Chapter 20: Aokiji Has a Headache

Chapter 20: Aokiji's Headache

"Hiken!"

(Fire Fist!)

A massive blaze burst from Portgas D. Ace's back, surrounding the battlefield and pushing back the encroaching ice. The flames created a protective dome around himself and Admiral Aokiji, blocking him from chasing after the escaping pirates.

Ace smiled.

"I won't let you stop my crew from escaping. I'll be the one to stay behind. I'll keep fighting you!"

Aokiji let out a lazy sigh, scratching his head with a troubled look.

"Ahh... this is such a pain. But according to the report, it was the Celestial Dragons who got hurt, and you're the main culprit. As long as I bring you in, the World Government should be satisfied."

Ace chuckled, but inwardly he was shouting:

"Rayleigh-senpai... if you don't get here soon, I won't be able to hold out much longer!"

He wore a confident smile, but inside, he was panicking. He knew full well: he was no match for an Admiral. Even though his fire could counter Aokiji's ice in theory, the gap between their power, experience, and mastery of Haki was still vast. The only reason he'd lasted this long was because Aokiji hadn't gotten serious yet.

And once the Admiral did...

"Ahh... looks like I was underestimated."

Aokiji casually grabbed a handful of ice from the ground, blew a chilling breath across it, and shaped it into a gleaming frozen blade.

"Ice Saber."

Weapon in hand, he stepped toward Ace.

"Fire Fist Ace, I'm going to get serious now. Try not to die."

"Soru!"

(Shave!)

Aokiji vanished and appeared directly in front of Ace, stabbing at him with the ice saber.

Ace instinctively attempted to turn into fire, but suddenly a cold mist surged from the blade. The chilling energy disrupted his Logia transformation, freezing his body partially before he could dodge.

Pffft!

The blade plunged into Ace's shoulder. Ice spread rapidly from the wound, freezing his flesh as it went.

"Sacred Flame — Shiranui!"

Ace's arms burst into flames. Two fiery spears formed in his hands and shot toward Aokiji's chest.

Aokiji retreated swiftly, dodging the flaming spears. At the same time, he yanked the ice saber from Ace's shoulder, taking with it a chunk of frozen flesh.

"Haha... so this is the power of a Marine Admiral. Overwhelming... truly hopeless."

Ace clutched his bleeding, frozen shoulder with a smirk, but he was clearly in pain.

This was the harsh difference between them: a pirate who had yet to master Haki fully... and a seasoned Admiral, one of the World Government's strongest weapons.

Aokiji scratched his head again.

"Bullying rookies isn't really my style... but the higher-ups call me a pillar of justice. If I let you go after you injured a Celestial Dragon, even I'd be in trouble."

"Heh."

Ace stood up slowly, flames reigniting around him.

"Capture me without resistance? That's not the pirate way."

Aokiji sighed deeply.

"Man... this really is giving me a headache."

He was conflicted. He knew Ace was Monkey D. Garp's grandson, and while Garp had always shown contempt for the Celestial Dragons, this situation was serious. The Celestial Dragon involved had been severely beaten. If Ace were let go, even Aokiji would face political backlash.

But if he captured Ace and brought him in? Garp would be furious. The old man might even punch him on the spot.

Aokiji frowned. In truth, he despised the Celestial Dragons himself. He was already thinking of a compromise.

"Maybe... I capture him now, then let him escape from the escort ship later. That should keep things from blowing up too badly."

Decision made, he began walking toward Ace again.

"Sorry, Ace. I really do need to bring you in this time."

Boom!

Suddenly, a blinding slash of energy fell from the sky. Aokiji's eyes widened as he barely managed to dodge, though a shallow cut appeared across his cheek. The attack gouged a deep trench between him and Ace.

A tall figure landed from above.

"Ace, are you alright?"

Silvers Rayleigh, the former first mate of the Pirate King, stood calmly in front of him.

"I'm okay." Ace nodded, still clutching his shoulder.

Aokiji's expression turned solemn.

"'Dark King' Rayleigh... Silvers Rayleigh."

Internally, though, he was relieved.

"Perfect timing. I don't have to keep acting now. But... I should at least go through the motions."

Marines behind him were shaking.

"I-Is that really the 'Dark King'?" a captain stammered.

"Yes... that's him." the rear admiral said, wiping cold sweat from his forehead.

"Silvers Rayleigh... the Pirate King's right-hand man."

Rayleigh smiled as he turned to Aokiji.

"Ace is my disciple. Admiral, would you mind letting him go as a favor?"

Aokiji responded with a pained expression.

"Ahh... I'm afraid I can't. He almost killed a Celestial Dragon. Letting him go just like that... wouldn't sit well with the higher-ups."

Rayleigh sighed, raising his sword slowly.

"Well, that's unfortunate. It's been a while since I last drew this blade... I hope it's not too rusty."

Aokiji raised his ice saber in response.

"I thought this would be a simple capture mission. Never expected to run into you, Rayleigh. Without proper backup, I can't guarantee a win. Really gives me a headache."

"Then why not just let us go?" Rayleigh said with a grin as their swords clashed.

Clang!

A fierce battle erupted between Rayleigh and Aokiji, shaking the air with every strike.

And just then—

"If you want to travel, where do you want to go?"

A calm voice echoed near Ace. A tall figure suddenly appeared beside him.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 30+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at p@treon.com/Translatingfanfics