This was the first time Zephyr truly witnessed Sakazuki's resolve.
It was impossible to describe how he felt, but that resolve reignited a heart that had been silent for a long time.
Perhaps… within his lifetime, he really could see that day.
Zephyr suddenly laughed. When he stopped laughing, there was a hint of relief in his smile.
"What do you need me to do, Sakazuki? This body of mine can still fight on the seas for another twenty years. I've taught students for so many years. My bones are rusting, and my hands are itching."
Morris shook his head and smiled beside him. "At your age, you still refuse to admit you're old. Can you beat Kaido now, or Big Mom? Fight for twenty more years, heh. Just teach students properly. That's already the greatest help you can give Sakazuki."
Zephyr looked a little embarrassed. "You bastard…"
Even though Morris was telling the truth, their usual bickering had already started.
By the window, Sakazuki turned around and smiled faintly at the two of them.
"Enough, both of you. Vice Admiral Morris is right. A world-wide draft is about to begin, and the training of new recruits is critical. I want to ask the two of you, along with some vice admirals and department staff, to compile several books and pass them down."
Morris and Zephyr stopped arguing.
"Books?"
Sakazuki nodded. "Yes. Three books. First aid, survival, and military. The table of contents must be detailed. The first aid book should include common illnesses and emergency treatment. The survival book should cover how to survive in different island environments. As for the military book, it should record basic combat knowledge and formations, so even ordinary people can grasp them quickly."
Both of them became serious. It was a very solid idea.
Though it sounded simple, the knowledge inside would be extremely rich and practical.
Allowing an ordinary person to quickly learn first aid, survival, and even military basics by checking the contents would greatly increase survival chances.
Once written, these books would surely spread across the world. But if distributed in large numbers, pirates would learn from them as well.
Seeing their concern, Sakazuki spoke. "Don't worry. Before the pirates are eradicated, these books will only be issued to the Four Blues' branches, one set per branch."
His tone paused slightly. "They are meant to ensure that… if we fail, the branches in the four seas still have the ability to rebuild the Marines."
Pirates were not the only enemies.
As for the final battle, although victory was calculated, having extra preparation was always better.
Morris looked solemn. Zephyr was equally serious.
"Leave it to us, Sakazuki. We won't disappoint you."
* * *
Night.
Former Marineford, now G-1 Branch.
Sakazuki stood by the fortress wall, looking at the brightly lit island.
Soldiers moved nonstop, transporting supplies and loading ships. Relocating the base would not be finished quickly.
Tap, tap, tap, tap…
Footsteps approached as Carlo walked over.
"The warships are ready. Shall we depart now, Fleet Admiral."
Sakazuki nodded. "Let's go."
He turned and walked toward the fortress stairs, with Carlo following behind.
Their figures slowly disappeared down the steps. Only their voices, growing fainter and fainter, remained.
"Issue the Warlord summons. Within five days, all of them must gather at the Sabaody Archipelago Marine branch. Further transfers from the Grand Line branches…"
The voices faded completely.
Before long, several warships slowly left the harbor and headed toward the Sabaody Archipelago.
* * *
South Blue, Sorbet Kingdom.
Inside the brightly lit palace, Queen Dowager Conney and Princess Bonney had red, swollen eyes from crying.
They held Kuma tightly, unwilling to let go.
He said nothing, quietly allowing them to embrace him.
Far away, Sabo sat on the palace rooftop. One hand covered his eyes as tears streamed down.
Bang!
A punch nearly smashed through the roof.
"Is there really no way… Kuma is such a gentle person… why…"
Koala stood nearby, unsure how to comfort him. Dragon stood silently, expressionless, yet the veins on his clenched fist revealed his inner turmoil.
Save one man, lose a kingdom.
Lose one man, save a kingdom.
There was no right answer to such a choice. It only depended on whether someone was willing to sacrifice himself.
In the distance, a guard ran over in panic, gasping for breath.
"N-No! This is bad! Your Majesty! Fleet Admiral Sakazuki has issued a Seven Warlords of the Sea summons! All are required to reach the Sabaody Archipelago within five days!"
Although only half a day had passed, everyone in the kingdom already knew that their king had sacrificed himself to become a Warlord to protect them.
Conney, who had been crying in Kuma's arms, suddenly looked up.
"This is going too far! It was clearly seven days before. Now it's five days! I… I…"
Her face turned pale, anger pushing her close to fainting.
Kuma and Bonney hurriedly supported her back until her breathing steadied.
"No… don't go, Kuma. I'll unite the other countries right now…"
Kuma made his decision and shook his head.
"There's no need, Mother. This order came directly from the Five Elders. Even if you unite other nations, nothing will change. The sudden Warlord summons means something must have happened. I'll go and find out. No matter what, I'm still the king of the Sorbet Kingdom. I'll be fine for now."
He stood up and spoke to Bonney. "Bonney, protect Grandma. From now on, the Sorbet Kingdom is in your hands."
He turned toward the palace exit. Though the darkness outside hid all figures, Dragon and Sabo both nodded in understanding.
Kuma smiled at his family and patted his body.
Whoosh!
"Daddy!"
Bonney rushed to where he had vanished, but grabbed nothing.
She fell to her knees, pounding the ground as tears kept falling.
* * *
Grand Line, Alabasta.
Rainbase, inside the Rain Dinners casino.
In the large office, Robin was reporting on the Dance Powder operation when the sound of a Den Den Mushi interrupted her.
Crocodile took it out and answered. In just a few seconds, his expression darkened.
The person on the other end said something, then hung up without hesitation. No respect at all.
Crocodile took a deep breath and steadied himself before placing the Den Den Mushi down.
Boom!
He still could not hold it in. The desk was smashed in half.
"Bastard! Are you joking! Five days to reach the Sabaody Archipelago! Do you want me to fly there!"
This was Alabasta. Reaching Sabaody in five days meant only one thing. Flying nonstop.
Robin shrugged. "Boss, you can fly."
Crocodile turned his head and glared at her, snorting coldly. As if he needed her to say that.
What angered him was the feeling itself. How long had it been since someone dared order him around like this.
Flying to Sabaody in five days was possible, but it meant no rest day or night.
Just one order, and he had to obey.
The more he thought about it, the more his anger rose. He quickly adjusted his breathing.
"Hah… hah…"
He closed his eyes and suppressed the rage.
"Watch over Rain Dinners. We'll talk after I'm back."
With a cold voice, he opened his eyes, walked to the window, and pushed it open.
His body turned into a storm of sand and rushed out. The violent wind scattered documents across the room.
Robin fell silent. Only one person could push Crocodile to this point.
"Terrifying… Sakazuki…"
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