Victory, First in the Competition

A week later, in the rear mountains of Marineford, beneath the dawn’s first light, Xuan Ye stood tall atop the hill, gazing out over the boundless sea. After several days of recuperation, he had fully recovered, and his strength had even grown. Today marked his first day out of the hospital, and, as was his habit, Xuan Ye liked to come here to find some peace after each discharge.

The battle against Akainu had taught him that he was still too weak; compared to Kong and the others, the gap was not just a little. If Sengoku or Garp had faced Akainu, the admiral would have been a corpse within ten moves. Yet he himself had fought Akainu to a bitter draw, which left him deeply dissatisfied. He sought absolute power, for only then could he rescue Xiaoxi and roam the seas with pride.

After all, the Golden Lion was a rival to Gol D. Roger, and with the near-miraculous Float-Float Fruit, he was the undisputed ruler of the skies. According to future events, it would take both Garp and Sengoku together to defeat him; if Golden Lion were determined to escape, no one could stop him—not even Garp and Sengoku.

Thinking of this, Xuan Ye sighed, a bitter taste in his heart. “The road ahead is long and arduous.”

“What’s wrong? That gloomy face doesn’t suit you.”

A rustling sound came from behind, and Zephyr appeared, holding two bottles of wine, teasing him lightly.

“Master.” Xuan Ye turned, a faint smile on his lips.

“Ye, I’m sorry—I didn’t help you last time.” Sitting down beside him, Zephyr handed him a bottle, sounding apologetic.

“It’s not your fault, Master. You helped by holding off Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp for me. My own weakness kept me from bypassing Fleet Admiral Kong to kill Akainu,” Xuan Ye shook his head, not blaming Zephyr.

“Well… at least you gained the recognition of the Five Elders,” Zephyr took a swig, gazing out at the endless coastline.

“Perhaps,” Xuan Ye’s expression was calm.

“By the way, who won the fight between Kizaru and Aokiji?” Xuan Ye suddenly remembered, patting his head and looking at Zephyr.

“It was a tie,” Zephyr smiled. “Kizaru’s abilities are too troublesome, and Aokiji’s powers are nothing to scoff at. After fighting for half a day, neither could gain the upper hand, so they ended up deciding the winner with rock-paper-scissors.”

Zephyr’s expression became odd as he spoke, because at the time, everyone had been stunned by Kizaru and Aokiji’s antics. It was said that from that day onward, Fleet Admiral Kong’s face was perpetually dark.

“Rock-paper-scissors?” Xuan Ye was taken aback, then burst out laughing. “Only those two lazybones could come up with such a method.”

“Master, so who won?” Xuan Ye asked with curiosity.

“Aokiji.”

“Eh? That guy’s luck is pretty good. So next, it’s up to me and Aokiji to decide the outcome?”

“Right, the match is in half a month. You have ten days to rest,” Zephyr nodded.

“That mutt had no objections? He did win against Aokiji,” Xuan Ye asked.

“No one cares about second or third place except for first. Since all three are Logia users, victory can be decided in a single move. If it were a fight to the death, none could guarantee survival. So you understand, right?” Zephyr spread his hands.

“I see. For them, the difference between second and third is meaningless. A single move can’t convince those proud men. But for first place—even if it’s Aokiji—I won’t hold back,” Xuan Ye said resolutely. Truthfully, he already recognized Aokiji, subconsciously considering him a friend.

“Master, are you free today?”

“What is it?”

“Train with me,” Xuan Ye said, excitement on his face.

“All right, but just for the afternoon. Tonight, we must have dinner at home—your teacher’s wife insisted. If I don’t bring you back, I’ll have nowhere to sleep,” Zephyr laughed heartily, joking.

“I’ve missed her cooking too.”

“Haha… hahaha…”

“Master, here I come—Shave!”

Boom—sand and dust flew as the rear mountain once again rang with thunderous noise.

――――――――――

The days and nights passed quickly, and soon several nights had gone by. Today, the setting was again on that fragmented little island.

At last, after more than a month, the tournament was coming to an end.

On the platform, Fleet Admiral Kong’s face remained dark, clearly still not recovered from the previous absurd match.

“Haha… haha…” Garp’s crude laughter echoed as he said, “I’m curious to see how that guy will beat Aokiji this time. Hmpf… Fire and ice, two opposing powers—sparks are sure to fly.”

Ignoring the fool, everyone’s attention was fixed on the arena. They all wanted to see whether fire would suppress ice, or ice would overcome fire.

On the field, Xuan Ye appeared calm, his thoughts unreadable, his expression somewhat odd.

Opposite him, Aokiji stood lazily, digging at his ear, his face full of boredom.

“Aokiji—”

“Stop. I know. I concede,” Aokiji cut Xuan Ye off before he could finish, dropping a bombshell with his words.

“Huh?” Hearing this, Garp stood up with a shout. “Kid, what are you saying? Concede? You’re giving up before the match even starts!”

“Yeah, is conceding against the rules?” Aokiji looked confused as he glanced at everyone.

“I…” Seeing Aokiji’s infuriating expression, Garp moved to give him a lesson in love, unable to bear the humiliation.

But Tsuru held him back.

“Why?” Xuan Ye frowned.

“Do you take me for a fool? I knew you wanted to beat me up, and you fight like a madman. Anyone who crosses you ends up bedridden for a week. Just look at Akainu—he’s still wrapped in white bandages, with only his eyes showing,” Aokiji said, picking his nose and glancing at Akainu, who was hobbling along, visibly not fully recovered after half a month in bed.

Everyone’s faces darkened, speechless at Aokiji’s reasoning.

“Besides, you’re my friend. You’re fighting for first place to find your sister. With our relationship, your sister is my sister. Whoever wins first place doesn’t matter. If we’re to fight, I’d rather sleep somewhere,” Aokiji finished, yawning.

Such an odd reason—no one could top it.

Exhaling softly, Xuan Ye walked slowly toward Aokiji. Amid confused gazes, he embraced Aokiji.

“Thank you,” he said, sincerely grateful.

Despite Aokiji’s lazy look, when it came to battle, Xuan Ye would have to give his all. As a Logia user, Aokiji was proud, not afraid of Xuan Ye, but this fight was pointless. He had always considered Xuan Ye a friend and understood his desperate motivation.

“As long as you see me as a friend,” Aokiji replied, hugging Xuan Ye back with a grin.

“From the moment we met, we were already friends,” Xuan Ye replied, lightly punching Aokiji.

“That’s good.”

“Damn it, Aokiji, are you sure about this?” Garp’s face was stormy, fists clenched.

“Old man, don’t be so serious,” Aokiji replied, unconcerned.

“Just wait, you’re getting a lesson in love.”

“Tch…” Aokiji shrank back, acting nonchalant.

“Then, Xuan Ye wins this match. Tomorrow, the award ceremony will be held at Marineford,” Kong declared, his face dark, unwilling to comment on yet another dramatic contest.

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