Chapter 4: The Start of a Legend
Sailing on the ocean, The Black Pearl cut through the waves with grace and power, its sleek black hull slicing the sea like a blade. The wind seemed to bless its maiden voyage, carrying the ship forward with steady, unwavering force. The black sails were stretched taut, flying high against the clear sky, their dark hue contrasting beautifully with the blue expanse above.
Alexander stood behind the rudder, his hands steady as he guided the ship. The crisp ocean breeze ruffled his white hair, and his ice-blue eyes glimmered with determination. The ship felt alive beneath him, each creak of the wood and snap of the sails a reminder that this was now his vessel, his escape, and his freedom.
The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the bow and the steady pull of the wind filled the air, creating a harmony that seemed to mirror Alexander's newfound sense of purpose. He stood tall, his black trench coat flowing behind him, as he looked out toward the endless horizon.
For the first time in his life, Alexander wasn't running—he was sailing toward his destiny.
After hours of sailing, The Black Pearl finally approached the towering gate to the Grand Line: Reverse Mountain. The sight before Alexander was both awe-inspiring and daunting. The massive, steep mountain loomed over the horizon, its slopes carved by powerful streams of water that defied nature itself, flowing upward toward the peak. It was the entrance to the most dangerous and adventurous sea in the world—a true test for any sailor brave enough to traverse it.
The roar of the rushing water grew louder as Alexander steered closer, the powerful currents pulling The Black Pearl toward the mountain's base. The river that led up the mountain looked like a wild beast, chaotic and relentless, but Alexander's confidence didn't waver. He gripped the rudder tightly, his sharp eyes scanning the path ahead.
"This is it," he muttered to himself, a small smirk forming on his lips. "The Grand Line… my first step to greatness."
As The Black Pearl entered the raging current, the ship's sturdy frame creaked and groaned against the force of the water. The black sails fluttered violently, catching the wind and propelling the ship forward. Alexander could feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through him as the ship climbed the impossible river, defying gravity and nature itself. The spray of water hit his face, but he didn't flinch, his focus locked on the path ahead.
Higher and higher The Black Pearl rose, cutting through the torrent with a mix of skill and sheer determination. Alexander's heart raced as the peak came into view, the narrow channel leading toward the Grand Line on the other side.
With a final push, the ship crested the summit of Reverse Mountain, the endless sea of the Grand Line stretching out before him like an open book, waiting to be written. Alexander stood at the helm, his white hair damp from the sea spray, a triumphant grin on his face.
He had made it. The Grand Line was his, and his adventure had truly begun.
As The Black Pearl drifted calmly on the open waters of the Grand Line, Alexander brought the ship to a halt. He leaned against the helm, pulling out the map he had taken from Kid's ship. Spreading it out on the deck, he studied the various islands and routes marked on it, his sharp eyes scanning for a promising destination.
However, as he glanced at his compass, a frown crept across his face. The needle spun uselessly, unable to lock onto a direction. He had heard of the Grand Line's infamous magnetic anomalies, where compasses were rendered ineffective by the erratic magnetic fields of the islands.
But Alexander was prepared for this. A smirk replaced his frown as he tapped into his newfound power. Focusing his mind, he extended his senses to the magnetic fields around him. Closing his eyes, he let the natural pull of the Earth's magnetic field guide him, tracing the faint, steady pull of the North Pole amidst the chaotic energy of the Grand Line.
With precise control, he manipulated the magnetic field to stabilize the compass. The needle stopped spinning and pointed north with unwavering precision, locked onto the fixed magnetic pull Alexander had created.
"Problem solved," he muttered, satisfied with his ingenuity. He secured the compass on the deck and turned his attention back to the map. With the compass now functional, he could navigate the treacherous waters of the Grand Line more effectively.
After a moment of consideration, he plotted his course. His next destination was an island marked not too far from his current location, a place shrouded in mystery and known for harboring rare treasures. With his plan set, Alexander folded the map and tucked it safely away.
He took his place behind the helm, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "The Grand Line won't know what hit it," he said with a determined grin. With a slight motion of his hand, the sails shifted, catching the wind once again as The Black Pearl sailed forward, cutting through the waves toward the unknown.
