3 Chapter 3: Grizzly Bear (I)

"Move, move and take a gander!"

Frankly, Sakazuki's heart still feels somewhat fragile. After all, he isn't the original Akainu. He's inherited Akainu's skills. He's uncertain now, as he hasn't had time to experiment.

But his superior's orders were final. If he fails to comply, he won't be able to justify it. Even though he doesn't know what Akainu was like previously, one thing is certain: Akainu despises pirates. With the Flying Pirates crew now at their doorstep, not responding would surely raise suspicions.

Without delving into the specifics of the system interface in his mind, Sakazuki, guided by Marine soldiers, swiftly heads towards Wantou, where the Marine Headquarters is resisting the flying pirates. It's imperative to halt the advance of the Flying Pirates crew, or it will severely impact Marineford.

Upon reaching the battlefield in Wantou, Sakazuki was taken aback by the chaos before him.

At the bay's head, numerous soldiers in pristine Marine uniforms engage in combat with a dishevelled group of individuals. With just a glance, he witnessed many falling, cloaked in unseen blood.

"Are these Golden Lion's pirates?" Sakazuki murmurs to himself.

His words catch the attention of Marine soldier Lucas Benioff, who escorted him. "Vice Admiral Sakazuki," he interjects, "these flying pirates differ from what you've encountered before. Golden Lion Shiki clashed with Roger, resulting in a 70% to 80% loss for his subordinates. This group of pirates was recently assembled. Despite their numbers, they're not as formidable as before."

Sakazuki recalls the battle between Golden Lion and Roger mentioned in manga, implying some knowledge about Golden Lion Shiki. Fortunately, Akainu didn't disclose much; otherwise, a misspoken word could have led to misunderstandings.

"These despicable pirates who defy justice must be vanquished today," Sakazuki declared. This is the stance Akainu would take. Unsurprisingly, Lucas Benioff, upon hearing Sakazuki's proclamation, displayed no surprise but instead looked Akainu with admiration.

 "Absolutely, Vice Admiral Sakazuki. With you in command, these pirates should cower in fear."

"He admires me?" Sakazuki realises that this sailor idolises him. Considering Akainu's status and prowess, it's natural for someone to look up to him. Yet, Sakazuki desires not admiration but fear. He craves dominance.

Though he's only recently discovered this system's existence, Sakazuki recognises the significance of the fear factor. The greater the fear instilled, the greater the benefits he can reap, even though he remains unsure of the specific roles of the three options presented.

Surveying the battle between Marines and pirates, Lucas noted Marine's advantageous position. After all, this is Marine Headquarters, Marine's strongest stronghold in One Piece.

Glancing around, Lucas figured that the most intense and conspicuous battle took place in the air.

A colossal pirate battleship hovered in the sky at the bay's head. Even from a distance, one could clearly see three figures engaged in rapid, fierce combat.

Two people donning Marine attire, while the third boasts a head of blond hair. 

It was evident —this was the captain of the Flying Pirates, Golden Lion Shiki, one of the New World's three legendary Pirates, alongside Roger, the Pirate King, contending for dominance over the seas.

"To challenge Vice Admiral Garp and Admiral Sengoku single-handedly, Golden Lion indeed possesses formidable strength. However, I believe it won't be long before he's defeated by these two."

 The Marine beside Sakazuki commented enthusiastically, showcasing his respect, admiration, and confidence in Garp and Sengoku.

Speechless, Sakazuki observes this passionate Marine, realizing that Lucas Benioff holds the rank of Marine Lieutenant Commander —a seasoned officer, not too senior yet not too junior.

"Yes, Golden Lion's defeat is inevitable, as long as…"

Sakazuki was about to offer his opinion when his expression shifted suddenly. He swiftly pushed aside the Marines nearby and moved to the other side.

A burly figure passed through their former position, landing nearby.

"Sakazuki!"

An enraged shout pierced the air. Sakazuki looked up to see a towering man, about two meters tall, wielding a massive mace, with burns scarring the left side of his face, glaring at him.

"This fellow seems to hold a grudge against me?"

Unfamiliar with the pirate, but given the man's address and aggressive approach, Sakazuki deduces their enmity.

"Who are you?" Sakazuki inquired naturally.

The burly man's expression froze upon hearing Lucas. He glared at Sakazuki, his anger palpable. 

"You don't even remember me?"

Sakazuki responded stoically, "I've slain countless worthless pirates like you. If I were to remember every one of my victims, wouldn't I be inundated?"

"You…" The burly man trembled with fury.

Benioff whispered to Sakazuki, " Vice Admiral Sakazuki, this individual is a well-known pirate in the New World, nicknamed 'Grizzly Bear.' You've bested him before, leaving the scar on his face."

"Ah, I see!"

Sakazuki realized why this man glared at him so fiercely—a past encounter had bred animosity. Since Grumpy Bear is a defeated adversary, Sakazuki felt no apprehension.

"Last time, you escaped by sheer luck Grumpy Bear. Yet, you haven't learned your lesson." Sakazuki taunted.

Grumpy Bear roared furiously, "My name is Grizzly Bear! Sakazuki, you only triumphed over me last time due to your Logia Devil Fruit. But now, I've mastered Haki. This time, I'll plant your face on the deck."

Sakazuki's eyes widened. He had assumed that even without inheriting Akainu's memories, his Lava-Lava Fruit abilities would render him impervious. However, Grizzly Bear's mastery of Haki posed a significant challenge.

"Regardless of stepping into Akainu's shoes, I, who's destined to become the greatest Marine, cannot be scared by an inconsequential pirate," Sakazuki declared. With a steely gaze, he unleashed his formidable aura. His hands morphed into scorching lava, dripping onto the ground.

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