Chapter 18: Put Some Respect On Akainu's Name!

Akainu endured the pain of his nearly bisected body and spread his arms open for Daemon to slash again. This scene instantly triggered Miyuki Uchiha, who couldn't help but shout with excitement.

It was just like those iconic moments:

Zoro to Dracule Mihawk: "Wounds on the back are a swordsman's shame!"

Yujiro to Miyamoto Musashi: "Come!"

In One Piece and Baki, both characters are heroic supporting powerhouses. So when they say something like that, it's hype — no dissonance.

But Akainu, being one of the main antagonists in One Piece, a cold, ruthless military man, saying such a thing created a massive sense of contrast. For someone like Miyuki Uchiha, familiar with the original canon, it was wildly entertaining.

Strangely enough, Esdeath and Luo Hao — two empress-tier tyrants — had a better impression of Akainu after this.

Esdeath: "An iron-blooded soldier. No matter whose side he's on, that kind of resolve is worthy of respect."

Luo Hao: "This magma brat has the heart of a true warrior. Even many god-slayers pale in comparison. Were he not bound by the limits of his world, his achievements might be greater."

Coming from Luo Hao, a 200+ year old God-slayer, this praise alone was enough for Akainu to hold his head high.

Daemon, of course, didn't disappoint him.

"Alright then… one more strike!"

This time, he didn't use the Divine Banishment — a reality-severing conceptual weapon akin to Ea from Fate. He didn't want to actually kill Akainu, just mark him.

So, a basic swing.

Schlaaak—

Blood gushed. A new, one-meter gash formed an X-shape with the previous wound.

Even though Daemon didn't coat the blade with Haki, his Mystic Code-level Noble Phantasm still broke through. Whether it was the divine energy Daemon carried, or simply the higher-layer mystery overpowering the lower-tier, the outcome was clear.

BOOM!

Akainu collapsed in a pool of blood, pale but proud. He looked up at Daemon, eyes serious: "Next time… I won't lose so easily."

"Really? I'll be waiting," Daemon chuckled. He knew deep down that the gap would only widen, but he didn't say it. No need to crush the man.

Instead, he reached into his Divine Vault — his personalized version of the Gate of Babylon, a space filled with treasures he'd collected, mostly from the Undersea Prison raid.

Among the mostly junk-tier loot, there was one item worth giving.

Enhancement Pendant

Type: Self-Buffing Noble Phantasm

Tier: Low-Intermediate

Effect: Temporarily doubles physical strength, stamina, and energy output. Synthesized with Hermes' hand.

Daemon had gotten it from a random Level 4 prisoner. For him, it was trash — weaker than Hercules' Girdle or Berserker's Mad Enhancement Core. But for Akainu, it was a game-changer.

"Take this, Sakazuki," Daemon said, tossing him the pendant. "A reward for your loyalty in the prison raid."

Akainu's eyes widened. Feeling his power swell from within, he was stunned. As a Logia user, gaining strength was slow and painful — years of grind. This trinket gave him 10 years of power gain instantly.

He dropped to one knee, clutching the pendant, blood trailing from his lips.

"Daemon-sama…" he said, fervent. "If you allow me to keep slaying pirates, I'll pledge myself to you… forever!!"

The room burst into applause and laughter. Miyuki Uchiha clapped wildly, while the others offered their cheers.

Daemon ended the broadcast and returned to his chamber — accompanied, of course, by Stussy.

Akainu went to the med bay.

But Stussy… she knelt before Daemon, sweat beading her forehead. A brazier burned beside her, and inside it, a searing-hot branding iron.

"I know you're a clone," Daemon said nonchalantly, lounging on the bed. "Vegapunk's little mole."

She didn't dare deny it.

"Afraid? Or do you regret being caught?"

Still, no reply.

Daemon sighed, amused. "Last chance. Swear allegiance, or I'll split you in half and feed the parts to Sea Kings."

"I…"

Tears welled in Stussy's eyes. She looked pitiful — delicate.

But Daemon wasn't moved. Power was the language of this world, and mercy was for fools.

"I… will give everything to you."

"That's better."

He motioned for her to lift her dress and expose her belly.

Stussy obeyed without hesitation, revealing flawless skin.

"Pretty," Daemon said, picking up the glowing iron.

Szzzzzz—!!

The burn sizzled. Stussy clenched her teeth, trembling. The pain was unbearable.

When it was done, a Dragon's Hoof sigil — Daemon's personal brand — was burned into her skin.

Not a Celestial Dragon mark.

Something darker.

"You're mine now, Stussy," Daemon whispered, lifting her into his arms. "Don't disappoint me."