Chapter 148: The Oath of the New Generation
Marineford - Port
"HUM—!"
The air vibrated violently. A distorted ripple of spatial energy swept across the harbor, and immediately after—
"BOOM!"
A Marine warship materialized out of thin air, appearing silently in its designated berth. The word "MARINE" on the sails fluttered high in the wind!
The guards at the port were accustomed to this grand entrance. They looked up almost reflexively, grabbing their megaphones to shout: "Vice Admiral Roy and the others have returned!!!"
The announcement exploded like thunder. The entire port district erupted in commotion as countless Marines rushed toward the docks!
Almost the same instant the shout faded—
"WHOOSH!!!"
A ball of fire shot from the direction of Marine Headquarters, tearing through the sky like a meteor. The scorching heat wave elicited gasps of surprise across the port!
"Luffy! Where is Luffy?!!"
The flames hit the deck and materialized into a human figure. Ace, eyes red with worry, frantically scanned the ship. The fire hadn't even fully dissipated before his voice boomed across the deck!
"BAM!!"
A familiar iron fist landed on his head without warning, sending sparks flying!
"OWWW!!!"
Ace squatted down, clutching his head. He looked up with a aggrieved expression to see Roy standing beside him, looking helpless.
"Stop making a racket. Everyone is fine. They're still resting."
Ace rubbed his head, but upon hearing his brother was safe, a look of relief washed over his eyes, and the corners of his mouth twitched upward.
He followed Roy's pointing finger—
Kuina was standing guard silently, her gaze stern but tinged with worry.
Lying on temporary stretchers were two familiar faces—Luffy and Zoro. Both were wrapped in thick bandages, their faces pale, but their breathing was steady.
Beside them, Law was crouching, diligently writing notes on a clipboard, his expression focused.
"Phew... that's good." Ace muttered, finally relaxing. "I was just... a little worried, you know..."
"Oh my~" A lazy voice drawled slowly.
"So concerned about your little brother~ You really are a gentle big brother, Captain Ace~"
Kizaru strolled lazily onto the deck, a mischievous grin on his face. Specks of golden light drifted around the warship like falling stars.
Following him was Zephyr, cape draped over his shoulders, eyes sharp as a hawk, stepping steadily onto the deck.
He glanced at Ace and huffed lightly. "Panicking like that... what a disgrace! And you want to become an Admiral with that attitude?"
Singled out, Ace scratched his head awkwardly, laughing dryly. He didn't argue, looking more like a scolded intern than a high-ranking officer.
On the other side, Enel stood beneath the mast, arms crossed. His golden eyes quietly swept over the two most heavily injured fighters, his tone indifferent. "To survive a battlefield like that... in this God's opinion, they did quite well."
Law stood up, closing his clipboard. "Their injuries are no longer critical. They've simply exhausted their stamina and Haki severely. They need a few days of quiet rest."
Roy nodded slightly. His gaze slowly swept over his comrades before landing on the port—
There, a massive crowd of Marine soldiers had already gathered.
They pressed against the edge of the pier, coats fluttering in the wind, eyes burning with intensity. They looked up at Roy and the others on the deck with expressions full of shock, respect, and fanaticism.
This was no ordinary return voyage.
These were victors returning from a "Battle of Legends"!
They were the Marine Heroes who had pushed back "Two Emperors" and rewritten the tide of war!
"Let's go," Roy said softly, his tone calm but firm as iron.
The gangway lowered. The group walked down, stepping onto the path of a new journey amidst the gaze of thousands.
Marine Headquarters - Fleet Admiral's Office
"THUD—"
Roy, Zephyr, Kizaru, and Enel walked into the Fleet Admiral's office. A solemn atmosphere quickly filled the silent room.
Sengoku sat at the head of the table, his white uniform immaculate. Spread out before him were battle reports and photos:
Aerial shots of Roy punching Kaido into the earth, the moment Shanks blocked the Galaxy Impact, scenes of Zephyr's interns fighting the Tyrannosaurus Pirates...
