible hand.

The shockwave struck Dragon, Aokiji, and Aramaki head-on, sending them **plummeting** toward the ground.

Dragon and Aramaki managed to stabilize themselves mid-air.

Aokiji **did not**.

He hit the ground **hard**, his body breaking into countless shards of ice.

The darkness immediately surged toward him.

Struggling, his form barely holding together, Aokiji **shouted desperately**—

"Senior Carl, I surrender!"

Instantly, the darkness receded.

Aokiji quickly **reformed**, gasping as he looked up at Carl. His expression was a mixture of exhaustion, admiration, and defeat.

Carl stepped forward and **offered him a hand**.

Aokiji hesitated—then took it.

Carl pulled him up with ease, his expression reassuring.

"You did well," he said simply.

Aokiji lowered his head.

"I'm too weak..."

Carl patted his shoulder, eyes full of encouragement.

"Don't underestimate yourself," he said. "You did a great job."

Aokiji stared at him.

At that moment, **Carl shone brighter than the sun**.

He was powerful—so far beyond them—but he didn't look down on them.

And for the first time, Aokiji understood.

Losing to Carl wasn't something to be ashamed of.

It was just another step forward.

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+65 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg

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