With a sharp shout from Green Bull, his right fist shot forward.
A terrifying force erupted from it.
In Rayleigh's horrified gaze, that massive punch slammed straight into his body.
Boom!
A strangled cry tore from Rayleigh's throat as his body was driven deep into the ground.
The sheer force made his vision go white for a moment.
Shockwaves surged through his body and into the earth beneath him, sending violent tremors across the entire island.
Even the sea nearby roared, waves rising high into the air.
It was clear just how devastating that single punch had been.
And Rayleigh had taken it head-on.
Blood burst from his mouth.
His will alone kept him from blacking out, but pain flooded every part of his body.
A deep, piercing pain.
"…My organs are damaged…"
Rayleigh coughed weakly, forcing the words out through blood.
Step.
A pair of black leather shoes stopped beside him.
Green Bull stood there in his striped suit, looking down.
"Well… I didn't expect that punch not to kill you."
There was a hint of surprise in his tone.
Not many people could survive a blow like that.
Rayleigh turned his head with effort and looked at him.
"…That technique of yours… what is it?"
Green Bull raised a brow, unconcerned by the question.
After all, a dying man was no threat.
He shrugged and casually sat beside Rayleigh.
"It's called the Seven Stars of the Northern Fist. A style named after seven stars."
"Each star represents a different technique. What you just took… was only the second star. Just the opening move."
Rayleigh let out a faint, bitter laugh.
"So even the opening move… was enough to defeat me."
Then he frowned slightly.
"But why name it after stars?"
Green Bull scratched his head.
"Honestly, it wasn't called that before. The name was changed because Fleet Admiral Ezra insisted on it."
Rayleigh gave a quiet, knowing chuckle.
"So it's Ezra again…"
What Green Bull did not mention was that every technique from the second star onward had been taught to him by Ezra.
Which meant Ezra's fists were even stronger than his.
Green Bull shook the thought away and looked down at Rayleigh, who was barely breathing now.
"…Give me a clean end."
Hearing the weak murmur, Green Bull paused for a moment.
This time, he did not refuse.
He reached out and gripped Rayleigh's throat.
"Dark King Rayleigh… your journey ends here."
His hand tightened.
A sharp crack echoed.
Rayleigh's body went still.
The life in his eyes faded completely.
Yet on his face remained a faint, peaceful smile.
Perhaps he had simply grown tired of this world.
Green Bull watched him in silence for a moment.
Then a soft green energy spread from his body.
Vines rose from the ground, wrapping around Rayleigh's corpse.
He had no intention of leaving the body behind.
In a world like this, there were always strange abilities. Better to leave nothing to chance.
The vines lifted the body onto his back as he walked toward the shore.
In the distance, the Marine warship had already approached, drawn by the end of the battle.
Before long, Green Bull stepped into view.
"Good, you're all here. Put his body in a coffin in the lower hold. Keep it preserved."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
The soldiers quickly carried the body away.
Green Bull stretched his arms and stepped onto the deck.
He had not used his full strength, but compared to sitting in an office for months, this fight had been satisfying.
He took out a Den Den Mushi and made a call.
The line clicked.
"Hello, Fleet Admiral. Green Bull reporting."
Ezra's voice came through calmly.
"How did the mission go?"
"You know me, sir. Mission accomplished."
Ezra nodded slightly.
"Well done. What about Rayleigh's body?"
"I brought it with me."
"Good. Don't return to the research facility for now. Come straight to my office. I have another assignment for you."
A faint smile crossed Green Bull's face.
"Understood, Fleet Admiral."
The call ended.
Ezra set down his pen and leaned back in his chair.
Across from him, Sengoku looked up.
"Is Rayleigh… really dead?"
Ezra nodded.
"It's finished."
Sengoku exhaled slowly.
"I was worried even Green Bull might not be able to handle him."
Ezra gave a small smile.
"You underestimate the Zero Division."
Sengoku shrugged.
"Fair enough. You built them yourself."
Ezra closed his eyes, thinking.
Rayleigh's death would not change the overall balance of the world.
He had already been retired for decades.
Even if the news spread, the only ones truly affected would be those close to him. Luffy. Shakky.
But even so, some things still had to be done.
Ezra picked up another Den Den Mushi and dialed.
The call connected quickly.
"Good day, Fleet Admiral. Morgans at your service."
"Morgans, confirm this and spread it as fast as possible. Dark King Rayleigh is dead."
There was a pause.
"…Rayleigh? You mean that Rayleigh?"
"Yes."
Morgans inhaled sharply.
If this news broke, the remnants of Roger's crew would be thrown into chaos.
But to him, that only made it better.
He lived for news like this.
"Understood! By tonight, the entire world will know!"
Ezra ended the call.
Elsewhere, Morgans rushed into his editorial office, already preparing the headline.
As night fell, the news began to spread across the seas.
The death of the Dark King had been announced.
-----------------------------
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