After retiring from the Navy, I became a doting husband.

As Martin spoke, the Senbonzakura in his hand turned black.

"Armament Haki?"

Aokiji narrowed his eyes slightly: "Frozen Moment."

He quickly released cold air to freeze his opponent, and an extreme chill instantly swept over him.

However, the moment the opponent released the chilling aura, Martin leaped into the air and dodged the extreme cold.

The spot where he had stood was now covered with a thick layer of ice, giving it a feeling of being frozen for thousands of miles and covered in snow.

It seemed as if we had entered a serene and tranquil realm, a crystal-clear fairytale world, where the icy fragrance of snow offered a cool and soothing comfort.

But it is fraught with danger!

If Martin hadn't jumped to dodge, he would probably be frozen solid by now. Looking at his right foot, it was already frozen.

The Aokiji's freezing air is most powerful on the ground, so you must stay away from that freezing air.

There was no other way; the three generals were all elemental mages, very skilled in melee combat, while I was currently a physical warrior.

Historically, it's always been absurd for warriors to fight mages, unless they use their Zanpakuto.

"No wonder he can be called a general; even the aura of dominance cannot find the opponent's true form."

Martin frowned slightly while in mid-air.

He had been using his Observation Haki to sense the other party's true form, but all he could see were ice blocks; there was no sound or presence of anything else.

Even a sharpshooter would have difficulty shooting in that situation.

Clearly, Aokiji deliberately concealed his true form, making it impossible for Aokiji to strike him directly.

puck!

Aokiji released five ice pillars from his palms and shot them at his opponent. If they hit, they would be frozen inside a giant ice ball.

Martin sensed the threat, and his arm instantly transformed into paper, his muscles becoming soft and boneless, while the sword light surged.

In an instant, the five icicles turned into countless sparkling ice fragments.

Martin landed safely amidst a shower of ice flowers.

The chill on the ground made him realize what it meant to be icy cold.

I know Armament Haki, which is good, but it doesn't feel quite enough to deal with this Marine Admiral who is completely in ice form.

Suddenly, the surrounding cold became even more biting, and Kuzan's body instantly turned into a half-ice form, even his face turned into half a block of ice.

In the depths of winter, the land is frozen solid for miles.

The entire Maryford was like a giant refrigerator; the castle was shivering with cold, the sea had become stiff, and the air seemed to freeze. It was a world of ice and snow, extremely cold.

A chilling cold swept in, and thick white ice enveloped the earth, leaving only a vast expanse of white all around. The surging sea was frozen solid, and Maryford, edged with a glittering silver trim, resembled a giant clad in ice and snow armor.

With such strong freezing air, are we entering the Ice Age?

For a warrior to defeat a mage, equipment is essential.

"Let me show you what a Zanpakuto is all about," Martin said, raising his Senbonzakura sword.

With petals and Armament Haki combined, let's see where your true form can hide.

Don't think you can take advantage of me just because you're a general.

"Scatter..."

Before Martin could finish speaking, a loud shout rang out: "Damn it, Aokiji, what's with the temperature drop in the middle of the night? You've given me a cold."

Looking up, Marshal Zhan Guo was standing at the castle window, covered with a thin blanket, his whole body covered in white ice, like a Santa Claus carrying a big bag, roaring fiercely!

"You two bastards, fighting in the middle of the night! I'll teach you a lesson. Kuzan, you went back to Marine Headquarters without even telling me. Get up here right now."

The roars of the Warring States period were chilling.

"This is troublesome... Well, let's fight it later."

Kuzan stopped releasing his chill and calmly brushed past Martin.

"Want to fight again later? You'll regret it next time you lay a hand on someone."

Martin's voice was icy cold.

"Oh? Then I'll wait."

Kuzan continued walking as he spoke.

"Sharpshooter, shoot him!"

Martin didn't even turn his head, but just muttered to himself as he pointed the blade of the divine spear at Aokiji.

rub!

The blade flashed like lightning, and Aokiji let out a scream: "Ah!!! You...you ambushed me!"

Martin turned around and looked at Aokiji, who was clutching his backside: "What sneak attack? Would I sneak attack your backside? Don't insult me."

Aokiji clutched his buttocks, his body radiating cold air again, about to flare up.

"Aokiji, get up here!"

This time it was Garp's roar: "If you lay a hand on me again, I'll deal with you! You too, Martin."

Aokiji could only waddle up the stairs, clutching his bloodied buttocks.

Martin shrugged: "It is indeed powerful, but it's not certain who will win when facing a Zanpakuto. A sneak attack doesn't need to care where your main body is."

"That straight-laced old man, I'll make him kneel down and call me daddy one of these days!"

