Onepiece: I Am Aizen, The Strongest Admiral

A week passed swiftly, with Aizen dedicating himself to unraveling the mysteries of the Hōgyoku shard. His ultimate goal was clear: to perfect its power and potentially recreate the Hōgyoku itself. Everything else—the creation of Hollows and their monstrous evolutions—were secondary, mere tools in the grand scheme he meticulously orchestrated.

During this time, Aizen's presence at the G3 branch became unquestionable. Using the power of **Kyōka Suigetsu**, he methodically brought key Marine officers under his influence, ensuring that no one could oppose or disrupt his plans.

It was in the midst of this carefully maintained order that the unexpected occurred.

"Vice Admiral Aizen! The Golden Lion is attacking!"

An orderly burst into the office, panic evident in his voice.

But even before the report, Aizen had already sensed the approaching threat. His keen Observation Haki, paired with his sharp sensory perception, had long detected the arrival of this powerful presence.

"The Golden Lion," Aizen murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. "To think he would make such a bold move against a Marine branch."

There was no fear in his voice, only a hint of amusement. He recognized the name well—Golden Lion Shiki, the infamous captain of the Flying Pirates. A legend of the seas, a man as feared as Whitebeard and Roger, and someone bold enough to challenge Marineford itself.

Aizen stood, adjusting his glasses as his calm demeanor masked a storm of calculation.

"Golden Lion," he mused quietly. "A reckless lunatic, unpredictable and utterly dangerous. How fitting that such a man would cross my path."

Moments later, Aizen arrived at the branch's port, where the imposing figure of Shiki awaited. Golden hair cascaded down like a lion's mane, and his presence was as overwhelming as the vast fleet of pirates at his back.

From the moment Aizen laid eyes on him, he knew—Shiki was not a man to be underestimated.

"Aizen," Shiki said with a grin, cigar clenched between his teeth. "I hear you're the Marine's new golden boy. Straight out of the academy and already a Vice Admiral, eh? Quite the leap for a little genius like you!"

Aizen's expression remained calm, but his piercing gaze carried an unspoken challenge.

"Flattery won't hide your cowardice, Golden Lion," he replied smoothly. "A man of your stature, targeting a single branch... Or perhaps you believe this is the extent of your capabilities?"

Shiki's grin widened, unbothered by the insult. "Hahaha! Kid, don't waste your breath on trying to rile me up. I don't care about your words or your rank. The New World doesn't care about titles, only strength. Let's see if you've got any!"

With that, Shiki's Conqueror's Haki flared to life, a crimson wave of raw dominance that swept across the port.

But Aizen was unfazed.

In response, a cold, blue light emerged around him. It wasn't Conqueror's Haki, but something far more refined—a manifestation of his Reiatsu.

The two forces clashed violently, red and blue waves colliding in midair with the force of a storm. The sheer impact sent shockwaves through the port, cracking the ground and forcing nearby Marines to shield themselves from the oppressive energy.

As the dust settled, the two figures remained locked in a silent standoff, their opposing auras battling for dominance.

"This is not a battlefield for your reckless displays, Shiki," Aizen said, his voice calm yet laced with authority.

With that, Aizen took a step forward—not on the ground, but on an invisible path of spiritual energy. Each step brought him closer to Shiki, his composure unshaken by the fleet of pirates watching from the ships.

The Golden Lion's grin faltered ever so slightly as he observed the confident Marine approaching.

"Well, well, you're full of surprises, aren't you, kid?" Shiki said, his tone now carrying a hint of intrigue.

But Aizen didn't respond. His eyes, sharp and calculating, were fixed solely on Shiki.

In this moment, the battle between a legend of the old era and the rising star of the Marines was about to begin. And in Aizen's mind, the outcome was already decided.