A yellow flash appeared over the sea, instantly landing on the warship and forming a tall, slender figure of a man in a Justice coat. It was none other than Marine Vice Admiral Kizaru, otherwise known as Borsalino.
"Well, well, so Doflamingo actually took Zephyr's arm, huh? What a terrifying power he has," Kizaru commented, hands in his pockets, looking straight at Zephyr with that familiar, annoying tone.
Ain and the other surviving Marine recruits couldn't help but clench their jaws, fists tightening as they glared at him.
"What are you doing here, Kizaru?" Zephyr asked, his gaze steady on him.
"The Fleet Admiral sent me to escort you all safely back, Zephyr-sensei," Kizaru replied, glancing at his right hand and speaking with his trademark leisurely, taunting tone. "Having a Marine Admiral attacked by a pirate is already a disgrace. If anything were to happen to you, our esteemed 'No-Kill Admiral,' the Marines' reputation would be utterly ruined."
Listening to him, Ain couldn't hold back any longer and angrily retorted, "What do you know?! Zephyr-sensei was only trying to—"
"Ain," Zephyr interrupted.
"No more words," Zephyr said, fixing his gaze back on Kizaru. "Borsalino, that goes for you too."
"Yes, yes, Zephyr-sensei," Kizaru replied, stepping past him and looking around under the scrutinizing gaze of the new Marines.
"Quite the battle here, huh?" he muttered. "Oh, seems the special recruit survived too. The situation here might be a bit better than I thought."
He was looking at Ron, who stood quietly holding his sword, Raikiri, in a corner.
Ron returned Kizaru's gaze. He was facing a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, the Glint-Glint Fruit ability user, and one of the future Marine Admirals—a top-tier force on the sea. Though Kizaru was currently still a Vice Admiral, his strength surpassed even Zephyr's.
Ron knew he had a long way to go to reach such heights.
Kizaru narrowed his eyes slightly beneath his sunglasses as he looked at Ron.
"Oh my, quite the little monster…"
Under Kizaru's escort, the warship safely returned to Marineford.
Zephyr and Ain were summoned elsewhere, while Ron, as a special recruit, was left alone to return to his quarters.
Lying on his bed, Ron closed his eyes, entering the system space to review his recent progress. Aside from increasing his Vitality Points, he had fully mastered Shave , Moonwalk and Tempest Kick. However, his biggest gain was awakening Observation Haki during his clash with Doflamingo. Despite the danger, it was a worthwhile outcome.
"The pointers Zephyr gave me about my training were valuable too," Ron thought as he opened his eyes. "I now have a clearer path to follow without wasting time on unnecessary detours."
This encounter with Doflamingo, such a powerful foe, made Ron painfully aware of his limitations, rekindling his drive to grow stronger. After all, enemies wouldn't wait for him to mature. Danger was always sudden.
"Building a solid physique is crucial. If I get the chance, I should travel more with the Marines and gain Vitality Points by signing in at various islands to accelerate my growth."
"My swordsmanship is still in the early stages of Will, so I'll have to focus more on that... I'll seek out Momonga for advice later."
"The Sun Breathing Technique is another foundation for my strength. Thanks to the True Essence of Ten Thousand Tempers' permanent buff, I've already reached an 89% mastery. My goal is to achieve full mastery within three months."
Ron had a strong feeling that reaching 100% mastery in Sun Breathing Technique would unlock another power.
The Transparent World!
While Ron was laying out his training path, Zephyr was seeking permission from Sengoku to launch a strike against Doflamingo, to avenge the fallen Marine recruits.
Sengoku's response was unwavering. "Attacking a Marine Admiral and slaughtering new recruits—even as a Warlord of the Sea, I won't tolerate this crime," he said. "However, the matter is significant and requires approval from the World Government. Zephyr, go rest for now. Once I report to them, I'll give you a satisfactory answer."
Zephyr returned, and after conducting the funeral and compensation arrangements for the fallen recruits, another five days had passed.
Yet, there was no word from Sengoku.
Unable to wait any longer, Zephyr went back to the Marine Headquarters building to see Sengoku. When he confronted him, Sengoku fell silent for a long while.
"Sorry? What do you mean, sorry?"
"We, the Marines, can't go after Doflamingo or hold him accountable. Let's pretend this never happened."
Hearing those words, Zephyr's eyes narrowed, the pain in his severed arm flaring up, but none of it hurt more than the heartbreak he felt at that moment.
Clenching his fists, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Sengoku, he asked, "Sengoku, do you even realize what you're saying?!"
"I'm sorry, but these are the World Government's orders," Sengoku replied, voice heavy.
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