"Still not resting? Don't worry, you heard Binz's voice this morning. If Instructor Zephyr were really in trouble, that kid wouldn't have been that calm."
Before the third Endpoint blew up, he didn't believe Instructor Zephyr would be defeated so easily.
As a former Admiral, Zephyr was weak, but only when compared to certain people.
Although he didn't know how Marine Headquarters would arrange things, according to his guess, if Marine Headquarters didn't capture Zephyr today, then they would probably wait for him at the final Endpoint.
Although who knew what kind of order Sengoku would give?
Immediate execution? Arrest?
As for letting him go, things had already reached this stage. Marine Headquarters would not let Zephyr roam free any longer.
While Ian was lost in thought, Ain beside him nodded and said, "I know. I just can't sleep. Sorry for making you worry."
"It's nothing. Forget it, let's not talk about this."
Ian waved casually, sounding troubled. "Let's think about how to bring Instructor Zephyr back instead. If nothing works, we will just knock him out. I've already talked with Ace; he's very willing to do that sort of thing."
He had told Ace: If Zephyr refused to listen, he hoped Ace could temporarily act as a pirate and beat Zephyr up a bit to see if he could knock some sense into him.
Although Ace was confused why, he didn't hesitate and agreed right away, patting his chest and promising he would absolutely punch the old man until he was awakened.
As for whether Ace can punch him until he is awakened... No, that kid still couldn't beat Instructor Zephyr yet!
So from the beginning, Ian planned to have Instructor Zephyr beat Ace up, beat him until his face was swollen, until he could barely walk. When Zephyr saw Ace like that, but still insisting on his dream, maybe Zephyr would understand.
If not, he'd just knock Zephyr out secretly.
Of course, he didn't tell Ace that part.
But the moment Ain heard that plan, she shook her head while gazing at the sea. "No need. I already know how to persuade Zephyr-sensei."
As those words fell, Ian fell silent.
Ian: "…?"
Since when? Why didn't he know?
But before he could speak, Ain, who seemed to anticipate his question, gently brushed the hair beside her forehead.
Her lips curved slightly, carrying a mysterious smile.
"You'll know when the time comes."
…
Time slipped away swiftly.
Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night, and when the news spread that two of the three Endpoints that were said in legends to be capable of destroying the New World had already been destroyed, the entire New World boiled over.
Some forces disdained it; some were curious about what would happen if the New World were destroyed and even held the final banquet on the New World for this; others continuously followed the incident, fearing that the New World would truly be destroyed.
Unsurprisingly, all forces in the New World that received the news focused their attention on the Endpoints.
The Marine Headquarters was no different. It could be said that tonight, the entire Marine Headquarters was overwhelmed by this incident.
Every department kept splitting its attention, organizing various countermeasures so that the marines could respond in time should any accident occur.
At this moment, as the current Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters, Sengoku, after giving orders and sending the fleets out, remained in his office, listening to reports from all departments while awaiting further developments in the incident.
Although he had sent out two marine Admirals, no one knew how things would unfold.
Zephyr... What would he ultimately choose?
And what would become of him in the end?
Before the fleets departed, the Marine Headquarters had already issued orders to nearby branches, requiring them to send fleets to block Zephyr.
But unsurprisingly, until now... All had failed.
Now, only one fleet remained stationed near the sea area of the final Endpoint. Based on each department's analysis, Zephyr's fleet would arrive at the last Endpoint by dawn the next day.
At that time, this fleet would immediately intercept Zephyr's fleet, stalling for time until Kuzan and the others arrived.
But no one knew whether this fleet could successfully delay Zephyr!
As time passed, Sengoku's face grew increasingly gloomy. His arms were folded beneath his chin, his expression dark yet solemn as he stared forward.
Especially when he saw the night outside the window gradually fading, his heartbeat grew quicker.
Did they fail? Or succeed?
Why had there been no news until now?
"Sengoku, calm down."
Tsuru, sitting opposite him, also wore a more serious expression, but seeing the terrifying aura Sengoku was releasing, she took a deep breath, steadying herself before saying: "Even if they fail, it doesn't matter. I believe Kuzan and the others should be able to catch up."
"That's right, that's right."
Garp, who had been eating from night until now, said cheerfully: "Want some rice crackers?"
"You old bastard, do you even know how serious this is?"
The slight calm that Tsuru's words brought to Sengoku vanished instantly the moment he heard Garp's words.
The anger within him surged again as he roared: "How can you still be eating nonstop?!"
"Aiya, don't say it like that. I'm worried too. Oh, do you want some?"
"You bastard!"
Sengoku snatched all the rice crackers from Garp's hands without hesitation while glaring at him. "You've been here all night, and you've almost finished a month's worth of my snacks!"
He spoke without looking at the wide-eyed, aggrieved Garp.
But just as Sengoku threw some snacks into his mouth…
"Purururu!"
The Den Den Mushi rang.
Sengoku's expression changed, and he immediately put down the snacks, grabbed the Den Den Mushi, and answered it.
But soon, after hearing what the other side said, Sengoku's expression darkened completely, his voice heavy yet restrained: "I understand. Don't worry. The situation isn't too bad yet. Continue monitoring Zephyr's movements. Report to me immediately if anything happens."
"Click… Gacha!"
After the call ended, Sengoku could no longer hold himself together. He collapsed back into his chair with a long sigh.
Tsuru, seeing this scene, immediately understood. Her face darkened as well. "They failed?"
"They failed."
Sengoku didn't hide it and nodded. Then he spoke with frustration: "The interception failed, but Zephyr's fleet was severely damaged. Now we can only pray that Kuzan and the others catch up. Urge Aokiji and Borsalino again, tell them to speed up. And also..."
He paused briefly and looked seriously at Tsuru before speaking with solemnity: "Marine Headquarters must be prepared for the final Endpoint to be destroyed. I'm counting on you, Tsuru."
"I understand."