To be honest, Kuzan actually cares about Robin quite a bit, which is why he fought with her to test her strength. Deep down, he is a person who upholds justice.

If we were to say which of the three generals most resembles this person, it would definitely be Kuzan.

It's a pity Kuzan is a man. If he were a woman, which Zanpakuto would he unlock?

My current strength is still insufficient, especially when facing these Marine Admirals who can use magic.

Not only could I not find the opponent's true form with my Observation Haki, but the ice-type attack was also a great threat to my physical attack; I could easily be frozen solid if I wasn't careful.

The oppressive feeling of the magician was still fresh in his memory, making his pores stand on end.

That's right, I'm still too weak. I feel incredibly troubled when I encounter an Admiral. Will I get beaten up if I encounter one of the Four Emperors?

We must become stronger as soon as possible!

So... I have to grow and become stronger together with the girl.

immediately!

immediately!

Feeling energized, Martin let out a long sigh and headed towards Tina's residence.

dong dong dong...

He knocked on Tina's door.

"You...how did you get here?"

Tina, wearing her pajamas, opened the door and saw Martin looking haggard, her expression one of surprise.

Martin said affectionately, "Whether it's lust at first sight or love at first glance, I liked you from the first moment I saw you. I just like you. I've saved up a lot of sweet words, and I'll tell them to you when you like me enough."

Tina boldly opened her eyes this time: "No, I want to hear it now."

"Okay, let me tell you slowly, baby."

Martin picked the other person up and carried them inside.

Shortly after, a violent tremor was heard from the room...

[Free Chapter] Aokiji's feelings for Robin

In One Piece, Nico Robin was already heavily wanted by the World Government at the young age of eight. The sensational Ohara incident made Robin the only person in the world who could decipher the Poneglyphs. The lost century in history is a taboo for the World Government, strictly forbidding anyone from exploring it. After a long period of secret investigation, the scholars of Ohara finally vaguely learned the truth of history. However, the World Government learned of this information and sent five warships to suppress Ohara. When the doctor was about to reveal the truth of history, the Navy killed him and destroyed Ohara. The World Government blamed Robin for the destruction of Ohara and issued a worldwide warrant for her arrest. Navy Admiral Aokiji, one of the five vice admirals who participated in the Ohara incident, did not kill Robin but let her escape. In the years that followed, he silently watched over Robin but did not have any intention of capturing her. Why didn't Aokiji, as a Navy officer, take action against Robin? There are two main reasons:

Part 1: Aokiji fulfills his friend Salong's last wish.

Robin was orphaned and destitute as a child, never having met her parents. Her childhood was incredibly lonely; she lived with her uncle, but this dependent life meant not only being shunned by her relatives but also being called a monster by others. Young Robin lived in misery, spending her days in tears and envying other children's parents. Despite her hardships, Robin had a group of loving doctors, and at only eight years old, she had already become an archaeologist. When Robin discovered that the archaeologists of Ohara were secretly researching the Poneglyphs, Dr. Clover, fearing for Robin's life, forbade her from investigating anything related to the Poneglyphs.

A heartbroken Robin finds Saul in the nearby sea, and the two become good friends. Saul was originally a Vice Admiral in the Marine Headquarters, but dissatisfied with the extreme actions of the Marine high command, he secretly released Robin's mother and escaped himself. The World Government, because of Ohara's research into the Poneglyphs, decided to make an example of her and launched the Buster Call. Robin's true identity as Olvia's daughter was exposed, and Saul escaped with Robin. Saul and Robin were attacked by Vice Admiral Aokiji. To cover Robin's escape, Saul was frozen by his friend Aokiji. Out of respect for Saul's past comradeship, Aokiji didn't kill Robin, only telling her, "You are free to hate whomever you want, but you should be grateful you survived. From now on, try to live a life of ignominy. And remember, I am not your friend." Aokiji let Robin go to fulfill his comrade Saul's dying wish; Saul's only thought before his death was to let Robin escape.

Robin is the sole survivor of the Ohara incident and the only one capable of deciphering the Poneglyphs. Robin's survival is primarily due to two people: Hagwar D. Saul of the D. clan and Aokiji. Saul is Aokiji's close friend, and Aokiji's decision to give Robin special treatment and let her go was largely due to Saul's intervention. Saul risked his life to protect Robin, hoping she could live and bring about some change in the world, even a small one. If that were all, saving her would have been worthwhile.