As Alexander continued studying the map, the faint noise of splashing and faint voices caught his attention. He looked up from the map, furrowing his brows, and guided The Black Pearl closer to the base of the Reverse Mountain, where the noise seemed to originate.
Standing at the bow of his ship, he squinted to get a better look. What he saw was unlike anything he had encountered before. Near the water's edge stood a towering figure. The man was massive, easily over nine feet tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular frame that exuded strength. His skin was a vibrant reddish-orange, and his features were distinctly fish-like—gills on his neck, webbed fingers, and sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to carry both wisdom and fury.
The man's head was adorned with a thick crest of wavy black hair that framed his strong jawline, and a distinctive, jagged scar ran across his chest, partially visible through his open sleeveless vest. His pants were simple and tied with a sash, giving him a warrior's appearance.
Alexander watched the man intently, noting the way he moved. Despite his large size, the man had an air of grace and confidence, like someone who had weathered countless battles and come out victorious. He stood at the edge of the water, seemingly focused on something, his expression a mix of calm and determination.
"What the hell is that guy?" Alexander muttered to himself. He had heard rumors of Fish-Men, creatures that were half-human and half-fish, but he had never actually seen one until now.
The stranger turned slightly, and for a moment, their eyes met. Alexander felt a chill run down his spine, not from fear, but from the sheer intensity of the man's gaze. There was a sense of purpose in those eyes, a fire that seemed to burn with a mission far greater than anything Alexander had encountered.
Quietly, Alexander kept his distance, observing the Fish-Man, his curiosity piqued. Whatever this man was doing at the base of the Reverse Mountain, it was clear he wasn't someone to be taken lightly.
Alexander leaned against the railing of The Black Pearl and called out, "Hi there! Are you a Fish-Man?"
The towering figure turned to face him, his sharp eyes studying Alexander from head to toe. After a moment of silence, the man answered, "Yes, I am."
Alexander's curiosity immediately erupted like a geyser. "Wow! You're the first Fish-Man I've ever seen! Do you live underwater? Can you breathe both water and air? How fast can you swim? What's it like in Fish-Man Island? Are there other Fish-Men like you?"
The man raised an eyebrow at the barrage of questions but didn't interrupt, letting Alexander's words pour out. Finally, the boy finished with, "And what are you doing here?"
The Fish-Man folded his arms, a serious expression on his face. "Sorry, kid, I don't have time to chat. I need to get up the Red Line."
Alexander tilted his head, confused. "Oh, but why don't you just swim up? Can't Fish-Men swim anywhere?"
The man sighed, his tone patient but firm. "The currents near the Reverse Mountain are too strong, even for me. Swimming up isn't an option."
Alexander grinned mischievously, his confidence shining through. "Do you want some help?"
The Fish-Man chuckled, clearly amused. "How could a little kid like you help me?"
"I'm not little! I'm nine years old!" Alexander huffed, crossing his arms. "And I can fly my ship up the mountain."
That caught the man off guard. His expression shifted to one of surprise, and he leaned closer, scrutinizing Alexander. "You can do that? Did you eat a Devil Fruit?"
Alexander nodded proudly. "Yep! I can control magnetic fields. I've been practicing, and I can make this entire ship fly. Just tell me your name and what you're doing, and I'll decide if I want to help you."
The man straightened his back, his voice taking on a determined tone. "My name is Fisher Tiger. I want to save the slaves of Mary Geoise."
"Mary Geoise?" Alexander asked, frowning.
Fisher Tiger's face darkened, and he began to explain. He told Alexander about the Celestial Dragons, the so-called gods of the world who treated others as less than human. He described the horrors of slavery, the chains that bound him, the scars on his body that told the story of years of suffering. He spoke of the pain and injustice he had endured and his unyielding determination to free those still trapped in that hell.
Alexander listened intently, his expression growing serious. For the first time, the boy's usual playfulness was replaced by a quiet resolve. When Fisher Tiger finished, Alexander stepped forward, his blue eyes meeting the Fish-Man's unwavering gaze.
"I am Lucian D. Alexander," he said with conviction. "And I will help you, honorable Fish-Man."
