Chapter 16 - Judge and Iji

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Within the opulent and grand hall...

Seated majestically upon the throne, Vinsmoke Judge's imposing figure was framed by a massive black eagle spreading its wings on the backdrop behind him. The emblem of Germa 66 adorned the wall prominently.

On the right-hand side of the hall hung a large photograph that caught the eye immediately. In it, Vinsmoke Judge stood triumphantly, holding a spear in one hand and a crown in the other, his demeanor exuding arrogance. At his feet lay four battered and defeated kings, barely alive.

This image commemorated the infamous event when Vinsmoke Judge, as the supreme commander of Germa 66, had single-handedly crushed four kingdoms—a feat that once shook the North Blue to its core.

"What is going on?"

The commotion outside reached Vinsmoke Judge's ears, causing him to furrow his brow in displeasure. As the self-proclaimed royal patriarch and supreme leader of Germa 66, maintaining his "dignity" meant he couldn't possibly go out personally to greet his rebellious eldest son.

"Commander, it's... it's Lord Iji..."

A guard rushed in, cautiously delivering the report. "He's at it again—'teaching' Lords Niji and Yonji another lesson..."

"That damn brat!!"

With a frustrated growl, the wine glass in his hand shattered under the pressure of his grip.

Vinsmoke Judge felt both anger and resignation welling up inside him. Unlike his third son, Sanji—who had been abandoned due to being an ordinary human with no ambition—this eldest son, despite lacking the "exoskeleton" enhancements shared by Reiju, Niji, and others, had proven himself through sheer effort. From the moment he began training, Iji's relentless dedication was evident, earning Judge's reluctant respect even though he was considered a "half-finished product."

Having such a hardworking and outstanding son undoubtedly filled Judge with pride as a father. Yet, ever since Iji uttered his first words, he had never once called him "Father." This defiance left Judge endlessly exasperated and troubled.

BAM!!

CRASH!!

In the bustling plaza below, dust swirled and winds whipped violently. Loud thuds echoed from the ongoing battle between three figures, their movements too fast for bystanders to follow clearly.

But every exchange ended the same way: the blue-clad and green-clad figures were repeatedly sent flying backward.

"Lord Iji, please stop!"

"Lords Niji and Yonji, don't provoke him further…"

"Otherwise, Commander will be furious!"

"..."

Germa soldiers shouted futilely, trying to intervene but knowing better than to step into the fray. Their meager strength paled in comparison to the combatants—they wouldn't stand a chance, not even the captains of Germa 66's six elite squads could hope to stop them.

"Hohoho, looks like Iji's decided to 'educate' those two unlovable brothers again..." Leaning her cheek on her palm with an amused smile, Reiju watched from the sidelines without any intention of stopping the fight. Such scenes were all too familiar.

From childhood, the quadruplets had always divided themselves naturally: Niji and Yonji stuck together, Iji became a madman obsessed with training, and Sanji was dismissed as a kind-hearted yet unmotivated "failure."

As a "half-finished" creation, Iji surpassing the "perfect specimens"—including herself—had fueled resentment in Niji and Yonji, whose cold, cruel, and arrogant personalities made them incapable of accepting defeat. Had Iji not been overwhelmingly strong, they would have ganged up on him long ago.

Thus, their battles never ceased. But each time, the victor was always Iji. Initially, the gap between them wasn't insurmountable, but over time, Iji dominated effortlessly, leaving Niji and Yonji battered and humiliated.

For these two, only fists could enforce obedience; love or reason had no place here.

"Iji really doesn't hold back, does he? King Judge will surely be angry later," Isabel, the elegant maid standing beside Reiju, remarked helplessly.

Behind her, Wensini and Dilia—the identical twin maidservants—stood quietly, avoiding comment. Their adoring gazes followed the red-clad figure dominating the battlefield, confidence shining in their eyes. They harbored no doubt about their master's invincibility.

Glancing briefly at the obedient sisters, Isabel smirked knowingly. She recognized the signs—those two had already fallen completely under Iji's spell.

"Don't worry, this isn't anything new. Father hasn't done much about it before..." Reiju chuckled softly, utterly unconcerned. Among her three surviving brothers, only Iji showed any semblance of humanity. Comparatively, Niji and Yonji were nothing short of despicable. It was clear where her loyalty lay.

BAM! BAM!

Two battered figures—one clad in blue, the other in green—were smashed into the ground once more.

Dust billowed!

Crack... Crack... Cracks spider-webbed across the battlefield, spreading rapidly.

"Damn it!!"

"This bastard doesn't know how to show mercy!" Niji and Yonji spat blood, glaring fiercely at the crimson figure standing tall before them.

Even without wearing his combat suit, Iji fought like a monster, barely exerting himself. His raw power alone sufficed to crush them.

"I refuse to believe we can't beat him without using Haki…" Niji snarled, rising shakily to his feet. Turning to Yonji, who knelt nearby, he barked, "Yonji!"

"Understood!"

Without waiting to wipe away the blood trickling from their mouths, the two launched themselves forward like lightning.

Their fists clenched tightly, enveloped in pitch-black Haki, aimed straight for Iji. "Mixed Color·Burst Strike!!"

"ENOUGH!!"

A thunderous roar froze them mid-motion.

"Father!?"

An electrified spear swept through the air, sending both Niji and Yonji flying backward before they could land their attack.

"Heh, looks like you two idiots dodged a bullet," Iji sneered, lowering his raised leg with a cocky grin.

"You insolent brat! They're your brothers!" Vinsmoke Judge glared at his defiant eldest son, his face darkening with rage. If he hadn't intervened just now, Niji and Yonji might have been bedridden for days.

Fresh off his return and already causing chaos, Judge contemplated teaching this unruly son a lesson—if only he weren't such a formidable opponent.

"Of course, as the eldest brother, it's my duty to teach my younger siblings how to respect their elder," Iji declared smugly.

"..."

Niji and Yonji scrambled to their feet, their faces darkening upon hearing Iji's mocking tone. They nearly choked on their own fury.