The Jackal Guardian's Ascent

Chapter 27

"The government still doesn't think very highly of you, but now that I've had a closer look, I see that you and your crew have grit." Aokiji told them. "Although your number is small, a collection of troublemakers like you is bound to become bothersome in time. I know all the details, from the very first bounty placed on your head to your many exploits, and how quickly your strength has grown. I've faced many ruthless villains over the years, and you guys are starting to scare me."

"Didn't expect that I'd every have the honor of scaring an admiral." Anu commented, surprised by Aokiji's statement.

"W-why are you saying this all of a sudden?!" Usopp asked, freaking out. "I thought you just came out for a walk..."

"One SPECIFIC reason you seem so dangerous is you, Nico Robin." Aokiji answered.

"You ARE targeting Robin after all! I'll kick your butt!!" Luffy declared.

"The amount of the bounty doesn't just reflect the strength of the criminal. There's also the danger level someone poses to the government." Aokiji told Robin. "That's why a bounty was placed on your head when you were only 8 years old. You were just a child, but what a survivor you were. Betraying people and escaping unharmed. People took you in, and you used them. With that cunning, you survived the underworld, and now you've hidden yourself in this crew."

"Hey, I don't like what you're saying!! Just what do you have against Robin?!" Sanji asked.

"Stop it, Sanji!!" Usopp pleaded.

"I have nothing against her." the admiral answered. "If I have any connection with her at all, it's that I once let her get away. That was long ago. You'll find out soon enough. It won't be long before you all realize what a troublesome woman she really is."

"What proof do you have?!" Sanji asked.

"Here's the proof...every organization that Nico Robin has ever been associated with...has fallen. I wonder why, Nico Robin?" Aokiji asked her.

"Cut it out, you jerk!!" Luffy told him. "We don't care about the past!"

"I see you've managed to get close to the crew." Aokiji commented as he rose to his feet.

"Just what is it you're trying to say?!" Robin asked him. "If you want to capture me, just do it!! Trienta Fleurs!!"

A myriad of arms sprouted all along Aokiji's body, putting him in one big hold.

"ROBIN!!! STOP!!" Usopp yelled, hoping Robin would listen to sense and not do something she would regret.

"Oh my, perhaps I said too much. How unfortunate." Aokiji remarked. "I thought you would have been a little wiser."

"Clutch!!" the arms wrenched him backwards into a that caused his body to shatter into pieces.

"Whoaaa! He's dead!!" Chopper screamed, witnessing Aokiji's ice body crumble into many pieces.

"No...that's impossible!" Usopp said, still freaking out. "Run, everyone! Hide!"

"Ahh...that wasn't very nice..." the admiral said as he stood back up, as if he never took any damage.

"Ice Saber!!" Aokiji plucked a few blades of grass and threw them into the air and blew icy wind on them, freezing them into an ice sword. "I had no intention of taking your life..."

Aokiji swung his ice saber, aiming it at Robin, but it was blocked by Zoro, just mere feet from Robin's throat.

"Slice Shot!!" Sanji came running and sent Aokiji's ice sword flying into the sky with a kick.