Onepiece: I Am Aizen, The Strongest Admiral

Pirates are straightforward creatures, driven by primal desires. For most, the appeal of endless plundering and violence far outweighs the dull grind of honest labor. Why toil for years to build wealth when one raid can amass fortunes overnight? Though the pirate's life often ends in death, they relish the freedom, the thrill, and the fleeting moments of grandeur.

Waldo understood this nature well. By tossing his subordinates a share of the spoils, he kept them satisfied and obedient. But even he tread carefully. Despite being the strongest on this island, Waldo avoided reckless plundering. Doing so might provoke the ire of other pirates and risk them forming alliances against him—a battle he wasn't eager to face.

Thus, he delegated the dirty work to his crew, maintaining a balance that kept him safe from retaliation. Yet, in his arrogance, Waldo failed to realize the storm descending upon him.

---

For two days, Waldo planned his departure. The island had served its purpose, and staying longer would only court danger. However, as he contemplated his next move, a sudden, chilling sensation swept through him.

His Observation Haki flared, warning him of an incoming threat. Instinctively, Waldo rolled to the ground, abandoning any semblance of composure.

**CRASH!**

A massive wave of blue energy tore through the tavern, cleaving it cleanly in two. Splinters and debris rained down as the structure crumbled.

"You dodged? Impressive," came a calm, detached voice. "Observation Haki does have its uses."

Waldo turned, his eyes narrowing at the sight of a man stepping through the wreckage. Clad in pristine white, his sharp features radiated an unsettling composure. In his hand rested a sleek blade, its edge faintly glowing with power.

"Aizen..." Waldo growled, his tone laced with hostility.

Before he could say another word, another wave of sword energy erupted toward him.

"Momo: Tenfold Speed!"

In a blur, Waldo disappeared, his Devil Fruit ability amplifying his speed to inhuman levels. He reappeared behind Aizen, Haki-coated fists ready to strike.

"Die!"

But Aizen was faster.

**Shunpo.**

He vanished, leaving Waldo's punch to strike nothing but air.

"What?!" Waldo's eyes widened, disbelief etched across his face. The speed Aizen displayed was unlike anything he had ever seen.

"Behind you," Aizen's voice came, calm and deliberate.

Waldo spun, swinging his fist with all his might.

**BOOM!**

Fist met palm in a thunderous clash, the shockwave rippling outward and tearing through what remained of the tavern. Waldo gritted his teeth, his arm trembling against Aizen's casual block.

**"Hadō #31: Shakkahō!"**

In an instant, a blazing orb of red energy materialized in Aizen's palm.

"At this range?!" Waldo barely had time to react before the fireball exploded point-blank.

The force sent him crashing into the ground. As the dust settled, Waldo staggered to his feet, his arm scorched and mangled. Charred flesh peeled away, exposing bone beneath. Despite the pain, he tied a strip of cloth around his arm and glared at Aizen with defiant eyes.

"You're resilient," Aizen remarked, a hint of mockery in his tone.

Waldo's breathing was heavy, but his fighting spirit remained unbroken. He could feel the immense pressure radiating from Aizen, each movement calculated and deliberate.

"Not only a great swordsman but you wield strange powers as well," Waldo muttered. He clenched his fists, weighing his options.

---

Despite his injuries, Waldo wasn't ready to admit defeat. His ambition burned too brightly.

"With strength like yours," Waldo said, his tone shifting, "we could take the seas together. Join me, and we could rival even the three great pirates. The world would be ours."

Aizen's cold gaze bore into him. The proposition was almost laughable.

"You don't even know who I am," Aizen replied, his voice filled with disdain. "You speak of alliances without understanding the storm you've provoked. Ignorance like yours has no place in my world."

Waldo froze, doubt creeping into his mind. This man wasn't just strong—he was something else entirely.

Aizen raised his blade, the Zanpakutō glinting ominously.

"You wanted a chance to leave this island alive?" Aizen's voice was calm but laced with finality. "Consider it revoked."