Alexander gestured toward The Black Pearl. "Get on board, Fisher Tiger. Let's do this."
Fisher Tiger hesitated for a moment before stepping onto the ship. As soon as he was on deck, Alexander turned to him. "So, tell me, do you have a plan? What happens after we land? What do we do then?"
Tiger blinked, caught off guard. "Wait a minute," he said, crossing his arms. "You want to come with me? Kid, this isn't a place for someone your age. You might have powers, but it won't be enough. There are strong people there—monsters in human skin."
Alexander chuckled, his hands resting on his hips. "Don't worry about me, Tiger. I know how to defend myself, and I'm great at running away when things get tough. I've got some tricks up my sleeve, and I've been training in swordsmanship too. I'm no master, but I'd say I'm somewhere between average and above average. Besides, you'll need all the help you can get, right?"
Tiger studied the boy in silence, weighing his words. Alexander's unwavering gaze, brimming with determination and confidence, made the Fish-Man hesitate. Finally, Tiger sighed. "You're a strange kid, you know that?"
Alexander grinned. "You're not the first person to say that. Now, let's get going! We've got a mountain to climb and slaves to free!"
Alexander turned to Fisher Tiger with a determined look. "Do you have a map or a detailed plan of Mary Geoise?"
Tiger nodded and pulled out a folded parchment from his satchel. "Of course. It was the first thing I made after I escaped. I had to know every corner so I could return and free the others." He spread the map on the ship's deck, pointing to specific areas. "Originally, my plan was to climb the Red Line, sneak into this jail here," he tapped a marked spot, "and free as many slaves as possible before the guards could sound the alarm."
Alexander studied the map intently before a grin spread across his face. "Alright, we can refine that plan. I can make the ship and us invisible—"
Tiger's eyes widened, cutting him off. "Wait, what? How can you do that?"
Alexander smirked. "It's a trick I developed. By manipulating the magnetic field, I can bend light around us, essentially making us invisible. But we don't have time to talk about it in details "
Tiger crossed his arms, frowning. "Alright, so what's your plan?"
Alexander pointed to a location near the warehouse on the map. "Here's how we'll do it. I'll land the ship near this spot. It's close to the jail but far enough to avoid immediate detection. We'll knock out the guards, and then you go into the main jail to free the prisoners while I scout the area for other groups of slaves that might be hidden."
Tiger shook his head firmly. "That's too risky. You're just a kid. You may be strong, but this is Mary Geoise we're talking about. There are monsters there. I'll go scout while you free the prisoners."
Alexander's expression hardened. "That won't work. Even if I stretch my power to cover a larger range, I'll lose control of the effect the moment I don't know your exact location. On the other hand, I can keep the ship invisible because I always know where it is. You're better off sticking to the main jail while I stay closer to the ship and look for hidden prisoners."
Tiger studied him for a moment before sighing. "You're really determined, aren't you? Fine, we'll do it your way. But if things go sideways, you get out of there. No heroics, understand?"
Alexander grinned. "Deal. Let's show those Celestial Dragons that their time of unchecked cruelty is coming to an end."
Alexander tilted his head, curiosity gleaming in his ice-blue eyes. "You mentioned strong people earlier. Who are they? What kind of strength are we talking about?"
Tiger's expression turned grim as he crossed his arms. "Mary Geoise isn't just a place where the Celestial Dragons live in luxury. It's one of the most heavily guarded locations in the world. The ones protecting it are no ordinary fighters." He paused for a moment before continuing, his tone serious. "First, there's the CP0, Cipher Pol Aigis Zero. They're the strongest intelligence agency of the World Government. They're assassins, spies, and enforcers, each one deadly enough to rival even seasoned pirates. You won't see them coming until it's too late."
Alexander nodded slowly, taking in the information. "Alright, that sounds bad. And the other?"
Tiger sighed heavily. "The bigger threat is the admiral stationed there. The Admirals are the Marine's strongest forces, second only to the Fleet Admiral. Their power is on a completely different level. They've defeated countless pirates and are feared across the seas. Whoever's stationed at Mary Geoise will not hesitate to crush us if we're discovered."