Part Two: Aokiji's Lazy Justice

Aokiji is different from Akainu. Akainu embodies absolute justice, while Aokiji's is a lazy kind of justice. During the Ohara incident, both were involved. Faced with a refugee ship filled with civilians, Akainu ordered his warships to open fire and destroy it. Akainu's reason was to prevent scholars from secretly infiltrating the refugees; if he was going to do it, he wanted to do it thoroughly. Aokiji clearly didn't approve of Akainu's actions and couldn't understand why Akainu destroyed the refugee ship. Aokiji also wanted to see how far Robin could grow and what the truth behind the Void Century was—something that held considerable appeal for him.

During the Enies Lobby incident, Spandam had an opportunity to launch a Buster Call, but this opportunity was granted by Admiral Aokiji. CP9 seemed to know about Robin's arrival beforehand; their mission was the Pluton blueprints, but capturing Robin was also part of their mission. Robin had been wandering for twenty years, unable to find a place to settle, a ticking time bomb who would run at the slightest provocation. Aokiji couldn't abandon Robin, especially since she had a suicidal streak. Aokiji almost considered killing her, as Robin's existence was indeed a threat to the World Government. Aokiji had intended to use the Enies Lobby incident to put an end to the Ohara affair, but the powerful CP9 unexpectedly failed. Aokiji sympathized with Robin, but his duty as a Marine left him conflicted. If Robin had truly deciphered the Void Century, he wouldn't have killed her. His concern for Robin stemmed from his own interest in the truth of the world, hoping someone could provide the answers.

Aokiji believes the government's methods weren't entirely correct, and he himself doesn't approve of the Ohara incident. Robin embodies Aokiji's longing for Saul, and his view of justice has always been languid. Aokiji has his own principles and bottom line; he genuinely doesn't want to kill Robin. He wants to see if Robin, whom his friend risked his life to protect, was worth it; he wants to see if Robin can successfully find the truth of history. Aokiji at Marine Headquarters is unwilling to harm Robin, even though she's an innocent child wanted by the World Government. His actions are touching. Brutal military force cannot suppress the pen of literature, and guns and ammunition cannot obliterate the true face of history. We can only face all that has happened, regardless of whether it was good or bad!

........................

What exactly was Aokiji's attitude towards Robin? As everyone knows, the Buster Call destroyed Robin's hometown. Aokiji originally intended to capture Saul and the remaining members of the island, but because Akainu ordered the bombardment of the refugee ships, Aokiji began to doubt the righteousness of the operation. Therefore, he took pity on Robin and let her go, telling himself that he was not her friend.

From then on, Robin was trapped in a life of escape for many years. This raises a question: after Aokiji released Robin, did he really leave such a young Robin to live in the dark for a period of time, or did he secretly protect her? After all, Aokiji did not know whether what he did was right or wrong.

I think Aokiji did observe and follow Robin secretly, and not just when she was a child.

We can see from a few small details that when Aokiji reappeared in front of Robin, he had the intention to end the grudge from 20 years ago; otherwise, he wouldn't have given the Golden Den Den Mushi, which could activate the Buster Call, to CP9.

During their conversation, we can tell from Aokiji's words that he had been silently watching and keeping an eye on Robin's movements, but he was very disappointed because Robin had become accustomed to darkness and betrayal time and time again.

However, judging from Aokiji's personal background, he is not the kind of person who listens to information. Therefore, during Robin's betrayal, there must have been several times, or even many times, when Aokiji was secretly observing her, and he may even have helped her.

That's why Aokiji felt disappointed when they met again. It's easy to see this; just look back at Luffy and Aokiji's first encounter.

It was obvious that this happened shortly after Robin joined their ship. She claimed to be there to see the Straw Hat Pirates, but it was obvious that Aokiji had gathered intelligence again and followed Robin. After all, Robin was of great importance, and he was the one who let her go. He wanted to see if his decision was right or wrong, which was perfectly normal.

This was the first time. The second time was during the Enies Lobby incident, when we saw Aokiji also appear on the warship. If he really wanted to kill or capture Robin, what use would having a few more pirate crews have been?

It's very likely that Aokiji was just making one last test. After all, it must have been tough for him to clean up after Robin for the past 20 years. He may have even doubted whether letting her go was a mistake. That's probably why he handed the Den Den Mushi to Spandam to see if Robin hadn't changed. If not, he would have no choice but to arrest her and settle the score.

Here's a detail: when the warships were interfered with by the currents of the Gate of Justice at sea, they wanted to continue the pursuit, but Aokiji said to stop, that they had lost. But do you know that mere undulating waves could stop Aokiji? Do you think his Ice Age is fake? If he went all out, he could probably freeze the entire Land of Water instantly.

Moreover, Aokiji's appearance was too timely. I would never believe that he didn't follow Robin. Later, on Enies Lobby, Aokiji found Robin again and confirmed that she really wouldn't betray him again. Only then did Aokiji's observation of her come to an end, and he truly let Robin go free.