Rumble…
The earth cracked open again and again, each rupture shaking the heavens.
The entire Japanese-style mansion complex—along with a massive section of bedrock—rose from the ground, lifting into the air like a colossal floating fortress.
Below it, a vast crater yawned open, as if a celestial giant had torn a piece from the world. Tons of soil rained down in heavy curtains, crashing into the earth and rippling outward in waves.
"Zephyr! Are you really going through with this?!"
Sengoku's roar tore across Marineford. His bloodshot eyes glared up at the floating mass and the purple-haired figure standing proudly at its edge.
Zephyr—former Marine Admiral, the legendary "Black Arm"—had once been the embodiment of Marine justice. His exploits rivaled Sengoku's and Garp's, his name revered across the seas.
And in the years after stepping down, he had trained generation after generation of Marines—officers who had grown into the pillars of the organization itself.
If such a man were to defect publicly… the consequences would be disastrous. His reputation alone could fracture the Marines' morale, perhaps even ignite a mass desertion.
The thought chilled Sengoku to his bones.
Zephyr's betrayal was more dangerous than Darren's ever could be.
Teeth clenched, Sengoku lunged forward—only for four legendary Meito to flash into existence before him, their edges gleaming cold and bright, halting him in his tracks.
The sight alone made his arms throb in remembered pain.
Damn it!
"Zephyr!" Sengoku shouted, voice breaking. "Are you throwing away everything you've built? Everything you've sacrificed for?! What about the Justice you've always lived by?!"
High above, the fortress continued to ascend. Zephyr pressed his lone hand against his shoulder stump and looked down, his gaze calm and clear.
"I haven't abandoned my Justice, Sengoku," he said quietly. "I've simply realized that within the Marines—overshadowed by power and corruption—my Justice has become hollow."
"If I can't protect the people I wish to protect, then what meaning does this Justice have?"
Sengoku faltered. Words rose to his tongue and died there. He looked at Zephyr's severed arm, the light in his eyes, the years of pain etched into his face—and found himself speechless.
"But… what right do you have to pursue Justice alone?" he demanded.
Before he could finish, shadows leapt skyward.
Shuzo landed first, his body coiled like a spring. Dalmatian followed, spotted skin gleaming under the sun. Then Yamakaji, broad-shouldered and unyielding.
They stood behind Zephyr, eyes burning with conviction.
Gion's hand tightened on her sword. She hesitated—then a gentle but firm hand caught her arm.
"Tsuru-neesan…"
Vice Admiral Tsuru met her gaze, expression grave. "Gion. This path isn't right for you."
Something in that steady voice shook Gion's heart. She bit her lip, then smiled through the tremor.
"Tsuru-neesan, I've always followed your teachings, haven't I?"
"But just this once… I'll be selfish."
Her smile bloomed like a flower in the rain.
"I'm going to pursue my own Justice."
She gently brushed Tsuru's hand away and leapt toward the sky.
Tsuru stood motionless, watching her student's retreating figure. Slowly, a wistful smile touched her lips.
You're not chasing Justice, child.
You're chasing love.
With a soft sigh, she turned to Tokikake, who was watching her nervously. "If you're going, then go already!" she barked.
Grinning, Tokikake followed after Gion.
On the rising fortress, one Marine after another appeared behind Zephyr, their coats snapping in the wind.
The rain had stopped.
A break tore through the storm clouds. A shaft of golden light lanced down from the heavens, scattering across the city like molten dust.
Bathed in sunlight, they looked up at the broad back of the one-armed man who had once taught them how to stand tall.
Without waiting for orders, without hesitation, every one of them dropped to one knee.
"We pledge to follow you, Zephyr-sensei!"
Their voices weren't loud, yet they rolled across Marineford like thunder, shaking the air itself.
Sengoku's face turned ashen, then black with rage.
Sakazuki's expression was unreadable.
Borsalino rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh. "Now even Zephyr-sensei's against us…"
Kuzan's eyes burned bright with feverish admiration. "Let me go! I want to go too!" he shouted, thrashing against the Marines restraining him. Sweat streamed down their faces as they held him fast.
"Vice Admiral Kuzan, you can't!"
"It's Admiral Sengoku's order!"
"Please—just stay put!"
The sunlight intensified, blazing across the floating city until it gleamed like a monument carved of gold.
At its forefront stood Zephyr—alone, yet unbowed.
Then—
"Attack!"
A cold voice split the stillness.
Bang!
A gunshot cracked through the air. The bullet grazed Zephyr's sleeve and vanished into the sky.
Every head turned.
Sakazuki stood at attention, pistol smoking in his hand.
Did he miss?
No.
The onlookers knew better. Sakazuki, the "Monster" of perfect scores, never missed. Not at this distance.
Yet he had.
And one by one, the Marines understood.
Tens of thousands raised their rifles, their cannons, their laser weapons—
and fired.
The sky erupted with gunfire and golden light. But every shot flew wide, arcing harmlessly past the rising fortress.
It was not an assault.
It was a salute.
Amid the storm of sound and smoke, they honored the man who had given his life to their cause—
and bid farewell to their teacher,
their hero,
their Zephyr-sensei.
Through the thunder of gunfire, Sengoku stood frozen, staring up in silence.
To be continued...