For a long time, Sengoku remained silent. He hadn’t expected Rayleigh to say such things to him.
Finally, he spoke solemnly:
"Rayleigh, don’t presume to predict the future. If anyone dares to disrupt the world’s order 20 years from now, I’ll be the first to crush them."
Rayleigh shook his head, looking unsurprised.
"I figured you’d say something like that. Fine, Sengoku, if you want a fight, let’s fight. That person still needs time to grow, but we won’t just stand by and do nothing."
His tone was indifferent—there was no reasoning with someone so stubborn.
Meanwhile, Scopper Gaban and Akainu’s battle raged on fiercely, neither gaining the upper hand.
"Sakazuki, I didn’t expect you to be this strong. The Magu Magu no Mi is quite something."
Gaban’s twin axes gleamed black, hardened with Armament Haki.
"Hmph. A mere pirate like you speaking to me so casually is a capital offense. I’ve decided not to arrest you—I’ll execute you right here."
Molten rock dripped from Akainu’s arms, his entire body radiating explosive heat.
"Tch. You’re even more arrogant than I thought, Sakazuki. Who the hell do you think you are, deciding life and death like that?"
"I don’t owe explanations to pirates. Absolute Justice means no mercy—you either surrender or die."
Gaban tightened his grip on his axes, glaring at Akainu.
"I’ve met all kinds of pirates, but you’re the most extreme bastard I’ve ever seen. I was just playing around earlier, but now I’ll get serious. Because I can tell—you’ll be a threat to that person in the future."
"That person? Who are you talking about?" Akainu’s voice was icy.
"Hah! Like I’d tell you."
"Playing games, huh? Doesn’t matter. All I’ll say is this—your end will be brutal."
Akainu’s expression was merciless, his body wreathed in searing magma.
If this guy is allowed to grow stronger… in 20 years, he’ll be a major obstacle for him. If I get the chance today, I should kill him now.
Gaban’s mind raced.
"Lightning Tornado Slash!"
His body spun like a black whirlwind, blades slashing toward Akainu.
"Great Eruption!"
Akainu’s magma fist exploded outward.
The clash was endless—neither could overpower the other.
Meanwhile, Reid—in his golden Buddha form—was locked in battle with Zephyr.
Or rather, he was running away.
Though the system had granted him Sengoku’s powers, actually using them in combat was far harder than he’d expected.
"Kid, why are you always running?"
Zephyr frowned. Reid didn’t seem to be mocking him—if he truly had mastered the Hito Hito no Mi, he should be able to fight properly.
What do I do…? I don’t even have time to practice! The system’s cheat is amazing, but throwing me straight into a fight with an Admiral? At least let me figure out how to use these powers first!
Reid was panicking. This was like forcing someone who’d never driven a car before to take a license test—no matter how much theoretical knowledge he had, actual combat was a different beast.
"Eat this, brat!"
Zephyr’s fist shot forward. Distracted, Reid took the hit head-on.
"Oof—!"
His body rang like struck metal as he stumbled forward.
This isn’t working. I need to master these powers, fast.
An idea struck him.
Wait—all the abilities in this world match the manga and anime I know. If I rely on my memories and let the system fill in the gaps, maybe I can pull it off!
The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. He did have Sengoku’s power—he just lacked the instinct to wield it.
As he ran, Reid focused, blocking out everything else.
What’s this kid up to? Does he hate fighting that much? He’s got potential… I should recruit him for the Marines. Once this is over, I’ll take him back and train him myself.
Zephyr grinned, already plotting.
Then—Reid’s eyes lit up.
That’s it! If I’m in the Buddha form, and the system gave me Sengoku’s abilities… then I just need to think like Sengoku!
He steeled himself, immersing his mind in the persona of the Marine Admiral.
Justice is absolute. Evil must be purged. Nothing stands above the Navy’s righteousness—
"Buddha Impact!"
"Divine Punishment!"
Golden light erupted from his palms.
Reid suddenly halted his steps, turning around with golden light swirling in his palm.
"This time, I don’t even need the system’s help—I can definitely pull this off. Because deep down, I already know how!"
"BUDDHA… IMPACT… WAVE!" he roared.
WHOOSH!
A golden shockwave erupted from his palm, tearing through the air.
Zephyr, ever the vigilant Marine instructor, had instinctively braced himself the moment Reid stopped running.
And sure enough—
"That’s Sengoku’s signature move!"
Even expecting it, the sight of Reid replicating the Buddha Impact Wave sent a jolt through Zephyr’s nerves. The boy’s transformed state—massive golden frame, radiant aura, even the trademark round belly—was near-identical to the Marine Admiral’s.
With practiced reflexes, Zephyr sidestepped the blast.
"So now you’re done running, brat? Even picked up cheap tricks, huh?"
Reid grinned, exhilaration bubbling in his chest.
"Consider that my warm-up, Instructor Zephyr. Now… I think I’m ready."
It worked! The power flowed naturally the moment I stopped overthinking it!