Marineford — Naval Headquarters, inside the medical wing.
Zephyr lay on a soft hospital bed, looking ruddy and well despite the thick layers of white bandages wrapped around his forehead.
Standing by his bedside was Kaito, wearing an expression of deep embarrassment. Kalifa and Ain stood on either side of him, while Sengoku and several others stood opposite. Even Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru had made their way into the room.
Normally, visiting the sick wasn't something Kizaru would bother with—but this time was different. This wasn't just any patient.
It was his most, most, most respected teacher—Zephyr!
How could he possibly miss a moment like this?
And besides, Zephyr didn't seem to be in any serious condition. This was the perfect opportunity to pay him a proper "visit."
Kizaru reached out and patted the blanket covering Zephyr, putting on a pained expression that he clearly thought was heart-wrenching as he offered his condolences.
"Ayaya, Zephyr-sensei, are you alright? I mean, really now, at your age, fighting with young Kaito here… isn't that a bit reckless? You're the Navy's treasure, after all!"
The moment those words left his mouth—especially combined with Kizaru's trademark singsong tone—everyone else in the room twitched slightly at the corners of their mouths.
Anyone unfamiliar with Kizaru and Zephyr might've thought he was genuinely concerned.
But those who knew their relationship understood all too well: this guy was absolutely messing with Zephyr.
Sure enough, Zephyr's expression darkened. He gave Kizaru a sideways glance and said coldly:
"Borsalino, don't think I can't hear the sarcasm in your voice. I bet you're just dying to see me rot away in a hospital bed, aren't you?"
"Zephyr-sensei, that's so hurtful to hear! Everyone knows I respect you the most!"
"Hmph. If you really respected me, then shut your mouth and go find a quiet corner to sit in!"
"You got it!"
Obediently, Kizaru pulled a nail clipper out of his pocket, found himself a spot in the corner, and started trimming his nails.
Zephyr rolled his eyes. He had long since given up trying to deal with that guy.
Honestly, the relationship between Zephyr and Kizaru wasn't as bad as it looked. They had that kind of love-hate, rivalry-fueled bond.
At the end of the film, when Kizaru unleashed his Yasakani no Magatama, a glint could be seen reflecting off his sunglasses—perhaps, just for a second, even the aloof Kizaru had gotten a little misty-eyed.
That final shout of "Goodbye, Zephyr-sensei"… wasn't there a trace of bitter helplessness in it too?
...
After brushing Kizaru aside, Zephyr turned his gaze to Kaito.
Even though it was Kaito's doing that landed him in the hospital, there wasn't a shred of anger in Zephyr's eyes—only pure admiration.
So when he saw Ain puffing out her cheeks and pinching Kaito's waist, Zephyr immediately stepped in to defuse the situation.
"Ain, stop pinching him. This was my idea—I asked Kaito to spar with me. It's not his fault."
What Zephyr didn't know was that Ain wasn't actually using any force. She was only putting on a show because she was afraid Zephyr would blame Kaito. With her feelings for Kaito, how could she really hurt him?
Sure enough, the moment she heard Zephyr's words, Ain stopped and even gave Kaito's waist a subtle little rub.
But how could such a small gesture escape Zephyr's eyes?
He let out a helpless chuckle. He knew full well how Ain felt about Kaito, so he let it go without comment.
Kaito, on the other hand, looked a bit embarrassed.
Right after defeating Zephyr with the Destruction Armament, he'd immediately offered to heal him.
To his surprise, Zephyr had flat-out refused the moment he realized what Kaito intended—and the reason he gave was beyond bizarre.
Zephyr claimed that it had been a long time since he'd had such a satisfying fight. These minor injuries were nothing to a man! In fact, he hoped they left a scar—so in the future, he could point to the mark on his forehead and proudly say, "This is from my favorite student—Uchiha Kaito!"
Honestly, when Kaito heard that reasoning, he seriously wondered if he'd knocked Zephyr's brain loose.
And now that Zephyr had eaten the Bull Demon Fruit, he was even more stubborn than before. No matter what, he simply refused to let Kaito treat him.
But that decision didn't come without consequences. When Sengoku showed up and saw the condition of Zephyr's forehead, he didn't say a word—just called in the medics, who arrived with a stretcher in tow.
In the end, Zephyr was dragged off to the hospital, cursing and muttering the whole way—and now he was being "publicly executed" in front of everyone like this.
The scar he'd been so eager to keep was probably going to vanish under the doctor's careful treatment.
In fact, once the bandages came off, the skin might end up smoother than before!
It was the perfect example of that old saying: you reap what you sow.
...
Even though Zephyr had said he didn't mind, Kaito still apologized again.
He couldn't help it—he was someone who deeply respected his teacher.
Kaito looked at Zephyr lying in the hospital bed and said,
"Zephyr-sensei, no matter what, I was still at fault this time. Please take a few days and get some proper rest."
"Hmph. I'm very proud of the strength you've shown—but that kind of attitude I don't like."
"I lost fair and square, and I accept that. Even without those strange abilities of yours, just your Haki alone is already top of the world!"
At that moment, in the corner, Kizaru suddenly sneezed.
He rubbed his nose and muttered,
"Yeah, yeah, sure."
Akainu and Aokiji exchanged glances. They knew exactly what Kizaru was thinking—and how annoyed he probably felt right now.
But then they looked at each other and, for a brief second, nodded silently. Some of the tension between them seemed to ease.
Sengoku, seeing the peaceful atmosphere in the room, was in a good mood. He couldn't help but bring it up:
"Alright, alright—this whole thing was just a misunderstanding anyway. How about we all have dinner together here tonight? And we can celebrate Kaito's promotion to Admiral while we're at it!"
He hadn't even finished celebrating when he noticed Zephyr glaring daggers at him.
Scratching his beard, Sengoku asked in confusion,
"What's wrong, Zephyr? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Zephyr let out a cold laugh. He had no grudge against Kaito—but when it came to Sengoku, that was another matter entirely.
From his perspective, if this meddling old man hadn't stuck his nose in, would he be lying in a hospital bed right now? Would he have been teased by Borsalino in front of everyone? And now he wants to play the nice guy?
Dream on!
With a grin, Zephyr looked at Sengoku and said,
"Sengoku, how about once I'm out of the hospital, you and I have a little spar? I'd love to learn more about how you've developed your Devil Fruit powers. What do you say?"
"Ahem… Actually, I just remembered I've got something I need to take care of. You all go ahead and eat without me!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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