As Akainu charged toward Rayleigh, there were two people whose hearts were in their throats—Rayleigh himself and Garling, watching from the screen. Carl, fighting the overwhelming tide of exhaustion, turned to Lucia and said,
"Quick, go call Akainu back. Tell him I need to speak with him…"
Lucia immediately flew off, but it was already too late.
Akainu's magma-covered arm extended suddenly, poised to pierce Rayleigh along with the two he was holding—Shanks and Buggy.
In that critical moment, Rayleigh finally reacted. Twisting his body, he channeled the remnants of his Haki into his left arm, intercepting Akainu's strike.
"Squelch!"
In mere moments, Rayleigh's left arm was consumed entirely by the magma, vaporizing into the air. Using the force of the attack, Rayleigh was thrown backward, plummeting into the ocean below.
With a loud splash, Carl's tensed heart finally settled back in his chest.
Akainu landed on the icy shore with a snort.
"Damn it, he got away…"
Just then, Lucia arrived.
"Akainu, the Young Master wants to see you."
Akainu, already aware of Carl's identity and his connection to Lucia, didn't question the title. Upon hearing Carl needed him, he immediately transformed into a plume of magma and shot skyward.
When Akainu landed beside Carl, his eyes were already narrowed to slits, his body swaying as though he might collapse at any moment.
Alarmed, Akainu caught him and shook him urgently.
"Carl, what's wrong!? Wake up! Didn't you have something to tell me!?"
Carl, his head lolling from the shaking, opened his eyes weakly and said,
"I'm fine… I just wanted to see if you were injured."
Akainu blinked in surprise but quickly replied,
"I'm fine, but you—"
"I just need a long rest… But before that, I have two tasks for you. I trust you'll carry them out."
Akainu straightened, his face serious as he nodded.
"Carl, just tell me. I'll handle it."
Carl's voice grew faint as he spoke.
"First… station some people in Foosha Village in the East Blue—Garp's hometown. If a child named Monkey D. Luffy is born, eliminate him immediately. If not, search the surrounding waters for a Sea King, one shaped like an eel but smaller in size, and kill it instead."
Akainu felt a flicker of doubt but remained silent, nodding as he continued to listen.
"The second task…" Carl's voice weakened further. "It's about instructor Zephyr. When he turns 65, if he decides to take the cadets out for training, you must go with him. No matter what, ensure you're there."
Akainu's response was resolute. "Understood."
As soon as the words left his lips, Carl closed his eyes completely, his head tilting to the side as he drifted into a deep slumber.
Akainu supported Carl's weight, waiting until he was sure Carl was merely sleeping before exhaling heavily in relief.
Meanwhile, the battlefield had been cleared of pirates. The Vice Admirals, including Borsalino, regrouped. Lucia took Carl, cradling him gently against her soft, sturdy chest.
Akainu replayed Carl's instructions in his mind over and over, determined not to miss a single detail.
Borsalino, noticing Akainu's distraction, asked,
"Akainu, why are you asking about instructor Zephyr all of a sudden?"
Akainu glanced at Carl resting in Lucia's arms and replied gravely,
"Carl gave me two tasks before he fell asleep. One of them involves instructor Zephyr."
He then recounted Carl's instructions to the others. Upon hearing them, Kuzan spoke up immediately,
"Even if we don't fully understand Carl's reasoning, his orders must be carried out. A Sea King in the East Blue? I'll handle it."
Aramaki interjected, "It's not just any Sea King—it's the one near Foosha Village, shaped like an eel. I'll go with you, I don't trust your efficiency."
Borsalino shrugged and added,
"Akainu, when the time comes, I'll accompany you and instructor Zephyr on that trip."
After a brief discussion, the group returned to directing their subordinates to secure the battlefield.
Overhead, the news birds began to scatter, ready to spread word of the events.
The war sparked by the Pirate King, Roger, ended with the Navy's overwhelming victory. The headlines would declare:
"The Pirate King Roger Defeated by Admiral Carl. The Navy Emerges Triumphant!"
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+210 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg