One Piece: Fist of the Full Moon

To Roldy,

It has been a long time, my disciple.

Since becoming a pirate, I wonder how you've been. Knowing you, brat, you're probably doing just fine. With that personality of yours, you'd never suffer a loss anywhere you go.

Though master and student now walk different paths, you are still in my thoughts. Your aunt feels the same. This coat was sewn by her own hands. It may not fit perfectly—you've been away from home for too long.

There's no need to worry about us. We are well.

Your aunt is expecting. I will soon become a father.

I've named the child "An." He is the younger brother you've yet to meet. If you ever have the chance… come back and see us.

—

It was only a single sheet of paper, yet the dense handwriting filled every inch.

Between the lines lay unspoken longing.

It was not a report.

Not a warning.

It was a letter from home.

"…Teacher Zephyr is going to have a child already? That was fast…"

Roldy sat at the bow of his ship. The sea parted gently before the prow, the rhythmic waves calming his thoughts.

The coat was draped over his shoulders now. It was slightly small—time and distance had done their work—but that didn't diminish its warmth.

Bare-chested beneath it, he felt something he had not felt in a long time.

Warmth.

"An… that's a good name."

Marine Headquarters

"Fleet Admiral, I've seen Roldy."

Zephyr's voice, faintly tired, echoed within his quarters.

On the Den Den Mushi's shell appeared the face of Fleet Admiral Kong.

"Watch your phrasing," Kong corrected immediately. "You engaged the Golden Lion Pirates in battle and clashed fiercely with their Vice Captain, Roldy. Through overwhelming strength and steadfast justice, you suppressed their momentum. A great contribution to justice."

News of Zephyr's confrontation would inevitably reach the Five Elders.

As Fleet Admiral, Kong had to polish the narrative. It was one of the few things he could still do for his disciple—and perhaps for the boy who had defected.

He could only hope that, under careful wording, the Five Elders would conclude Zephyr had fulfilled his duty flawlessly.

"So," Kong continued, tone layered with implication, "was the mission… pleasant?"

Pleasant.

An odd word for a mission.

Zephyr laughed.

Kong blinked in surprise. It had been a long time since he'd seen Zephyr smile—even if only through a Den Den Mushi's mimicry.

"It was pleasant. That brat Roldy's grown taller. Stronger too. His strength's increased again—he can now fight me at full power and not fall behind. He's picked up quite a bit of Shiki's swordsmanship as well. After seeing it today… he's not far from the realm of a Great Swordsman."

Whenever Zephyr spoke of Roldy, words flowed endlessly.

But on the other end—

Kong felt his heart pound.

Keeping up with Zephyr at full strength?

What did that mean?

Roldy was still in his teens. Had he already stepped into the highest tier of power on the seas?

Perhaps Zephyr hadn't truly fought with killing intent—but even so, it said enough.

At minimum, Roldy's combat power now stood firmly within the mid-range of Admiral-level fighters.

More alarming—

He had mastered Shiki's swordsmanship.

And possessed monstrous physical ability.

And wielded one of the world's most terrifying Devil Fruits.

If Roldy reached twenty…

A being with overwhelming physique, unparalleled talent, one of the strongest Paramecia in existence, top-tier physical combat, near-Great Swordsman blade mastery—

That was no joke.

Even Kong lost track of the rest of Zephyr's praise.

"All right. Return as soon as possible. The recruit training camp has been delayed long enough. The Marines need fresh blood."

"Understood."

Zephyr agreed readily.

Clearly, seeing Roldy had lightened his heart.

After ending the call, he reclined in his chair, poured himself a drink, and reached instinctively for a cigar—

But paused.

Roldy's concerned expression surfaced in his mind.

He withdrew his hand.

Instead, he grabbed a banana from the table.

Humming softly, he seemed unusually at ease.

What he did not notice—

Was the cleaning soldier at the doorway.

A flicker of malice passed through the man's eyes.

Pangaea Castle — The Five Elders

"Honored elders, the situation is as follows. Zephyr has successfully completed the mission. Next, Marine Headquarters intends to initiate a global recruitment campaign…"

Kong delivered his report in detail, outlining training camps and the upcoming worldwide draft.

The Five Elders approved the military budget swiftly—

Though the amount was… tight.

Kong would have to grit his teeth and make it work.

The Den Den Mushi clicked shut.

Saint Jaygarcia Saturn rested both hands on his cane, eyes sweeping across his fellow Elders.

"Hmph. The Marines grow increasingly disobedient. Do they truly believe they can conceal everything from us?"

Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro snorted coldly, his gaze as sharp as the blade at his side.

"They require a reminder. This cannot continue."

Saint Warcury nodded. The others agreed.

"Saturn, we leave this matter to you."

"Rest assured," Saturn replied calmly. "The candidate has already been prepared. The plan is flawless."

His tone was casual.

The meaning was chilling.

Saturn withdrew a Den Den Mushi from his robe and issued quiet instructions—as if arranging something trivial.

"Those not loyal to the World Government must be punished. Hmph. Were it not for his considerable contributions, we would have executed him outright."

"To grant him unforgettable pain… is already our mercy."

On the table before him—

Lay a dossier bearing Zephyr's name.

The storm was coming.

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