Though Yahn had, with Robin's help and the Revolutionaries' coordination, perfectly hypnotized the soldiers in the plaza using the power of Kyōka Suigetsu, thus sparing the citizens of Flevance from being massacred—
The problems were far from over.
The most pressing issue: among the citizens, there could still be spies of the World Government.
The chance of them quietly slipping away while the guns were aimed at the crowd was slim, yes. But spies were no ordinary people. For them, ordinary firearms posed little threat. It was not impossible.
That was why Yahn maintained the hypnosis, weaving the illusion that his airborne figure had been shot down and slain, his body crashing into the plaza below.
"Doctor! Doctor, quickly—he's not going to make it!"
Soon, the citizens noticed the figure who had fallen from the sky—"Yahn"—lying bloodied on the ground. Panic spread as they shouted for help.
"No… don't waste your efforts…"
Blood poured endlessly from his lips, his body mangled and broken. With a faint, powerless gaze at the people crowding around, he whispered:
"To save you all… I have no regrets…"
"My ability confused the soldiers' minds for half a day. Hurry, escape while you can. I've already contacted a kind and gentle organization—they will do their best to lead you to safety…"
"You must live. Promise me… you will live on."
In the midst of sobs and trembling voices, the false Yahn's hand slipped lifelessly from the nurse's grasp. His breathing faded. Blood spread beneath him, staining the plaza red.
"Hero… so he was the one who saved us…"
The story of the fallen savior spread like wildfire through the people.
Suddenly, everyone understood why the soldiers had spared them.
It was because a hero had borne the burden for them—sacrificing everything, even his life.
The people's suppressed grief broke free. Quiet sobs rose in the night, and many women wept openly, seeing Yahn as the light that had pierced their darkness.
Even the hidden Revolutionaries among them were shaken with guilt.
They could not clearly see his face as he walked upon the air, silhouetted against the moon. But it was Yahn's order that had gathered the citizens in the plaza.
Who else could this martyr be, if not him?
"Lord Yahn… your ideals, we will inherit them."
"We will never forget you."
"Your spirit, sacrificing everything for the revolution, will guide us forward—until the day we liberate the seas."
Tears in their eyes, fists clenched, the Revolutionaries swore their vows in silence as they gazed at the false corpse. Yahn's sacrifice would not be in vain.
The temporary leader of the Flevance cell pulled out a transponder snail, preparing to report the tragic news to Commander Dragon. At the very least, Dragon must erect a statue in Yahn's honor—something eternal to commemorate his noble spirit.
But before the call could go out, the snail rang first.
Buru buru…
The leader froze. The snail's features mirrored Yahn's face. Swallowing nervously, he answered, his voice trembling.
"Lord Yahn… do you… still have some unfinished wish?"
"Unfinished wish?"
Yahn nearly choked on air. He coughed, exasperated.
"My only unfinished wish in life is that, when I'm on my deathbed, they don't give up treatment. Always try resuscitation first."
"Is that so? Then I'll arrange for the best medical team immediately to save you, Lord Yahn!" the leader said, eyes shining with resolve.
Yahn pressed his hand to his forehead. He had intended to explain, but in the end, he let it drop.
The ability of Kyōka Suigetsu—Perfect Hypnosis—was too dangerous to expose. Anyone who had witnessed its release could be manipulated at will, their senses and cognition twisted without end.
But the fewer who knew this, the better.
If even allies couldn't be deceived, how could enemies?
That was why Yahn had staged his "death": to prevent the Flevance citizens from leaking any hint of his true power. Later, he could use Kyōka Suigetsu again to quietly filter out any hidden spies. With the Revolutionaries guiding public opinion, the truth of his death would fade into silence.
His tone grew firm.
"I'm alive. The hero who fell was not me. Let him rest in peace—don't waste time trying to save him."
"More importantly, this is no time for mourning. The danger isn't over yet. Gather the comrades and proceed with Plan A. Begin evacuating the people of Flevance."
"Bring the bodies we prepared and move them into the plaza. Line the perimeter with kerosene, enough to ensure a blazing fire. If the corpses aren't charred thoroughly, it will cause trouble later."
The leader straightened at once. "Understood, Lord Yahn."
All of these preparations had been ordered long ago, with supplies hidden in underground warehouses in northern Flevance. Yahn had planned ahead—after all, covering the crime scene was basic common sense.
Leaving Robin and Little Gold to assist with the evacuation and watch for accidents, Yahn turned and headed in another direction—toward the CP0 agent Barak.
That loose end had to be tied up.
Especially now that he wielded Kyōka Suigetsu. Perhaps, with its power, even suspicious gaps in his plans could be patched perfectly.
---
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Unlike Yahn's quiet suppression of Barak earlier, the fight between the Revolutionary "Crow" Karasu and the CP0 agent raged fiercely. Buildings all around collapsed in heaps of rubble.
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