Alexander's expression didn't waver, though a flicker of tension passed through his eyes. "An admiral, huh? Sounds like a real challenge." He smirked. "Good thing we have the element of surprise. And don't worry—I'm not planning on getting caught."
Tiger narrowed his eyes at him. "You may be confident, but don't underestimate them, kid. Their strength isn't something you can take lightly. If you want to survive this, you'll need to stay sharp and stick to the plan."
Alexander gave a firm nod. "Got it. We'll be in and out before they even realize we were there."
As The Black Pearl descended silently onto the outskirts of Mary Geoise, its black sails blending with the shadows of the night, Alexander brought the ship to a smooth landing near a secluded warehouse. The glow of the moon illuminated the marble and gold structures of the city, contrasting the darkness of their mission.
Tiger stepped off the ship, his powerful frame tense with purpose. He turned to Alexander, who was preparing to follow. "Little man," Tiger said, his voice low but firm, "you've already done more than enough. You got me here, you've given us a real chance. Don't take unnecessary risks. This place is no playground."
Alexander smirked, his icy blue eyes glinting with defiance under the moonlight. "Unnecessary risks? Tiger, the moment I stepped on this ship, I was ready for anything. You need someone watching your back, and I'm not just going to sit here while you handle everything alone."
Tiger crossed his arms, a hint of worry in his expression. "You're strong, I'll give you that. But Mary Geoise is crawling with monsters. CP0 agents, an Admiral… This isn't a place for bravado."
"I'm not being reckless," Alexander countered, his tone calm yet determined. "I've planned this out, and I know what I can do. I'll move quickly, stay in the shadows, and handle what I can. You need someone to scout while you free the slaves. We're in this together, Tiger."
Tiger sighed, realizing there was no convincing the boy otherwise. "Fine. Just promise me you'll be careful. If things go south, you get out of here. Understand?"
Alexander nodded, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "Don't worry, Tiger. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
With that, the two parted ways, Alexander vanishing into the shadows while Tiger prepared to begin his mission. The silent night was about to erupt into chaos, but both were determined to see it through.
Invisible, Alexander moved with calculated precision, his footsteps muffled by the soft hum of the air around him. The dark corridors of Mary Geoise seemed endless, but his focus was unwavering as he moved toward the sounds of muffled cries he had heard from the slaves earlier. The magnetic field around him kept him hidden, his presence masked by the very environment.
As he moved deeper into the heart of the complex, he passed several guards—none of them noticing his presence—and a few Celestial Dragons, whose haughty voices filled the air. The sight of their extravagance, their entitlement, made his blood boil, but he kept his focus. He needed to be precise, efficient.
Suddenly, he froze at the sound of a voice from behind a door, the cruel, lecherous tone of a Celestial Dragon. "Hmm, should I wait a little longer? No... now should be perfect. I like them young."
Fury flared in Alexander's chest. He didn't hesitate. In an instant, he appeared at the door, and with a single swift motion, he unsheathed one of his blades and severed the Celestial Dragon's head. It hit the floor with a sickening thud, the room falling silent except for the faint sound of the body slumping to the ground.
The slave girl, her wide eyes filled with a mix of fear and confusion, stood frozen in place, staring at the bloodstained floor. Alexander approached, kneeling down to cut the shackles from her wrists. His voice was calm, soothing in the chaos of the moment. "Don't worry, I'm freeing you. What's your name?"
Her voice trembled, but she managed to speak. "Boa Hancock..."
Alexander nodded. "Don't worry, Boa. You're safe now. We're getting you out of here."
But her eyes were wide with concern. "Can you also save my sisters? They're in the jail."
Alexander didn't hesitate. "Are they in the prison cells?" he asked, his tone steady.
She nodded quickly. "Yes. Please, they're there."
"Don't worry," Alexander said, standing up and turning toward the exit. "My friend is already freeing them. I'll get you out of here."
After freeing Boa Hancock, Alexander listened intently as she mentioned the location of other slaves. "A man was taken to eat a Devil Fruit for the amusement of a Celestial Dragon in the West Wing," she said, her voice trembling but grateful.
