Chapter Sixty-Six: Kizaru, Dead!

"Ai... Aiross D. Carmiel..." Kizaru's voice trembled. At this moment, true fear gripped him. How could this man possibly be here? Someone, anyone, please explain this to him!

Carmiel strolled forward, blade in hand, each step drawing every eye to his figure. Nearby, Sentomaru’s massive axe slipped from his grasp and crashed to the ground. Terror consumed him. At Marineford, the pirate most spoken of was always Carmiel. He had even been present during that incident a decade ago; under Carmiel’s overwhelming presence, he hadn’t lasted a single second. Many Marines still carried anxious memories of the havoc Carmiel wrought at headquarters ten years before. The terrifying image of his imposing strength had long since been branded into their hearts, never to be forgotten.

Carmiel’s pace was unhurried, yet each footfall seemed to hammer mercilessly at Kizaru’s fragile heart. He was deeply afraid of Carmiel now, having clashed with him multiple times and lost utterly— even when joined by other Admirals. Their last confrontation had been on this very island and under similar circumstances. Was this to be his grave?

“Well, well! Isn’t this Kizaru? What brings you here instead of staying put at Marineford?” Carmiel’s arrogant words rang out clearly for the dozen or so people present.

Kizaru cursed the Celestial Dragon who had started all this. If he could, he’d have killed that bastard himself and avoided ever provoking this demon.

Forcing down his terror, Kizaru rasped, “What brings you here, Mr. Carmiel? Sightseeing, perhaps?” Sightseeing— as if anyone would believe that. Carmiel was obviously here to stir trouble.

Carmiel’s gaze grew cold and murderous. He had no intention of letting Kizaru leave alive. He had to die here. To lay a hand on Robin’s mother— did he not know she was Carmiel’s mother-in-law?

If Kizaru knew what Carmiel was thinking, he’d have bashed his own head in. He truly had no idea.

Carmiel reached Olivia, helping her to her feet.

“Are you alright, Mom?”

“Ah!!!” Luffy’s voice was loud with shock.

“What?!” Sanji’s voice followed, full of disbelief as he slumped to the ground.

The others’ jaws nearly hit the floor. Nami and the rest stared at Carmiel and Olivia, wide-eyed. Carmiel hadn’t shown himself in Alabasta; they’d only met him at the floating restaurant. Though Olivia had seemed familiar when she appeared, her hair color differed so much from Robin’s that no one linked them as mother and daughter. Besides, Olivia had entered the scene years before, and none of them knew who she was. Even though they’d learned some of her story in Alabasta, how could she possibly be connected to Carmiel— let alone as his mother-in-law?

Kizaru was now filled with regret. They knew Olivia was aboard, but never made the connection to Nico Robin. During the Ohara incident, Carmiel had already taken them both under his protection, so the Navy remained unaware of their relationship.

Carmiel had long since forgiven Olivia, and had called her “Mom” for ten years. When he sought her out a decade ago, captivated by her beauty, Carmiel’s mind wandered, much to Robin’s irritation— which led to all that followed.

“Heh, I’m fine. Don’t you know how strong I am, boy?” Olivia said with a playful wink, further flustering Carmiel. Because of the unique cultivation method Carmiel had helped her break through twenty years ago, her appearance had never changed since. Even now, she was breathtakingly beautiful, her silver hair adding to her allure.

Feeling awkward, Carmiel stepped aside and turned his attention to Kizaru, while Olivia made her way to Luffy and the others. They gathered together, watching to see what Carmiel would do with Kizaru.

“Well, Kizaru, I think you should just die here today. How about it?” Carmiel sheathed the Purple Emperor sword, lit a cigarette, blew a smoke ring, and spoke with a light tone, as if Kizaru was of no consequence.

Kizaru felt as though he’d fallen into an icy abyss. His face went blank. Sentomaru, having picked up his great axe, rushed to his superior’s side and stared nervously at Carmiel. Nearby, Kuma frowned. Carmiel’s words surprised him— was he really about to declare all-out war on the Navy? Perhaps it was best to quietly withdraw, having not yet participated.

Kizaru glanced at Sentomaru, indecision flickering in his eyes, as if weighing a monumental choice.

With a hum, Kizaru suddenly transformed into light and shot skyward.

The assembled onlookers were stunned. An Admiral of the Navy, fleeing?

Carmiel smirked, his figure blurring from view.

Bang! Boom!

Two thunderous crashes followed— one in the sky, the other as something slammed into the ground.

Carmiel had teleported directly in front of Kizaru’s light form and, with a Haki-infused leg, kicked him savagely. The force shattered Kizaru’s elementality and inflicted grave injuries. The impact was so great that Kizaru’s battered body was sent hurtling down like a cannonball, carving into the earth, his fate uncertain.

With the others staring at him as though he was a monster, Carmiel landed gently. Though Sentomaru was upset at Kizaru’s retreat, he nonetheless rushed over to check on his superior. Kuma, already departing, felt relieved— Carmiel’s presence meant there was no need to worry about Luffy dying here.

Gazing at the unconscious Kizaru, Carmiel’s expression showed a trace of pity. But sparing him was out of the question— he had to die here.

“Kizaru, may you watch over the Navy from heaven,” Carmiel murmured, as purple light blossomed from his right hand.

Boom!!!

Thunder shook the air. As the dust slowly cleared, Kizaru’s body had vanished, replaced by an even larger crater— nearly ten fathoms across— testifying to the destructive power of that final blow.

Kizaru, Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, was dead.

Carmiel gazed at the crater he’d made and sighed softly. Kizaru’s death stirred little emotion within him. Thinking of the great upheaval soon to come, a faint smile played at the corner of his lips.

He turned to Luffy and the others, all of whom were still frozen with shock. Carmiel’s vanity was deeply satisfied by their awe— perhaps the only value in Kizaru’s demise.

“Luffy,” Carmiel called.

“Yes, Uncle? What is it?” Luffy asked, puzzled.

“Do you know what you’re lacking?”

“It’s strength. We’re not strong enough.” Luffy looked at his crew, their eyes dark with self-doubt. If they had true power, what fear would an Admiral inspire?

“Heh, so you understand. With your current strength, you’d never survive in the New World. I’ve decided to train you all for two years. Only then will you set sail for the New World. How about it?” Carmiel’s voice was cheerful, his face full of warmth.

His words plunged them into thought. To be trained for two years by one of the Four Emperors— their power would surely grow beyond measure.

Carmiel seemed to read their minds.

“Zoro, I’ll call in Hawkeye to be your teacher. Sanji, I’ll personally take charge of your training. As for you, Luffy, I’ll have Hancock instruct you in Haki. The others’ arrangements I’ll handle as well. Well?”

Hearing the name “Hawkeye,” Zoro’s eyes shone with excitement. Sanji was stunned, Luffy merely puzzled. Nami and the others all looked to Luffy— as captain, the final decision was his.

Luffy glanced around at his comrades, his eyes firming with resolve. Yes, only with true strength could he protect his friends, fulfill their dreams, and keep moving forward. Without power, all was empty talk. Seeing their expectant faces, he made up his mind.

“Alright, Uncle Carmiel.”

...

Well, finally killed one. Next time, it’ll be that mutt’s turn.