017 Blocked Again, Choosing to Stay

Coughing violently, Xuan Ye's body swayed. A bitter taste welled up in his throat, and after spitting out a mouthful of clotted blood, he struggled to his feet.

Laughing harshly, Xuan Ye staggered forward, his face contorted with rage as he glared coldly at Akainu. "You damn dog, in the end, it’s still me who holds the upper hand. Let’s see who can save you this time."

Akainu, sprawled on the ground, his face ashen with defeat, spat out venomously, "A wicked creature like you will never get what you desire. Justice will never allow your kind to exist."

Like a victor, Xuan Ye approached, stomping his foot onto Akainu’s chest with a twisted grin. "You damn dog, only the victorious hold power in this world. Unfortunately for you, you are not one of them."

"Curse you! I’ll be waiting in hell for you, you overreaching fiend!" Akainu roared, struggling against the foot that pinned him mercilessly to the ground.

Flames ignited from Xuan Ye’s hand, forming a long spear, its tip shrouded in ominous blackness.

"Then wait for me in hell. Rest assured, I’ll rise to Vice Admiral—maybe even Admiral. But you’ll never live to see it. Farewell, you cur."

With a wicked grin, Xuan Ye raised the flaming spear high and thrust it straight at Akainu’s head.

"You’ll die a miserable death," Akainu whispered, terror finally dawning in his eyes as the tip drew near. He had never realized how simple death could be.

"You cur. Your death is well deserved."

Suddenly, a thunderous explosion erupted—fire and light crashed together, hurling Xuan Ye backward in a spray of blood.

He crashed heavily to the ground, his face twisting in agony as he struggled to rise, his body consumed by wild flames, his crimson eyes burning with madness.

"Garp!"

With a furious howl, Xuan Ye’s murderous intent blazed forth, for before Akainu now stood a tall, imposing figure.

"Well, well... Has the fight finally ended?" came a sly, drawling voice, as Kizaru shimmered into view, his golden light glinting.

"Seems we’re not yet past the point of no return," a chill wind swept in as Aokiji approached, his presence as cold as winter.

"Xuan Ye, that’s enough. Akainu can’t die here," Garp’s deep voice was grave. If he’d had a choice, he would have stayed out of this, but a promise to Kong bound him. Still, the situation had escalated beyond his expectations.

The man before him was clearly no ordinary person.

"Heh... 'That’s enough,' you say? Vice Admiral Garp, how grand of you," Xuan Ye sneered, his face twisted, killing intent surging. He spat out each word with biting fury, "Do you all take me for someone to be trifled with?"

Clenching his fists so tightly his veins bulged, Xuan Ye’s murderous gaze locked onto Garp, wild and unrelenting.

He was on the brink of madness—had it not been for a final sliver of restraint, he might have struck out and abandoned the Navy then and there. But for Xiaoxi’s sake, he held back.

In silence, Garp met Xuan Ye’s fury with a calm, unwavering gaze.

Flames erupted again, flickering and wild, and above the inferno, a strange, colossal bird seemed to screech at the heavens, unleashing its boundless rage.

"What’s he trying to do?" Kizaru’s eyes widened in disbelief as he watched Xuan Ye’s rampage.

"Night, don’t be rash. The old man might be here under orders," Aokiji said anxiously, sensing that Xuan Ye was far from his usual self.

Panting heavily, Xuan Ye forced down the fire within him, then turned an icy gaze on Garp. "I’m not your match. Seems I won’t be killing that mutt today... Garp, mark my words—one day, you’ll regret everything you did today."

"Then I’ll be waiting for you," Garp replied with a wide grin, clearly unbothered.

Calmly, Xuan Ye extinguished his flames, turned, and without another word, strode toward the shore, leaving Kizaru and Aokiji gaping, at a loss for what to do.

No one noticed that Xuan Ye’s nails were digging deep into his palms, drawing blood.

As he walked away, his eyes blazed with an unprecedented hunger for strength. He knew—he was still too weak.

Wait, all of you. One day, I’ll make you pay a hundredfold. Did you really think I was someone to be pushed around without consequence?

"Let’s go. Looks like this trial is over," Kizaru said, shrugging and lacing his hands behind his head.

"Old man," Aokiji approached the pensive Garp, hesitating to speak.

"No need to say it. I know," Garp smiled carelessly, then glanced at Akainu sprawled on the ground. "Still alive?"

"Just barely."

"Then gather up. The trial’s over."

Half an hour later, on the shoreline, Xuan Ye sat cross-legged on the deck in silence after a brief exchange with Zephyr. The other cadets, seeing his battered state—especially those three shocking scars slashed across his right cheek—were stunned into silence. Adding his grim expression, none dared approach, quietly waiting for the others to return.

Yet from beginning to end, one person’s gaze never left Xuan Ye: Gion, the Pink Rabbit.

Before long, Garp appeared at the head of the group, Kizaru and Aokiji flanking him as they helped the barely breathing, blood-soaked Akainu onto the warship.

The cadets’ hearts lurched at the sight of Akainu’s miserable condition. Clearly, Xuan Ye had won again, nearly killing Akainu—if not for Garp’s timely arrival, who knows what might have happened.

Once more, they looked at Xuan Ye, who sat with eyes closed, his expression indifferent. They all swore that unless absolutely necessary, they would never provoke this madman.

"Now that everyone’s here, let’s set out for headquarters," Zephyr announced, barely glancing at Akainu.

"Zephyr-sensei, the tournament is in two months. I request to remain on the island and train for another month and a half," Xuan Ye said, rising slowly. He had thought long and hard before deciding to stay and continue his training.

Zephyr hesitated, gazing at Xuan Ye’s calm face. After all, this island held more than a few beasts capable of matching a Vice Admiral.

In truth, Zephyr was uneasy about his disciple—Xuan Ye was simply too reckless when it came to training.

The other cadets grimaced, clutching their stomachs in discomfort. They loathed this place, and more than thirty of their comrades had already vanished during this trial.

"Must you?" Zephyr sighed.

"Yes," Xuan Ye nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with determination.

"Very well. In a month and a half, a warship will come for you," Zephyr agreed through gritted teeth. By rights, Xuan Ye had neither Navy credentials nor military merit, and the Navy would never waste resources on him. But with Zephyr’s support, Xuan Ye knew his teacher would help him.

"Thank you, sensei."

"Be careful in all things."

"I will," Xuan Ye replied, and with a flash of fire, vanished from the shore in the blink of an eye.

The others looked at each other, saying nothing. They all knew Xuan Ye was obsessed with training—his decision came as no surprise.

"You’re just letting him do as he pleases?" Garp asked, glancing at Zephyr.

"I only know he’s my disciple," Zephyr replied with a wide grin.

"You’re impossible. Better get ready for a scolding from Fleet Admiral Kong when you return."

"You’re coming with me."

"In your dreams."

"Two boxes of donuts."

"You underestimate me."

"Five boxes."

"Deal."

With that, the three warships slowly faded into the horizon.