One Piece: One Punch Man

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As Byakuya suspected, the Five Elders approved Sengoku's proposal to officially make Byakuya the fourth Marine Admiral to lull the Marines and Byakuya into a false sense of security, allowing their true plans to unfold more smoothly. 

Once Byakuya became an Admiral and lowered his guard in his moment of triumph, the plan was for two Yonko crews to launch a coordinated assault against him. 

Under such an attack, Byakuya's death would be almost certain.

Moreover, with the World Government displaying apparent goodwill toward the Marines in this matter, it was unlikely the Marines would suspect their involvement. 

Even if the truth came to light later, Sengoku's personality would likely lead him to suppress any overreaction, avoiding excessive retaliation. 

This would restore the Marines to their previous state of compliance, once again becoming a tool of the World Government—a scenario the Five Elders were eager to see. 

Of course, all of this hinged on successfully eliminating Byakuya.

Without meeting them, the Five Elders hadn't anticipated that Byakuya clearly understood their nature. 

Their uncharacteristic behaviour made their scheme obvious to him. 

After hanging up the call, a cold glint flashed in Byakuya's eyes as he sneered, "If you have time to plot against me, I might as well find something to keep you busy."

After letting Sabo escape during their last encounter, Dragon expressed a strong interest in allying with Byakuya's organization. 

He had even suggested a meeting to discuss the specifics. 

However, Byakuya had been preoccupied with his upcoming duel with Mihawk and had yet to respond. Now, it seemed like the right time to consider it.

Although Byakuya's appointment as the fourth Marine Admiral had not been made official, the news had already spread across the seas, drawing widespread attention. 

Many were surprised by the announcement, but it was not entirely unexpected. Byakuya had long been rumoured to be the "fourth Admiral."

The World Government had simply formalized it, turning his reputation into an official title.

However, some questioned whether Byakuya truly deserved the rank of Admiral. 

While his accomplishments since graduating from the Marine elite training camp were impressive—having defeated or captured several notorious pirates and recently besting the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk, earning him the title of "Sword God"—many felt he still fell short compared to the other Admirals.

The main point of contention was that Byakuya had never directly clashed with a Yonko. 

Marine records highlighted this gap. 

Even though he survived an ambush by the Beasts Pirates, it was with the help of former Admiral "Black Arm" Zephyr that he had not faced Kaido one-on-one. 

By contrast, all three current Admirals had proven capable of going head-to-head with a Yonko. 

For example, despite being a Vice Admiral, Garp had famously pursued the Pirate King, Roger, across the seas. 

Akainu had once battled Kaido for three days and nights. These feats underscored the strength required of an Admiral, and Byakuya had yet to demonstrate this.

What people didn't know, however, was that Byakuya had single-handedly fought most of the Beasts Pirates and forced Kaido to flee in humiliation. 

This event wasn't public knowledge because Byakuya had chosen not to share it, fearing it would sound too far-fetched and invite suspicion. 

Likewise, Kaido had imposed a strict gag order on his subordinates to prevent the story from spreading, unwilling to let such an embarrassing incident tarnish his reputation.

When Byakuya heard the rumours circulating across the seas, he paid them no mind. 

To him, the title of Marine Admiral was secondary; his primary concern was earning World Energy. 

To that end, Byakuya requested leave from Sengoku, claiming he wanted to return to East Blue to visit his hometown after so many years away. 

He intended to see familiar faces like Captain Vaughn, Coby, and Nami while hoping to run into Monkey D. Luffy along the way. 

Byakuya set sail for the East Blue with a small group of soldiers aboard the Aurora.

Because he planned to meet Dragon, Byakuya left his soldiers behind at a secure location, travelling alone to ensure secrecy. 

Given the critical juncture of his impending promotion and the need to secure more World Energy, he took every precaution. 

When leaving the New World, he chose not to pass through Mary Geoise but to coat his ship and travel through Fish-Man Island.

When Byakuya appeared on Fish-Man Island, the reaction was immediate and dramatic. 

The Fish-Men scattered as if they had seen a ghost, avoiding Byakuya's sight altogether. 

Still resentful of the last incident, the island quickly became a ghost town. 

Within five minutes, King Neptune and Prince Fukaboshi appeared before Byakuya. Neptune, seeing Byakuya, felt a surge of conflicting emotions. 

On one hand, he couldn't hate Byakuya, who had saved his life and Fish-Man Island's future. 

But gratitude wasn't the dominant feeling either; Neptune felt torn. 

After all, tens of thousands of Fish-Men had perished at Byakuya's hands during that incident, reducing the island's population by nearly 80%.

It was a scar too deep to heal. Such massive casualties were something no one wished to see. 

Since that event, the Fish-Men of Fish-Man Island seemed to have developed a peculiar condition: just hearing Byakuya's name caused them to tremble uncontrollably, needing quite some time to regain their composure. 