Every single image was enough to shake the world.
Sengoku looked up, his expression grave, yet his tone was surprisingly calm. "Roy. You did well in this battle."
He interlaced his fingers on the table, his gaze burning. "From now on, the Marines will fully support you, and the New Generation you lead."
His tone was certain, without a shred of hesitation.
Roy stood straight, looking directly into Sengoku's eyes—
In the eyes of the old veteran, he saw for the first time a will that would no longer compromise.
It was no longer about covering for or being used by the World Government. It was trust and entrustment belonging to the "Marines themselves."
He nodded, responding concisely. "Understood."
Zephyr snorted, crossing his arms, his heroic spirit evident. "It should have been like this long ago! The Marines aren't guard dogs for the Celestial Dragons. We should have our own backbone!"
Enel stroked his chin, a spark of electricity flashing in his golden eyes as he sneered. "Heh, if anyone dares to try any crooked schemes..."
"I don't mind letting them taste the judgment of the Thunder God."
Kizaru leaned lazily against the wall, tilting his head. "So scaaaary~ You guys talk so frighteningly, this old man is trembling..."
Though his tone was as lackadaisical as ever, he showed no sign of disagreement—which meant he tacitly agreed.
Sengoku rose slowly. His cape flowed with the movement, his golden epaulets shimmering under the lights.
His voice was low and powerful, seemingly penetrating the entire fortress. "The world will become even more chaotic from here on out, but the Marines will retreat no longer!"
The corners of Roy's mouth lifted into a sharp smile. His voice was calm and resolute.
"Just the way I like it."
Marineford - Residential District
"...MEAAAAAT—!!!"
Accompanied by a roar that pierced through the entire building, Luffy shot up from his hospital bed. His hair was a mess, and his stomach rumbled like thunder, the sound loud enough to almost shake the chandelier loose!
"I'm starving to death!! MEAT! MEAT!!! I WANT ROAST MEAT—!!!"
"BANG!"
Ace kicked the door open. He descended from the sky like a fist of fire, flames spilling everywhere, shouting loudly, "Can you stop being so loud the moment you wake up?!! You idiot Luffy!!!"
"Shishishishi—" Luffy laughed while rubbing his stomach. "But I'm really hungry..."
Just then, Nojiko and Nami rushed in, carrying bags of ingredients, pots, and pans, looking both anxious and exasperated.
"Thank goodness, you're awake!"
Nojiko put down the pots, smiling with relief. "You scared us to death, you know that?"
"Hmph!" Nami put her hands on her hips. "If you dare eat the kitchen into bankruptcy, I'm charging you for it!"
"Hee hee hee!"
Luffy grinned, showing his signature wide, toothy smile. "Nami is the best!!!"
Nami punched him directly on the head. "Don't try to change the subject!!!"
"Ouch!!"
The room was lively, laughter echoing through the corridors of the residential district for the first time in a long while.
In Another Room
In the dim light, Zoro slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first, but after blinking a few times, it cleared.
The first thing he saw was a familiar face.
Kuina was sitting on a chair by the bed, hugging her knees. Her eyes were fixed on him, holding worry, anger, and... emotions that had been suppressed for a long time.
Zoro froze for a moment, then grinned. His voice was hoarse but undisguised in its amusement. "Yo. Looks like I'm still alive."
Kuina paused. Her fist was raised high, ready to strike, but she quietly lowered it.
She sighed softly, whispering, "...Idiot."
"Haha." Zoro propped himself up with his elbows. Though covered in scars, his eyes were burning bright. "But... this time wasn't enough."
"Next time, I will definitely cut that 'Wildfire' down with my own hands!"
The battle lust in his eyes was scorching. His words were no longer the arrogance of youth, but a sharpened edge forged in fire.
Hearing this, Kuina chuckled and glanced at him. "Then don't drag me down."
Zoro huffed. "I should be the one saying that."
Their eyes met. A moment of silence passed, and then they both smiled.
In this moment, the bond between sword and will was locked tight once more.
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