Alexander nodded, determination filling his chest. "Okay, hold my hand. You'll become invisible, and we'll save him. After that, we head back to the ship."
Boa hesitated for a moment but nodded, trusting him.
As they moved silently through the hallways, Alexander concentrated on his magnetic powers, making sure the invisibility shield enveloped them both. Soon, they arrived at the West Wing, and Alexander could already sense the presence of guards ahead. His eyes narrowed as they neared the door to a large, ornate room. Through the crack, he saw the scene inside.
It was a treasure room, but it was also a prison for one unfortunate soul. Four guards were standing around a man shackled in chains, and a Celestial Dragon was sitting in a chair with a cruel grin, a whip in hand. He was watching the man as if he were an animal to be toyed with.
Alexander's blood boiled at the sight, but he stayed calm, his mind calculating the best approach. With a flick of his wrist, the guards fell without a sound, each one swiftly dispatched before they could react. The Celestial Dragon barely had time to notice what was happening before Alexander was on him. With a quick motion, Alexander cut him down, his sword piercing the Celestial Dragon's throat, ending the man's life instantly.
The room fell quiet, and the only sound was the ragged breathing of the man in chains. Alexander approached him swiftly, pulling the shackles off and helping him to his feet.
"You're free now," Alexander said, his voice calm but firm.
The man blinked, his eyes wide in shock. "I... I thought I'd never get out of here... Who are you?"
"Lucian D. Alexander," he replied, his focus never wavering. "I'm here to free as many as I can. You're safe now."
The man—Tesoro—looked at the lifeless body of the Celestial Dragon, his voice shaking with emotion. "I... I can't believe it. You really saved me."
After freeing Tesoro, Alexander noticed something strange in the corner of the treasure room. Among the piles of gold and jewels, there was a sword lying on a pedestal, its dark, sleek blade gleaming ominously. There was a strange pull, a sensation that it was calling to him, almost as if the sword had its own presence.
Curiosity piqued, Alexander approached the weapon cautiously. As his fingers brushed against the hilt, a surge of energy flowed through him, and he instinctively knew that this sword was no ordinary weapon. It was different—more powerful, yet mysterious. The magnetic field around him seemed to hum in resonance with the blade, a sign that this sword was not just forged with skill but with an unnatural force.
Without hesitation, Alexander gripped the hilt of the sword, and immediately, the room seemed to darken as if the blade had awakened something in the air itself. His grip tightened, and the weapon felt like an extension of himself. It was unlike any sword he had held before, and its weight was both imposing and reassuring.
With a final glance at the fallen Celestial Dragon and the freed Tesoro, Alexander sheathed the sword. "We need to move," he said, his voice firm and decisive.
Tesoro, still processing the chaos of the situation, nodded in agreement, and Boa, ever so silently, stayed close. The trio moved quickly through the corridors of the building, Alexander leading the way, his new sword now at his side.
As they moved through the dark hallways, they reached the exit, but Alexander slowed their pace. He glanced over his shoulder, ensuring that no guards had been alerted. They hadn't been seen yet, but there was always a chance.
They made their way down a narrow hallway toward the back exit. The building was quiet, the only sounds their footsteps echoing softly in the long corridors. Once they reached the door, Alexander stopped them. "Hold on," he whispered, listening carefully.
He couldn't afford to take any chances. He used his power to sense the magnetic fields surrounding them. There was a shift—a guard near the corner ahead. The tension was palpable, but Alexander was ready. He reached into the air, manipulating the fields around them to hide their presence.
He led them through the shadows, staying close to the walls as they approached the exit. The door creaked slightly as it opened, but Alexander kept them silent. They stepped outside, but they didn't make a move yet.
"We need to make sure the coast is clear," Alexander said quietly.
He looked around, scanning the area with his magnetic senses. There were a few guards patrolling, but nothing that couldn't be avoided. After a moment's hesitation, he gave the signal, and the trio swiftly darted through the shadows, moving toward the exit.
As Alexander, Boa, and Tesoro emerged from the building, the night air felt heavier, the adrenaline still rushing through his veins. They hadn't made it far when suddenly, a chill swept over them. The temperature dropped, and the air seemed to freeze in an instant.
