Summary:
Noticing Nico Robin’s frightened expression at the man looming before them, Luffy asks his colleague if she knows him. Aokiji states that they have met once before. The crew prepares for battle as Nami wonders who exactly this man is that scares Robin to such an extent. Aokiji tells the crew to relax as he is not here on any orders and was just taking a walk. Zoro notices Aokiji’s reference to “orders”, prompting him to ask who exactly he works for. Robin answers him and tells the crew that the man standing before them is a sea admiral. Sanji is visibly shaken by the information and recognizes the admirals as the ultimate force in the marines. Robin confirms this, noting that there are only three people in the Marines who hold this rank: “Akainu” the red dog, “Aokiji” the blue pheasant, and “Kizaru” the yellow monkey. Besides, the only person above the three is the Sengoku Supreme Commander. So Aokiji is one of the three men considered to be the ultimate offensive force of the World Government. This absolutely horrifies Usopp, who cowers behind Zoro while demanding that the admiral pursue the other pirate crews with higher bounties. Aokiji ignores this, instead flirting with Nami, which infuriates Sanji and Usopp. Aokiji tries to calm them down, reminding the crew that he’s just here for a walk, but loses his train of thought, further angering Sanji and Usopp due to his lack of cohesion. Usopp asks Robin if she’s sure someone like him could hold such a high position in the Marines, causing Aokiji to state that he can’t judge him by his looks. He announces that he stands by the motto “Lazy Justice”, which Sanji and Usopp don’t object to in the slightest. Aokiji states that it’s time to rest as his legs are tired from standing, prompting the crew to question why he was sleeping standing up in the first place.
Aokiji again reminds the crew that he is not here to arrest them, instead assuring them that he only wanted to confirm Nico Robin’s whereabouts after the “Arabasto incident”. Sanji and Usopp comment more casually about the man in front of them not being very admiral as Aokiji states that he is only going to report the discovery so that the reward for the crew can be recalculated. He tries to do the calculation himself, but you can tell he’s too lazy to calculate, which confuses Zoro. Luffy tries to attack the admiral, saying he won’t let him take Robin, but is held back by Usopp, who doesn’t want his captain to start an unnecessary fight with someone supposedly so powerful. Aokiji reminds the crew again that he’s not here to fight, but Luffy is unfazed by his claim, still looking for a fight. Luffy finally tells the admiral to leave. Aokiji intends to comply, but says that he overheard Tonjito’s wish during his light sleep. He tells Tonjito to pack up and prepare to move, but Luffy tells him not to listen to the mysterious man since he’s a marine. Tonjit questions why he shouldn’t listen, causing Luffy to remember that as a pirate he is usually considered the bad guy, while the opposite is true for marines. Usopp slaps Luffy over the head for his cluelessness, who perks up after realizing that Aokiji really wants to help Tonjito. Aokiji reveals that he heard about Tonjito’s plan to transport Shelly across the tide to the third island from their current location. However, Usopp reminds the admiral that this is currently not possible due to the horse’s injury. Aokiji claims that it will be fine, though Usopp notes that it doesn’t look convincing at all. Robin speaks up and confirms that he can help, which gets the crew’s attention.
After packing up, Tonjit, Shelly and everyone else head to the coast. Aokiji says that it’s good to exercise once in a while, causing Luffy to agree, noting that Aokiji is a really nice person. This is not lost on Nami as she points out how Aokiji and Luffy suddenly seem like friends. Tonjit thanks the crew for their help by offering them cheese again, angering Usopp. Luffy asks Aokiji what his plan is now, to which he responds by making everyone back off as he places his hand in the water. The Sea King suddenly emerges from the water to attack Aokiji, alarming the crew. Aokiji doesn’t bother at all and uses “Ice Age”. The entire ocean in front of them is instantly frozen, including the Sea King himself. As the crew stands in disbelief at the Admiral’s sheer power, Robin reveals that Aokiji has eaten the Logia-class Devil Fruit, Hie Hie no Mi. Aokiji tells Tonjito that his technique should last about a week, so he can take his time, but he should wear more clothes because of the cold. Tonjit can’t believe his eyes and is absolutely thrilled to be able to meet his friends again after ten long years. Tonjit and Luffy thank the Admiral for his help. Tonjit then says goodbye to the crew and thanks them again for their help, while Chopper reminds Sherry to change her bandages. After the Straw Hats free Tonjito, they head back down the coast towards Aoki. Aokiji suddenly sits up from his prone position, causing Luffy to notice his change in demeanor. He explains to Luffy that he is a lot like his grandfather. The mention of Luffy’s grandfather shakes him quite noticeably, as Usopp asks why he’s sweating so much all of a sudden. However, before Luffy can voice his concerns, Aokiji mentions that he dealt with Luffy’s grandfather a long time ago. While only there to see Robin, he declares that maybe the Straw Hats should die now.