As Ohara Island finally succumbed to the sea, Yahn felt a pang of melancholy. The Buster Call operation had reached its conclusion.
"Um… Doctor? I'm kind of afraid of needles. Can we skip the injection and just let me rest a while?"
Casually dismissing the ship's doctor, Yahn lay back on the infirmary bed, using the time to reflect and carefully review everything he had done. He needed to make sure he hadn't left any loose ends.
Helping little Robin—that was already the most he could realistically manage. Even if he wanted to find her again, it would take considerable effort. As for the World Government and Navy? Their task would be even harder.
He wasn't sure how much power the "Gift of the Hollow: Sangha of the Bewitching Eyes" would grant Robin after the "Bestowal," but it at least gave her a fighting chance.
With Robin's intelligence and strength, she should fare better than she did in the original timeline.
Moreover, with Dragon now searching for her, Robin should be safe under his protection. No major issues there.
As for Yahn's communication with Dragon—it happened on the far side of Ohara Island, and the Navy's attention had been locked on the battle between Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Vice Admiral Saul. It should be fine.
That left the most important part—earning merit.
He stopped Sakazuki's bombardment, which could be considered hindering the Navy's actions. But... no, that probably wouldn't count.
He attacked the fugitive Saul, but it was more like giving him a glorified skin exfoliation. Not enough to delay him even briefly. That wouldn't count either.
And his attempt to capture little Robin? That outright failed. Definitely doesn't count.
Aside from those three things, all Yahn had really done during this Buster Call was... sleep.
If the Navy somehow decided to credit him with the victory, Yahn would be the textbook definition of a "freeloader."
"Feels great, old man. Bet you didn't expect this—Kuzan ended up fighting Sakazuki so hard that no one had time to deal with me."
"Too bad though. Couldn't earn any merit after all."
Yahn chuckled, without the slightest trace of regret.
In truth, he had a rough idea of why Kuzan insisted on bringing him to Ohara.
Kuzan had planned to eliminate Saul, then let Yahn "capture" the wanted criminal Nico Robin, helping Yahn gain official merit in the process.
"But the old man will definitely interrogate me later... how should I respond?"
Yahn started piecing together the perfect excuses—ones so thorough that even Sengoku would be left speechless.
Just then, his Observation Haki, which he constantly maintained for safety, detected something—and he immediately sprang from the bed.
A second later, the door to the infirmary turned bright red and melted away in an instant.
The room was instantly engulfed in blistering heat.
"You the brat who dared to block a naval bombardment and shield criminals on Ohara's evacuation ship?"
A harsh, commanding voice rang out, filled with pressure. A tall figure stepped through the molten remains of the door as if it weren't even there.
"Sakazuki?!"
Yahn's pupils shrank slightly. Of all people, he hadn't expected him to show up.
Sakazuki's uniform was torn and scorched—obvious signs of his battle with Kuzan—but it did nothing to lessen his overwhelming presence. If anything, he now radiated the sense of a volcano on the verge of eruption.
Powerful. Seething. Even his footsteps felt like a looming natural disaster.
So this is the power of the Magma-Magma Fruit… the man who will one day become Admiral Akainu. He's like a walking volcano…
Standing face-to-face with Sakazuki, Yahn found his perception of the man shifting. He might not agree with his ideology, but this raw, blazing strength—it was terrifying, worthy of respect.
"Answer me, brat."
Sakazuki's boot slammed against the floor with a heavy thud, eyes glinting with icy steel.
"I did."
Yahn felt the growing heat across his skin, yet wore a relaxed smile.
"If Vice Admiral Sakazuki wants to award me a Medal of Bravery, there's really no need. I was just doing the right thing."
Sakazuki's expression darkened further. He gritted a few words through his clenched jaw. "Award…?"
Unfazed, Yahn nodded cheerfully.
"Your ship almost bombarded civilians by mistake. I stepped in to prevent that tragedy. I stopped Vice Admiral Sakazuki from making a grave error. Shouldn't I be getting a thank-you?"
"...Thank you?"
Sakazuki let out a low, mocking laugh. One of his hands turned to molten magma, raised threateningly.
At that moment, Kuzan appeared, placing himself squarely between Sakazuki and Yahn, raising his hand to block the attack.
"Sakazuki. Stand down."
"Move aside, Kuzan," Sakazuki growled.
"Have you lost your mind?" Kuzan's voice turned cold and sharp.
"That kid sheltered a refugee ship possibly carrying Ohara fugitives," Sakazuki snapped. "Even the possibility means we can't take chances. He must be eliminated."
"No."
Kuzan's reply was immediate and firm.
Sakazuki's searing heat intensified, his voice now simmering with fury.
"What makes you so sure, Kuzan? Are you really going to oppose me over this brat?"
"I am sure."
Kuzan shifted slightly, revealing Yahn behind him.
"He's the son of Admiral Sengoku. How could he possibly be connected to the criminals of Ohara?"
Sakazuki froze mid-sentence.
"…Sengoku's son? You're kidding."
Kuzan's face was unreadable.
"If you truly believe he's guilty, you're welcome to report to Admiral Sengoku and request Yahn's arrest. If he agrees, I won't stop you."
Sakazuki stared hard at Kuzan, then glanced at Yahn, who gave him a bright, innocent smile.
With a snort, Sakazuki turned sharply, muttering as he walked away:
"…I made a mistake."