A shadow appeared at the far end of the alleyway, stepping forward slowly. A tall figure with a long, flowing coat, his hair striking in the pale moonlight, emerged from the darkness. Alexander didn't need a second look to recognize who it was.
It was Aokiji, an Admiral of the Marines. His presence was commanding, and the cold aura around him was undeniable. His reputation had reached Alexander's ears during his brief time in Loguetown, and now here he was, standing before them, his eyes scanning them with an indifferent expression.
Alexander instantly realized the danger. He turned to Boa and Tesoro, his voice low but urgent. "Go to the tree near the warehouse. My friend is there, and he'll keep you safe." His heart pounded, but he didn't hesitate. "Don't worry, I'll handle this."
Boa looked at him with concern, but she nodded, pulling Tesoro along with her. They sprinted off toward the designated area, leaving Alexander alone with the Admiral.
Aokiji's calm voice drifted over the night. "You're quite bold, kid. Are you the one responsible for freeing those slaves?" His gaze was intense, the coldness in his voice matching the chill in the air. "What do you think you're doing, interfering with the Celestial Dragons?"
Alexander didn't flinch. He stepped forward, his hands steady as he unsheathed both Shinryu and Aramatsu, the blades gleaming in the dim light. He met Aokiji's gaze, his voice calm but filled with determination. "I don't care who they are. They don't have the right to keep people trapped like animals. If you're here to stop me, then we'll have to see about that."
Aokiji sighed, the cold air around him intensifying as his fingers twitched, ready to unleash his power. "You're just a kid. But you've got some guts. I suppose you think you can take on an Admiral, huh?"
With that, Aokiji raised his hand, and the temperature around them plummeted further. Ice began to form in his palm, slowly stretching out to form a jagged spear of ice. "This isn't something you can walk away from easily. But if you insist on fighting, I'll oblige."
Alexander's grip tightened on his swords. His heart raced, but his mind was focused. He had fought countless battles before, but facing an Admiral was a different kind of challenge. The power Aokiji possessed was immense. Yet Alexander had his own abilities, and he wasn't about to back down now.
Aokiji threw the ice spear toward Alexander, his speed and precision impeccable. But Alexander was already moving, his body fluid and graceful as he used the magnetic fields around him to propel himself out of the way, dodging the spear with ease. The ice shattered as it struck the ground, sending shards flying.
Alexander dashed toward Aokiji, his swords drawn. With a flick of his wrist, he swung Shinryu, the blade slicing through the air with a hum. Aokiji reacted quickly, creating a shield of ice to block the strike. The sound of metal meeting ice echoed in the cold air.
"Not bad," Aokiji commented, his expression still calm. He swiped his hand in the air, and the temperature dropped even further, causing the ground beneath them to freeze.
Alexander gritted his teeth but didn't hesitate. His magnetic abilities surged within him as he used his power to create an invisible shield around his body, protecting him from the freezing ground. With a quick motion, he leapt high into the air, landing behind Aokiji in a fluid motion.
"How about this?" Alexander said as he swung both swords in tandem, attacking from two different angles.
Aokiji smirked, but instead of blocking, he simply created a wall of ice, redirecting both of Alexander's strikes away from him with ease. The ice shattered, but Aokiji's expression remained unflinching.
"You've got some talent, kid," Aokiji said, his tone slightly approving. "But you're still far from being a match for me. You can't win this fight."
Alexander didn't let up. He had come this far, and he wasn't going to stop now. "We'll see about that."
The battle had only just begun. The night air was thick with tension, the sound of clashing blades and ice ringing out through the cold silence of Mary Geoise.
Aokiji's eyes softened for a moment, but the chill in his voice remained as he took another step forward, his hand still poised to strike. "Don't force me to fight you, kid."
Alexander's gaze hardened, his swords now at the ready. "My name is Alexander, not 'kid.' And you chose this path when you decided to protect those scum."
Aokiji's expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. A sense of weariness, perhaps regret. He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Sadly, I'm just doing my job," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of his duty.
