Chapter 459: Rai Rai Kid

The announcement that Akainu had assumed the post of Marine Commander-in-Chief left countless people stunned.

At first, it seemed absurd and unexpected, but upon careful reflection, Akainu’s appointment as Marine Commander-in-Chief was in fact the most suitable arrangement.

Among the three Marine Admirals, Kizaru, as a member of the Morning Star Corps, was personally loyal to Barzab Seven.

Yet Kizaru’s nature was lazy and carefree, excelling at self-preservation and taking advantage of chaos.

Such a casual, passive disposition was more than sufficient for the role of Marine Admiral.

But to oversee the entire Marine Headquarters, coordinate branches across the Four Seas and the Grand Line, and shoulder the immense responsibility of commanding the entire Marine force, he was clearly unsuitable.

Aokiji… was still in a state of confusion, having yet to find his path forward.

Only Akainu possessed a fierce temperament, strict adherence to duty, and an unwavering resolve to uphold justice, never bowing to personal ties or social conventions.

Akainu’s appointment as Marine Commander-in-Chief was indeed appropriate.

Marine Headquarters, New Marineford.

On a rare day off, Akainu specifically invited his old friend Kizaru for a small gathering, hoping to seek clarification.

“Kizaru, why did Barzab Seven choose me to succeed as Marine Commander-in-Chief?”

Kizaru smiled and shrugged.

“You know my nature—I’ve reached the limit as an Admiral, and Bell-mere is about to give birth. Kuzan’s gone with Enel to the Infinite Land.

Within the entire Marine organization, only you can bear such a burden.”

With that, Kizaru lowered his voice deliberately.

“Let me tell you something interesting.”

“A few days ago, Sengoku, Dragon, and Shiki—three former Commanders-in-Chief—argued for a long time in the Government Hall over Charlotte Linlin’s three hundred men.”

“Shiki accused Sengoku of rebellion. The very next day, Sengoku went to Barzab Seven to resign. Barzab Seven failed to persuade him otherwise, and finally proposed you as the successor.”

“Because of this, Sengoku nearly fell into depression.”

Hearing these secrets, even Akainu’s stoic nature couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

“Sengoku… perhaps he’s grown so accustomed to enduring hardship under the World Government that he hasn’t yet adapted to the United Kingdom’s governing style.”

Akainu understood perfectly why Sengoku was depressed.

According to the United Kingdom’s constitution, Sengoku’s age would have allowed him to remain in command of the Marines for another ten years. Yet Sengoku, in his arrogance, mistakenly believed Barzab Seven had signaled his retirement through Kuma.

“Indeed,” Kizaru sighed.

“Under the old regime of those five useless fools, what miserable days the Marines endured—Sengoku’s inability to adapt is entirely understandable.”

“Now that you’re Commander-in-Chief, make sure you give the brothers more leave and assign less work.”

Akainu smiled but said nothing—he knew Kizaru was joking.

Given his long-standing friendship with Barzab Seven, Akainu wasn’t certain he could truly control Kizaru.

Moreover, since Barzab Seven had forgiven past grievances and appointed him, Akainu, as Marine Commander-in-Chief, he must perform his duties flawlessly.

Only then could he repay Barzab Seven’s kindness.

Three months later, Akainu assumed office as the new Marine Commander-in-Chief at the Holy Land Sky City, while Sengoku stepped down to the sidelines as Chief Inspector of Marine Headquarters.

Chief Inspector of Marine Headquarters was akin to Chief of Staff, a supervisory role with authority to monitor, investigate, and carry out special missions.

With Sengoku appointed as Chief Inspector, Rosinante’s promotion to Chief of Staff of Marine Headquarters was indefinitely postponed.

Thus, the world reached equilibrium: Sengoku satisfied, Akainu fired up, and only Rosinante heartbroken.

Meanwhile,

After completely eliminating the threats posed by Blackbeard, remnants of the old era, and Linlin’s forces, Barzab Seven finally prepared to travel to the past.

After bidding farewell to Fujitora, Buggy, Kaido, and others, Barzab Seven used the time machine to return to the year the Battle of God Valley erupted.

