The Marine Headquarters was eerily quiet that afternoon, save for the rhythmic tapping of boots against polished floors. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, better known as Akainu, strode down the hall with his usual scowl, his magma-infused fists clenched behind his back. He had little patience for nonsense—especially not from him.

“Sakazuki-chaaan~”

The slow, drawling voice echoed through the halls before its owner even appeared. And then, in a shimmering cascade of golden particles, Borsalino—Admiral Kizaru—materialized beside him, hands in pockets, his signature smirk as lazy as ever. Akainu’s brow twitched. “What do you want, Borsalino?”

Kizaru tilted his head, stepping in sync with Akainu but just a little too close for comfort. “Ohhh, nothing really~ Just admiring how serious you always are. So scary~” He gave an exaggerated shudder, his grin widening as he peeked at Akainu’s clenched fists. Akainu growled. “I don’t have time for your games.”

Kizaru smiles sarcastically "come on relaaax~...maybe take a break~ just the two of us"

That was it. Akainu whirled, his arm morphing into molten rock, seething with heat. “Enough!” He swung a fist, and a violent stream of magma surged toward Kizaru. The attack roared through the air—only for it to pass harmlessly through golden particles as Kizaru’s body shattered into cascading beams of light. Akainu barely had time to scowl before a voice whispered from behind him—right next to his ear.

“Too slow, Saka-san~”