Alexander didn't relent, his voice sharp as he held Aokiji's gaze. "You call this a job? Protecting the Celestial Dragons whose monsters who torture people for fun. You think this is right."
Aokiji's eyes flickered with something like recognition, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. The Admiral shook his head, his cold demeanor returning. "You don't understand. It's not about right or wrong. It's about order. The world needs structure."
"By protecting the worst of humanity?" Alexander snapped. "By doing their dirty work for them? Where's the structure in that?"
Aokiji didn't answer right away. He took a long look at Alexander, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're a smart kid. Too smart for your own good. But your idealism will get you killed if you keep pushing people like me."
"I'd rather die fighting for what's right than live in a world like this," Alexander retorted, stepping forward.
Aokiji raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by the conviction in Alexander's voice. "You think you can stand up to the whole world with just your power?"
"I don't have to stand up to the whole world," Alexander replied coldly. "Just the ones who are making it worse."
For a moment, there was silence between them, a heavy, tense pause. Aokiji seemed to consider Alexander's words carefully, but then he shook his head, his expression resigned.
"This is pointless," Aokiji said, the chill of his power intensifying again. "I'm not here to fight you, kid but I'm here to do my duty, whether you like it or not."
"You can keep telling yourself that," Alexander muttered, tightening his grip on his swords. "But you know deep down that what you're doing is wrong."
Aokiji's gaze hardened, and the ice around him seemed to grow colder. "Enough. If you want to fight, I'll give you one. But I won't hold back."
Alexander stood firm, his heart racing, but his resolve unshaken. "Then make your move."
The tension between them was palpable, as both prepared for what was sure to be a clash of ideals and power.
As the tension between Alexander and Aokiji reached its peak, the air seemed to crackle with anticipation. Both stood ready, poised for combat, but before either could make a move, a sudden shift in the air sent a shockwave through the battlefield.
From all around them, thousands of metal shards shot toward Aokiji, catching him off guard. With blinding speed, the metal sliced through the air, each piece moving with deadly precision as they chained him to a nearby wall. The sudden assault left Aokiji no time to react—he was overwhelmed by the sheer number and speed of the projectiles.
"Looks like you're not the only one who can make things freeze," Alexander muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he kept his focus on the scene. He had been using his magnetic field powers subtly throughout the fight, gathering all the nearby metal from the surrounding area. It was a perfect trap—a web of metal that now held Aokiji in place.
Aokiji, though momentarily caught off guard, quickly regained his composure. He strained against the metal chains, his ice-blue eyes glowing with a cold fury. "Clever trick, kid," he said, his voice still calm despite the sudden turn of events. "But it's going to take more than this to stop me."
With a flick of his wrist, the temperature around Aokiji began to drop rapidly. The ice began to spread from his body, reaching out to cover the chains, slowly freezing the metal and shattering the bonds that held him. The freezing process was slow at first, but Aokiji's power was undeniable.
Alexander watched carefully, his mind racing. He could feel the magnetic field around the area, but Aokiji was no ordinary opponent. The Admiral's freezing power was starting to break the magnetic chains.
"I'm not done yet," Alexander muttered, his hand moving swiftly in the air. He intensified his magnetic field, and more metal began to move, swirling in the air around Aokiji. But the Admiral wasn't going to make it easy.
Aokiji's hand raised slightly, and with a snap of his fingers, the ice around his body exploded outward, cracking the metal chains and sending the fragments flying. The ice was powerful—too powerful—and as it collided with the magnetic field, Alexander felt the strain on his control. But he quickly adapted, reinforcing the field with a surge of energy, and sent the shards flying in all directions, hoping to disorient his opponent.
"You're going to need more than that," Aokiji said, his voice now tinged with annoyance. The ice around him had cracked, but it hadn't completely dissipated. He was more than capable of turning the tide, especially with his freezing abilities.
"I have more," Alexander replied, his expression hardening. With a swift motion, he created a new barrier of metal around Aokiji, this time more intricate—he wasn't just using the magnetic field to trap him but to redirect the movement of the metals, forming an unbreakable cage around the Admiral. The power he was exerting was intense, his focus laser-sharp as he pulled all the surrounding materials into his control.