That was thirty years ago, Sea Calendar 1503.

At that time, Barzab Seven was just one year old.

…

“For Xia Qi!”

“For Xia Qi!”

Sea Calendar 1503, West Blue.

Dark clouds blotted out the sun and sky; the sea was black as ink.

On the deck of the Gibeck Sword, the great pirates—Whitebeard, Shiki, and John—shouted fiercely—

“Save Xia Qi! Save Xia Qi!”

It was hard to imagine just how suppressed these legendary pirates felt at that moment.

One could hardly tell whether it was the tragedy of the age or the misfortune of the individual.

At the bow, Charlotte Linlin, eight meters and eight centimeters tall, and her shadow Kaido watched coldly.

Suddenly, a purple lightning bolt landed steadily on Linlin’s shoulder, transforming into a two-meter-tall little figure: Rai Rai Kid.

It was Barzab Seven, having traveled thirty years into the past, altered his appearance, and joined the Rocks Pirates.

“What a depressing era!”

Not long ago, the Celestial Dragons had declared Xia Qi the prize of the God Valley Hunting Tournament, claiming the victor would win the world’s most beautiful woman.

Once the news leaked, countless pirates—including the Rocks Pirates and Roger Pirates—flocked to God Valley.

Can you believe it? The so-called pinnacle tournament of the pirate world, the Battle of God Valley, was sparked by a woman?

Truly, this was the age of great oppression.

“Rai Rai Kid, aren’t you interested in Xia Qi?”

For this little brat who liked to sit on her shoulder and bounce like a trampoline, Linlin had no patience to spare.

She couldn’t catch him.

He was too small.

Even if she squatted down and bent over, the little guy… still couldn’t reach.

Barzab Seven spread his hands: “Linlin, you know—I only have feelings for you.”

At thirty, Linlin’s figure remained flawless, her mature womanly charm at its peak—and teasing her in front of young Kuma gave Barzab Seven a peculiar thrill.

He, Barzab Seven, had nearly become Kuma’s stepfather.

Hearing this, Kaido immediately wore an extremely lewd expression, as if imagining the scene.

“Linlin, just give in to Rai Rai Kid…”

*Boom~* The future Four Emperor Big Mom’s love fist slammed hard onto Kuma’s head.

“Once we reach God Valley, you two stick close to me. They’re fighting over their woman—our target is the Devil Fruits.”

Linlin and Kaido had already begun planning to form their own pirate crew.

One of the prizes of the God Valley Hunting Tournament—nine Devil Fruits—was undoubtedly the perfect startup capital for pirates who loved free loot.

Hearing “Devil Fruit,” Kaido nodded solemnly: “Linlin, we follow your lead.”

With that, Kaido instantly switched to a grin: “Rai Rai Kid, you’re fast—remember to help me!”

In the Rocks Pirates, intern Kaido deeply envied Rai Rai Kid: though he’d joined only recently, he’d become captain of the Sixth Division after eating the strongest Logia Fruit—the Gura Gura no Mi.

Without the Lightning Fruit, Kaido believed he could beat Rai Rai Kid three to seven.

Three minutes—he’d kill him seven times.

At this point, Kaido was not yet the legendary master who would later declare, “Haki surpasses all.”

Back then, Kaido, spurred by the Lightning Fruit’s power and encouraged by Whitebeard, vowed to find a powerful Devil Fruit.

Barzab Seven grinned brightly: “Kaido-san, don’t underestimate the bond between us.”

The young Kaido was not only Linlin’s shadow but also acted like a fool.

Kaido grinned, his pride impossible to hide: “Brother, once this is over, I’ll find you a beautiful wife.”

“Arigatou, Kaido-san.”

Barzab Seven inwardly grumbled: Kaido, if Yamato finds out you’re trying to find me a wife, she’ll kill you.

The Gibeck Sword suddenly accelerated, racing toward God Valley.

After a brief chat, Linlin dragged Kaido back to their cabin, leaving Barzab Seven standing frozen in place.

“Holy shit, you two really are a thing.”