The Calm Before the Clash
Zephyr strode into the conference room. His gaze swept across the gathered officers — many ranked above him — before fixing on the heart of the debate.
His voice was calm but firm, carrying the sharp conviction unique to youth."I've heard the officers' reports."
The room fell silent. All eyes turned toward the young, renowned major general.
Zephyr continued, his tone unwavering."Vice Admiral Barton is right. The Navy's justice cannot be compromised, and we will not retreat just because the enemy is strong. The sacrifice of those two commanders will not be in vain."
He glanced around, his eyes hard as steel."If conventional forces can't handle the situation, then assign this mission to me."
"Major General Zephyr, you—" a lieutenant general began, hesitant.
Zephyr raised a hand and clenched his fist — its surface darkened with the glint of Armament Haki.
"I know he's strong. He took down two vice admirals in an instant. His power exceeds that of a mere 500-million-berry bounty. And yes, I know my rank might not be high enough."
His voice rose, filled with unshakable resolve."But I have absolute faith in my own strength! I'm not going to die, nor am I going to test him — I'm going to arrest him! The Navy's power lies in our will to fight against any evil! Give me this mission, and I'll use these black arms to uphold the Navy's justice!"
There was no arrogance in his tone — only the fierce confidence born from relentless training.
The lieutenant generals exchanged uneasy looks. They knew Zephyr's talent, but his opponent was too powerful. Still, there were no better options. The headquarters' top forces were already tied up elsewhere.
Finally, the commander of the New World front exhaled deeply."Major General Zephyr, your courage is admirable. But this mission is extremely dangerous. We can't spare much support — you'll likely face that monster alone."
Zephyr saluted sharply."Understood, sir! All I need is a fast ship and a capable navigator. I'll find that 'Pegasus' myself — and remind him the Navy still stands!"
No one laughed. The room brimmed with silent respect — and worry. A future pillar of the Navy was wagering everything.
When word spread through the fleet, the Navy buzzed with disbelief.
"Have you heard? Major General Zephyr is going after that 'Pegasus'!""Black-Arm Zephyr? Can he really do it? His opponent is…""We have no choice but to believe in him. He's the Navy's strongest major general!"
A clash between the new generation's mightiest Marine and one of the Rocks Pirates' fearsome elites was about to ignite the New World.
The Hunt Begins
Zephyr's speedboat raced across the roaring sea, cutting through mist and storm toward the last known location of Pegasus. After several days at full speed, his Observation Haki locked onto a small island cloaked in haze.
The island smelled of chaos — the residue of violence still hung in the air.
"There," Zephyr said, eyes sharp as blades. "That's where he is."
He could feel the crushing aura ahead.
Without hesitation, he docked the ship, leaving most soldiers on standby. Taking only a handful of elite troops, he advanced toward the source of the presence.
The Pirate Awaits
On the far side of the island, Tanma had just finished restocking supplies. He was used to the panic and destruction that followed him wherever he went.
But as he turned toward his ship, he stopped.His head tilted slightly, his gaze seeming to pierce through the dense forest to the other side of the island.
A powerful aura was drawing near — fast.
"Oh?" Tanma's lips curved faintly, his eyes glinting cold. "Finally, someone worth meeting."
He didn't move. He simply stood and waited.
Moments later, the trees parted with a thunderous pressure, and Zephyr emerged from the clearing, his presence shaking the air itself. The marines behind him spread out, tense and vigilant, none daring to approach too close.
Their eyes met for the first time.
The air froze — the invisible weight of their confrontation pressed down so hard that nearby soldiers struggled to breathe.
"Hmph," Tanma broke the silence, voice calm and mocking."Is the Navy that desperate? Sending another one to die? You look sturdier than the last, but the result won't change."
Zephyr didn't rise to the provocation. His eyes sharpened, his spirit burning.
He stepped forward, the ground trembling underfoot. His aura surged, clashing with Tanma's like colliding storms.
"Pirate Pegasus!" Zephyr's voice boomed like thunder."Your arrogance and your crimes end here! I, Zephyr, in the name of justice — will arrest you!"
He turned his head slightly toward his soldiers."This is not a battlefield for you. Evacuate every civilian immediately and move to a safe distance! No one approaches without my command!"
"Yes, Major General Zephyr!"
The troops quickly withdrew, grateful for the order.
Tanma didn't interfere. His expression didn't shift — the noise of weak men no longer interested him. A clean fight was exactly what he preferred.
Soon, the coastline lay silent, empty except for the two men.
The sea breeze stirred the dust, but it couldn't scatter the suffocating aura hanging between them.
"It seems we both prefer a quiet battlefield," Tanma said, unsheathing his blade — Calamity. The sword gleamed coldly in the dim light."Let's see if your justice can endure reality."
"That's exactly what I intend!" Zephyr roared, fists tightening as black Haki flared around his arms.
The storm was about to begin.