Clang!
The massive Crusher Arm on Zephyr's left side trembled violently as a radiant burst of energy detonated forward, striking Cero, who stood swaying with a drunken posture.
Boom!!!
A towering explosion of flames erupted, swallowing Cero entirely.
"An Admiral cannot even dodge something like that?"
Zephyr frowned, disappointment clear in his voice as he stared at the burning inferno.
"Even the Admirals have become this lax. No wonder the Marines grow weaker. If even figures like them have fallen to this level…"
"Zephyr, that's enough!"
Vice Admiral Maynard stepped forward, unable to stay silent. He glared at Zephyr and spoke sharply.
"You may have been an Admiral, but Cero is one now. You have no right to insult him."
Zephyr scoffed, his eyes cold.
"Hmph. I know he is a Devil Fruit user. That explosion would not harm him. That is exactly the problem."
His voice turned heavy as he continued.
"Devil Fruit users rely too much on their abilities. They neglect their own bodies. Whether it is Sakazuki or Kizaru, they could have pushed their physical strength much further."
A fleeting trace of emotion passed through his eyes when he spoke their names, but it vanished instantly, replaced by fanatic resolve.
"In the end, Devil Fruits are only tools. Just like this arm of mine. Without true strength, you cannot draw out their full power."
"Burp... well said."
A lazy voice drifted out from within the flames.
"Returning the favor."
Sizzle!
A bolt of silver-white lightning tore through the explosion, blasting straight toward Zephyr.
Boom!!!
A second explosion, even more violent, engulfed the area where Zephyr had been standing.
Swish!
Zephyr reappeared atop a distant cliff, unharmed, his gaze fixed on Cero, who walked out of the flames completely intact.
"Thunder ability…"
He muttered quietly.
"A Logia type power on par with the Magma and Light abilities. Impressive."
The Vice Admirals watched in awe.
"With just one attack…"
"That power is overwhelming."
"As expected of Cero."
Respect filled their voices as they looked at him.
Cero stretched lazily, a playful smile on his face.
"Senpai, why so serious?"
He tilted his head, still holding his bottle.
"Is there anything in this world that requires that much tension? Tell me, maybe I will help if I feel like it."
Zephyr's expression darkened.
"You? Help me?"
He let out a low, dismissive laugh.
"Do not joke around. I have already made my decision."
He knew the cost of what he intended to do.
Destroying the seas of the New World would take countless innocent lives.
But in his eyes, it was the only way.
These Admirals were different from him.
They still had something to protect.
They would never make such a choice.
"The Marines' justice is disappointing…"
Zephyr lowered his head, then slowly straightened.
The warmth he once carried was gone. Only cold determination remained.
"This is the only way to end the age of pirates. Even if I stand alone, I will not hesitate."
Whoosh!
He pulled out an inhaler and took a deep breath.
Zzz...
As the medicine spread through his body, his weakened state began to recover.
Creak... creak...
His muscles expanded violently, his body swelling with power as he returned to his peak condition.
Clang!
The massive Crusher Arm hummed once more as energy gathered within it.
Crack!
The ground beneath him shattered as he crouched.
Swish!
In an instant, Zephyr vanished.
Whoosh!
He reappeared directly above Cero.
"Brat!"
His massive arm came crashing down.
"Let me see how strong your power really is!"
"Oh? That looks dangerous…"
Cero raised his hand lazily as lightning condensed into a brilliant spear.
Crackle!
He blocked the incoming strike, smiling casually.
"That arm has Seastone, doesn't it? You really are not holding back."
The two clashed repeatedly.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Zephyr's attacks were relentless, forcing Cero back again and again, yet each time, Cero reformed into lightning and returned instantly, striking back with sharp, precise counters.
"Burp… you really do not act your age, Zephyr," Cero said with a grin.
"With that much strength, how are we supposed to compete?"
"Do not call me that name."
Zephyr's voice dropped.
His eyes, hidden beneath his sunglasses, turned bloodshot.
His right fist, coated in Armament Haki, shot forward with explosive force.
"Call me…"
His roar shook the battlefield.
"The man who will end the Pirate Era…"
"Z!!!"
I've been dealing with exams lately, so updates have been a bit slower than usual.