Rumble...

The ground split apart with a deafening roar.

The entire Japanese-style mansion, along with a massive slab of rock beneath it, tore away from the earth like a colossal floating fortress.

What was left behind was a gaping crater—so wide and deep it looked as if a titan had ripped out a chunk of the land.

Chunks of soil peeled away from the base and tumbled down like rain, splashing against the ground and sending shockwaves outward.

"Zephyr, are you really going through with this!?"

Sengoku's bloodshot eyes locked onto the rising structure and the purple-haired figure standing before it. His hoarse voice rang out in fury.

Zephyr, once an Admiral of the Marines, had earned unmatched prestige through decades of battle at sea.

The legendary title "Black Arm" had once stood shoulder to shoulder with his own and Garp's.

And during his years off the front lines, Zephyr had trained a generation of elite officers—respected and loved throughout the Marines, especially by the younger ranks.

If someone so crucial to the foundation of the Marine institution were to publicly break away at a moment like this, it would trigger an immeasurable political storm.

With Zephyr's influence, the unity of Marine Headquarters could crumble.

It could even lead to mass desertion.

The mere thought sent a chill down Sengoku's spine.

To him, Zephyr's departure posed a greater threat than even Daren's.

He clenched his jaw and prepared to charge forward—but the four sharp Meito blades shot into his path, their tips gleaming coldly, completely blocking his way.

The threatening chill from the blades made Sengoku's arms ache just from the tension.

Damn it!

He cursed under his breath, then looked up and shouted in desperation.

"Zephyr! Are you really going to throw away everything you've built all these years!?"

"What happened to the justice you swore to uphold!?"

The floating mansion continued to rise as Zephyr clutched the wound on his severed arm with one hand. From high above, he looked down at his former comrade.

Their eyes met across the void.

"I haven't given up on my justice, Sengoku."

Zephyr's face was composed, his voice calm—carrying the clarity of a man who had seen through the world.

"I just realized... under the shadow cast by tyranny, the justice I upheld has become powerless and pale."

"If I can't even protect the people I care about—then what's the point of justice?"

Sengoku was stunned.

He opened his mouth, searching for words.

But when he looked at Zephyr's severed arm, saw the light of conviction in his eyes, and recalled the bitter tragedies that had marked his friend's life—he found nothing to say.

"But you alone... what gives you the right to carry out justice?"

Sengoku tried again.

Before his words had even settled, figures launched themselves into the air from the ground, stepping on the sky with practiced ease using Geppo, landing behind Zephyr.

Shuzo, towering and muscular.

Dalmatian, marked by his spotted fur.

Yamakaji, with his square-jawed face and thick beard...

One after another, familiar faces appeared—each one bearing eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

Gion tightened her grip on the sword at her waist. After a moment of silence, it looked like she'd made her choice. She shifted her ankle slightly, ready to move.

But just as she was about to act, a slender hand suddenly rested on her arm.

Startled, Gion turned her head.

What she saw left her frozen in place.

"Tsuru..."

Vice Admiral Tsuru gazed at her deeply, then shook her head.

"Gion, this path isn't meant for you."

Meeting Tsuru's calm yet stern eyes, Gion suddenly felt her heart tremble.

She bit her lower lip, glanced at the Vice Admiral's back, and slowly broke into a bright smile.

"Tsuru nee-san, I've followed your teachings all these years, haven't I?"

"But just this once... I'm going to be selfish."

Her smile bloomed like a flower.

"I'm going to chase my own justice."

As the words fell, Gion gently pushed Tsuru's hand aside and leapt into the air with grace.

Tsuru watched her resolute figure rise, stunned into silence—but didn't stop her.

Instead, a faint, knowing smile gradually surfaced on her weathered face.

You're not chasing justice...

You're chasing love.

Tsuru shook her head helplessly, then turned to glare at Tokikake, who was staring at her expectantly.

"Well, go on then! If you're going, go!"

Tokikake chuckled and quickly followed.

...

Above the floating stronghold, one figure after another appeared behind Zephyr, exuding a sharp, solemn aura. Their white cloaks rippled in the wind.

The rain had stopped completely.

Suddenly, the dim, heavy sky split open.

Golden beams of sunlight pierced the darkness and shone down on the floating city, scattering like glittering dust across the backs of those standing tall.

They looked up at the broad, one-armed figure before them with reverence, just like they had so many nights back in the academy.

With no hesitation, with no orders, they all dropped to one knee at once.

"We will follow Zephyr-sensei!"

The voices weren't loud, but they rang through Marine Headquarters like a thunderclap.

Shaking everyone to their core.

Sengoku's expression darkened instantly.

Sakazuki stared silently, his face blank.

Borsalino scratched his head with a sigh.

"Well, now even Zephyr-sensei is our enemy..."

Kuzan, trembling with emotion, was practically glowing.

"Let me go! I'm going too!!"

He struggled frantically, but several Vice Admirals and a dozen Marines held him back tightly, their faces dripping with sweat.

"Vice Admiral Kuzan! You can't go!"

"These are Admiral Sengoku's orders!"

"Please! Stay here!"

...

The sunlight grew brighter and brighter, dazzling and brilliant.

Bathed in that light, the floating fortress took on an aura that was both tragic and sacred.

In front of the mansion, only one figure remained standing—Zephyr, the purple-haired veteran.

Suddenly—

"Fire!!"

A cold, harsh voice rang out from the crowd.

Bang!

A gunshot cracked the air.

A bullet grazed Zephyr's sleeve, vanishing into the sky.

Everyone froze, turning toward the sound in disbelief.

Vice Admiral Sakazuki stood holding a pistol, face stern, a wisp of smoke still curling from the muzzle.

Did he miss?

No. The Marine officers began to laugh quietly.

Sakazuki was a "monster" of precision—he had graduated top of his class in marksmanship.

From this distance, missing was impossible.

But he missed anyway.

Then—

One by one,

thousands of Marine officers and soldiers raised their weapons.

Aimed at the floating city.

And pulled their triggers.

Gunfire roared like a storm.

Now and then, golden laser blasts lanced into the sky.

But not a single shot hit.

Not one touched that lone figure.

Amid the barrage of bullets, the Marines fired freely—as if offering their highest salute

to the man who had given his life to the Marines and to justice.

And...a final farewell.

In the thunderous hail of gunfire, Sengoku stood frozen in place, his expression stiff, his mind blank.

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