But just as Alexander thought he had the upper hand, Aokiji raised his hand and flicked his wrist once more. The ice around him surged forward like a tidal wave, crashing against the magnetic field and pushing Alexander's control to the limit.
"Not bad, kid," Aokiji said, his tone acknowledging the challenge. "But this fight isn't over yet." He summoned the full force of his freezing power, encasing the entire area in a layer of ice, and Alexander felt his magnetic grip weaken under the pressure of the cold.
Alexander gritted his teeth, sweat forming on his brow. He could feel his power stretching thin. If he didn't end this soon, Aokiji would break through.
"Time to end this," Alexander muttered, pushing every ounce of his energy into his power. With a final, concentrated effort, he forced all the metal in the vicinity toward Aokiji, combining it with the strongest magnetic field he could create.
The ice began to crack under the overwhelming force, and for a split second, Aokiji looked startled. The sheer intensity of the attack was enough to make him hesitate. But Aokiji was no ordinary fighter, and he wasn't about to let a kid get the better of him.
With a final, explosive surge of ice and power, Aokiji broke through the magnetic field, sending a shockwave that sent Alexander flying back. The ice wall shattered, and Aokiji stood, breathing heavily but unyielding.
"You're strong," Aokiji admitted, looking down at Alexander. "But you're not ready for this kind of fight. Go back to where you belong before you get hurt."
Alexander, panting from the effort, stood slowly, his body aching from the exertion. "I don't know when to quit," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "And I'll keep fighting until the world changes."
Aokiji regarded him silently for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You've got a long way to go, kid. But I'll give you this—you've got heart."
Before Alexander could respond, Aokiji turned, his figure disappearing into the shadows.
Alexander stood there, catching his breath, still feeling the weight of the fight. He knew he had just barely escaped a true confrontation with one of the strongest men in the world.
But his mission was far from over. With Boa and Tesoro safe, and the escape still ahead of them, he couldn't afford to stop now.
"Let's get out of here," he muttered to himself, focusing on the task ahead. "I still have people to save."
As Alexander sprinted toward the ship, he could see Tiger engaged in a fierce battle with several guards. The chaos of the fight had drawn attention, and the ship—once invisible—was now visible, as Alexander focus was solely on the fight against Aokiji. Alexander knew he had to act quickly to avoid being caught.
Without hesitation, he raised his hand, focusing on the magnetic field around him. The air seemed to hum with energy as metal from the surroundings began to twist and warp under his control. With a forceful push, he sent a surge of metal flying toward the guards, knocking them off their feet and creating a clear path toward the ship.
"Move!" Alexander shouted, his voice cutting through the noise of battle. He gestured toward the ship, using his powers to levitate Tiger and himself off the ground. The guards, disoriented by the sudden attack, struggled to regain their footing as the two of them were lifted toward the ship.
Tiger, still in the midst of fighting, looked up in surprise. "Kid, you—" But before he could finish, Alexander's magnetic field surrounded him, and with a powerful burst, they were both lifted high into the air and onto the ship.
"Thanks," Tiger said, his voice gruff as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He glanced down at the battlefield below, where the guards were scrambling to regroup. "But we're not out of the woods yet."
Alexander didn't say anything. His focus remained on the task at hand. As soon as Tiger was on board, he quickly turned his attention to the rest of the ship, pulling it back into invisibility. The guards below would be searching for them, but with the ship cloaked again, they would be harder to track.
"Let's get out of here," Alexander said, his tone firm as he adjusted the ship's trajectory. "We've done what we came here to do."
Tiger, breathing heavily, nodded in agreement. "You're right. No point in staying around for more trouble." He looked over at Alexander, a look of approval in his eyes. "I've seen a lot in my time, but you… You're something else, kid."
"Just keep the ship steady," Alexander replied, his hand steady on the controls. "I've got this."
With a final look at the chaos below, Alexander guided the ship up into the night sky, heading toward the safety of the open seas. The mission had been dangerous, but they had succeeded in freeing the slaves—and more importantly, they had escaped the clutches of Aokiji and the Marines, at least for now.
As they sailed away, Alexander couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. But there was more work to be done. His journey had only just begun.