As a result, "Byakuya" became a forbidden name on Fish-Man Island. Neptune spoke with a complicated tone, "Vice Admiral Byakuya... Oh, no, now it's Admiral Byakuya." 

A Marine Admiral so young—it was hard to imagine what heights he might reach.

"The official appointment hasn't come through yet," Byakuya replied nonchalantly. 

"You can still call me Vice Admiral Byakuya."

As Byakuya surveyed the deserted Fish-Man District, he remarked with a hint of regret, 

"I was hoping to encounter some troublemaking Fish-Men this time so I could help you deal with them."

"But it seems they all ran away at the sight of me. What a disappointment!"

Byakuya recalled the last time he had been here when a single sword strike had eliminated over 50,000 Fish-Men, netting him nearly 40,000 units of World Energy. 

It had been an exhilarating experience, though he lamented that opportunities like that didn't occur more often.

Standing nearby, Fukaboshi watched Byakuya shake his head in disappointment and thought, Are you here to help or kill? 

Surely, you must know the answer to that yourself. I'd rather not point it out.

Fearing Byakuya might act out again, Neptune quickly interjected, "Rest assured, Vice Admiral Byakuya." 

"Thanks to you, those troublemakers have all been dealt with since the last incident. Fish-Man Island is peaceful now, and there won't be any further issues."

"By the way," Byakuya asked, "where is Jinbe?"

"Jinbe left a few days ago and hasn't returned yet," Neptune replied evasively. 

In truth, Jinbe was recuperating in Ryugu Palace, but Neptune feared another conflict between Byakuya and Jinbe and chose to lie.

Byakuya cast a sidelong glance at Neptune, his expression cold. This old man can't tell the truth to save his life.

"I spared Jinbe's life last time, so he owes me a favour. Do you remember that?" Byakuya asked.

"Yes! Yes, I remember!" Neptune nodded vigorously.

"Now it's time for him to repay that favour. When he returns, tell him to announce his resignation from the Seven Warlords of the Sea." 

"Once he does that, the debt is cleared."

"Uh…" Neptune hesitated. He couldn't agree immediately. 

Jinbe's acceptance of the Seven Warlords title secured the release of captured Fish-Men and symbolized the World Government's goodwill toward improving relations between humans and Fish-Men. 

If Jinbe publicly resigned, it would send the opposite message: that Fish-Man Island had no desire for harmony with humans. 

Such an act would completely undermine the efforts of Queen Otohime, Neptune, and Jinbe himself, nullifying years of hard work.

Even at the risk of angering Byakuya, Neptune couldn't agree to this lightly.

Byakuya's smile grew cold. "What's wrong? You're not planning to repay the favour?"

Though the sunlight filtered through the ocean above, Neptune and the others felt no warmth. 

A chilling cold seemed to seep into their very bones like they were standing in an icy cavern. 

Neptune looked at Byakuya in shock, wondering if he was about to make a move. Was Fish-Man Island truly doomed this time?

As tension filled the air, a voice suddenly came from Ryugu Palace. "Wait!"

In a flash, Jinbe appeared before Byakuya, his speed in water unmatched. 

His expression was solemn as he spoke deeply, "You're right. I owe you a favour for sparing my life last time." 

"However, resigning from the Seven Warlords is something I cannot do. It would have a devastating impact on Fish-Man Island."

Pausing briefly, Jinbe continued, "To repay my debt, I am willing to take my own life here and now." 

"I only ask that you spare King Neptune and Fish-Man Island."

With that, Jinbe gathered a powerful water orb in his hand and aimed it at his head.

"Jinbe!" Neptune cried out in alarm.

No one had anticipated such a move. 

To repay his debt while protecting Fish-Man Island's relationship with the World Government, Jinbe was willing to sacrifice himself. 

His decisive act left everyone stunned.

Byakuya, observing Jinbe's actions, thought, As expected of 'Jinbe the Knight of the Sea.' His title truly suits him.

Just as the water orb was about to strike Jinbe's head, Byakuya moved like a phantom, dispersing the attack instantly.

"Smack!" Jinbe's hand struck his forehead, leaving a red mark but causing no real harm.

"Huh? I'm… still alive?" Jinbe muttered in confusion, rubbing the bright red imprint on his forehead.

Neptune hadn't seen Byakuya's move clearly but knew only Byakuya could have intervened in time. 

He quickly expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Vice Admiral Byakuya, for sparing Jinbe!"

Jinbe, still surprised, looked at Byakuya. 

While his interactions with Byakuya were limited, he gathered enough from personal experience and Neptune's accounts to form an impression. 

Byakuya was a ruthless and domineering individual who wouldn't hesitate to kill. 

Jinbe had assumed that failing to fulfil the favour would mean certain death for him and possibly doom for Fish-Man Island. 

He hadn't expected Byakuya to save him.

Byakuya spoke calmly, "The abolition of the Seven Warlords system is already inevitable. Whether you resign or not, the outcome will be the same."

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