Onepiece: I Am Aizen, The Strongest Admiral

"These fragments are pieces of the Hōgyoku, reduced in size but retaining its core essence," Aizen explained, his tone smooth and commanding. "Placed on specific parts of the body—heart, head, neck, torso, or limbs—they grant immense regenerative abilities, nearing immortality. And if placed on the heart, it offers true vitality: the power of eternal life."

Ryder's eyes widened, his pupils dilating as the magnitude of Aizen's words struck him. His breath quickened, and for the first time in years, the infamous Red Earl felt his composure slipping.

"These eight shards are yours," Aizen continued, his voice calm but carrying an edge of authority. "But in exchange, you will join the Hunter's Guild as my vice president." Without hesitation, Aizen tossed the eight Hōgyoku fragments toward Ryder.

"The Marines are closing in. Leave now before their arrival." Turning away, Aizen began his deliberate walk toward the coast, unconcerned about the chaos he left behind.

"The Hunter's Guild..." Ryder muttered under his breath, frowning in contemplation. While the name was unfamiliar, it carried weight simply because of Aizen's involvement. Whatever this guild was, it clearly wasn't tied to the Marines, which gave Ryder little reason to refuse. After all, there was no place for him in the Marine hierarchy.

Without hesitation, Ryder pressed one of the Hōgyoku fragments to his chest.

Instantly, an overwhelming pain coursed through his body, forcing him to his knees. He gasped for air, clutching his chest as if it were being torn apart from the inside.

"This power will replace your heart," Aizen said, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Soon, the fragment of Hōgyoku will transform and become your eternal core."

Ryder gritted his teeth, struggling against the searing agony. He removed his hands from his chest just as a hollow began to form where his heart had been. Slowly, the hollow took shape, forming a cross, with the Hōgyoku fragment settling in its center.

As the pain subsided, Ryder felt an unfamiliar vitality surge through him. The energy from the fragment coursed through his veins, restoring his body to its prime state. Decades of wear and tear vanished as his strength returned to its peak, rejuvenating him to the condition of his thirty-year-old self.

"This... is the Hōgyoku?" Ryder whispered, his voice tinged with awe. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw power that now flowed through him. The transformation was undeniable.

The strength he had gained was unparalleled. Before, he might have hesitated to challenge the likes of Whitebeard, but now? Ryder felt as though he could stand against the so-called strongest man in the world without fear.

"No wonder you're so powerful," Ryder said, turning to Aizen, his expression filled with a mix of admiration and unease. "If a single fragment can grant me this level of strength, then what of a complete Hōgyoku?"

Aizen smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with calculated amusement. "The full Hōgyoku is on an entirely different level. But I assure you, its power is reserved for those I deem worthy."

Ryder's gaze hardened. "And does the president of the Hunter's Guild possess such power?"

Aizen's smile deepened. "No. He does not have fragments. He carries an entire Hōgyoku within him."

The revelation struck Ryder like a thunderbolt. His breath hitched, and his fists clenched at the implications.

"The full Hōgyoku..." Ryder muttered, unable to mask his astonishment.

"You should know him well," Aizen said smoothly, his voice laced with subtle amusement. "The man you once knew as the Golden Lion, Shiki."

Ryder froze, his mind racing. "Shiki? But... isn't he dead?"

Aizen turned slightly, his piercing gaze meeting Ryder's. "I killed him. But even in death, he saw the truth of my power and submitted. Now he serves me, wielding strength beyond anything this world can comprehend."

The weight of Aizen's words crushed Ryder's doubts. If someone as powerful and ambitious as Shiki had fallen under Aizen's command, what choice did Ryder have?

"I see," Ryder said after a long pause, his voice steady but tinged with grudging respect. "Even a man like Shiki would bow to you. That says much about your strength."

Aizen gave a faint chuckle. "Shiki understood the value of my vision. And now, so will you."

Ryder glanced at the Hōgyoku fragment embedded in his chest. The power it granted was undeniable, but it also served as a reminder of the price he had paid to follow Aizen. With renewed strength and purpose, Ryder knew there was no turning back.

"Very well," Ryder said, his voice resolute. "I will serve the Hunter's Guild as your vice president. But mark my words, Aizen—I won't settle for being second forever."

Aizen's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ambition suits you, Ryder. But remember, in my world, power is earned, not given. Prove yourself, and perhaps one day, you'll see what lies beyond the fragments."

Ryder said nothing, merely nodding as he rose to his feet, the pain in his chest replaced by an intoxicating surge of strength. He would follow Aizen—for now. But deep within, his ambition burned brighter than ever.

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